This is a continuation of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill but the focus is on Rachel and Mercy, both friends of Jane from the pervious book. After losing her home to a distant relative, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage with her friend Miss Mercy Grove, who runs a boarding school for girls. Determined to earn her own livelihood, Rachel decides to open a circulating library with the many books she inherited from her father. In one of the books, donated by an anonymous donor, she discovers a letter that reveals a secret and a mystery she is determined to solve.
The book’s focus is on the various relationships between the characters and the dynamics of living in Ivy Hill, a small English village in 1820. I thought this book was a bit slow in the beginning. It took me about a hundred pages to start engaging with the characters and the rhythm of the story. There were many references to the characters and plot of the previous book, so I would definitely recommend reading The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill prior to reading this book. In addition, there was important background information on the various people. One of the things I like most about this author is the complexity of her stories and characters. Meaning, that each of her characters has a past that includes regrets and mistakes. To me, that aspect makes them richer and creates fortitude as they overcome their past. The other aspect about her characters is that they take the high road even when there is a cost to them. In this case, Mercy must make a decision to be truthful, regardless of the negative consequences. Ms. Klassen is a master with words and describes both scenery and emotions with expertise, making the reader feel as if they are living in Ivy Hill.
I would recommend reading this historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
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