Seaside Homecoming is book 3 in the On Devonshire Shores series. I haven’t read books 1 or 2, but they can be read as stand alones and I didn’t feel like I missed anything going into just book 3!
This is a very good read focused on the strength of women and I admired it in this particular setting. As for the romance, the burn was an enjoyable slow burn as Claire and William form a friendship-to-more-relationship. This is a nice read if you enjoy historical romance in a beautiful setting told through a nice writing style.

This series follows five sisters who live and manage a boarding house in the seaside town of Sidmouth. So far we have read the romance stories of two of them, and now we get to read about the long lost sister returning home at last.

After the death of her aunt, Claire Summers travels from Scotland to the town where her mother and sisters live. It's there she takes a partnership with a man and his daughter in running his own boarding house. It's the story of homecoming, falling in love, and second chances.

This romance was sweet and beautiful. Full of innocent looks and adorable banter. I loved the different cultures in this story- travel, racial differences, and country representation. There is a little mystery as well!

This series is perfect for regency beach reads. All the small town and found family vibes. I definitely recommend if you like Christian romance and comfort reads!

Brief thoughts- though the romance was good, I struggled with the mom and Sarah in this one. The extent of the rejection was too much for me. Otherwise a sweet read!

Thank you to the author and publisher for my gifted copy.

From the beginning of this series, I have been curious and hoped to encounter the missing eldest sister. As the series progressed, this desire grew so when I saw Clare was entering the series story, I was full of great anticipation. Julie Klassen not only knows how to write a solid, engaging story, but an equally fabulous series story. The story of the Summers family drew me in from the beginning and I’ve loved seeing each wounded member find healing and love even as the family as a whole has grown and strengthened.

The Seaside Homecoming is the third in a closely-connected series of books telling one family’s story with their individual parts. It doesn’t make a good standalone, but I suppose one could jump in here in a pinch.

Claire Summers is the Summers sister no one is allowed to mention and she certainly isn’t welcome to return home. Of everyone, Claire knows and accepts this. She made a tremendous mistake when she eloped with Lord Bertram who left her high and dry on the road to Gretna Green when he learned his mistake about her dowry. Her father disowned her and banned her mother from every accepting her back, but fortunately an old, severe Scottish great-aunt accepted her as companion.

But now, her great-aunt is dead and Claire must find something. An advertisement for a boarding house business partner and manager draws her just where her heart has yearned to go- Sidmouth, where her mother and sisters live. Hope and fear and guilt are her invisible companions on the journey.

Claire’s new life in Sidmouth introduces her to her mysterious world-traveled partner, his half-Indian daughter and her severe Indian governess, and the tension of finally encountering her family after the way she disappointed them.

I found the whole build of tension, all the inner and outer conflicts, little mysteries, friendships, slow-burn romance, and personal growth to be a fabulous combination. The return of Claire to her family and meeting Claire herself was all that I hoped it would be. She is contrite and changed from the girl who willfully fell for a charmer and she is a quietly strong woman needing forgiveness, acceptance, and warmth of family and friends.

All was so good in this one that I was finished before I knew it. The Seaside Homecoming left me brimming with all the good emotions and needing the next story. Those who like gentle inspirational tales with a stellar historical backdrop, and tender relationships including slow-burn romance should definitely give this series a go.

Another wonderful chapter in the Summers sisters story.

I enjoyed Claire's redemptive tale. I sympathised with her as she chose to accept her fate and "took it on the chin" despite her remorse. It does suck when you're judged for a single past mistake instead of the many MANY years of faithful service and affection to your family. Another reason I'm thankful I live in the time I do.

I enjoyed getting to know Mr Hammond and Mira, seeing how Claire worked hard in her vocation and her efforts to repair the family rift. Despite the differences and difficulties, I appreciated how the three gravitated toward each other. 😍

And, of course, I loved reconnecting with Sarah, Emily, Viola and Georgiana. Mrs Summers shared the pages marginally more than the previous books, so it was great seeing her journey... even if I didn't agree with how she dealt with "The Claire Situation".

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

Another lovely book from the incomparable Julie Klassen. Each December a new book of hers is published, and it feels like a Christmas present to me. In "The Seaside Homecoming," we have more of her trademark wit and wonderful romance that she is so well known for (a contemporary Jane Austen if you will), and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to get my Happily Ever After. I loved this newest edition, and can't wait for what she comes up with next! Thank so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this treat! Ten Stars!!!

Every time I read one of the books in this series, I am instantly pulled back into the amazing atmosphere that the author has created and always feel like part of the family.

I was so happy to finally get Claire’s story. She is repentant, brave, and determined to make a place for herself, even if her family will not forgive her for her past mistakes. There is such a wonderful bond between the five sisters, and the work that God was able to do in their mother’s heart was so touching. This whole series is a definite must read.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Fans of Julie Klassen will enjoy this next instalment of the Summers sisters lives. And finally (!) we get Claire's story. I enjoy the Little
Women/Jane Eyre nostalgia feel to these books. And I look forward to the conclusion of Sarah's story. At times I felt this book was a little too predictable. But it fit in nicely with the others in the series, so if you are a fan of the other books, you will enjoy returning to Sea View and catching up with the Summers' sister again, I do hope there is some baby news for one of the sisters in the next book (novella)

The Seaside Homecoming is another beautiful, heartwarming installment in the beloved On Devonshire Shores series! Julie Klassen reminds us in this celebrated 20th book why she’s such a favorite author. It definitely grabbed hold & didn’t let go. It’s the much anticipated story of Claire, the prodigal daughter & mysterious, frequently mentioned sister who’s been living in Scotland. Her lovely story was all I hoped for & introduced new amazing characters while including much loved favorites.

Claire Summers made a mistake several years ago when she succumbed to the flattery of a charmer & agreed to elope to Gretna Green. With a reputation in taters & no anticipated marriage, she flees to Scotland to live with an old austere great-aunt. Claire spends lonely days in penitence & serving her aunt after her father disowned her & forbid her to come home. When her aunt dies, Claire must make her way in the world. Seeing an advertisement seeking a boarding house partner, she readily travels to Sidmouth for a new adventure which happens to be where her estranged family is living.

The boarding house owner is the handsome, Scottish Mr. Hammond with a delightful young daughter with Indian heritage who readily takes to Claire, & her companion who’s skeptical of Claire. William has his own secrets & as Claire unravels them, she questions whether her hopes at love may be dashed again. She also has the opportunity to see her family again. Her sisters have been valiantly searching for her & are happy to be reunited, but their mother still clings to their father’s wishes. Will Claire ever find forgiveness & acceptance?

I adored this sweet story! Claire’s undergone a tremendous transformation & gained wisdom & strength. She’s ever mindful of her mother’s wishes & does her best to honor her while forging a new tentative relationship. I loved seeing her with her sisters again. The sweet romance, little mysteries & surprises, & endearing boarders at both boarding houses made this another charming addition in the series. I also loved the Indian culture fused throughout & Claire’s relationship with Mira.

Highly recommend! If you’re a fan of Jane Austen & Little Women, this is a must read. Can’t wait for the next book! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

I was glad to return to Sidmouth and connect with the Summers family. Claire has been estranged from her family and when given the opportunity to return to where they are residing she decides to become a partner in a boarding house. I loved that her sisters support and love her in spite of the circumstances that caused her to live in Scotland for a time.

William Hammond, Claire’s business partner, lends an air of mystery to the story as he has clandestine meetings with men of different nationalities. I was glad that he chose not to listen to malicious gossip, but rather asked Claire for her side of the story. I enjoyed the romance that developed between the William and Claire. Mira, William’s daughter, was very cute and I was happy to have her as part of the story.

Things to enjoy:
second chances
seeing beloved characters again
breaking down societal barriers
seaside town
found family
clean romance

This is the third book in the On Devonshire Shores series. While it can be read as a standalone,I recommend you read the other two books first in order to have knowledge of the family dynamics. There is a fourth book to be published, and I can't wait to read it! This book reminded me of Elizabeth Gaskill’s Cranford series, and I recommend it if you like historical romance and village life.

I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher, NetGalley, and AustenProse with no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

Julie Klassen offers Jane Austen storytelling in a modern style, and The Seaside Homecoming might be one of her best nods to Jane Austen! The love story, family dynamics, and depictions of Regency period society were quintessential Austen, but Julie Klassen used those elements in a fabulously unique way to write this entertaining Christian Fiction novel in a more contemporary style for the 21st century reader. An excellent romantic arc, deep spiritual truths on redemption and reconciliation, and compelling plot twists built to a beautiful happily ever after for the eldest Summers sister. We also get to see the happily ever afters of Emily and Viola from previous books in the series, and I am anxiously awaiting Sarah’s happy ending in the upcoming novella! I always love picking up a Julie Klassen novel for personally applicable life lessons, an escape to Regency England, and a low-angst happy read with a tad bit of intrigue. This one was especially excellent, but I highly recommend the entire On Devonshire Shores series for some fun reading!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it

The Seaside Homecoming
by Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Series: On Devonshire Shores, Book 3
Rated: 4
Obtain:Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “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 captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.”

Impressions: This is the third installation to the On Devonshire Shores series. I read it as a stand alone novel and enjoyed it. The sisters each have a book to expand their story in so you miss some of the background and depth by not reading it as a series but you easily understand the predicament the sisters and Claire are in. I think the characters were likable as was the plot. It was easy and fun reading.

Quotes: “‘Burdens only grow heavier the longer we bear them alone. And you are not alone. For we all have sinned and fallen short.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint. The story was captivating and pulled me in from the first page. It was a tough one to put down!

I appreciate this author’s writing so much. It’s clean, fun to follow, and beautifully written with a charm that pulls you into the story. It really just helps the story jump out.

This is the third in the series, and though you can tell that it ties in to the others in a way, it was still easy to follow. Since I hadn’t read the first two I’m sure I missed bits and pieces, but the story was still fantastic. I do plan on reading the other two books, though.

Full of drama, family tension, mystery of sorts, and romance, this is a great historical fiction. I was intrigued by the first page about Claire’s story and could not wait to see what happened. A great book, and I definitely recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @julie.k.klassen @bethanyhousefiction and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

Claire was disowned by her parents two years ago after she is disgraced. She moves to Edinburgh and becomes the companion to Aunt Mercer. When her grand aunt passes away, Claire has to find a new path in life as she aims to support herself financially and move closer to her estranged family

Thankfully Claire ends up in a good spot, taking on the caretaker role of a boarding house where she works with Mr William Hammond closely. He is a widower and also a single father to his daughter, Mira. As the sisters seek reconciliation in their own way, they hope to erase the mistakes of the past and rebuild their past relationship with Claire.

I enjoyed the diversity in this book and the highlighting of racism of biracial children. It is frustrating and unfortunately still a problem in this century! The romance here is definitely more of a slow burn as Claire and William get to know each other better over time as they work closely together.

(4.5 / 5)

Two years past, eldest Summers sister Claire left her family in disgrace and spent those two years as companion to an elderly relative. Now that the older woman has died, Claire can't help but want to be near her family again, though she knows at least some of them won't want to see her. When she ends up as a partner in a boarding house that rivals her family's, it threatens to make the rift between her and her family worse. Meanwhile, she also has to learn to run a boarding house and deal with the secretive and suspicious man who owns it.

The wrap-up to this main series was almost everything I wanted it to be. The author did a great job of setting up certain elements to provide emotional climaxes to at least two of the story arcs contained in this book. I enjoyed this book a good deal more than the previous two in the series, I think mostly because the annoyances and pet peeves I had with them were not an issue here.

I think that a little more time could have been spent exploring the character of the boarding house owner, William Hammond, since he seemed to have a fairly deep background of which we only get glimpses. Or maybe the reason it felt shallow to me was because I didn't fully understand his past or because things were hinted at or presumed by Claire that ended up being incorrect, and so it felt like there was more to know than there was. I don't know for sure, but this is overall not a huge deal to the greater story. It only stands out to me because of his role in the book.

Anything I felt was still missing from the story will hopefully be part of the related Christmas book that the author mentions in the author's note (coming out in September 2025), and I look forward to reading that next year. As for this series, though 2/3 of it was rocky for me, I think the conclusion made it all worthwhile. I suppose this book could be read as a stand-alone and only one real aspect would be harmed by a lack of past knowledge (besides the two sisters that have already found love and gotten married, there's Sarah's inner turmoil about a particular man she rebuffed), but I think that Claire's homecoming wouldn't be as emotional without the build throughout the series. Based on past experience, I have good reason to believe that most fans of Regency-era Christian romance will enjoy this book and series.

The Seaside Homecoming is the third book in Julie Klassen's On Devonshire Shores series. The books are best read in sequence as the character development is shaped over time leading up to this book that actually takes us back to the sister that started it all. Claire, the oldest Summers sister, saw her opportunities for marriage slipping by two years prior to the events in this book. That led her to making some unwise decisions that not only impacted her life, but the life of each member of her immediate family. While the initial impacts may have all been difficult, Klassen uses this family's story to show that God can work all things for good. She has also crafted a story of forgiveness, forgiveness that is easily and freely given, and forgiveness that slowly develops with time and effort. In addition to these deep and meaningful themes, Klassen livens the family's story with thoughtful acts of kindness, sweet romance, a touch of mystery, along with the possibility of spies operating among them.

The Seaside Homecoming is a delightful read for those who have followed this story from the beginning. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Which book would you love to live in? I always want to live in Regency England for a day.

Claire Summers is the disgraced eldest of five daughters. She ran away to Gretna Green with a Lord hoping to be married, only to find herself abandoned and ruined. She lives with her Great Aunt in Edinburgh afterwards as she is no longer welcome at home. After her Great Aunt dies, she is left adrift. She finds an advertisement for a “respectable female partner” for a boarding house in Sidmouth. Her family has a home in Sidmouth and hoping to be able to connect with them again, she travels with her aunt’s maid Mary to Sidmouth with all the money she has. Will she be able to make a go of it as a partner? Will she be able to reconnect with her family? Will she be able to find a second chance at love?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This is the third novel in the On Devonshire Shores series. I loved knowing all the sisters and their backgrounds from the previous books, but I believe you could read this as a standalone.

• The setting of the seaside town is wonderful and scenic. It allows for a constant stream of interesting visitors as well as scenic vistas for the characters to travel through.

• I was fascinated by Claire herself as a character. She is what would have happened to Lydia Bennet in Pride & Prejudice if Mr. Darcy had not forced Mr. Wickham to marry her. It’s sad to think that while there were no repercussions for the man in the situation, the woman was “ruined” forever and could be cast out by her family. They would not want the reputation of being a loose woman to hinder the other four girls from being married. I had wondered about the mysterious Claire in the first two books, and I was excited to finally get to read about her.
• I enjoyed the romance in this novel. It was a second chance at love for both characters after sadness in their lives. It was the first time the two of them had fallen in love with each other. I also always enjoy when a romance brings people together to form a new family.

• I liked that Claire was able to come back to her family and work on getting forgiveness. I liked that her sisters and mother all were able to forgive, it just took longer for her mother.

• There was also an interesting look into prejudice during the Regency era. Mr. Hammond who owns the boarding house, was once married to an Indian woman and has a child, Mira, who is part Indian. Sonali was a friend of the late Mrs. Hammond and has stayed to care for Mira. As the only Indian woman in a rural part of England, she is a unique person.

• I was excited to see that this story will continue next year with Christmas at Seaview. I enjoyed the sneak peak at the end of the novel. I enjoy these characters, story, and setting and I love Regency Christmas romance. I am so excited about this!

• I also enjoyed the authors note and discussion questions at the end of the novel.

Overall, The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen was a wonderful regency romance novel with great characters, setting, and story. It was like reading a Christmas gift for myself. I highly recommend this novel.

Book Source: Review copy from BethanyHouse as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

'...would moving to Sidmouth bring the longed-for reconciliation with her family or widen the divide?'

I've been dying for Claire's story and it did not disappoint. Reading a Julie Klassen book is like stepping into a classic read. They're rich in description, perfect with pacing, the themes are inspiring and the characters feel heartfelt and genuine.

I really cannot say enough good things about this writing, this series in particular. For anyone who has read Little Women or has seen the movie (and thought about reading the book)-this is as close as you will get to that absolute perfection.

I LOVE these sisters, I felt for the mother who made promises she doesn't want to keep-no mother wants to stay away from their child. I felt for Claire. How easy to get caught up in promises at a young age from a man who was not committed. A single father being pulled in so many directions with talents he possesses, the life he wishes to have and prioritizing a child above all else. Someone who has known loss and is searching for his own answers.

All of the lives in this series that intersect have made this series all encompassing. When I say it's a treat to read this book (and series), I really mean that 100%

The Seaside Homecoming is available now and I cannot recommend it enough. Get the entire series-each one will live in your heart forever!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content/Trigger: an estranged "fallen" daughter, death of loved ones, small mentions and awareness of racism/prejudice, romance-kisses only.

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to become homeless and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire answers an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign or 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. Even as she is drawn to him, she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

I loved finally getting to know Claire and the details of what led her to be exiled from her family. Her great aunt dying gave her the push to go to Sidmouth. She was received with joy and reluctance on other's parts but I loved seeing her reconciled with her sisters and mother.

I loved the slow burn romance that developed between her and William. They both had secretive pasts they were hiding. Claire feared he'd dispose of her if he found out, but I loved how it all unfolded.

William, a widower, had moved back to England with his biracial daughter Mira and her governess Sonali. We get a peak into the racial biases of that time. I loved how friends welcomed them in. Sonali was an acquired taste for sure 😂 I loved that Armaan still pursued her regardless.

The other side characters were amazing. I loved that Callum Henshall made an appearance. I do look forward to seeing whether he and Sarah get their HEA in the novella coming out next year 😃

The resounding message of forgiveness, redemption and God's grace was beautiful in this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It's out now!

Rating: 5⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only

The Seaside Homecoming is #3 in the Devonshire Shores Series which features four ambitious daughters struggling to support themselves and their mom after the sudden death of their father. In this installment, we meet the fifth daughter who has been estranged from the family. Will an unexpected reunion repair the past and bring compassion, healing, and reconciliation?

I have read the entire series (so far) and I appreciate the author’s choice of themes, especially complicated family dynamics. Thoughtful themes in this installment include trust, second chances, taking risks, adversity, loyalty, sisterhood, secrets, family, faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

I love stories that feature sisters. My favorite of the series is the first installment where the sisters are introduced and we first experience the unique family dynamics. The author gives us four different sisters with unique personalities, gifts, skills, and interests. However, they are fiercely loyal to family. A satisfying and memorable part of this story is how these sisters come together to offer compassion to their estranged sister and facilitate reconciliation.

The Seaside Homecoming is heartwarming and compelling women’s historical fiction. We learn about the issues women face in this era such as supporting oneself, recovering from a relationship gone bad, restoring a reputation, shame, taking risks, and pursuing a dream.

I’m highly recommending this sister-centered series for fans of heartfelt women’s histfic. The writing is lovely and the stories are well-told. Although they can be read as stand-alones, I recommend reading them in order for the best reading experience.

Thanks #NetGalley @Bethany_House @AustenProse for a complimentary e ARC of #TheSeasideHomecoming upon my request. All opinions are my own.

I was completely absorbed by this third book of On Devonshire Shores by Julie Klassen.

Readers finally get to meet Claire, the estranged sister mentioned in book one. Claire is living with her aunt in Edinburgh, dutifully caring for her and feeling the consequence of a youthful mistake. Circumstances eventually lead Claire to Sidmouth, to take up a position as a partner in running a boarding house. Her new business partner, William Hammond, has a plethora of secrets and a delightful daughter that endears herself to Claire, and to readers.

Characters from the previous two books return, including some not so popular guests at the Summers’ guest house. Mother Summers struggles with Claire’s return and the promise she made to her deceased husband, which creates much tension between her and her daughters.
Descriptions of Sidmouth are vivid and it’s easy to picture the seaside town.

There are plenty of surprises and twists to this particular story that will keep readers turning the pages.

And I’m excited that this series isn’t quite complete. I’m looking forward to reading the final chapters in 2025.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.