My favorite part of the story was descriptions of church on Christmas Day. I particularly enjoyed the mystery element to do with a secret from Richard’ past. I loved how the beautiful book cover also set the tone of what to expect.Īs always I loved Julie Klassen’s signature writing and the light and amusing dialogue. It gave me all the Christmassy feels with the decorating, carol singing and church going. This sweet story was such a pleasure to read. I liked her multilayered character a lot and she is my favorite of this story. She is a strong and independent lady who is seriously unimpressed by Richard’s behavior around women but has a secret wish for love and happiness. Supporting character is bluestocking philanthropist, Arabella Awdry. I loved to follow his journey as he stayed with family and friends in Ivy Hill. Main character is budding, yet unpublished author, Richard Brockwell who seems a seriously shallow and uncharitable man with a bad reputation in London. They come to have a nice and relaxing time together, but Arabella is convinced Richard cannot be trusted. His childhood friend Arabella Awdry also has no plans to marry and wants to spend her time doing charity work in London. Richard tries to scare off every eligible lady and continue his care-free life in London. His mother wants to cut him off financially if he doesn’t make an effort to find a suitable lady to marry. The story is set in fictional village Ivy Hill 1822 and we follow younger son Richard Brockwell as he comes to spend Christmas with his family. She is familiar with his reputation as a rake and a libertine and she avoids him like the plague, while he keeps staying away from all eligible ladies.Īn Ivy Hill Christmas is the Christmas historical romance novella by Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. When Richard Brockwell arrives in Ivy Hill for a Christmas visit, he is unprepared to meet childhood friend Arabella Awdry.

An ivy hill christmas