Beyond Ivy Walls ~ Review

Beyond Ivy Walls
By Rachel Fordham

Sadie West has come to Monticello to find work. Her father was injured and the family is doing all they can to save the farm. But it isn't enough and Sadie is sending home whatever she can. Working in the Hoag feather duster factory isn't hard but it is messy work. When she seeks shelter in an abandoned factory she never expected it to change her life for the better.

Otis Taylor is the last living Taylor and this alone brings him back to Monticello. Sent away years ago by his father, the place holds painful memories. While the residents anticipate Otis's return, he hides away in the family home. Secrets and lies have left him scarred. He knows what people see when they look at him and he wants to avoid the pain of their rejection. 

When Sadie and Otis's paths cross it is a chance for both of them to see beyond what life has given them. Can Sadie help Otis see beyond the scars that have shaped him? Or will he cling to the pain and rejection he has known for so long?

Beyond Ivy Walls is an excellent read. This is one of those books one does not want to put down. The contrasting attitudes of both Sadie and Otis with their situations is understandable. Sadie's trying to put a happy feel on what she was experiencing. While Otis has locked himself away from everyone out of fear of further rejection. This story does have elements that make one think of Beauty and the Beast. This book is rich with moments of truth and discovery. And most important through out is family and how they shape us into who we become. I loved the moments with Sadie's family though short they added incredible value to everything especially their love and acceptance, their willingness to sacrifice for what they deemed of value. What lies in the heart is so much more than what is on the surface. I highly recommend this book and feel it would be an excellent book for a book club title. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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.

AUTHOR BIO

Rachel Fordham is the author of 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.