“Welcome to the English village of Ivy Hill, where friendships thrive, romance blossoms, and mysteries await. . . .” With these words, celebrated Inspirational Regency Romance author Julie Klassen invites us to step into the world of her first-ever series entitled “Tales from Ivy Hill”. The first book of this much-anticipated new series, “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill”, released in December of 2016 from Bethany House, with sequels to follow in December of 2017 and 2018. If you have previously enjoyed such memorable Klassen novels as “The Dancing Master” and “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”, let me just say this series is one you won’t want to miss…

So, just what are the Ivy Hill stories about, you ask? Perhaps I will allow Miss Klassen herself to explain, with words from the Author’s Note of the novel: “If you’re anything like me, you probably love village series set in England, whether in books or in television… I think what draws us to these series are their close-knit communities filled with quirky characters. Or maybe it’s just the British accents. Whatever the reason, I hope you will enjoy my first series as well.” Clearly, village life is the foundation of “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill”, but there is much more going on as well…. For example, matters of faith are discussed with thoughtful insight, while difficult subjects of loss and grief add depth to the story.

Overall, my first visit to the village of Ivy Hill was a highly enjoyable one. The characters are memorable, and their stories immediately drew me in until I couldn’t help but think about them even after closing the book. In truth, there is only one significant problem with “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill” that I can see. . . The second book in the series won’t be released for another entire year! If you enjoy historical stories of little English villages filled with charming and compelling characters, (or have never read one but would like to!) don’t miss Julie Klassen’s first book in her first-ever series of “Tales from Ivy Hill”.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”