Book Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

Book Details:
Title: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
Series: Tales from Ivy Hill
Author: Julie Klassen
2016, Bethany House
ISBN:978-0764218132
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn. 

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My Review:
Another lovely book by Julie Klassen! This is one of my favorite Christian authors of historical fiction. This is the first book in a new series about a little town in England called Ivy Hill. 

This book focuses on Jane Bell, the reluctant innkeeper of the coaching inn. Her mother-in-law Thora is also a main character in this book. I always love the little details in Klassen's books. I learned a lot about coaching inn's during the course of this book and found it pretty interesting. 

There was also the POV of another secondary character to this book, Rachel Ashford. I'm sure she will be featured in the next book of the series and this was almost a little foretelling on the next book. Although this book could be read as a stand alone, you can definitely tell there will be another book in the series. Jane Bell's story also remained unfinished in this first book and I hope it will be worked out in a later book.

There was some romance - surprised me a little who the romance was mostly focused on though. And there were suitor's galore.

I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers. No other compensation was received and all thoughts were my own.