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BOOK DESCRIPTION: Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .
When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.
Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.
Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.
My thoughts: The first thing that I noticed about the book is the cover. It is lovely and captures a time and place that I would like to visit.
The first thing that struck me was the beautiful descriptions. The house sounds lovely and the sea beautiful. I could picture a quaint town full of history and tourists.
The Summers family had to relocate to Devonshire Coast because of the untimely death of their father. Their home was entailed, but the father purchased this home as a getaway place, and now it is the residence of his wife and daughters. Unfortunately, they cannot afford to live in it. To remedy the situation, they turn it into a bed and breakfast. The sisters have drastically different personalities. The story changes the POV between the sisters. I find it refreshing to get the whole story from each of them.
This is an "Austenesque" book. Julie Klassen has captured the feel of one of her books.
I also loved the many different guests that visit their home. It is a very eclectic group. I would say that it is hard for young ladies to give up their rooms and adjust to a different living situation. Imagine walking into your room to find a gentleman in there. That is definitely not a common occurrence in the Regency time period.
If you are looking for a Regency novel that is a little different, this may be a book that you would like to take a look at.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS
Watch as Julie Klassen introduces the book!
ADVANCE PRAISE
“Jane Austen fans will delight in this nimble series launch…Klassen excels at weaving her various story lines, each emphasizing the colorful qualities of her characters and allowing them the space to shine. Readers will be eager for the next installment.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF JULIE KLASSEN
“Julie Klassen delights with a winsome love story…” —Publisher’s Weekly, on A Castaway in Cornwall
“I couldn’t put it down! It you are a historical fiction fan you need this one on your radar! It was a spooky delight full of heart. ”—Anne Mendez, The Lit Bitch, on Shadows of Swanford Abbey
“…a wonderfully engaging novel full of intriguing characters and storylines. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for more in the series.” —Laura Gerold, Laura’s Reviews, on The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lisa. Wishing you a lovely holiday season.
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