The Bride of Ivy Green (Tales from Ivy Hill Book #3)

Julie Klassen

Dec 2018 · Tales from Ivy Hill Book 3 · Baker Books

About this ebook

Much has happened in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months, and while several villagers have found new love and purpose, questions remain--and a few dearly held dreams have yet to be fulfilled.

Jane Bell is torn. Gabriel Locke is back and has made his intentions clear. But Jane is reluctant to give up her inn and destine another man to a childless marriage. Then someone she never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. . . .

Mercy Grove has lost her school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires seems out of reach. Should she uproot herself from Ivy Cottage to become a governess for a former pupil? Her decision will change more lives than her own.

A secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, but the ladies soon suspect she isn't who she claims to be. Will they oust the imposter, or help rescue her from a dangerous predicament?

In the meantime, everyone expects Miss Brockwell to marry a titled gentleman, even though her heart is drawn to another. While the people of Ivy Hill anticipate one wedding, an unexpected bride may surprise them all.

Don't miss this romantic, stirring conclusion to Tales from Ivy Hill.

Ratings and reviews

This is book 3 in the Tales from Ivy Hill series, and the conclusion of the series. This is the first of the series I have read and honestly, I felt a little lost. It did not keep me from enjoying the book, however I feel I would have enjoyed it much more had I started at the beginning of the series and read them all and in order. There is a lot going on in this novel all centered around the town of Ivy Hill. With many different characters whom all interact. It is well written with many twist and turns, some heartache and much more.

*** VILLAGE LIFE REMINISCENT OF LARK RISE TO CANDLEFORD*** If you have ever watched the BBC series Lark Rise to Candleford, these books very much remind me of that TV show, with its many different characters, points of view, and various village locations. Ivy Hill, Wiltshire, England, Feb 1821. The third installment of Tales from Ivy Cottage finds spinster Mercy Grove and her Aunt Matilda preparing for the arrival of her brother George and his new wife to return from their wedding trip and move into their home, effectively taking over the cottage. She has already closed her school and her future seems uncertain. Her new sister-in-law seems bothered at moving into an already occupied home and her disposition is rather cool toward the lower class villagers. There are returning characters from the past two books; Jane Fairmont again taking a lead role in the story. There are new characters whose past is a secretive mystery, but nothing of danger or intrigue. As in the previous two novels, there is quite a lot to keep up with as this book has over 50 chapters. If you enjoy quaint village life along with a nod to the hierarchy of the social classes, I would recommend reading all three of the books back to back. Otherwise, it is a bit hard to recall the many storylines. The author provides many interesting tidbits found on TalesFromIvyhill dot com including a character directory (although book 3 is not as well represented on that list), a map of the village, some of her travels to Wiltshire, etc. Favorite Quote: Mercy reminded herself that God did not promise ease and happiness in this life. But He did promise peace and joy, and she was determined to hold on to both, somehow. Tea Quote: “I have a family obligation tonight, but I might wander back here tomorrow evening f you think you might be having a late-night cup of tea?” She grinned. “Yes, I think there is every chance I shall be thirsty by then.” **Bethany House Publishing *Discussion questions at the end of each book **Tales from Ivy Hill Series: **The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill – Book 1, Dec 2016 **The Ladies of Ivy Cottage – Book 2, Dec 2017 **The Bride of Ivy Green – Book 3, Dec 2018 I received an ARC of this books in exchange for my honest opinion with no further compensation.

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen takes us back to February 1821 in Ivy Hill, Wiltshire, England. Mercy Grove and her aunt, Matilda are preparing for the arrival of hew newly married brother, George and his society bride, Helena. Mercy was forced to close her school and have the lending library move to a new location in anticipation of the new occupants. She misses Alice who she wished to adopt until her biological father and hotelier, James Drake arrived on the scene. When Helena makes living in the home uncomfortable, Mercy contemplates becoming a governess. Jane Bell has a big decision to make. Gabriel Locke has proposed to Jane and, while she loves him, it would mean giving up her inn. Plus, she is unable to have children and Jane does not want Gabriel to make such a sacrifice. Then someone Jane never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. The dressmakers’ shop is let by a new woman to town who answers to the name of Madame Victorine. She doesn’t share many details of her past and Jane feels she looks familiar. Victorine has beautiful dresses on display, but her sewing skills are not on the same caliber. Will the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society help Victorine or help her new venture fail? Justine, Lady Brockwell, has a matchmaking mother who is intent on her daughter marrying well. Justine’s mother has her sights set on Sir Cyril, but Justine has eyes for a local gentleman. Will Justine give into pressure from her demanding mother? Wedding bells are ringing, but which woman in Ivy Hill will be walking down the aisle? I have enjoyed my visits to Ivy Hill with Tales from Ivy Hill series. I could not wait to get ahold of The Bride of Ivy Green to see what would happen with Mercy, Jane, Matty, and Justine. I was especially looking forward to Mercy’s story because I wanted her to get a happy ending. Tales from Ivy Hill is one series that you need to read in order. Each book in the series builds upon the previous one. The Bride of Ivy Green is a well-written story with a leisurely pace (sometimes a little too leisurely). The setting is quaint with cozy shops and lovely homes (I picture stone homes with thatched roofs). The characters are developed, and their personalities suit the time period. They are all genteel and refined ladies with good manners. I like that the women are close friends who look out for each other. All the characters are friendly and likeable except Helena, George’s wife. Her coldness and arrogance plus her indifference to Mercy’s feelings perfectly suit this unlikeable character. I did not understand why the author decided to introduce Victorine to the story (it seemed too late in the series for this addition). That time could have devoted to Justine’s or Matty’s story. While the storylines did not play out how I would have liked them to (we all have expectations), I was happy with the outcome. Julie Klassen captured the time period with the clothing, books, pastimes, and attitudes. I am giving The Bride of Ivy Green 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Bride of Ivy Green is a satisfying conclusion to the Tales of Ivy Hill series. I will miss visiting Ivy Hill and the charming ladies who inhabit it.

About the author

Julie Klassen worked in Christian publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie has also won the Minnesota Book Award, Christian Retailing's Best Award, and the Midwest Book Award, and has been a finalist in the RWA RITA Awards and ACFW Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com and www.talesfromivyhill.com.