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Welcome! I've been a fan of this author since before I started blogging, so over ten years. Her characters and the places they live always come alive and I'm always said to leave at the end. This story is no different. You'll find my review below...
The Sisters of Sea View
(On Devonshire Shores #1)
By Julie Klassen
Historical Romance, Inspirational, Regency
Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 448 Pages
December 6, 2022 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .
When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.
Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.
Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.
Advance Praise
“Jane Austen fans will delight in this nimble series launch…Klassen excels at weaving her various story lines, each emphasizing the colorful qualities of her characters and allowing them the space to shine. Readers will be eager for the next installment.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
Praise for the Novels of Julie Klassen
“Julie Klassen delights with a winsome love story…” —Publisher’s Weekly, on A Castaway in Cornwall
“…a wonderfully engaging novel full of intriguing characters and storylines. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for more in the series.” —Laura Gerold, Laura’s Reviews, on The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
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My Review
THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW is a story about a mother and her four daughters who are trying to make ends meet after the loss of their father and a change of circumstances. Set in a seaside town lends a small-town feel as well as the relaxation of being near the ocean. The family with the four sisters immediately draws the reader into their comradery while providing quite distinct voices and perspectives to readers. A touch of romance and plenty of heart top this story off perfectly. A true delight to read!
I literally felt like I was visiting with an old friend as I dove into this story. The author always does such a marvelous job of bringing characters and settings to life and this was definitely the case here. I could easily relate to these woman as they try to navigate their new life with all its heartbreaks, challenges and joys. I didn't have any issues telling between the sisters once I'd experienced each of their point a views, especially as their voices and personalities were all distinct. I loved the romance woven throughout, even with its touch of heartbreak, and the touch of an inspirational message. I also loved seeing some of these woman come into their own. Not everything ended up all prettily tied up at the end, but I loved that as well. Much more true to real life and there is the hope for more stories about this family in the future where some resolution might occur, and it made for a wonderful heartwarming read that I didn't want to leave.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a thoroughly enjoyable read! I loved getting to know this family and the town they were trying to make their new home. I was sad to leave and am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Intro to the Book
About the Author
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Check out an interview with the author HERE!
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