Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?
Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.
Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?
As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?"
Author: Julie Klassen
Length: 444 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio
With the help of the new library
Love and Truth will triumph
I am so happy to be back in Ivy Hill! It's such a quaint little town.
I love how this book was LITERALLY a continuation of book 1.
I was able to go from book 1 to book 2 (since I waited to start the series). However, now I have to wait for book 3 to come out. The suspense it killing me!
Julie has this tendency to take your heart, make it ooh and ahh, then promptly rip it from your chest. She crafts each and every one of her characters beautifully. Honestly I question the innocence of literally every character. She has wrecked me with plot twist before, so now I trust no one.
I can't say too much, because spoilers. But huzzah for new businesses, old love, and secrets revealed.
Now you have to read the book to see what I'm talking about. 😉
Rachel made me grunt and roll my eyes a few times. GIRL LET HIM GO!
But this is why love triangles exist, makes everyone antsy. Who is she gonna pick? Is he the right guy? Oh the agony! Julie definitely knows how to construct a hearty triangle. Keeps you guessing until the end!
I cannot wait for book 3...at all! WHY CAN'T IT BE DECEMBER YET?!
I believe we finally get the ending of Jane's story, a wonderful beginning for Mercy, and hopefully a more in depth look at Mr. Drake and Mr. Ashford. What more could you ask for?
I loved book 2 and now I impatiently wait for my stage to take me back to Ivy Hill again.
I give this book a 4.5/5 stars and would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys Regency times, or books based in villages/small town.
Quotes:
Jane shook her head. "James. James. James. I don't know how well you mastered Latin verbs, but you certainly mastered the art of flirtation."
"Thank you." His eyes gleamed. "It's one of my greatest accomplishments."
He slowly shook his head, eyes alight. "You've missed your calling, Miss Grove. You ought to have been a politician. Or a revolutionist."
"I hope I am, in my small way. I believe every person should be able to read and write, understand the history of this great empire. and manage finances to better provide for one's family. I think education is vital, whether one works as a laborer, or in service, or anything else. We are not brute beasts. We are created in the image of God with intelligence and creativity, to do good on this earth for our fellow man.
"I am. But you go, Aunt Matty, and have a wonderful time."
"Then I shall indeed. Thankfully, I have not yet posted my regrets." Matilda winked. "Sometimes procrastination pays."
"And...have you a favorite author?"
He grimaced. "I do detest that question. How can one answer? How can one choose a favorite from among one's very confidants and mentors? I am not a youth with my arm slung around the shoulder of one chum to the exclusion of others. Each suits a different time. A different season..."
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review* *All opinions are my own*
"GIRL LET HIM GO!" Your reviews are the BEST!! They always make me laugh. :D
ReplyDeleteI love love love that you added those quotes!