Beyond Ivy Walls

by Rachel Fordham

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2024

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 and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington. Learn more at
www.rachelfordham.com.

Reviews

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A sweet historical romance that lives up to the promise. Likeable main characters. Straightforward plot. A dash of mystery and a load of banter. Mildly Christian in content. A bit anachronous in its dialogues. Recommended to readers of wholesome historical romances. This is NOT a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ retelling, so don’t go in expecting one.

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Plot Preview:

1903. Iowa.
After Sadie’s father sustains an injury and cannot work on their family farm anymore, twenty-three-year old Sadie finds a job at the Hoag feather duster factory. It’s not what she enjoys, but with little money in hand and her romantic interest away for studies, it’s the best she can do to save her family from ruin. Desperate to save money, she takes refuge in an abandoned building after her work hours, but soon the owner discovers her trespassing.
Everyone thought that the rich Otis Taylor had been sent away to hone his musical talent. But in reality, he had been exiled by his father for his appearance. Now that Otis has returned home to settle his family affairs, his only desire is to sell off everything and close the doors to his past. But he soon discovers that he isn’t the last Taylor alive. And of course, he finds a mysterious trespasser in his father’s old factory.
Sadie and Otis begin a professional relationship, but soon their bond grows into a caring friendship. Can Sadie and Otis help each other settle the demons of their past, the mysteries of the present, and the worries of the future? (You know they can! 😉)
The story comes to us in the third-person perspectives of Sadie and Otis.

First things first. The blurb only calls this "reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast", so it is obviously not a retelling of the fairy tale. There are a few shades of B&tB herein, (and a few shades of Jane Eyre as well), but not enough to justify a ‘retelling’ tag. You will enjoy it better if you treat it as a typical historical romance.


Bookish Yays:
🌿 I liked the lead characters and the depiction of their personal problems. Both of them are shown as being somewhat judgemental at the start, but slowly, they learn to open up and trust each other.

🌿 This is mainly a historical romance, and romances are not about the destination (as we already know that in advance) but about the journey. The romantic relationship in this book is just the kind I like to read: not insta, not lustful, not based on frivolous reasons. It is a slow-burn friends-to-lovers connection.

🌿 Otis’ physical appearance, the reason for the same, and his insecurity about his looks is handled well. Though he considers himself a ‘beast’, he is not like the fairy tale ‘Beast’. This is the first time I am reading a book with a character having this medical condition, and I love how the author focusses more on the character’s feelings and traumatic memories than the medical details.

🌿 Another first-time experience is the mention of a feather duster factory. I loved this unique setting, and the details incorporated.

🌿 There are many letters in this book, and most of them are so sweet and well written! They were filled with a good old-worldly charm.

🌿 The story covers quite a few themes such as parental abuse, trauma, mental health, medical issues, and more. All are handled well without going overboard.

🌿 This is Christian fiction, but not of the type filled with biblical quotes and preachy attitudes. There is a regular mention of praying and keeping faith, but no long-winded prayers or sermons. This approach might not make everyone happy, but it works perfectly for this Christian. The characters lead by example in the action of living the Word. There are many beautiful values of love, patience, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, and sacrifice.

🌿 There is a minor mystery track in the book, and I loved how it was approached and resolved.

🌿 The author’s note is the icing on the cake, revealing her research and how she intends the plot to highlight sacrificial love.


Bookish Mixed Bags:
☘️ While there are many excellent secondary characters in the book, they are somewhat one-noted. Otis’ house employees Leon and his wife Mildred are fabulous, as are Sadie’s family (her parents and her sisters.) But Sadie’s colleague Alta’s negative role is too hackneyed.

☘️ There is excellent banter between the characters, especially the lead pair. However, the conversations don’t sound true to the era, not in terms of vocabulary but in terms of the manner. It is tough to accept a farm girl talking with the wealthiest young bachelor in town with barely any hesitation or self-doubt. On a related note, it was also odd to see commoner Alta barging into a rich man’s home without any uncertainty. Perhaps this aspect of the story went more fantastical than intended.


Bookish Nays:
🍃 The final quarter went a bit over the top in terms of its melodrama quotient. This might not bother frequent readers of this genre, but it was a bit too soppy for my reading preferences.

🍃 A couple of the plot points needed some more detailing, though these were pretty trivial on the whole. Like, how did Otis’ brother die? How old is Otis? I even wanted a better resolution of the Marvin track. After the regular mention he gets, he needed a better and longer on-page appearance.


🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at almost 11 hours, is narrated by Em Eldridge and Jason Keller. Both narrators handled their own characters (Sadie and Otis respectively) well, but their voices for the other characters were somewhat less satisfying. I have a feeling I might have liked this book better had I read it. That said, there are perspective jumps in between chapters, and sometimes, just for a small section. So having two narrators helps tremendously.


On the whole, this isn’t the kind of book you would pick up when you want something twisty or spicy or surprising or didactic. It is straightforward to the point of being predictable, and hence works as a great read when you want something soothing, emotional, and heartwarming without taxing your brain too much.

I first came across this author through the beautiful novel, ‘The Letter Tree’. ‘Beyond Ivy Walls’ may not have matched up to that experience, because the standards and my expectations were too high. But this was a satisfying read nonetheless. If you enjoy books with lovable, a-bit-too-perfect characters you want to root for, this book ought to work for you.

Much recommended to readers of clean historical romances.

4 stars.


My thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing the DRC, and to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing the ALC of “Beyond Ivy Walls” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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[Marquise · Rating 1 out of 5]

FAIRY TALE: Beauty and the Beast.
TYPE OF RETELLING: Broadly "Inspired by."
ELEMENTS, PLOT, THEME: Elements.
CORE THEME: Absent.
OTHER INFLUENCES: jane Eyre
ROSES: 🌹

I came to this novel with very low expectations, and while I can't say I was pleasantly surprised, at least there were no expectations to disappoint.

Because, truth be told, this is a retelling with a very basic plot. So absurdly basic that I've already seen it done by another author, Rachel Kovaciny in "My Rock and My Refuge," which has the same plot: A Christian novel in which a poor young woman looking to earn money to save the family livelihood comes into the service of a mysterious millionaire with facial scars that hides from the world because of them, and lives as a recluse in a dream mansion. Throw in touches of "Jane Eyre" and you have the complete plot of Beyond Ivy Walls.

Whilst Kovaciny at least knew how to deftly tell her own spin on this classic formula, Fordham has not been able to do the same. For starters, as much as this is presented as Christian Fiction, there is hardly any of that. I personally don't care if they discuss the faith and religion of the protagonists, because I am not the target audience for this genre (I’m making it clear that I chose to read this because of “Beauty and the Beast,” which I adore), but I am aware that the audience for whom these stories are written do care, and quite a bit. In this novel, hardly anything is said about the faith of the main characters, there is barely a passage or two where it is mentioned that the male protagonist was raised by a devout mother to keep faith and be virtuous, and that's it. In the novel by Kovaciny, it was shown how important faith was to the protagonist, yet here it is a side note. How does it qualify for the "Christian Fiction" label, then? Is the parameter that it be "clean" and the characters too prudish for even a chaste kiss?

Next, let's look at the historical context. This novel is set in 1903, a time when class consciousness was stronger and more prevalent, and relationships between people of different social backgrounds were more formal, more rigid even in the US, as much as they pride themselves in not being as class-conscious. The interaction between Sadie and Otis is very much one of equals, she talks to him as if he is just another farmer she could patronise whenever she pleases, and treats him as if he is just working class like herself. There is no respect for class and formality, as there should be for the historical setting, and whilst her not knowing who he was in the beginning does justify her initial treatment, she soon learns the truth but doesn't change accordingly. Kovaciny was correct in her research and showed how relationships were between people of different social status, but Fordham is not. Like many writers of historical fiction, the author hasn’t understood that socialising and master/servant dynamics weren’t as casual and carefree as they are now, and she writes through the eyes of a modern American who treats everyone informally whether they have $1000 or $1 billion. It's a very common anachronistic faux pas, and one that annoys the hell out of me.

Let's move on to the part of the “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale that inspired this novel. The inspiration is limited to taking a couple of elements: Otis's appearance and the part where Beast lets Belle temporarily return home after learning her father is very ill. Other than that, nothing. Thematically, it has almost nothing of the fairy tale, it doesn't follow its plot or adhere to its core theme; it might as well be just another in a million romance novels about a traumatised hero and the pretty heroine who "cures" him of his traumas. As I've said many times, that's not what the fairy tale is about. And to make it worse, the deformation the author foists on Otis to make him resemble Beast is ridiculous.

It may sound harsh to put it so bluntly, especially considering that the idea for Otis's condition was a good one. However, I judge by the end result and not by the good intentions. I don't fixate on if the idea was good, what matters to me is that the execution is not. Let's see why: the author says that the inspiration was her son having a small bald patch on his head due to alopecia, which led her to read about the subject and from there she learnt that there were many superstitions about alopecia in the past. So, she decided to create a bald hero and make that condition, which is neither serious nor life-threatening, turn him into a sullen and isolated "beast." A condition that many have had and have been able to cope with despite the ugly aesthetics and stupid beliefs of past times.

I can see that the idea was that, rather than the alopecia itself, what traumatised Otis was his father's rejection and mistreatment because of his lack of hair. To any sensible father, Otis' sudden-onset alopecia would’ve been no big deal (no, just because superstitions existed doesn't mean that everyone believed them, much less the upper, educated classes). He would have gotten him well-made wigs, of which there were some natural-looking and very realistic ones, or hats and berets, and subjected him to little cosmetic tricks, as people with alopecia did in Victorian times, and that would’ve been it. With the Taylor family's millions, it wouldn't have mattered if Otis had no hair, society would’ve still cared for his money and social standing, which trump hairlessness, so the real trauma must have been that Mr. Taylor saw his son's hairlessness as a personal insult to his pride and ended up causing him serious head burns with his "miracle cures."

Whilst Otis is indeed shown as traumatised, as he should be, the problem is that this novel puts the emphasis on the scars on Otis's scalp rather than on the fact of his profound PTSD from his father's abuse. If Fordham understood how the psychology of an abused child works, she wouldn't make it so easy for Otis to get out of his trauma when a pretty girl told him that his scars (which you can't see anyway) don't matter, and that his lack of hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes don't matter either. If Sadie says it, Otis believes it, and goodbye PTSD from physical and emotional abuse suffered for decades. Oh, and did I mention that Otis is handsome in spite of not having a single hair on himself?

See why it bothers me so much? People don't quite understand that a woman "healing" a man is not the point of Beauty and the Beast. It's not the point, never was, and never will be. If you want to write a story with a woman saving a man, up to you to go ahead with such sexist storyline, but leave my dear “Beauty and the Beast” out of such stupidity. This is just another example amongst thousands of the abhorrent I-can-fix-him cliché that women are so sold on and should be dead and buried by now. Otis should remain traumatised, and the townsfolk shouldn't have accepted things so readily to give Sadie a pass, and he didn’t have to be handsome for no apparent reason. Enough already with characters with deformities, scars, and disabilities that are made to be good-looking so their health and appearance issues seem like barely a problem.

This novel has more of “Jane Eyre” in it than “Beauty and the Beast,” but the way the homage elements to Brontë's novel are introduced is somewhat lacking in subtlety and cheesy. Sadie and Otis start calling each other Jane and Edward respectively, and they write letters and talk to each other as if they were in the novel. I understand the intent was to pay homage to Charlotte Brontë, but it could’ve been more subtle instead of so on-the-nose. Fordham even steals the descriptioin of Rochester as a “beast” and the “bird” comparison Jane makes about herself for her own characters without even trying to give it an original touch. This feels so very unsubtle, and one wonders how come that, if the author read “Jane Eyre,” she couldn’t see the reality of the employer/employee relationships back then. Otis and Sadie have less chemistry than Jane and Edward, as the relationship happens faster and with less buildup than the one in Brontë’s book, giving the impression Otis falls in love just because Sadie is the only woman he’s ever known, and Sadie falls in love after spending so much time naïvely sighing over her never-seen beau, who is in the story as some sort of ghost rival that only exists to give her a reason to daydream and then forgets when he’s no longer convenient.

The author also says that part of her motivation for writing this was that she fosters orphans, and is passionate about it. Very noble work, and it would have made the plot of the child Elizabeth that Otis is looking for to take care of the most interesting. To some extent it was. But then the author made Otis give up on having the child with him because she already had a home by being adopted rather fraudulently. Then why make Otis spend the whole book worrying and clamoring to the four winds that his brother's daughter is his responsibility? Just so that he renounces that responsibility first chance he gets? Well, I think this is very wrong. It would have been better, and it would have even helped with Otis' trauma too, to take care of the child as he promised, no matter how much the other couple wanted to keep her. She wasn't theirs, she was his and he should have stuck to his responsibility. Instead, he did what his own father did: he washed his hands of a family member, with the excuse that she had strangers who would take good care of her. Badly done, this plot.

To me, it was all so comformingly uninventive and bland, and not very believable. It almost read like the characters were following a set pattern from a story that is not theirs until they get an unearned happy ending, with a sentimental epilogue to present the characters’ children. So much promise, yet so much hollowness. One wilted rose, is the rating it gets from me.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie West loves her family, when her father has an accident, they risk losing the farm and she starts working at Hoag’s Duster Factory, in Monticello, Iowa. Sadie sends all her wages home, she has nowhere to sleep, so she discovers an abandoned building and she puts up with living here for the sake of her family.

Otis Taylor reluctantly returns home, his aim is to get the property ready for sale and leave Monticello as quickly as possible. When he discovers Sadie is living an empty building on his land, he offers her a place to sleep in the servant's quarters, it’s perfectly respectable because Leon and Mildred the caretakers of the property live there and Sadie can assist sorting through years of clutter. His only condition, is she can't tell no one that he’s returned, Otis suffers from a medical condition and he’s a recluse. Otis needs to solve a family mystery he discovers and Sadie is willing to help and she’s shocked by what’s uncovered. Sadie has been taught that’s what inside a person’s heart is what matters, she needs Otis to trust her and break down the wall’s he put up.

I received a copy of Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham from HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Included in the narrative are important life lessons and meaning, like being an adult comes responsibilities, everyone needs to feel like they belong, and the importance of family and friends. My favourite characters were Sadie and Otis, her sisters Molly, Violette, and Flora, and Leon and Mildred.

A sweet and wholesome story set in the turn of the century Iowa, with Ms. Fordham's take on the beauty and the beast, four stars from me and I highly recommend Beyond Ivy Walls and the author's previous book, The Letter Tree.

[JaneReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and these characters. Otis Taylor has returned home after being sent away by his father years ago, now its up to him to deal with the family home and the business dealings. Due to his events from his past he has accepted life in the shadows and does not want to risk ridicule from others. Meanwhile Sadie has left the family farm to work at the duster factory to earn money to help the family after her father gets injured. Due to events she has been staying in an abandoned factory owned by the Taylor family, but no one knows. What happens when she is discovered changes the course of her life. I loved Sadie's perspective on life and her determination to work hard for family. I felt Otis' pain and could understand his struggle with being home, he comes across as a grump at first but you quickly see that he has a soft heart and will do anything for those he cares about. I loved how Sadie encouraged him and looked past his exterior to see his heart. There is a bit of a mystery going on trying to figure out who someone is and where they could be. Once some of those questions were answered Otis then needed to make some decisions and that was hard. It was like no matter which decision was made someone was going to get hurt. I also enjoyed the characters of Mildred and Leon, caretakers of the Taylor house. They each came out with some witty comments that made me laugh. One example is: "You're offering her room and board, not matrimony. It makes no difference what you look like." This was an enjoyable to read and I am pleased with the way the story wrapped up. (I voluntary reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

[Oceana GottaReadEmAll · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could have a writing style, I would want it to be like this.

I looooove the way Rachel writes - description, dialogue, BANTER. She uses letters just when it means the most.

There's beauty and the beast vibes, grumpy x sunshine, and a DOG.

Highly recommend as a happy, uplifting, historical romance with inspiring faith elements, and sweet romance.

One little tidbit that would put this at a 4.75 ⭐ is that I look for more depth in both characters' feelings - romantically and otherwise. Just a bit more time spent on both characters' feelings about their pasts, their budding romance, their fears, and their reconciliation would have made this a top favourite for me by this author. Where the Road Bends and The Letter Tree still sit at the top of my favourites, with Beyond Ivy Walls in third. Still a 5 star though!

[Hannah Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightfully enjoyable story. I love Fordham's easy to read style, and she always has some of the sweetest characters.

Otis definitely had some beast from Beauty and the Beast vibes which is a slightly overused trope, but thankfully it was well done and didn't take away from the story. He was generally a really likeable character. And really had a soft heart which I loved. I also felt genuine sympathy for his past.

I loved Sadie and her bond that she had with her sisters. The West sisters definitely gave me some Little Women vibes, which was so fun and well done. The parents were also great.

The plot and mystery kept me intrigued and turning pages while not causing stress.

There weren't really any Christian themes, but it was a heartwarming, sweet, and clean historical read.

* I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel fordham Fordham has penned a sweet and precious retelling of Beauty and the Beast. (My favorite trope, btw.) I love a wounded man who finds himself being pulled away from his scars and his anguish to believe in hope and love again. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the historical content throughout the book. If you love an amazing epilogue that is a happily ever after, then you will love this sweet historical romance.
4.5 stars
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, tender historical romance set in the Gilded Age. The citizens of Monticello, Iowa anticipate the return of a mysterious bachelor whose family fortunes helped build the town. A small town girl whose father is ill brings unexpected joy to the recluse.

This delightful story has characters who tug on your heart strings and brings hope that none of us are lost causes. I liked how Sadie seemed to find a bright side to her difficult situation, seeks to help Otis come out of his shell and see how God still had a purpose for him.
The author does a good job bringing real facts from history and spins them into a lovely story. Reminiscent of a Beauty and the Beast type plot, yet with unique twists.
Enjoyable reading, with a satisfying ending. Should be fine for teens and up. 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Rachel Fordham! The way she carefully brings history to life at such a gentle cadence is beautiful, and always reminds me of reading Janette Oke books as a teen. The heartwarming simplicity of the story is as charming as it is nostalgic.

This loose retelling of Beauty and Beast is set in the early 1900s Midwest. Due to the pacing, it did take me until the 30% to feel fully invested in Sadie & Otis, but once I got there, I was all in. And the supporting cast shone so brilliantly! Leon & Mildred were the precious older couple, encouraging & cheering Otis and Sadie. As for Sadie’s family, I love a strong sister dynamic that reminds me of Little Women and Pride & Prejudice.

From the gorgeous cover to the stirring story within the pages, Fordham penned a poignant tribute to seeing beyond the scars to the heart that beats beneath them.


*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of Rachel Fordham's books. Very interesting plotline with compelling characters. It was also interesting to me to learn the history of how feather dusters were originally made!. I recommend reading this book. "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Ivy Walls
Rachel Fordham
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The setting is the early 1900s. Sadie’s family was destitute; she had no choice but to leave her beloved home to work in the Hoag duster factory. There is no money for a place for her to stay because she sends all her money home to her family. She is forced to take shelter in an abandoned building.
Otis Taylor is back but determined to keep it a secret. He finds Sadie hiding in a building belonging to his family. He rashly decides to hire her but makes her promise not to tell anyone. The home he grew up in brings back memories deep dark memories where he wants them to stay. Sadie becomes his salvation, the bright light in his dark existence.
This is a squeaky-clean romance. The characters are captivating. The relationship between Sadie and Otis was charming. This is a Christian novel, but it is not preachy.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book for review;

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond The Walls by @rachel_fordham was rhe best fairy tale written. While a retelling of Beauty of the Beast I saw hints of Cinderella and may have created my own nod to Little Mermaid.

This book was so incredibly sweet - the story takes place in 1903 in Iowa - what could possibly be so fascinating in Iowa at that time?? Well it’s the story of Sadie West, forced to leave home to find gainful employment so she can send money back to her family after they fell on hard times. Sadie finds herself seeking shelter in an abandoned factory when Otis’ dog finds her. Otis is the town’s mysterious bachelor who has secrets of his own.

Their friendship takes us on a gentle, sweet, flirty, and lovely journey. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles and find their happily ever after? Read it and find out!

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are so much more than your scars and what happened within these walls. You have heart.”

This sweet story, set in 1903, features Sadie West, 23, who has been forced to leave her family farm in rural Iowa and seek employment at the Hoag Feather Duster Co., a factory in Monticello. Her father’s riding accident left him bedridden and Sadie has to work to support her parents and younger siblings.

After a few unplanned disappointments, she’s discovered by Otis Taylor, Monticello’s musical genius and eligible bachelor. Otis and Sadie overcome insurmountable odds because they each realize that they are different and gather inner strength to work through their insecurities together, hoping to love and be loved in return.

Fordham asks readers to consider our definition of ‘normal’ and how we care for one another - are we looking beyond the surface and at each other’s hearts? She reminds us that we are all unique and all have moments when we are not as we appear. We shouldn’t let what people say limit us as to what we’re capable of doing. We are all our own definitions of normal.

Although this Beauty and the Beast-inspired novel is about love’s transformative power, it’s also about:

✔️Sacrificial love
✔️Freedom; from physical captivity/exile (manor) and social expectations
✔️Dangers of judging on appearances
✔️Warning about the value of character over appearance
✔️Pain we cause when we are quick to judge
✔️Desire to be a complete and true version of ourselves
✔️Acceptance and compassion
✔️Supporting each other through adversity; pushing to the edge of fear

“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 was good to be reminded:
✔️to stretch to accept something different about ourselves and others. We should all strive to have eyes like Sadie, eyes that look deep inside and see the best in people.
✔️to be the hero of our own story. Dare to think differently and show compassion.
✔️We are all scarred and flawed in different ways - different kinds of ‘normal’.

This slow, gently probing story has a BIG impact even days later. Allow it room to impact you.

I was gifted this copy by Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a delightful and sweet read! I loved Otis and Sadie, both wonderful characters who develop a sweet friendship that slowly blossoms into something more. I loved how relatable they were and how they helped each other navigate the difficulties and obstacles they each faced, including challenges from within. I also really enjoyed the banter and laughs, the letters, the rolling skating, Mildred & Leon, and Sadie’s supportive sisters!

This was my second book by Fordham and I love her writing and easy-to-read style that captivates you from the beginning with her characters, atmospheric setting, and a balance of deep and lighthearted moments. While the faith content was light there were some great messages in this one including facing fears, being worth more than looks, seeking forgiveness, having courage, making hard decisions from a place of love, and being your own kind of normal.✨

If you are looking for a clean & sweet romance with deeper themes or have wanted to try reading historical romance I highly recommend this book, releasing on August 13th!✨

Thank you Netgalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.


•Spice: Kisses only
•Content Discretions: Parental abuse/abandonment, Child out of wedlock, brief mention of Greek mythology, emotional/physical scars

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otis grew up feeling like he wasn't enough, that his scars and medical condition were something he had to hide and it left him grumpy and broken. He returns to his family estate after being sent away as a child and is only at the estate to sell it. But he runs into Sadie in one of his abandoned warehouses. Sadie is homeless and working away from her family to help provide after her father has an accident and can not work. Otis takes note of Sadies situation and offers her a job and a place to stay in his mansion. At first, they are at odds with each other, they are opposites... she's hiding her concerns, hes hiding his past. But with time the walls come down. But...Sadie has promised her heart to another before she ever met Otis, what happens when the first man in her life reappears? And Otis has no intention of sticking around, once the property sells, he's leaving!

This story is just so honest and so raw when it comes to the struggles of both characters. They both have what the other doesn't. He has wealth, status, and people throwing themselves at his feet unknowingly but no one will accept him as he is, and his own family sent him away as a child. She has a loving family, is a hard worker, and doesn't complain... but her days are filled in turkey filth, she has no money, no home, and the man she loved hasn't been returning her advances. They BOTH breathe life into each other. He steps up for her, and her for him and this story just shows how two people from two different lives somehow become interwoven with each other.

This story is not just romantic, its also hilarious at times as they pick on each other and make jokes at each others expense.


If you like tropes such as...
Forced proximity
Grumpy/Sunshine
Pen pals
Friends to more... THIS is your story!
Loved it!!! I need a physical copy of the book!

***Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy. The review is my own opinion.

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham 5 Stars
Reading Vlog: https://youtu.be/U7ns0QplUG0

Rachel Fordham can do no wrong! Absolutely beautiful. 5 stars. A new favorite historical romance with beauty and the beast vibes!

Set in the early 1900s, Sadie West's family is in dire financial need so she leaves to go work in the Hoag duster factory. She has nowhere to live so she stays in an abandoned building. This throws her right in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor - Otis Taylor. Otis hires Sadie - with the condition that she tells no one he has returned.

Sadie and Otis get to know each other and they start to care for one another as she shows him how much he truly matters, regardless of his scars that have left him feeling less than desirable. Otis has been a recluse for so long, embarrassed of his appearance and Sadie coming in truly opens him up and is the bright light he needs to bring him back to the public. He has kept so much in for so long and the way this ended was beautiful as he was able to deal with the past of his family and what he had endured.

Sadie was a great character who truly showed how much she cared for others and her family. Sadie's encouragement for Otis to be his true self was the best to see throughout the story. There is a bit of grumpy/sunshine between them that I loved seeing.

My favorite parts of this were the letters, music and interactions between Sadie and Otis. Every time they were together on page was perfection. I loved them so much I wanted even more of them together! :) I also loved the little bits of Beauty and the Beast elements we got in this! It was also nice to have light faith elements included.

Highly recommend for a great historical romance! Must finish reading the rest of Rachel's books now! Thank you to Rachel Fordham & the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rachel Fordham has become an automatic buy author for me. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish.

A different take on Beauty and The Beast in the guilded age. The characters in this book were so likeable and each one was unique. You have Sadie, the young woman, who came to the city for work to help her family; Otis, who was scared as a child and sent away only to return as the sole heir to his family home. Mildred and Leon were great side characters that brought something more to the story.

I also loved the message that we are more than what is seen on the outside. Our hearts are what really matter. I will be buying this book as soon as it comes out.

[Jessica Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Fordham's books always hit the right spot for me, and Beyond Ivy Walls is no different!

The heartfelt Beauty and the Beast inspired retelling is set in the early 1900s Midwest, and futures a cast of unique and fresh characters. I loved Otis and Sadie, obviously, but Leon and Mildred were just as sweet a couple!

There are some deeper themes touched on during the story, but they are all handled with tact and thoughtfulness, as I've come to expect from Fordham.

This is a book that will touch readers hearts—speaking from experience 🥰💕

.

Sep'24 edit: I love the audiobook version of this too!! The dual narrators are perfect choices for the two main characters 😍

[Linda Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Hints of Beauty and the Beast with focus on superficial looks. Sadie is way out of her norm, squatting in an old factory, working at a mundane job to send money to her family. She has the best outlook on life! Enter Otis, the last of his family, returned to settle his inheritance. Exiled by his family for some scarring and an unusual look, he meets Sadie and must come to terms with how he wants to live his life. Mixed in with this, Otis is searching for his young niece who he just learned existed. So many sweet moments and life lessons in this story.

I was fortunate enough to read an ARC. Thank you to #rachelfordham and my book club.

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham was a delightful story from the very first page. Sadie, ever the optimist, was so charming, so joyous and Otis, despite his challenges, was a true good-hearted gentleman. I loved the banter between these two characters. This story did my heart good. It gave me all the feels!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesson learned (again!!) Never, never judge a book by its cover or title. (please don't misunderstand me though...I'm not trying to say that I don't think this book looks pretty - it really does...but I'm just saying I completely underestimated it! ;) )
I wouldn't have guessed I would find this to be quite as enchanting of a tale as I actually found it to be. Why am I saying this?! Because I've just wasted (in a manner of speaking, but no, not really!!) a few hours this morning finishing this beautiful story!

I loved these characters! This was a rather easy read, but it was perfect for today, and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves a sweet, historical romance.
(more of my review to come later...)
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book is another look at the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, but Rachel Fordham has done a masterful job in bringing all the bits and pieces of the tale to life. She put the characters in the early 1900s, so while it is historical, it is also a bit more modern.

Sadie West has been working at the feather duster factory in Monticello, Iowa, when she is turned out of her boarding house for someone who will pay more. She finds an abandoned factory to shelter in, and bathes in a freezing cold creek, but it is the only water available to her. She is found out and then given a position at the Taylor mansion to help clean it up and get it ready to sell. This is in addition to her job at the duster factory. She is sending money home to pay for her father's doctor bills after he had an accident on the farm. She is also paying the mortgage on the farm so that her family doesn't lose their home.

Otis Taylor is the only remaining Taylor alive and comes back to Monticello to settle his brother's estate. He'd been sent away because he was scarred and disfigured and his father didn't want to look at him. Otis has quite a chip on his shoulder for the way his family treated him, but he eventually finds that his chip is too heavy to carry.

Alta is one of the lesser characters but she plays an important part in the movement of the plot. She so wants to be the one that Otis courts when he returns to town. She's a little bit of a gold digger and a bit entitled, and plays the parts well. When she finds that Sadie has been working for Otis for a while, she throws a temper tantrum worthy of a two year old.

Beyond Ivy Walls has everything a reader could desire--a little bit of romance, a little bit of mystery, hard decisions, and a coming to terms with circumstances. I love the Beauty and the Beast type stories I've read and other than one written by Robin McKinley, this is the best one I've read. Robin's is an extremely well-done rendition of the tale, while Rachel's is a more modern retelling. It is still a five star book with two thumbs up and a beast who cares about family troubles.

Thomas Nelson Fiction provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all!
There is a young man, burdened by the acts of a selfish parent. A man who has been in isolation for many years, scarred physically and emotionally.
And there is a young woman, a beauty, both inside and out, who is trying hard to help her family, to save the farm, and willing to sacrifice her comfort for them.
A chance meeting, and some wise helpers, assist these two on an adventure of healing, acceptance, and love.
The growth that is experienced, the selflessness shown, the letting go of pain, all this brings together a wonderful story.
This story touched my heart. I am sad to leave it!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story this was! I must admit, I didn't read the blurb on this one before I started reading, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but right away the Beauty and the Beast vibes were evident to me. That just so happens to be one of my favorite fairy tales, so that was a pleasant surprise. While the nods to that classic story were evident, it was still very much its own unique story too. Sadie and Otis drew me in right away... they both had their fair share of struggles that they had to overcome in their lives. Among them, was Otis' alopecia and treatments that had left him scarred and ultimately living as a recluse. The actual condition is not named in the story, as I assume it was not as known at this point in history, which I thought made his story all that much more compelling. Sadie sees beyond his exterior and the two share a beautiful and tender love story that I absolutely could not get enough of. This was truly such a beautiful story with so much emotion... one of my favorite historical reads of the year so far! I absolutely loved it. If you love historical romance and/or fairy tale retellings, this is absolutely one you will not want to miss.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review for Netgalley, for the upcoming book from author Rachel Fordham titled Beyond Ivy Walls, and that will be released on August13th. (I was given a copy in return for my honest review.). As soon as I read the first few pages of this book, I was so engrossed that I sat and read it thru in one day, it was that good! The story line was so good that I kept turning page after page because I didn't want it to stop!.. When I finished it, I felt kind of sad because I loved the characters, the plot, and the climax so much because this book is so well written! The characters face real life situations and difficult struggles, but in the midst of them, we find grace, hope, friendship, courage and love all wrapped up in a story that I couldn't put down! I can't recommend this book highly enough, and I give it 5 stars, and really was excited to review such an incredible book! There isn't one thing I would change about it! Rachel Fordham has been added to my favorite authors list for sure, and I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Adele F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with enchanting characters, and an interesting plotline. It had good, strong morals and beautiful scenery. I loved it's 'beauty and the beast' feeling. The romance was cute and enchanting, and the story was clean and intriguing. This book is one that many will love, and all will learn from.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book by Rachel Fordham; I could not put this one down. Rachel is a master of the historical fiction genre. She blends nuggets of history smoothly into compelling narratives. Her characters always come to life, and with each turn of the page, I felt that I knew the characters of Sadie and Otis - I was living their story with them. I love that this book appeals to all ages. As an adult, I connect with novel and feel that I am the target audience, yet I am also comfortable with my young teenagers picking it and reading it. It is clean, yet still pulls at the heartstrings and gives all the good feels as the romance blossoms. If you enjoy compelling historical fiction with well developed characters, then this book is for you!

[Kelly | Bookmarks 'n Blankets · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Listen to my thoughts on the Booksmarks 'n Blankets podcast.

I was completely captivated by this narrative. Among all of Rachel Fordham's works I've read so far, this one stands out as my ultimate favorite. It's a brilliantly crafted retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, using a fresh twist of this timeless classic. Every element, from the storytelling to the characters, and especially the romance, had me utterly enchanted.

Throughout the tale, my heart fluttered with delight at this fresh take on a classic fairytale. The early twentieth-century setting, along with the unique locations and events, added a delightful charm to the narrative. The writing was so immersive and meticulously detailed that it transported me effortlessly to the early 1900s, allowing me to experience the story alongside the characters. What's more, I appreciated the author's skill in avoiding excessive descriptive passages, ensuring a seamless journey back in time.

Otis and Sadie quickly became endearing protagonists, earning my unwavering support as their story unfolded. Exploring their personalities was a joy, witnessing the gradual blossoming of their romance. This love story delves far beyond superficiality; it's enriched with profound emotional layers and intricately woven backstories, drawing me even closer to the characters. Witnessing their growth and transformation was deeply gratifying, underscoring their remarkable strength. Their impact lingers in my thoughts even weeks later, a testament to their enduring presence. I also appreciated that this is a clean romance without any spice or foul language.

The book also delves into some profound themes, offering valuable insights on confronting past traumas, making sacrifices for family, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. It was one of those reads that I just couldn't tear myself away from; I finished it in just a couple of days. I laughed, cried, and swooned along with the characters on their journey. This touching story truly resonated with me, leaving a lasting impact. There are some very sweet scenes and emotional moments, as well as some wonderful life lessons to learn. It's exceptionally well-written, charming, and heartfelt—a narrative that will linger in my thoughts for a long time to come.

Highly, highly recommend!!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another sweet romance by Rachel Fordham! This historical takes place in Monticello, IA. Sadie is a young woman who has taken it upon herself to move to the city to get a job to help her family when her father becomes injured. It is about this same time that Otis Taylor returns "home" to clear out his childhood home and sell it to get rid of the bitter memories contained within. When Sadie's and Otis's paths cross, the unexpected happens! I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I believe Sadie and I would have been good friends. The meddling servants, the friend who serves as Sadie's postman and Sadie's sisters all added some fun dynamics to the character interactions as well. And of course the dog was among my favorite of the characters. This story had a beauty and the beast vibe, which added a bit more fun to it as well. And it also had roller skating, which is a hobby not often seen in books, which added another element of fun too.

This story was primarily a story of character growth and development. But for this plot-loving reader, there was enough of a plot-line to keep me turning pages. There was a mystery surrounding Elisabeth, some tension in the romance plot, and some question regarding Sadie's father's health, as well as the plot surrounding preparation for the masquerade. I enjoyed the letter-writing element and the orphan aspect in the story as well, which are themes this author does very well. I also enjoyed the banter between Sadie and Otis and the family dynamics of Sadie's family. This is marketed as Christian fiction, but was what I would consider "Christian-light" as the faith thread was pretty subtle, but it was present. All in all, this was an enjoyable historical novel and one I can easily recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[LA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow.
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast was fabulous. Perhaps one of my favourite stories of 2024 so far! Rachel Fordham brought the classic tale to life in 1903 Iowa, through Sadie West and Otis Taylor’s tale.
Sadie is working hard to help her family keep their farm after an accident renders her father unable to walk. But her life is difficult and what little money she has, she sends home, sacrificing her own comforts. She finds shelter in an abandoned factory, with only a curious dog for a friend.
Otis Taylor reluctantly returns home after he learns of his inheritance, but is chased by the past as he steps foot back in his childhood home. Scarred from treatments for an ailment as a child, he avoids stepping out in public and covers his face from prying eyes.
Emotions run deep in this story, tugging at the reader’s heartstrings with every turn of the page. Self-sacrifices, grand gestures, and heartwarming moments pepper the pages of this turn-of-the-century story.
Readers will fall in love with Otis Taylor – seeing past his physical scars – as he learns to trust and love someone who cares deeply for him in return.
The faith aspect of the story sticks to brief mentions of faith, but still, hope is woven through the text.
Yeah. This was a fantastic read. One I’ll read again.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.