My Thoughts and More on Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls 

Author: Rachel Fordham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: August 14, 2024 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love. 

 Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece. 

 At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor. 

 Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

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My Thoughts:

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, so when I heard this was a similar story that takes place in 1903, and in Iowa, I was very excited. This story did not disappoint and though it is not a page turner in the usual sense, I could not put this book down and read it in about a day. Often thinking about the characters and their situation.

There were a lot of unique twists and turns in the story. What made Otis a recluse and beast was very interesting. No spoilers from me. Sadie West and her family also had a unique turn of events, but I could pick out the nods to that classic tale and I enjoyed every minute of it.

This story had a lot to unpack. From accepting yourself and learning to live freely to hard choices about doing what is ultimately best for the ones you love. We also have a very good examples of a good father/family and a father who could not accept what life had given his son. This was a sensitive, faith filled, and slow burn romantic story. And the cover is gorgeous!

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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About the Author

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Letter Tree, Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological, adopted and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelfordham.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of the author’s previous 6 novels: The Hope of Azure Springs, Your's Truly, Thomas, A Life Once Dreamed, A Lady in Attendance, Where the Road Bends, and The Letter Tree!

(2) additional winners will receive one Rachel Fordham backlist print copy of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 7, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!