The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
by Julie Klassen
A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood ... somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she's inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.
Rachel's hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in 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 whom -- has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.
My thoughts:
I greatly enjoyed the first book in Julie Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, so I was really looking forward to reading the second book, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage. To my surprise, I enjoyed this book even more than the first. It's not necessary to read the first novel to understand the second as they focus on different characters, but I had a great time revisiting the residents of Ivy Hill and learning more of their stories. Having been jilted by the man she loved and then losing her home after her father's death, Rachel understandably lacks confidence, and it doesn't help that her friends suggest she open a library when she's not even particularly knowledgeable about books! But she sees no other way, and bravely steps into the unknown, earning the admiration of her friends and ... well, I won't give away any spoilers! Rachel's quiet determination to better her life and be independent is admirable. This return to Ivy Hill was a real treat, and I can't wait for Book 3 in the series.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my honest review. This post contains my Amazon affiliate link, and I will receive a small commission on purchases made through my link.
