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!!!

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.