An Ivy Hill Christmas

Title: An Ivy Hill Christmas

Series: Tales from Ivy Hill

Author: Julie Klassen

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

Source: Borrowed from Library

My review:

I was excited to return to Ivy Hill as I loved the other three books.

An Ivy Hill Christmas had a slow start and a steady pace. I did enjoy this novella, but not quite as much as the others.

Richard was an insufferable, selfish brute at the beginning of the story. His decision to go home for Christmas, for the first time in years, launches him on a journey of discovery, even though he does not realize it. What I appreciated the most about this story was his character's growth throughout. You can see/experience him changing and learning from his previous mistakes.

I enjoyed the appearance of previous characters in this story. I also liked seeing the connections as the story went on. There is a lovely cast of characters. Each one adds something to the story. This story has themes of love and forgiveness.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to slow down and settle into the Christmas spirit. 

★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill's most prominent family, hasn't been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life--unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents unforeseen surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled . . . and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and divine hope, work its magic in his heart . . . and hers as well?