BOOK: THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING
AUTHOR: JULIE KLASSEN
PUB DATE: O5 DECEMBER 2024
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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First of all, this feels more like a women's fiction than a romance, but I still felt some romance. That being said, this was a wonderful book. I read it in a day!
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Claire, the FMC, was 'banished' because she was 'ruined', she had to leave her home and her family, and it was heartbreaking to read. My least favorite character in the book was Claire's mother and father. They failed to do their jobs as parents, and I couldn't forgive them, especially her mother, who insisted on breaking off contact with her even after her husband died. I understand the time they lived in, but they could have shared letters or something instead of disowning her. Her mother was the bane of my existence in this book. Though I loved her sisters who never forgot about her, neither did they judge her harshly.
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For a novel with multiple povs, it was annoying not to have gotten the MMC's POV, I really, really wanted it, but it was not to be. That being said, the romance, the chemistry, was at the top even with it being closed door. Although I would have wanted more scenes with both of them together. But, their relationship was nice nonetheless.
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I liked the presence of Indian characters in the book, including the MMC's daughter, Mira. It provided some diversity. The author was also realistic in portraying their situation.
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I'm glad that the FMC didn't repeat the same mistake and made the right decision for herself. This book was worth it, and it was a delightful read. I would definitely read the other books I'm the series.
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With the death of her aunt, disgraced and exiled Claire Summers is left homeless and longing to return home to a family that has refused to forgive her. Gathering her courage and her few belongings, she accepts an ad to become a “respectable female partner” in a boardinghouse. But when her past comes calling, will all her secrets be revealed? Will she once again be left alone and without anyone to turn to? Or will she find a way to finally come home?

Author Julie Klassen returns readers to the lives of the Summers sisters in this story of hope and the power of forgiveness. With its sweetly endearing characters and attention to period detail, it is a beautiful read from beginning to end. Note that it is the latest book in the series, and while it would be even richer when read in order, The Seaside Homecoming would also be wonderful as a standalone novel . . . though I highly recommend you read them all!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have loved this series since it was released two years ago. The books aren’t standalone, so I highly recommend starting with The Sisters of Seaview. It’s likely your library will have it, so check there!

Here’s a few things that I loved about book 3: A Seaside Homecoming

🌊 Forced Proximity while the love interests worked together
🌊 Change of rank and how it affects family dynamics
🌊 The tension between honoring the wishes of the dead and living with present circumstances

Overall, this is a fantastic book and the story keeps growing as each sister finds her match. I’m hoping book 4 is coming next year. 🤞🏻 Thanj you to #netgalley for the advance copy. A review was not required.

This is the third book in the Devonshire shore series and it’s such a great addition to the set.

This book follows the oldest sister Claire, as she has been cast aside from her family for a decision she made years ago.

I love the English seaside small town setting and the sisterly dynamics in these books! Once again Klassen always adds side characters to shake things up and add every day life situations and conflict.

The romance aspect is subtle, but so endearing, and there were so many little heartfelt moments that really made a big impact in the story! I really enjoyed the simple powerful moments of watching them falling in love.

This is a book about new beginnings, second chances and not passing judgment. I loved that Claire got a new chance to create a fulfilling life for herself and that she didn’t let others impede on her true happiness. There were some frustrations due to the culture of the time period but I understood them despite my modern sensibilities. I also enjoyed the found family and Indian cultural elements.

I believe the author is coming out with a novella for Sarah’s story and I can’t wait to finally close her chapter and see her happy!

This is the third book in the On the Devonshire Shores. It can be read as a stand alone but to get the full enjoyment, it is recommended to begin with the first title in the series, The Sisters of Sea View.

If sisterhood and romance is your jam, the Seaside Homecoming will be right up your alley. Ms. Klassen has written each sister with a strong sense of who they are and the sisterhood is very strong among the four sisters. Romance of course runs through this tale but the mystery of who is Mr. Hammond keeps the plot moving. The story line of prejudice even in this time period was realistic and handled in such a way that you can empathize with Myra and Sonali. Highly recommended to anyone who loves strong female driven stories.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to return to the sisters of Sea View in this third book in the “On Devonshire Shores” series and it didn’t disappoint! I’ve grown fond of the Summer sisters so I was eager to meet their long-lost sister Claire.🥰

This was a slower-paced, slice-of-life story set at a boarding house during the regency era and I really enjoyed it! It was perfectly cozy and romantic.🥰
I liked Claire right away but Mr. William Hammond took a bit to grow on me. That being said, I truly liked him by the end of the book. Their romance was sweet to read!

As I’ve said with the other books in this series, I love the family/sister dynamics in this book! It reminds me of Little Women and Sense & Sensibility which I absolutley love.💗
The faith content was also wonderful and added so much to this story of redemption and forgiveness!

In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading the third book in the On Devonshire Shores series and can’t wait for Sarah’s story! If you love books similar to Little Women with Jane Austen vibes, I think you’ll love this one!

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I would call The Seaside Homecoming cozy Christian fiction that reminds me of Liyttle Women. Slow at times but overall I enjoyed this novel. I have not read any of the others in this series but I do think it is still a good stand alone story.. This is the first time I have read a Julie Klassen book but it won’t be the last.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bethany House for the opportunity to eARC read The Seaside Homecoming in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Since the first inklings we received of why the eldest Summers daughter was not with the others – nor welcome to be – at Sea View, I’ve been longing to unpack Claire’s story in more detail. It was so lovely to ‘meet’ her in depth at last, from her perspective rather than a secondhand knowledge, and to watch her find restoration. I am pleased to report that Claire is incredibly likable, even relatable, and the sort of heroine you cheer for from beginning to end. That doesn’t mean, however, that the journey is without painful reminders of her past shame or its long-reaching consequences, but Klassen writes these elements with such tenderness that you feel how deeply Claire is loved by the author and THE Author. Still, I ached to hug Claire more than once and speak truth into her heart as I read The Seaside Homecoming… but I so appreciated the ways Klassen did so in my stead, through perhaps unlikely sources (which made me love the process even more).

The layered characters have been a highlight of this series for me, and Claire’s path crosses with some intriguing ones. Including her new business partner William (who may or may not be a spy) and his adorable young daughter Mira (who quickly captures Claire’s heart, and mine too), the nanny Sohali (who was close with William’s late wife/Mira’s mother), and Great-Aunt Mercer’s former maid Mary (who is running away from some pain of her own). The past two books have been set largely at Sea View, with a bevy of eccentric & endearing personalities who frequent the Summers’ guest house, but The Seaside Homecoming takes us across Sidmouth to Broadbridge’s and their eccentric & endearing guests! We still get to visit Sea View, especially when we are seeing the narrative from Sarah’s POV, but the main story (and the swoony romance) takes place at Broadbridge’s, a change of scenery which I found myself greatly enjoying. And of course we engage with all the other Summers sisters and their mother, as well as Armaan Sagar whom we first met in Viola’s story and has a rather major role in this book. Each of the players in this story adds depth and heart, not to mention increased tension of one sort or another, whether that be the romantic kind, familial, spiritual, racial or societal.

Bottom Line: The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen gave me all the wonderfully heartfelt layers I was hoping for in Claire Summers’ story – and more! It’s emotional without being heavy, and the man who captures her affection must share Claire with readers who are also falling for her the more we know of her. Ohhhh how swoony the romance is once all is said and done, the chemistry fairly sizzling between two people who so deserve a second chance at happily-ever-after. And while the romance is a very (very) nice part of Claire’s story, it’s her journey toward restoration as a whole that will most linger with me, including one particular scene between Claire & her mother that I found deeply moving. Klassen’s doing some of her best writing in this series, and The Seaside Homecoming is no exception. The only downside to inhaling this story (which is exactly what I did) is that now I have all the longer to wait until Sarah’s story comes to a conclusion in September 2025. Can I leap forward in time and read it now??

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen is book number three in the Devonshire Shores collection. It can be a stand-alone novel, but it is a part of a series that has been building. Claire Summers has been living in Scotland away from her family. She is the sister that no one mentions and her past is whispered about. When Claire has to leave Scotland, she finds an advertisement for a co-owner of a boarding house in Seaside where her family resides. Will she be able to make amends and find love?

This was a wonderful story I was lost on. The author’s writing is so charming, descriptive and she immerses you in the story. She writes to eloquently that you can feel the sea breeze. It was a pleasure to step into the Regency period at the seashore and learn more about the time period. This was a beautiful redemptive story. I felt so connected to Claire and was rooting for her to have a happily ever after. It was great to visit with the other Summer sisters and catch up with the family. I enjoyed wondering how it would all work out in the end.

It was a delight to lost in the time period, meet and catch-up with engaging characters, and be a part of the Summer family. I highly recommend The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen. This will be a favorite of 2024 for me.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

The premise called me, the historical details made me stay 🤩

Why have I not read more of Julie Klassen’s books?!?! There is just the right amount of fact versus fiction along with meaningful themes and strong characters!!

The only thing that I didn’t like is that I feel like I missed out on a lot of the storyline having not read the previous books… Completely a me problem because I didn’t realize it was part of a series 🤦🏻‍♀️ So FYI, this book is part of a series and I highly recommend you read the previous books first. I’m going to try to find them somewhere 😅

The tragedy and scandal of Claire was revealed bit by bit in the first two books, and now we have the chance to know her and her experiences. After paying penance at her borderline-abusive aunt's house, Claire has returned to Sidmouth on her own terms of employment, close enough to the family for a reunion, but waiting for them to meet when they are comfortable. Each sister had been affected differently by Claire's choice, but it was heartwarming to see them open and forgiving, even though it might have been hard for some. Their mother, however, is torn between her love for her daughter and her late husband's wishes of disownment. The pace of the story is much slower than I'm used to, but it matches the pace of life in Sidmouth, exploring the variety of characters and the lovely setting, building upon the story with each day that passes. The gentle romance is achingly slow to come about, and the focus on at least the first half of the book is Claire acclimating to her new life as manager of the boardinghouse as well as the company of those she works with there and her estranged family. I was relieved when her relationships began to develop more fully, and a bit of intrigue was introduced as Mr. Hammond's former line of work as a diplomat brings an element of mystery to Claire's days in Sidmouth.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

I love this book and this series. It reminds me of some of Jane Austen's books. Claire has made terrible mistakes and she knows it yet she longs to be reunited with the family who disowned her. When it becomes time to move on with her life, she dares to do something courageous.

The characters are well-developed and they feel so real. They have ordinary problems like we do...desires like we do. I liked getting to know Mr. Hammond and his daughter. Mr. Hammond won me over with his wit and gentle teasing. Other characters from the series are back and it sets up the next book in the series nicely. I can't wait to read it.

Thank you to Baker Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I so enjoyed this return to Sea View and the lives of the Summers’ sisters! The Seaside Homecoming follows the mysterious eldest sister Claire, who readers have heard quite a bit about throughout the series. I enjoyed Claire’s physical and emotional journey, and the romance was very sweet. I’m excited to get more of Sarah’s story in Julie Klassen’s upcoming novella. Definitely add her books to your TBR! 4/5 stars

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

This is the first book I’ve read in the series so far and while I obviously missed things, I appreciate that I could start in the middle and still know what’s going on! That being said, I will catch up with the others!

I really enjoyed Claire’s story. She obviously made huge mistakes in her life but I loved where she ended up and how those around her came to forgive her and how she forgave herself. And of course met some lovely new friends along the way! This was a great cast of characters that I’m eager to get to know better.

This book lingered a bit more heavily on religious themes than I care for but overall I really enjoyed the story and I loved the romance!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well, Julie Klassen has done it again. Any time I start one of her books, I feel so much peace and calmness. It eases my anxiety. And this book did exactly that within the first few paragraphs.

I mean, of course there was tension. We get to dive into Claire's life, heart, mind. Her thoughts and feelings. Her regrets. My heart absolutely broke for her and the rejection by her mom. And I loved Claire. Isn't she all of us, really? Maybe not with her specific sins, but the way we all feel-and perhaps truly are-rejected and shunned at times?

And I was not sure what to make of Mr. Hammond for the longest time. How trustworthy was he? What about the skeletons in his closet? And what kind of advertisement is that, anyway?

The side characters that we meet and those we come to know better are delightful. Well, maybe not delightful, but they definitely add interesting...tidbits to the story.

Yes, this author has done it again. And once more, I want to stay in Sidmouth just a little bit longer.

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!!!