A Season at the Cliff House

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Pub Date May 20 2024 | Archive Date May 01 2024

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Description

Two determined young women battle inner demons and explosive family secrets in this tale of dreams, daring, and deception.

San Francisco-May-1907 Isabelle Hamilton defies her mother and secretly applies to the California Hospital School for Nurses in Los Angeles. Isabelle’s gregarious personality and unbridled passion for the Red Cross often put her at odds with the vain and gossipy society ladies who frequent the Cliff House women’s parlor.

When Isabelle’s sister becomes embroiled in a scandal and her mother suffers a heart attack, Isabelle’s dreams of independence and an education are imperiled. Grace Hamilton arrives in San Francisco for the summer on the same train as beef distributor Frank Buchanan, her secret fiancé. Unbeknownst to her family, Grace has been accepted into the California Normal School in Los Angeles, where she will study to become a kindergarten teacher.

When Frank’s jealousy turns threatening, Grace devises a dangerous and daring plan that promises to make or break her future. Set against the backdrop of post-quake San Francisco with frequent visits to the timeworn yet atmospheric Cliff House, a towering white “gingerbread palace” perched on the rocks above the Pacific, A Season at the Cliff House weaves together the lives of two very different women intent on achieving similar ambitions on their own terms. It reminds us that the ties that bind are often the ones that test us most and that the price of freedom may be as heart-wrenching as it is rewarding.

Two determined young women battle inner demons and explosive family secrets in this tale of dreams, daring, and deception.

San Francisco-May-1907 Isabelle Hamilton defies her mother and secretly...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781736675830
PRICE $5.99 (USD)

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Average rating from 8 members


Featured Reviews

I feel like the drama of this book would make for a great lifetime movie or tv series. It definitely kept me interested and wanting to read, and had me feeling strong emotions! I was rooting for our main character the entire time.

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This book transported me to San Francisco in 1907. I felt like I was walking on the beach and smelling the salty air. It is a page-turner that left me wanting more. As the story opens Grace is going to stay with her family in San Franciso and she is bringing along her secret suitor. She also has dreams of being a teacher. What Grace doesn't know is that her cousin, Isabelle, has a dream too. Isabelle wants to be a nurse which is a career her family does not approve of. It seems that everyone in the house has their own secrets to keep. This story is filled with twists and turns. It is told from several family member's perspectives which is so fun. I also loved that it is based on an actual historical San Francisco location.
Thank you to NetGalley. These opinions are my own.

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A Season at the Cliff House by author Brooke L. Davis wove a story of intrigue, drama, and determination. Set in 1907 San Francisco, the story follows the Hamilton family through a horrific natural disaster and how their family rebuilds and continues to move forward following the disaster. With main character Isa leading the charge, we are allowed a peek into what life was really like for a young woman during this time period. We gain an understanding that it was difficult for woman to truly be in charge of their life’s path, however, with a bit of determination and grit, one could forge her own way and live the life she has always desired. My favorite part of the book was when the author allowed the reader into the inner most thoughts of the characters as they experienced day to day life. This was a wonderful and charming read for any fan of historical fiction.

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This is a great historical fiction that I very much. Definitely recommend reading. The author did an amazing job making you feel like you were right there with the characters every step of the way

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Embark on an enchanting journey through the lives of Isabelle, Grace, and Josephine in A Season at the Cliff House, a captivating novel that will resonate with fans of Bridgerton and The Women. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of emotions, self-discovery, and the unyielding pursuit of independence in a society where women's aspirations were often stifled.

Josephine's tale will strike a chord with readers as she navigates the intricate balance between married life, motherhood, and maintaining her unwavering voice. Her resilience and determination will leave you inspired and empowered.

Isabelle and Grace, two kindred spirits yearning for higher education, defy societal norms with an audacious zeal that will have you rooting for their success. Grace's journey takes a poignant turn as she confronts the harsh realities of relationships, shedding her naïveté and emerging as a wiser, more resilient woman.

As the pages turn, you'll be swept away by the breathtaking growth and transformation of these three remarkable women, their stories intertwining like a delicate tapestry woven with threads of nostalgia, hope, and self-discovery. A Season at the Cliff House is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating tale of empowerment, passion, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

Immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey and prepare to be inspired by the extraordinary resilience and courage of Isabelle, Grace, and Josephine as they navigate the challenges of their era, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Thank you to NetGalley and Brooke L. Davis for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy!

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This had everything that I wanted from the historical fiction novel, it had a great overall feel to it and enjoyed the journey of this book. It had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall concept of this story. The characters were what I was hoping for and thought the historical elements worked well together to make a great story. Brooke L. Davis has a great writing style and can’t wait for more.

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