[A Seaside Homecoming]: A Review

Hi y’all!

If you’re back in school (or your kids are!), I hope the transition is going smoothly. I feel like we are so close to getting into a good routine. Everyday is so busy but I’m hopeful that we will settle into a rhythm in the coming weeks!

I am thrilled to share my review of A Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen, book 3 in her On Devonshire Shores series. I read it earlier this year and absolutely loved it! The Summers sisters are a delight to revisit and I loved this story of redemption, forgiveness, and hope.

Book Summary: “A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light. . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he’s hiding and if he’s any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.”

Getting to know Claire was a privilege and such a beautiful journey. She made a serious mistake two years ago and has been atoning for that mistake ever since. But when Aunt Mercer dies, she must decide how she will move forward. I loved that she goes to Sea View and wants to reunite with her family. Claire is hard working, patient and learning to forgive herself. Seeing her connect with William and little Mira was such a joy. I loved seeing her reconnect with her family as well. And she gains confidence and sees herself in a way worthy of love and belonging. That is perhaps the most beautiful part of the story. Seeing her gain wisdom, heal relationships and forgive herself was truly beautiful.

The Summers family continues to be one of my favorites. They feel authentic and easy to connect with. Their relationships aren’t perfect. They have hurt each other, disappointed each other, and don’t understand each other. But they are also fiercely loyal, serve each other and are willing to forgive each other. I loved seeing the sisters show their love for Claire even after everything that happens. And seeing their mother wrestle with how to reconcile with Claire was poignant and beautiful. Their reunions are not without difficulties and hard conversations. But seeing them overcome the past and embrace a future together was so beautiful.

I can’t wait to share my review of the final installment in the series, A Seaview Christmas, (ARC review coming next week!) and see how Sarah finds her happily ever after. This has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance series. Beautiful characters, engaging history, and lovely love stories.