Go back in time with me, if you will, way back to October of 2018, when I posted this review for a new book that I fell absolutely in love with. Fast forward a couple of years to where the author announced that she was re-releasing an updated version of the series, and I got excited. Now, I haven't read every one of the re-released versions (I will, I just haven't yet), but I'll admit this was the one I was looking forward to the most. And I'm happy to report, I wasn't disappointed.
If you're looking for a book with friends-to-more romance, Scottish accents, and fantastic faith content, look no further. (There may be spoilers ahead, since this is the fourth book in the series, but I highly recommend all the books!)
Beyond Her Calling
Genre: Historical fiction
Content: Mentions of past sins, not detailed
Main Characters: Ivy Knight, Jordy McAllen
Synopsis:
Ivy Knight feels that her life may never start. Though her loving family assures her that her place in the world is close to home, she still feels a push to move out of her comfort zone. Hoping against hope, she travels to her old friends at McCale House, seeking a purpose.
Jordy McAllen has just returned to Scotland after his education in London. He fears that what everyone has always said about him may be true: he can't be a good doctor, let alone a good man. Determined to prove himself, Jordy snatches up the opportunity to become the doctor in the village of Keefmore near his parents' farm.
When an old friend decides to travel to Keefmore and visit a relative, Ivy follows. She soon finds herself drawn to Jordy, but as their attraction grows, they both face doubts. A relationship between the two of them feels improbable - and might just require a step of impossible faith.
What I Thought:
You know, it's kind of comforting to know that even though the world has changed a lot since 2018, my love for this book has not. I still relate so much to Ivy, I still want to visit Keefmore, I'm still a little in love with Jordy McAllen. (okay not even just a little, I'm fully in love with Jordy hahaha) Friends-to-lovers continues to be my favorite romance trope.
There's a lot to love about this story. The characters are wonderfully written and their stories are deeply moving, especially since the last time we saw some of them was in Ivy Introspective. They're growing up, and it's lovely to see them thrive. It feels like revisiting old friends, and it just brought me a lot of joy. As much as I love Alice, Ivy has always been the sister I relate to more, as an introvert who's slowly finding her own calling. Jordy, as previously established, has my heart. Violet drove me crazy the first time I read this, and to be honest, she still annoyed me at times, but I understand her character more now than I did then.
The faith content and messages were top notch. There are relatable struggles with contentment and calling from all the characters as they try to find their place in the world. The pasts are heavier in this updated version, haunting the characters a little more, and putting them into positions of overcoming and trusting in God's grace.
Overall, it was just delightful to be back in the world of these characters. I've long counted this series as one of my favorites, and I'm always glad to reaffirm that status.
Overall Rating: 5 adorable kittens out of 5
She always would be Ivy, after all, and what could she do
against all the cries of pain in all the countries in all the world?
Nothing. Still, there could be one small thing - one baby to
cuddle, one Agnes to love, one Aunt Daphne to humor,
one Violet to speak truth to.
About the Author:
Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women's fiction author who writes about the empty places where hope has the most room to grow. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century.
Kellyn is a student of the Author Conservatory and a writing coach. When not building her author career, she is likely getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, watching period dramas and facetious comedies, or spending time with her husband.
And there you have it! Have you read any of Kellyn's books? What's your favorite romance trope? Let me know all the things in the comments!
~ Abby
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