Description
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT “IVY IN AMERICA”
“Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, Ivy in America is a deeply immersive journey into early 18th-century colonial Maryland, where survival, family, faith, and resilience intertwine with remarkable authenticity. Readers who enjoy richly textured historical fiction with strong female characters and emotional resonance will find this novel captivating. A beautifully crafted and emotionally rewarding work that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended.” – The International Review of Books.
“Ivy in America strikes the perfect balance between fact and fiction. Helentjaris not only gives history buffs an immersion into the lives of 18th century colonists, but she also provides fiction lovers with a sweetly compelling plot and well-delineated characters about whom one cares enough to keep the pages turning.’ – Midwest Review of Books
“The book provides a realistic look at what concerned people who lived in early 18th century rural Maryland—birth, marriage, death, survival, love, family—while also featuring Catholicism, specifically the dangers of the devout attempting to practice their faith in a colony that, though founded by Catholics, has since banned it. And as a lover of all things historical, I especially appreciated the author’s detailed and entertaining descriptions of everyday colonial life.” – Kathryn J. Atwood, Midwest Review of Books
Linda Sittig –
Loved hearing more about Ivy and her story. Helentjaris masterfully brings the reader back into 18th-century Maryland with a strong female protagonist who fights to survive the injustices and dangers inherent in colonial America.
Pam Mathison-Levitt –
The irrepressible Ivy O’Neill, now Mistress Ivy Stokely, continues her adventures in Diane Helentjaris’ delightful new historical fiction, Ivy in America. Despite the many challenges faced by women in early 18th century Maryland, the spirited Ivy navigates each trial, relying on her tenacity, intuition, and faith to survive in her new homeland.
Readers will empathize with and root for Ivy as she courageously adapts to each circumstance and unknown. I devoured each chapter on a rainy afternoon, and cannot wait for the next chapter in Ivy’s story! -Pam Mathison-Levitt, poet