Book Review of 'Beyond Ivy Walls' by Rachel Fordham

Hello Bookworms!

Don't you just love a good historical fiction that sweeps you away to a bygone era? I felt transported when I read the novel I am featuring today and it's not just because of this gorgeous cover!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Historical Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls

Author: Rachel Fordham

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: August 14, 2024

Genre: Historical Romance

Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.

Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece.

At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.

Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

My Review

Such an utterly charming novel! What first caught my attention was this incredibly gorgeous cover, but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this world and all its inhabitants. There is definitely a Beauty and the Beast vibe that I picked up on right away and I was living for it.

Sadie truly carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, having to bear the financial responsibility of her family after her father has an unfortunate riding accident. Otis is dealing with a lot of physical and emotional scars that have made him a recluse and it takes a special girl to bring him back to life with a little bit of fate, faith, and a touch of matchmaking.

The setting is one of my favorites when it comes to historical fictions, which is the early 1900’s. The scenery described is positively picturesque but what really drew me in was the characters. I adored Otis and Sadie, but Mildred and Leon were like a breath of fresh air, their wit and wisdom grounding situations and helped nudge our protagonists along.

There are scenes that tugged on my heart and other moments that were seriously some of the sweetest moments I’ve ever read. I enjoyed reading this novel and getting lost in this world so much. A great summer read indeed!

My Rating: ★★★★★

Also Available

About the Author

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Letter Tree, Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological, adopted and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelfordham.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of the author’s previous 6 novels: The Hope of Azure Springs, Your's Truly, Thomas, A Life Once Dreamed, A Lady in Attendance, Where the Road Bends, and The Letter Tree!

(2) additional winners will receive one Rachel Fordham backlist print copy of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 7, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!