A Delightful Tale

The Bride Of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen is a fabulous Christian historical novel set in 1821. It is the third book in the Tales From Ivy Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones.

There is a wonderful community feel to the whole tale. The people pull together and offer their skills when needed. New people are welcomed and there is much rejoicing when fractured families are reunited.

All is not completely idyllic as there are some who believe they are above others. The class system was very much alive in nineteenth century Britain.

In contrast we see others who value all people regardless of their status or skin colour. We are all equal in the eyes of God and this is how it should always be.

Characters with philanthropic hearts believe in education for all, regardless of the ability to pay. This was very forward thinking for the time as compulsory education for all did not come in until the second half of the century.

We all have different skill sets. People should be encouraged in their own dreams and not pressured to fulfil the dreams of others.

There are always those who try to make not so much a marriage but a joining of wealth. It is delightful to witness the love matches develop as characters kick against the convention of the day and the expectations of others.

There is the theme of taking care of the widows and orphans. There is also the theme of forgiveness. When characters forgive, new life springs up. God will restore the years the locusts have eaten.

I have adored this Ivy Hill series. It was a delightful peek into a bygone age of English village life. It has been a gentle series but with some serious themes. It is positively charming.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON