
Richard Brockwell, the youngest 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 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 then he recalled…and determined to have nothing to do with him.
Will Christmas time in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and divine hope, work its magic in his heart…and hers as well?
My Review:
I’m bedazzled. Best Christmas story ever. An Ivy Hill Christmas exudes all the warmth and cheer and heart-tugging moments found in all the classic holiday stories…and then some. Ivy Hill fans will be thrilled to get reacquainted with favourite characters from books past and meet some intriguing new ones. No worries, though, if you aren’t familiar with the series, this can definitely be read (and enjoyed immensely!) by IH newbies. Just be prepared to be greeted by a barrage of friendly faces in the first few chapters and go with the flow. You’ll feel settled in no time at all.
Unlike poor Richard who is decidedly unsettled by his mama’s request to…gasp!…come home for Christmas! And his life continues to go all topsy-turvy from there. The social awakening of this spoiled gentleman is at the heart of the story. It’s breath-takingly beautiful, and moving and uplifting. Absolutely everything I love to see in a Christmas tale delivered with exquisite precision by a gifted storyteller.
I loved all the historical details of Regency Christmas traditions. From decorating to partying to charitable works….I couldn’t help but sigh over the naivete of a simpler time. We could all use this type of hearty Christmas cheer after this pandemic year!
And there’s romance!!!! Multiples, in fact, which sent me into a swoony tilt-a-whirl of giddiness. Oh…and Wally, the dapper terrier!!!! He’s worth the read alone. 🙂
A charming, heartwarming, romantical celebration with the true meaning of Christmas at its very core.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account
US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)
If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 11, 2023
That cover grabs you and definitely puts you in the holiday frame of mind. The storyline and your review have this book not only on my TBR, which it already was, but on my gotta read list. I mean – “best Christmas story ever” just makes me tingle all over with anticipation. I’d LOVE the opportunity to dive in reading it.
Thank you for the wonderful chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a timeless Christmas story! Good luck, Kay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always enjoy a good christmas story cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is one of the best. Good luck, Kim!
LikeLike
What a beautiful concert and wonderful story!
mauback55 at gmail dot com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, Melanie!
LikeLike
I’m not entering the giveaway since I already own this one, but the Ivy Hill series is SO good!
~Elizabeth Litton
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth. I love this series too.
LikeLike
I have not read anything by Julie yet so I’d love to read this. It sounds so good!
Thanks,
Tammy
Obertam at Gmail dot com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooohhhh, you’re in for hours and hours and hours of reading enjoyment ’cause once you start reading her books, you won’t be able to stop! Good luck, Tammy!
LikeLike
Such a great cover! Plus, a blog favorite author!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes — I’ve read all her books and am anxiously waiting for her December release. 🙂 Good luck, CC!
LikeLike
I’ve noticed this one before and would love to have a copy for the cover alone 🙂 But don’t be fooled. I would have to read it too 🙂 Thanks, Kav, for the chance to win!
ckbarker at gmail dot com
LikeLike
Don’t you just love decorating with Christmas books? The covers are sooooo pretty. Good luck, Cheryl!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I encourage you all to read this book plus the others in the “Tales from Ivy Hill”. I enjoyed them all so much, but I’ve also enjoyed all Julie’s books. Don’t add me to your count, Kav. I just wanted to let you know that she’s a great author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay a fellow Ivy Hill fan. I think I’m due a re-read of the whole series next year sometime. Thanks for sharing the book love, Becky!
LikeLike
I would like to read An Ivy Hill Christmas.
paulamarys49@gmai;.com
if another comment shows up, I tried to answer from my ipad but it is not letting me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm….nothing showed up so WP must be on the outs with your iPad. Fickle Word Press. Good luck, Paula!
LikeLike
I am so behind in reading the many excellent authors of historicals. Julie Klassen is already on my list of ones that I want to read soon, so your review has me adding this title to that list.
Thank you. Sandyavery at comcast dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just think of all the fun you’ll have catching up. 🙂 Good luck, Sandy!
LikeLike
Toss my name in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tossed (gently, of course.) Good luck, Elly!
LikeLike
Great cover! Christmas time’s a comin’!!
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tis the season to read, read, read! Good luck, Connie!
LikeLike
Umm, yes it’s Julie Klassen! She’s my must-have, must-read, all time top Regency historical author because she first introduced me to the genre and I fell in love instantly 😉💖😁 Somehow I missed this one even though I have each of the Ivy Hill books 🤔
In fact, I’m going to be pre-ordering “A Winter by the Sea” (book #2
of the Devonshire Shores series) through Baker Bookhouse. They are offering 40% off, free shipping, a bookmark and a signed bookplate….I can’t resist that kind of deal 😁
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a great deal! Don’t think the free shipping would carry over to Canada though. 😦 Good luck, Trixi!
LikeLike
Baker Bookhouse always offers 40% off & free shipping on pre-orders….so it’s a bargain no matter what book you choose 😉
Probably not applicable to Canada though, you’re right. I’m assuming only U.S. residents. 🙁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great Christmas read
marcus802001(at)yahoo(dot) com
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure is. Good luck, Mark!
LikeLike
I love her ivy hill books but somehow I missed this one. Thank you for the reminder. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Lucy. Good luck!
LikeLike
A Christmas book by Julie Klassen is a great idea! Just found you site through inspirationalhistoricalfiction site and so excited to catch up on all your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hooray for finding your way here. Welcome. And this is a fabulous book by Julie Klassen. Good luck, dinturner.
LikeLike
This one has been on my wish list for quite a while because who didn’t love The Ivy Hill series? The library has an e-book which isn’t great for my eyes. If I were going on a road trip I would try their audio. You honestly have to coop me up to sit still for audiobooks! I know that they are your fave but I am so easily distracted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t read from a screen either. It’s print or audio for me every time. And this one is so pretty it needs to be preening on a bookshelf. 🙂 Good luck, Perrianne!
LikeLike
Preening! I LOVE that and it fits so well!
LikeLike
Definitely would like this for a Christmas gift under my tree!!!
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh, I have visions of stacks and stacks of books under your tree…and mine. 🙂 good luck, Kathleen!
LikeLike