Quintessentially English
The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen is a most delightful Christian historical romance. It is the second book in the Tales From Ivy Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed reuniting with familiar faces.
The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage is quintessentially English. Set in 1820 near Salisbury, the reader really loses themselves in English village life. With references to Jane Austen, the book had a Pride And Prejudice feel to it – with strong young women and rich young men, the reader cannot help but match-make. There was even a hint of Charles Dickens as one character reminded me of Miss Havisham, frozen in time.
The young women are forward thinkers for their day with philanthropic hearts. Although they already educate a handful of girls, there is the desire to open “a school to educate… regardless of the ability to pay.” With education comes freedom and choice.