Rachel Fordham
Author of The Hope of Azure Springs
Works by Rachel Fordham
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I just finished and after all the tears have cleared, I’m trying to find the words to describe how much I loved this book! Just looking at it, you think “Oh, what a beautiful cover!” and reading the back blurb, “Oh, this sounds so interesting?” But it’s so, so, so, much more.
This book is historical Christian romance with a Beauty and The Beast vibe. It’s fun, deep, romantic, sad, heartwarming…it’s just SO good. This is a 5 plus star book. I’ll definitely read it again one day.… (more)
This book is historical Christian romance with a Beauty and The Beast vibe. It’s fun, deep, romantic, sad, heartwarming…it’s just SO good. This is a 5 plus star book. I’ll definitely read it again one day.… (more)
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.“What is normal? Why can’t it be normal to be varied and different? In a world full of colors and shapes and backgrounds, who decided we were all supposed to be the same?”
It’s always a treat to read a book by Rachel Fordham, and Beyond Ivy Walls is no exception. With vibes of Beauty and the Beast and references to Jane Eyre, the storyline pulled me in and kept me turning pages. Set in Iowa in the early 1900s, it features Sadie West who is working in a feather duster factory and Otis Taylor who is returning to his home in the same town. Otis is somewhat of a recluse because of physical and emotional scars but is also an accomplished pianist and heir to the family home and land. When he reluctantly returns to settle the family affairs, he meets Sadie who is trying to help her family survive while her father heals from an injury. These main characters, along with a stellar cast of secondary characters, are engaging, relatable and well-drawn. I enjoyed the banter between them and the changing relationship as they got to know each other.
“Plans are a good thing, if they’re held lightly. Some folks hold on too tight and they can’t let go when life changes.”
This story is well-written and captivating with themes of acceptance of others and the importance of families, whether they are biological or pieced together with love. I enjoyed the author’s note at the end with a little background on the writing of this book. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.… (more)
It’s always a treat to read a book by Rachel Fordham, and Beyond Ivy Walls is no exception. With vibes of Beauty and the Beast and references to Jane Eyre, the storyline pulled me in and kept me turning pages. Set in Iowa in the early 1900s, it features Sadie West who is working in a feather duster factory and Otis Taylor who is returning to his home in the same town. Otis is somewhat of a recluse because of physical and emotional scars but is also an accomplished pianist and heir to the family home and land. When he reluctantly returns to settle the family affairs, he meets Sadie who is trying to help her family survive while her father heals from an injury. These main characters, along with a stellar cast of secondary characters, are engaging, relatable and well-drawn. I enjoyed the banter between them and the changing relationship as they got to know each other.
“Plans are a good thing, if they’re held lightly. Some folks hold on too tight and they can’t let go when life changes.”
This story is well-written and captivating with themes of acceptance of others and the importance of families, whether they are biological or pieced together with love. I enjoyed the author’s note at the end with a little background on the writing of this book. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.… (more)
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Statistics
- Works
- 7
- Members
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- Rating
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- ISBNs
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I highly recommend this novel as I eagerly await her next one!