Rating: 5/5
Early 1900s. When an accident leaves Sadie West's family in dire financial need, she nervously leaves the land she loves to work in the Hoag duster factory. But sending all her money home means that she has nowhere to board, and she's forced to take up residence in an abandoned building--a choice that throws her in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.
Recently returned from exile, and determined to keep his arrival a secret, Otis Taylor makes the impulsive decision to hire the woman he finds hiding on his family's property with the strict instructions she tell no one he has returned. The dark halls of his boyhood flood him with memories he's long tried to forget. The only bright light is the woman he has hired. Can the optimistic Sadie teach the wounded Otis to trust again? To love? Can the pair unravel the family secrets that have long cast a shadow over the mansion and those who reside within?
I received a free copy of Beyond Ivy Walls through Austenprose PR for a book tour. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Seeing Beauty and the Beast in the description of this book was all I needed to pick this title up! I’m a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings. I’ve read one other historical romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This one was widely different, but no less beautifully written. It was so heartwarming and tender. While this may not be magical, the romance definitely feels that way between our main characters, Sadie and Otis.
It was definitely an interesting reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, there were subtle details that gave off the fairytale vibes throughout the storyline. Our beast and his appearance gave me vibes of the beast we meet in the retelling, Beastly, a retelling created by Alex Flinn, but its his appearance in the movie and the relationship he had with his father that I’m referring to.
But I devoured this read. I was entranced right from the start. It flowed so well, I simply did not want to put it down. I read this before going to bed, and found myself staying up so late, continuing to say “just one more chapter.” I adored Sadie, her love for her family was so humbling. She also had such cute humor! The way she would banter with Otis was simply adorable. And speaking of Otis, my heart ached for him and the way his father exiled him.
If you enjoy historical romances and Beauty and the Beast this is definitely one to check out!
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