***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
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.
The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen is the first book in her new Devonshire Shores series. This character-driven historical novel captivated me with its beautiful writing and sweeping drama.
Story Recap:
After their father dies and leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her sisters need to find a way to support each other and their ailing mother. Sarah suggests they open their seaside home to guests, and sisters Emily and Georgiana agree to open their home. However, Viola doesn’t like the idea of opening up their home. Instead of helping with the guesthouse, Viola takes the position of reading to an invalid, Major Hutton
The story follows the sisters as they navigate the issues of running a guest house and their interactions with the varied guest who come to stay.
My Thoughts:
I loved this story of sisters and their struggles and triumphs in running their guesthouse. This first book focuses on the story of Viola, who has a horrible facial scar, that she hides by wearing a veil. Her trauma of growing up disfigured and how she finds love is wonderful. I loved this heartwarming romance so much.
I like that the sisters were very realistically portrayed. They had their ups and downs and didn’t always get along, but their love for each other shined throughout the book. As well as their love for their mother.
The various guests who show up are also very entertaining. They keep these sisters on their toes! I can’t wait for the future books and learn about the romances of the rest of the sisters.
Recommendation: I highly recommend The Sisters of Sea View to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Julie Klassen
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.
[…] Book Tour and Book Review: The Sisters of Sea View by Julie KlassenTuesday: Top Ten Tuesday! Tuesday: Book Review: Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie […]
Lovely review Wendy. I like the sound of this series. It will be enjoyable following the sisters closely in turn while also getting to see what the others are up to in as the story moves on.
[…] Book Tour and Book Review: The Sisters of Sea View by Julie KlassenTuesday: Top Ten Tuesday! Tuesday: Book Review: Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie […]
I sure would love this one. Amazing review!
I don’t read much historical fiction anymore but this one does sound lovely, great review 😊
This sounds really good! Nice review,Wendy!
Thank you, Linda
Lovely review Wendy. I like the sound of this series. It will be enjoyable following the sisters closely in turn while also getting to see what the others are up to in as the story moves on.
Thank you, Mallika
Haven’t read Sisters of Sea View yet, but will keep it in mind since I enjoy historical fictional once in a while 🙂
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
This sounds wonderful from the setting to the sisters. Lovely review Wendy!
Thank you, Kimberly
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Wendy. I am always excited to start a new series by a cherished author. This story is a great start.
I agree, I’m really looking forward to the rest of this series.
I look forward to reading this one. Great review, Wendy!
Thank you,, Cindy. I think you’ll enjoy it!
I love when characters feel realistic, especially sisters! Glad you enjoyed this one.
Thank you, Joanna.
Great review, Wendy! I also enjoyed Viola’s storyline!
Thank you, Jolene! I hope the other stories are just as good!
What a wonderful story! Awesome review Wendy!📚🤗💜
Thank you, Susan!
Sounds like the start to an interesting series.
It does! Thanks, Cathy!
A wonderful review of this book Wendy! I hope that you enjoy the rest of the books in the series.
Thank you, Jodie!
Poor Viola! I already feel so much empathy for her. Excellent review, Wendy!
Thank you, Tessa. She’s had a tough life for sure.
I love stories set on the coast and this sounds lovely.
Thank you, Janette! It is lovely
A lovely setting.
Thank you, Rosie!
A gentle, heartwarming, and lovely story! I’ll be watching for the next installment!
Me Too! I think this is going to be a good series.