Tuesday, August 13, 2024

BEYOND IVY WALLS By Rachel Fordham, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay



A charming story with a nod to Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast that challenges us to look beyond the outward appearance into the heart on the inside. 
 
Otis Taylor comes to Monticello, Iowa in 1903 in order to settle his brother’s estate and sell off his inherited properties with the objective of leaving his past behind. Sadie Westlake has taken a job in a feather duster factory and sends home money since her father is laid up by an accident. After losing her lodging, she squats in an abandoned factory owned by Otis. 
 
The letter writing between them as Jane Squatter and Mr. Rochester was the start of a great relationship. I liked the way Otis and Sadie finally accepted one another and tried to bring out the best in each other. 
 
Moral of the story: Do not hide behind Ivy Walls but venture out and serve others. Do not impose your right on someone if that is not the best option. Find your true worth. 
 
There was a faint but solid faith element underlying this brilliantly told story. 
Recommended for fans of historical fiction with good life lessons. 
*I received a complimentary copy of thes book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and an underlying faith thread 
 

BackCover Blurb:
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 abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler 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. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, August 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:


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