MoonglotexasJulie Klassen brings the reader back to the beautiful village Ivy Hill in The Bride of Ivy Green. At the end of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, I was eager to hear what would be next for Mercy and Jane. This one picks up those threads and creates a beautiful tapestry with them. We are introduced to several new characters including a new dressmaker and prospective grooms of Miss Brockwell.
I love village stories, full of delightful people and multiple storylines, and this is a prime example. To share more of the journey would be to give away the delight of experiencing it first hand but I can say it adventurous, interesting, moving and heartfelt. Life is never straightforward with easy decisions, Julie Klassen captures the tension of decision-making beautifully and brings God in lightly but wisely.
The ending is wonderful and I’m sad to say goodbye to this cast and am excited there may be a novella coming yet! If you haven’t tried this series, do! You don’t have to start at the beginning, but it’s worth going through all three! I highly recommend it, five out five on the en-JOY-ment.
From the back cover:
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.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
