Customer Reviews

English Ivy: English Ivy Series #1 (HeartQuest)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'English Ivy' by Catherine Palmer was a delightful book that had just the right amount of twist and turns to keep me turning the pages. Ivy is young and is forced to do her relatives bidding. Colin Richmond was a great mysterious leading male character. He and Ivy are able to work through everything in time with God's help. I look forward to the sequel later this year.

This story tells of the journey of finding God's will. It is an acurate description of the roller coaster ride on the way to what we seek. This is a heart wrenching, yet beautiful, love story of man and woman, as well as "man" and God. In seeking love, "man" feels the frustration and rewards of seeking God. Obviously, God wants us to seek His will and wants us to know it... in His timimg. The question also arises, "Does His will change along the way?" In the Old Testament, Abraham is called to sacrifice his son. Like the Old Testament story, perhaps the ending is based on our hearts toward God. The author shows her versatility by choosing words that reflect the time and setting, yet still presents ease of understanding. A great read!

This book was a beautiful concoction of words. The characters were well rounded and powerful. Catherine Palmer really made me fall in love with the book. The love was pure and innocent, unlike many other romance novels. The religous value added a wholesome nature to it. I highly recommend this book to any one looking for a real innocent romance novel. Wonderful!

More of Ms. Palmer's wonderful characterization and a charming supporting cast as well. Ivy's sisters and their reaction to her new place in the family are charming as is the dark, pirate of a hero who wants to please God, but skip the pleasantries. Like LOVE'S PROOF, this title showcases Ms. Palmer's flair for the period and her knack for writing about wonderful women across the ages.

English Ivy uplifts the heart and soul and is simply a good, old fashioned romance with almost a melodramatic quality. English Ivy is another lighthearted, romantic book written in an English romance style by one of my favorite authors and my friend, Catherine Palmer. This book had its beginnings in researching and discussing conservatories back in 1999, and it took root from there and was under contract far before the author thought of writing The Happy Room or any of her more serious efforts that were released before this. It was never meant to be "great literature" but simply a good story, well written.

"English Ivy" is a historical romance set in 1815 England. The romance was a "sweet" romance, and the story mainly focused on the romance. Historical details were woven into the story, but there weren't a great deal of them--mostly setting, but some speech, manners, and clothing. The characters were engaging, and the main characters were earnest and wanted to do what was right.

It was obvious how the story would end, but Ivy was so innocent and willing to sacrifice for the good of others that I wasn't sure how we'd get to that ending. The suspense was created by seeing how the legalities of the marriage tangle would turn out.

The main characters were Christians who wanted to do God's will and so struggled with figuring out what God's will was. I agreed with the conclusion they came to. The characters searched the Bible for answers, and some Bible verses were quoted during their study.

There was a very minor amount of British mild bad language. There was no sex (though past unmarried sex was implied for several of the men). Overall, I would recommend this novel as enjoyable, clean reading.

This was an enjoyable book to read-- characters were fun and varied. The plot was interesting and unique. I won't go into details as other reviewers seem to have all the bases covered. I just wanted to point out to those who like to read a series in order (such as myself) that this is NOT the first book in the series. Read "Wild Heather" first... the back of the book has a sneak peek at her next book, "English Ivy." It does not spoil anything reading English Ivy first, but in Wild Heather, Ivy Bowden is cleary single and if you're like me, that will annoy you!!

This book had such great potential for an interesting and compelling story, but the details that heighten the conflict seem to all disintegrate in the last 5 pages, they weren't resolved. We read of a woman stuck in a tough situation, wanting to make wise decisions for all involved. She loves one man, but must marry another to secure financial stability for her family and her entire village. But then, as the man (or men)whom she is supposed to marry to ensure this happens continue in the bad behavior they've had from the moment we meet them, she decides to not marry any of them... Until the last page where her true love prevails. But what about the money? If she could have had it available to her all along no matter who she married why the concession to marry some one(s) unsuitable? Such a potentially interesting story, but I was disappointed. Before I buy another of her books I will read the last page. If, like the last two of her books I've picked up, it contains the marriage proposal I will pass it up. It has me concerned that this author is a little too formulaic. I've not given up on her entirely, like I said this book had potential! Maybe another one will be better.

100% regency 100% love 100% christian and 100% wonderful&tender!every one in this series has a beautiful,suspenseful plot and they are all unbelieavably romantic and sweet. it holds valuable lessons on how to find God's will when you are confused. the hero belongs to an almost axtinct race,he calls the girl "dear lady" and rides through the rain to rescue her. it is love as it should be, a husband's love and most of all, Jesus' love."

This was such a delightful book! Ivy has such a difficult time finding God's will for her life and it takes a small child, her sister Clemma to give her the answer she seeks. It is such a good, inspirational book.