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QUICK FACTS
- Title: The Sisters of Sea View
- Series: On Devonshire Shores (Book 1)
- Author: Julie Klassen
- Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 6, 2022)
- Length: (448) pages
- Format: hardcover, trade paperback, & eBook
- ISBN: 978-0764234262
- Tour Dates: November 28 – December 12, 2022
BOOK DESCRIPTION
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.
VIDEO INTRODUCTION TO THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW BY JULIE KLASSEN
MY THOUGHTS
The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen started off
slow and unhurried, not hard to put down when necessary. Later, I realized that
the relaxed pace allowed the author to spend substantial page time building the
three main characters (Sarah, Emily, and Viola) and their world. Taking the
time to dig into each woman’s mind and secrets created a solid foundation for
this story and the subsequent novels in the series. Viola ranked as my favorite
sister, and I was very pleased with the way her storyline unfolded.
In The Sisters of Sea View, several characters have scars, emotional or physical. A strong theme that felt spiritual, but not preachy, emerged as the author used different characters to show how people respond to injuries and scars. Will the person choose bitterness or contentment? Will the scars cause a person to withdraw, or will the person be unhindered? This theme undergirded the character development of multiple characters and added depth to the story.
The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen commences the On Devonshire Shores series. While I would not consider the ending a cliffhanger, certain relationships and circumstances are open-ended. Christian fiction readers who enjoy historical fiction with bonds of sisterhood and a relaxed pace will likely enjoy The Sisters of Sea View. As Julie Klassen wrote in the author’s note, the story also offers “fond nods of honor to the great Jane Austen.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JULIE KLASSEN
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW
“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
“I couldn’t put it down! It you are a historical fiction fan you need this one on your radar! It was a spooky delight full of heart. ”—Anne Mendez, The Lit Bitch, on Shadows of Swanford Abbey
“…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
PURCHASE LINKS
AUTHOR BIO
Nice review, Jolene. I've read this one as well, and really enjoyed it.
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