Reminiscent of Jayne Eyre, Christian Historical fiction that you won’t want to end. Would make an excellent PBS movie with similarities to other English series. It’s great to be back to Ivy Hill, although I believe that you would enjoy the book without reading the previous books. The story involves more than one lady and their lives. They are ladies who were part of Society but for various reasons are no longer able to live that life and had to earn the means to support themselves. Many of us can identify with having a difficult path to walk, perhaps one that we did not expect, but with God’s Grace we find that He has provided for us and it’s not a bad life after all, in fact it was meant for us.
Rachel is able to stay with her friend Mercy in her family’s home after her parents move away. The ever helpful Ladies Tea and Knitting Society in Ivy Hill is a great help to the girls. They are business women as well and understand the struggles involved with having to support one’s self. Following their advice, Mercy is able to let Rachel start a circulating library in a couple of the rooms, which gives Rachel a way to support herself. But Mercy doesn’t realize that her mother has other plans for her. Rachel had thought she was going to marry Sir Timothy, but when her father ran into financial ruin, his family would no longer allow an affiliation with her. Since they are still living in the same area he does see and talk with her, and helps her in ways that he can. A donation of some books to her library opens up a whole new area for them, and ends up uncovering a secret they never would have dreamed of.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Publisher
New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency Romance
Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.
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?
My Reviews:
Amazon
Goodreads
Powells
Book Fun
Google Plus