(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.

1820 - Edinburgh

Miss Claire Summers lives with her great-aunt and helps to nurse her as well as being her companion. The woman is harsh and will not allow her to receive mail and makes sure she only gets out to attend church. Claire ended up two years ago with her great-aunt when she was shamed after running away with a man she thought wanted to marry her only to abandon her when he learned she did not have a large dowry. Her parents were furious, and her father disowned her and forbade her mother to even have anything to do with her again. However, her numerous sisters love her and want to be with her again. When her great-aunt dies, Claire is left 50 pounds as past wages by the woman and must leave. Seeing an advertisement for part ownership in a boarding house back in Sidmouth, Devonshire, for 50 pounds, she heads there to accept the offer. It happens to be in the same town where her family lives. Since her father’s death, they have had to open their large home, Sea View, to paying guests.

The owner of the boarding house that she has invested in is a man who appears to be of dubious descent. He is Mr. Hammond and has a young daughter who has an Indian governess. Some things seem a bit mysterious with him so Claire is not sure what to think about him.

When her sisters see her, they want to be with her again and for many it is a joyous reunion. Now, they must convince their mother to welcome Claire back into the family fold.

I read the second book in this series and enjoyed it very much. However, t did not read the first book. This third book left me feeling disappointed in that I felt the utter piousness of many of the characters was quite cruel. How much shame can you heap on someone who made a mistake? We all make them in life but must we be treated as Claire was? An interesting story and I have long been a huge fan of Julia Klassen having read and reviewed many of her books. However, the way Claire was treated I felt was overdone. Sorry.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Seaside Homecoming might be my favorite On Devonshire Shores book. I have often been curious about Claire and what exactly happened to her so I was pleased to read this installment would be more of her story. Klassen does a phenomenal job developing Claire's character and going deeper into what drives her. The internal struggle from the sisters, specifically Sarah, and Claire's mom was handled with care. The secondary characters didn't detract from the overall storyline, but only enhanced it. Reading about forgiveness and redemption in the Summers family was like coming home for me too. The perfect addition to On Devonshire Shores.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

🤍Thank you Bethany House and AustenProse for this arc🤍

This series is so very cozy. It just feels so warm and I fall in love with the characters every time I get to visit them.

This one is was full of slow burn goodness, the power of forgiveness, and the bond between sisters.

Overall I really enjoyed the story and only wish that purity culture themes had been handled with more love and grace.

The Seaside Homecoming is the third book in the On Devonshire Shores series, and my favorite of the series.

It was sweet, charming, and an absolute delight. I’ve been looking forward to Claire’s story and it was even better than I had expected.

An engaging storyline with a sweet romance, a family drama, an adorable child, and a beautiful seaside setting, made for a wonderful story!

Julie Klassen writes with such elegance and depth. Her characters are so well drawn that they come to life, and I feel such an attachment to them.

My heart ached for Claire, who had been living in exile because of an elopement that never happened when her intended abandoned her husband on their way to Scotland. The way she was treated was heartbreaking, but it felt like a realistic portrayal for this time period.

I love the way things turned out for Claire, and the way this beautiful story ended. I’m so happy there’s another book to come next year!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the publisher, and Austenprose for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

"The Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen is the third and so far best installment in her "On Devonshire Shores" series. Since the first book I've been hoping to read Claire's story and hoped for a great redemption story and this it. The first two books introduce us to the younger 4 sisters and mother, but Claire's story is all second hand information until now.

Klassen weaves a story of a woman who despite her mistakes, is extremely likeable and relatable. Claire is no stranger to heartbreak, hardship and hard work. She has a short time to find a home after the death of her aunt who has given her a home since her failed elopement and she finds a position as an innkeeper in the same town her mother and sisters moved to after the death of their father. Claire is unsure of the reception she'll find but is willing to take a chance to be near her family after about 2 years.

I really liked the storytelling and how Klassen kept the story engaging with a bit of mystery, romance and family drama. Throw in an adorable child, picturesque setting at the sea, a villain and a hero and you have a great story!

For anyone that has enjoyed Klassen's stories before or enjoys clean Regency Romance with a bit of Christian faith elements thrown in, this one is definitely one to pick up. This one does not tie up Sarah's story but Klassen does let us know that a Christmas novella is coming out in 2025 for this series which looks like it will tell Sarah's story.

I recommend this one for high school age audiences on up. Very clean with just a bit of kissing.

Thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Seaside Homecoming is the 3rd book in the On Devonshire Shores series, which follows the lives of the Summer sisters with each book focusing on one sister. Claire is the sister who has fled to Scotland to care for her aunt after a failed elopement ruined her reputation. Upon the aunt's death, Claire invests in a boardinghouse as a minor partner in the same town as her estranged family in the hopes of reconciling. Her new business partner is Mr. Hammond, a mysterious gentleman who runs the boarding house with his young daughter, and believes Claire has an impeccable reputation. Will Claire find forgiveness from her family? Will her secrets destroy her new business venture?

LOVED MEETING CLAIRE.

I have been waiting for Claire’s story since I started this series and I enjoyed so many aspects of it. I loved how strong she was in the face of a lot of tough circumstances for this time period. So many things weren’t fair and she persevered through it all.

I loved the slow burn romance and the building of a friendship to more. It was very sweet and I adored Mr. Hammond. They were both in the right place at the right time to connect and realize the family they were building. I loved the single dad trope for his historical too. And some of the side characters were endearing and I was charmed by them too.

For a few of the other more antagonist based characters, I didn’t love. I just thought some of the plot points weren’t necessary nor did I love how Claire’s Mom behaved. It was like I understood where she was coming from initially, but the hold out only frustrated me.

A good read with hints towards book four that I’m really looking forward to as well. I adore this series as a whole. I love the themes and enduring sense of hope that is woven in.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: low
Content Warnings: mentions of abuse

Claire was ostracized by her family when she made a foolish choice. When the elderly aunt she has been caring for dies, she decides to return to the same town where her remaining family runs a guest house. She becomes a partner in a rival boarding house.
Full of family drama, mysterious happenings, forgiveness and reconciliation, this well written novel follows the Summers family in the aftermath of the death of their father.
Romance develops while Claire helps William run the boarding house where he lives with his daughter and her nanny.
This many layered story uses chapter heading quotes to hint at the content of the next scene. The book shows prejudices and attitudes of the times and how the characters handled difficult situations. Claire’s sisters and mother showed loyalty in different ways but their faith was always clearly depicted.
I am glad there will be yet another book about the sisters of Seaview.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House and via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

This is the third installment of Ms. Klassen's "On Devonshire Shores" series, which follows the lives of the Summers sisters, who with their mother run a guest house in Devonshire due to financial reverses upon their father's death. This story focuses on Claire, the disgraced eldest daughter who had been missing from the prior stories. After her suitor abandoned her in the middle of an elopement, her father had a series of strokes resulting in his ultimate death. He had cast off Claire, and required a deathbed promise from her mother never to forgive her or allow her to come home. She has been living for the past several years as companion to her dour Scottish aunt, who has kept her cut off as a penance for her sins. Her sisters have been trying to get in touch with her but have been unsuccessful up to the point that this story opens.

Upon the death of her aunt, Claire stakes her tiny legacy on a minor partnership, sight unseen, in a boardinghouse in the same town in which her family lives, in hopes of a reconciliation. The major partner is a mystery gentleman, Mr. Hammond, who has bought the boardinghouse to fulfill a promise to his late wife to bring their young daughter to the English seaside to raise. He was in the diplomatic service, and his wife was half-Indian, so Mira, the child, is not always accepted, but Claire grows very fond of her, and her father. Secrets however, are bound to come out.

This is a very fine tale of the power of forgiveness and redemption. It did start slow, and I initially had trouble getting a feeling for the character of Claire and of Mr. Hammond. But it picked up very nicely as the story moved along. There are no hugely dramatic developments, just people struggling to get past the hurts and disappointments in their relationships and learn the value of giving and receiving forgiveness. It's very moving, and a fine addition to the series

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Well, I’m disappointed that this didn’t resolve Sarah’s story but I’m so glad to have finally gotten the answers to the mystery of Claire! (Also, it took me til this book to put Sarah and Claire together in my mind. One of my best friends is Claire; a sister to me).

This was a sweet story. I loved Mira and the storyline with Armaan was quite the fun surprise! In fact, there were a few surprises in this book.

One of the things I like best about this series is how it manages to include all the sisters in each book and balance multiple storylines. It’s so well done.

I loved this newest installment to Julie Klassen's On Devonshire Shores series. The Summers sisters are extremely relatable and I like watching how each girl grows and develops throughout all of the books, even if the main story is about one of her sisters.

The Seaside Homecoming focuses on Claire, the lost prodigal daughter, and follows themes of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. Claire is a strong character in her own right, and her journey is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

I'm excited to see what comes next...hopefully a jaunt to Scotland for my favorite of the five sisters!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sending me an early electronic copy to review. All opinions are my own.

This story explores the limited choices and society strictures that were had on women. It has Christian Themes throughout. It contains no swearing, a few alcohol mentions and chaste level 1 kissing only.

"This was a wonderful story, beginning with rejection and disappointment, then ending with love and redemption. 

As Clair grapples with the consequences of sin and separation from her family, God makes a way forward and shows her how precious she is. Step by step through interactions with newfound friends and her family, she begins to see herself differently.

Through the personal stories of the places and characters and the descriptions of the area around Sidmouth, I was taken on a journey through this time in history.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Summers sisters again and getting a glimpse of their lives as they interacted with Clair, but Sarah’s rigidness was a bit of a disappointment. It made me not like her as well, at least for a while.

I somehow wanted the villain to be more villainous, though he was just a man with flaws like us all. 

Overall, this is a book that I would read again and recommend.

I was given a copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book."