The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Theodene Allen

Jun 9

After reading book 1 of the Tales of Ivy Hill, it's only natural to read book 2! That and both books were available at the library, so I picked up both! Years ago I read book 3, but I'm not sure I did a review on it.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage are Aunt Matty, Mercy, and Rachel. The home is part of Mercy's family, where she grew up. Her folks have moved to London and allowed Mercy to run a girls school there. Mercy and her Aunt Matty house the girls and teach them skills that will be useful when they get older.

Rachel is a good friend of Mercy's. They grew up together. Rachel was practically kicked out of her family home after her father passed and the home went to a distant relative she had never met before. Although Nicholas asked for Rachel's hand in marriage, because he felt bad for making her move mainly, Rachel remained steadfast and didn't give in just to be comfortable. Rachel also started a circulating library at Ivy Cottage with books from her fathers library and many who donated books.

It's amazing how innovative and resourceful these women are! Right when everything seems to be going well, Mercy's parents show up with a suitor. She's given an ultimatum to live under her brother's rule when he gets married, or marry this suitor and continue to live there. There's so much at stake with the girls school and Rachel's library. How will Mercy ever get this all straightened out?

I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because it's easy to read and full of exciting adventures. Julie Klassen is an excellent author who takes readers on journeys they never expected!