Ivy Introspective

The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy

De: Kellyn Roth

Narrado por: 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!

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.

It might make you cry but it’s a good cry

Oh this book definitely tugs at your heartstrings! This is a great historical fiction with disability representation. The author even notes that she isn’t sure a home like this was available in this time period but I agree with her in saying hope that there was. Mental health & developmental delays are strongly featured in this book and being a mom of special needs children I definitely cried because I could see the signs and the hurt. Kellyn did an amazing job writing this book. It is definitely an emotional ride but a good one. If there is anything you learn from this book it’s patience. Because you never know who might be struggling. Beautiful book and I definitely recommend to all and even parents of special needs children because the thoughts that Ivy has can give you some insight into their thought process. Alexandra who narrates this book did such a good job with all the inflections that are needed for the characters. It really helped bring to life the characters and their struggles. I wanted to just hop in the book and help them out.

great story

Ivy Introspective is the second book in The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy series by Kellyn Roth, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. This is Ivy’s story, so getting to see into Ivy’s head was fun. In a time in history when mental health was more of a hidden thing, this was an interesting read. It did take me a moment to understand what was going on. I really felt for Ivy. I am excited to see how she grows in the rest of the series.

There was something about Claire that I had a hard time with in this novel. I can understand how it would be hard as a mother to take care of each child’s needs. Though I could see how Ivy felt like she wasn’t as important as Alice. Definitely a great reminder to take a look at my own mothering and make sure I am pouring into each child. There was a lot of dynamics to the characters and a great outlook on how things can look and seem within mental health, and that each person has their own journey. Violet was a fun character to watch unfold throughout the story, and see the friendship between her and Ivy.  

I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version of this book, read by Alexandra Ralph. She did a great job bringing this story to life.

Kellyn Roth does a great job of intertwining faith throughout. I loved how it portrays how Ivy has learned to trust in God and share her faith. I loved all the scripture that was included throughout.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author.  A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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.