Ivy Introspective

The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy

By: Kellyn Roth

Narrated by: Alexandra Ralph

In a world that doesn't understand her, how can she grow?

Ivy Knight lives her life in a blur of confusion as the world passes her by in a tumultuous melody. She isn’t the perfect daughter or student, but as long as she can be with her family, she doesn’t mind watching rather than living.

Mrs. Chattoway treasures both of her granddaughters now that they’re reunited. When Ivy’s parents enroll her in a Scottish school for unique children, she’s happy to chaperone.

In a new place with a new guardian, Ivy discovers a special talent that helps her see the blurred world in a new way. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and Ivy becomes determined to find it - and help others do the same.

Ivy Introspective is the second novel in a Christian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy.

©2017, 2020 Kellyn Roth (P)2020 Wild Blue Wonder Press

I love it!

I love this series! Book one is the POV of Alice and her mother, and book two is the POV of Ivy and her grandmother.
I love watching Ivy grow into her own person as she learns to express herself through music and learns to trust people.
The subject and stigma of mental health are such tough topics. Yet author Kellyn Roth does a graceful job at penning Ivy's thoughts emotions as she helps Violet, another girl at the house for kids who is more troubled than Ivy.
Although its part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
The narrator was brilliant! I loved how she navigated both the British and Scottish accents bringing the colorful characters to life. It was hard to stop listening!

Ivy's story

Kellyn Roth has done it again. I thought I couldn't love a book more than The Dressmaker's Secret. And then comes this gem.
I love this story so much. Ivy shines brightly in this book as she gets her chance to show that she's not "broken" or "simple".
She's so full of love, and her sweet innocence endears her to others- even the hardened Violet.
I look forward to more books by Ms. Roth.

I love this narrator!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So easy to delve into!

I’m loving this series! This second book focuses on Alice’s sister, Ivy, who I barely got a glimpse of in the first book (The Dressmaker’s Secret.) This makes me happy, for I knew something was ‘different’ about her but wasn’t truly disclosed until now.

Ivy Introspective is so easy to delve into. I enjoyed Ivy’s perspective and sinking into her world. I got a good feel for her once she began opening up. I also appreciate how mental illness was portrayed at McCale House—especially during the time period. (We’ve come a long way, baby.)

There were many surprises in this story, wonderful characters, and elements of faith are so well crafted. One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I adored Jordy. What a great character! I wish Nettie (who I grew to love in book 1) was a bigger part of this story, but I’m hoping she takes a larger role later in the series. There’s so much more I want to know about her…

I’m happy I’m reading each of these books in order, and one after the other (although they work wonderfully as standalones) because I don’t have to experience a lull between books and can keep these characters close for much longer.

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

Enjoy this truly inspiring Historical Fiction book

ivy was withdrawn and meek, unlike her twin who was active, ou-spoken, and mischievous. Alice, Ivy's twin had been attending a finishing school. Ivy clung closely to her mother and was uncomfortable around most people. After the re-marriage of her mother and biological father - still a stranger - it was decided her uncle and newly acquainted maternal grandmother, would send Ivy to live at a special school for those children deemed to be "troubled". It was highly recommended with a new program to aid these "special" children to be able to function as normally as possible in society. Sir. Knight - Ivy's father - felt certain she would surprise them all once she discovered her own talents and abilities.
The school manor was quite lovely, as was the surrounding county. At first, Ivy felt belligerent and frightened, However, the Scottish owners soon put her at ease... That is until the screams were heard.
Ivy struggled at first with her insecurities and fears, and of course, there was the dreadful frightening girl who was kept hidden most of the time, whose screams at night were terrible. Ivy was certain those screams were from a frightened girl, who knew not God.
Soon, Ivy discovered a new secret about the "hidden girl", one which would cause change in her life forever.
This is a mesmerizing tale of a couple who worked together to aid children. The man was a doctor who worked with mental issues.
Since those who were suspected of having any type of mental issue were ostracized and put in institutions in this time period, it is enlightening to discover a place that could have existed to aid in healing - or at least enabling - individuals so they could lead a productive life.
The author's notes at the end indicate this was a very difficult novel to write. She need not fear; This was a wonderful, outstandingly written novel.
Kellyn Roth's novels are remarkable. This very talented author does a massive amount of research before triumphantly penning her next work of art. Her works have all been praiseworthy while promoting Christianity.
Her characters are captivating and her background scenes pull the reader/listener into the story.
The Narrator, Alexandra Ralph, is also very talented in her own right. She narrates with consistency, intensity, and emotion that truly brings the story to life.
This novel was a "page-turning", poignant and inspiring tale.

Lovely story, great narrator!

Sweet story! I loved the characters. Definitely not my usual genre, so I'm not the target audience. But I still enjoyed it! And people who enjoy slower-paced, character-driven historical sagas with lots of deep parts and cultural details should love it.

Looking forward to seeing where all this series leads!

*Thank you to the author for a free audiobook copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All thoughts are my own.*

historically respectful

i enjoyed the main character's development. the story created awareness of mental health differences and the way they have been viewed during a specific historical period and in a specific region. it inspired relaxation and contemplation.