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about the book
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.
publisher: thomas nelson
release date: august 13, 2024
review
a charming new story from rachel fordham! beyond ivy walls is for readers who love historical fiction mixed with beauty and the beast, and it will not disappoint.
leaving the family farm, sadie west found a job at the feather-duster factory in monticello, iowa, and every cent she earns needs to go back home. she sleeps in an abandoned factory to save money inconspicuously—but of course, this puts her in the path of recently-returned-to-town recluse otis taylor. a surprise to both sadie and otis, they strike up a friendship...
as their unlikely friendship (and perhaps even more) grows, they deal with family dilemmas and personal hardships, and sprinkled throughout their interactions is lovely humor and encouragement. their story is one of facing fears and uplifting one another; it is sweet and heartfelt, even amidst the challenges the characters face.
beyond ivy walls is a delight to read. i loved the time i spent in its pages, and i'm sure that other readers will, too.
i received a complimentary copy from the publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.
considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: mentions of God
—content: mentions of parental abandonment, a child born out of wedlock, chronic incurable condition
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: mentions of God
—content: mentions of parental abandonment, a child born out of wedlock, chronic incurable condition
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.
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.
tour schedule
lovely review, Hallie! thanks for being on the tour :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an amazing story, a very unique Beauty and the Beast retelling.
ReplyDelete