Award-winning historical romance author Julie Klassen offers readers the much-anticipated conclusion to her English village series with The Bride of Ivy Green (Bethany House). Set in the Regency era, much has happened in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months. But while several villagers have found new love and purpose, questions remain—and a few dearly held dreams have yet to be fulfilled. In this Q&A, Julie shares about the research behind the new novel, how readers can enter the world of the series, and why—after so many standalone novels—Julie decided to write a series…
What can you tell us about your new book, The Bride of Ivy Green?
This is book three in Tales from Ivy Hill, the conclusion to the series. In the novel, the three main characters face new challenges and romantic possibilities. Also, a secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, but the women soon suspect she isn’t who she claims to be. Surprises lie in store—and wedding bells, too.
Did you have to do any new research to write this book?
Quite a lot, actually. I had to research dressmaking, British-Indian relations during the early nineteenth century, fairs and menageries, and Regency wedding traditions. Thankfully, I enjoy research.
How can readers learn more about all three books in the series?
Readers can learn more by “visiting” the village of Ivy Hill through a special website devoted to the series (TalesFromIvyHill.com). The site includes a colorful village map, character list, photos, excerpts, author videos, and more.
Tales From Ivy Hill is your first series. After so many stand-alone novels, why a series?
Two reasons. First, I often receive emails from readers asking for sequels, or saying they don’t want a book to end. Sometimes I don’t either! After setting up an entire village and populating it with a cast of characters, it’s hard to say good-bye after one book.
Second, many readers (myself included) love village series set in England whether in books or television. Series like Larkrise to Candleford, Cranford, and Thrush Green draw us in with their close-knit communities filled with endearing characters. Or maybe it’s just the British accents! Whatever the reason, I hope readers will enjoy my first series as well.
Is it difficult to say good-bye to these characters? Would you ever write more about them?
Yes and yes! In fact, I have agreed to write a Christmas novella set in Ivy Hill, so readers and I don’t have to say good-bye to them quite yet. (Tentative release: Fall 2020.)
Visit Julie Klassen’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/julie-klassen
The Bride of Ivy Green
Tales from Ivy Hill #3
Julie Klassen
Bethany House
Discover more about Julie Klassen’s books here:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/julie-klassen/books