Review: The Bride of Ivy Green

The Bride of Ivy Green

by Julie Klassen

About the Book

 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. 

My Thoughts

The Tales From Ivy Hill series has been my favorite offering from Julie Klassen. I love the small village setting and the cast of characters that are so reminiscent of Gaskell’s Cranford, one of my all-time favorite novels. And while this was the last book in the series and you got that feeling of the author tying up loose ends, there was still suspense that kept me guessing and introductions to some new faces.

I love that the story offers happy endings and some that come in unexpected ways. Jane was a lovely heroine and I was glad to see her happy and reconcile with her father. Rachel wasn’t as much a part of the story as in past novels, and rather her sister-in-law played a big role in her portions of the story. I really came to like Mercy in this novel and continually guessed at which suitor she would chose. And I loved Madame Victorine, the new seamstress in Ivy Hill. Her character and the bits of her past that are portrayed in the book added a whimsical element that added an extra layer to the charm of Ivy Hill.

All in all, The Bride of Ivy Green was a charming end to a lovely series. Fans of Regency fiction will enjoy a final trip to Ivy Hill to see the happily-ever-afters of endearing characters.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this lovely finale to a charming series.