Review of "The Ladies of Ivy Cottage" by Julie Klassen

Book #2 in the Tales from Ivy Hill series, the author seamlessly picks up where #1 left off! Featuring Rachel Ashford this time, the 'supporting cast' also includes her friends Mercy Grove and Jane Bell - the three friends are in different places in life, but enjoy living and working in Ivy Hill and provide support for each other.

Eight years have passed since Rachel Ashford was briefly courted by Sir Timothy Brockwell. Jane, Timothy, and Rachel grew up together, but many things have changed for all of them over the years. When we left Rachel Ashford in book #1, she had recently been forced from her home and she moved in with the Grove ladies; she also received a marriage offer from gentleman Nicholas Ashford (a distant cousin) - the one who inherited her home. His affection and interest in Rachel seems to be genuine, but is she truly able to move on from her feelings for Timothy? And just what does Timothy think?

Mercy Grove has long known she is not the most attractive in the room, and has resigned herself to focus on her beloved girl's school. She is full of ideas to expand and grow, and although she longs to be a wife and mother, does love her students and her life. When her parents (who own the home in which she lives and her school resides) come for a visit, bringing a potential suitor AND an ultimatum, how will she handle it?

This series has such a great FLOW, but it is definitely best read in order. The author has woven perfectly together the stories of the different ladies in the village. Some mysteries are solved; others are created - which only means I can't wait for #3!

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.