Introduction

First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen!

The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

1. One character relates village life to “an ivy vine climbing a great oak. You cut off the vine at the root and all the way up the tree, the leaves wither. We’re all connected.” How does the book illustrate this truth in Ivy Hill?

2. What historical details most intrigued you about the book (i.e. the Royal Mail, coaching inns, inheritance laws)?

3. Which character reminds you the most of yourself or someone you know? Why? Which character would you love to spend time with?

4. Describe a moment in the book that sticks in your memory. What made that part stand out to you?

5. Several characters in the story struggle to accept help from others. Describe a time in your own life when you were humbled by your circumstances and had to rely on others. What did you learn?

6. Unexpected gestures of kindness encourage healing and trust between characters throughout the story. When was a time that someone who had hurt you in the past surprised you with their thoughtfulness? Did it help restore your faith in that person?

7. All three main characters face disillusionment and loss at the beginning of the book. How does each woman handle her grief? How does the way they cope with hardship reveal who they are?

8. Despite the prejudice against women in business at this time in history, many strong female characters run businesses in Ivy Hill. How have specific women in your own life inspired you?

9. Compare the first sentence and the last sentence of the book. Explain how these lines capture Jane’s journey as a character.

10. What are you looking forward to in Book 2 of the TALES FROM IVY HILL series? Do you have any predictions to offer?

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