The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

- Julie Klassen

Esperance, WA

August 19, 2020

GOODREADS BOOK BLURB:

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?

SERIES / GENRES:

FIRST WORDS:

Rachel Ashford wanted to throw up her hands. Her private education by governess had not prepared her for this. Standing in the Ivy Cottage schoolroom, she paused in her prepared speech to survey the pupils. Fanny whispered to Mabel, Phoebe played with the end of her plaited hair, young Alice stared out the window, and Sukey read a novel. Only the eldest pupil, Anna, paid attention. And she was the most well-mannered among them and therefore least in need of the lesson. Whenever Mercy taught, the girls sat in perfect posture and seemed to hang on her every word.

MY REVIEW:

enjoyable/easy to read:

☆☆☆☆☆ 3.5/5

Reading The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is like living in the centre of a small village. The gossip, scandals, and nosy neighbours feel incredibly authentic, homey, and welcoming. All the characters from The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill are back, and some even play a more prominent role this time. There’s romance and drama, but it’s all believable. Two books in, and I am thrilled to be heading back to Ivy Hill in The Bride of Ivy Green.