...from the publisher...
Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill's most prominent family,
hasn't been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the
London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret
that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his
mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life--unless he comes home
for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be
back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as
soon as the festivities are over.
But Christmas in the country
presents unforeseen surprises, including encounters with an orphaned
apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella
Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled . . . and
determined to have nothing to do with him.
Will Christmastime in
Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and
divine hope, work its magic in his heart...and hers as well?
...my thoughts...
Can a confirmed bachelor change his selfish ways? Can he give up the high life he is accustomed to in order to satisfy the wishes of a mother who openly plans to marry him off? Going home for Christmas isn't always easy because it can be a reminder that one is not living up to the potential his family has planned. Richard Brockwell is a dreadful man who gives not a thought to his fellow man and because this is a book about Christmas, and Christmas in old England, one knows that he is about to undergo a change. I think it all starts when he allows a stray dog into his heart. From that moment, little clues seem to emerge in his thoughts that he knows are a little out of character for him.
I admit I didn't like the character at all in the beginning and was skeptical of the outcome. This is a story of second chances and forgiveness with a bit of romance mixed in to keep our interest piqued. However, the love is not confined to Richard and Arabella but also includes a young apprentice who captures the heart of everyone in the story. Kindness never goes unrewarded, because it makes a lasting impression on the lives we touch, even inadvertently. This is a lovely story for our upcoming Christmas holiday season and Julie Klassen's An Ivy Hill Christmas: A Tales From Ivy Hills Novella would be a wonderful addition to your Christmas reading list.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are connections between online friends!