A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen is the second book in the On Devonshire Shores series. It is a wonderful fictional romance blended with actual historical events that kept me engaged from the first page to the last.

The beautiful cover transports the reader once again to the seaside village of Sidmouth, where the Summers family is preparing their home to receive three male members of the royal family's staff. The Duke and Duchess of Kent and their baby (the future Queen Victoria) are staying nearby in Woolbrook Cottage for the winter. As the sisters, Sarah, Emily, and Georgiana, prepare their home to receive their guests, they soon begin to realize that hosting royal staff members comes with intrigue and lots of secrets.

As Emily pursues her writing career, she develops a relationship with the Duke of Kent's private secretary. Unfortunately, as feelings begin to grow, someone from her past comes knocking on the door, hoping to re-establish their past acquaintance.

While the last book in this series, The Sisters of Seaview, introduced us to the Summer sisters, there was one sister, Claire, who was mentioned but not really explored. In this book, we learn a little more about what happened to Claire and why she was exiled to Scotland. I hope we get to meet Claire in a future book, as she definitely has a story to tell.

I really enjoyed this book and the close relationships these sisters had with one another. The author does a delightful job of exploring not just the main characters but the secondary ones as well. Each character adds something that makes this book hard to put down. And of course, let's not forget the romance! That was very well done, and I was seriously wondering if Emily would forgive Charles Parker, who jilted her because of Claire or pursue her relationship with James Thomson (the Duke's secretary). You'll have to read it to find out!

If you love historical romances, you will enjoy A Winter by the Sea. It can be read as a standalone, although it would be better to read the first book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen is a captivating historical romance that immerses readers in the charming world of the Summers family as they host the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their staff at Woolbrook Cottage on the Devonshire coast during the mid-19th century. The story primarily focuses on Emily, an aspiring writer, and her evolving relationship with the Duke's private secretary, while also exploring the romantic subplot of her sister Sarah with the pastry chef. Klassen's meticulous historical research and the seamless integration of real historical figures enhance the narrative's authenticity. The book delivers a heartwarming and well-rounded cast of characters, offering clean romance, engaging drama, and a superbly satisfying ending. Whether you're new to the series or a returning fan, A Winter by the Sea is a must-read for those who appreciate beautifully crafted historical romances.

"A Winter by the Sea" is a Christian romance set in 1819 in England. Emily still longs to marry Charles, a long-time family friend. She thought he was going to propose until he suddenly distanced himself from them two years ago, after the hushed up scandal attached to her oldest sister. He's visiting Sidmouth with his parents and renewed his attentions to Emily--especially after he realized his rival James was interested in her. James supported Emily's desire to be a writer and backed her up in times of conflict. He admired her as she was. But he's not in a position to marry. Charles is a good friend and her dream man, but his parents don't approve of her and her family. She started to question if she still wanted to marry Charles now that she's experienced a man approving of her just as she is.

Historical details were woven into the story and brought it alive in my imagination. The characters were engaging, varied, and acted in realistic ways. I cared about what happened to them, including people staying at Sea View. They faced challenges and grew in character. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.

A Winter by the Sea continues Julie Klassen's series about a well-off, respected English family that falls on hard times, which ultimately leads the mother and daughters to open a boarding house on the Devonshire coast. Set in the Regency period, I loved the first book. The characters were engaging and likeable, and all of the story threads were interesting. This second book similarly did not disappoint.

While each book primarily tells the story of one sister, there are typically interesting and relevant plot lines involving other members of the family. This story focused primarily on Emily, the twin of Viola, whose story made up the first book. What makes this book extra fascinating for those who love historical fiction is the tie-in to the future Queen Victoria.

Although the book's pacing seems slow, I view it like a nice cup of tea--something to be savored. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the free e-arc. I look forward to reading more about the Summers family.

This book was well worth the wait! I loved reading more about the sisters, as they had royal visitors come to their town. I didn't know much about Queen Victoria's parents, so I found the historical aspect of this story fascinating! The only sad thing is that there is another book after this one that I now have to wait for!

I really enjoyed the second book in the Devonshire Shores series! I’ve loved getting to know the Summers sisters!

This book was mostly Emily’s story which I really enjoyed! The romance in this book was really sweet! I loved the hero and thought he was perfect for Emily.💗

I love the seaside setting in this series so much! The Summers’ guest house sounds so cozy and charming! The winter setting also made this book a cozy read.
I love how close the sisters in this series are! I love books that center around family, especially sisters, and this series has that element! The Summers sisters remind me a little bit of the March sisters from Little Women (my favorite book) which I love!

In conclusion, I really enjoyed Winter by the Sea and I am so excited for the next book in the series! This series reminds me a little bit of Little Women and Sense & Sensibility so if you loved those books, I think you’ll enjoy this series!💗

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

I loved this book even more than the first!!
Both books in this series were just such a pleasure to read.
The community of people that the author created - using both fictional characters as well as actual historical figures gave the storyline an authentic feel overall.
The author did excellent historical research that gives us a glimpse into one of the Royal families - Prince Edward - the father of Victoria - who later became Queen.
Excellent, and well written characters. Interesting side stories in addition to the main one of Emily finding love.
All of the characters from the first book carry over into this book, so I advise reading the first one first! This book will feel more familiar to you and you'll have a better understanding of who is who.
Clean romance. Great kissing. Bits of drama and suspense!
Superb ending.
I'm very much looking forward to the next installment!!
I highly recommend this book!

Another good story about the sisters of Seaview. This one focuses on 2 of the sisters. It has an interesting plot, with royalty being in town! There's a bit of mystery, as well as romance.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book!
all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I have returned to 1819 Sidmouth England, home of the Summers ladies, for more seaside village life, romance, and a bit of mystery. But this time the village entertains Royalty taken straight out of true history, partly delightful and partly sad.

Quotable:
1. her mother and sisters sewed together over tea and pleasant conversation.

If you enjoyed Downton Abbey (the cleaner parts) and a bit of faith woven in I recommend book 2.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐=Excellent

I was sent this eBook by NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Release Date: 12/05/23
Read Date: 9/18-20/23

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 77 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023

Reviews will be posted to GoodReads, Amzn, BAM, B&N, Kobo my blog, Pinterest & IG

This was such a surprising read, not at all what I imagined it would be.

This series explores the comings and goings of the Summers family of sisters who own a boarding house. In this book, the focus is mostly on Sarah and Emily. The Duke and Duchess of Kent arrive and some of their staff are to be accommodated at the boarding house.

There are dramas and trials, hinted at romances, and everyday events.

Overall, a solid read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

A Winter by the Sea is the next installment in the On Devonshire Shores series about the lovely Summers family of sisters who have a boarding house. This book picks up shortly after the previous book ends and the primary focus this time is Emily and Sarah.

We are introduced to some lovely characters when the Duke and Duchess of Kent arrive and move into a nearby home. The sisters receive three of their staff in their home for the winter: the table setter, the pastry chef, and the Duke's private secretary.

I loved that this was some little behind the scenes story of Queen Victoria's parents when she was a baby and her father sadly died while at the sea.

Emily is furthering her writing career in this book--working for one of the booksellers and publishers to create a new guide of the area. But when an accident renders her unable to write, the Duke's private secretary asks to help. And the rest of the book explores their relationship--as well as what happens when her former fiance shows up!

Meanwhile--Sarah has a lovely side-plot with the pastry chef that made me smile many times. I look forward to her story coming before too long.

This was very predictable, but it was still fun.

4Stars

**I was given an ARC of the book by the publisher and NetGalley. i was not required to write a positive review and all my opinions are 100% my own. :)

I have been eagerly waiting for this novel, I absolutely loved the first book in the series. I can honestly say, I was not the least bit disappointed to return to Devonshire Shores. I knew that Ms. Klassen would continue to please her readers as she takes us back to catch up with the Summers family.

There is excitement in the village as the Duke and Duchess of Kent along with their infant daughter arrive to stay in a neighboring cottage. They have a huge entourage as could be expected so, some of their staff stay at the seaside resort. There are returning characters from book one in addition to the delightful ladies in the Summers family.

The vivid descriptions of Seaview, the meals they served, and the persnickety guest who takes on a role that was unnecessary were just pure perfection. I loved watching Emily going out of her comfort zone to achieve her dream of becoming an author. There is so much to love about this novel, the family dynamics, the promise of new beginnings, but there is a bit of sadness, and mystery perfectly blended throughout the book.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen features Emily and Sara. I really enjoyed the beginning of the story when it showed the Christmas celebration at Seaview. It was sweet, reminding me a lot of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. As a budding writer, I can empathize with Emily as she wants to make her name known through her writings, but it takes a little bit of practice and time. As for her, it would definitely be harder to be recognized because she is a woman. As for the character of Emily, she is sweet, caring, and looking for love. If the first novel, she wanted Charles Parker to come back, but this time when he does come back, she has grown and matured. Having the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter stay next door created a little intrigue and eccentric characters who were lower staff stay at Seaview. Of course, what Regency novel does not feature romance between the characters. Klassen slowly introduced the trail of emotions as the characters dived into each individual life and learn to love each other slowly. Overall, A Winter by the Sea continues a nicely crafted family saga; however, there were moments in reading that I could not wait to come across some further action.

I received a complimentary copy of A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen from Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

✨BOOK REVIEW✨

‘A Winter by the Sea’ by @julie.k.klassen Publisher: Bethany House Fiction 📖
Release Date: December 5th
Series: Book #2 of On Devonshire Shores

“She had long desired three things in life: to be reunited with her eldest sister, to return to May Hill and marry Charles Parker, and to become a publisher author. She had little confidence any of these would ever happen.” - Emily

I absolutely LOVED getting reacquainted with the genteel Summers sisters, Sarah, Emily, Viola and Georgiana in book 2 of the Devonshire Shores series. This has been one of my most anticipated books for 2023 and I wasn’t disappointed 😍

Julie continued to develop the relationships between the sisters beautifully, and 14 month on from the first story, it was a joy to read how each sister had grown. I adored each of the oldest three sisters who were incredibly well written and relatable, and I’m pleased that the youngest sister Georgina played a bigger role in this one.

My FAVOURITE part of this story was Emily’s sweet ponderings about the magic and mystery behind a “first kiss” 🥹❤️

I also loved the comfortable predictability in the story, summed up by one of the final chapters titled “Who can be in doubt of what followed?” - Jane Austen, Persuasion

If you’re a historical romance fiction fan, don’t miss this one! “Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love and new beginings.”

Described in one word, this book is wholesome, and if you’re not convinced yet, read over and read Bonnie’s review @sincerlyreading ❤️

Thank you to
#bhpfiction @bethanyhousefiction and @netgalley my arc in exchange for an honest review ✍️

This book was such an unexpected win for me! In the past I've either loved this author's work or really have found myself quite underwhelmed. I don't know that it's a me thing or a book thing or what, but either way I'll admit 😍 this cover 😍 completely sold me and so I gave it a shot. It took me a minute to adjust to the story because there are several characters - and this is the second in the series, but the first for me. I was hesitant to give this series a chance but now I'm going to go back and read book one! I absolutely fell in love with Sea View, Sidmouth, the sisters and all the side characters! This is a beautifully, well-rounded cast with a picturesque winter setting. There are so many historical details and I really was impressed by the author's note at the end. I'm back on the Klassen train and cannot wait to read the next in this series!

A WINTER by the SEA comes after The Sisters of Sea View and is the second novel in the On Devonshire Shores series by Julie Klassen. The book can easily stand alone, but I am so glad I have read the two books in sequebce, becoming reacquainted with the interesting and sometimes eccentric characters from the first novel and coming accross some new ones. Needless to say that I am looking forward to the third book book in the series.
The Summers sisters are taken aback when the Duke and Duchess of Kent, together with their baby daughter, the future Queen Victoria, move into Woolbrook Cottage in Sidmouth and board three of their staff with them at Sea View Cottage. This makes life very interesting for everyone involved……
The story is historically based, wth excerpts from Queen Victoria’s biographies and guide books on Sidmouth and its surroundings. There are also quotations from Jane Austen, especially from Persuasion, and some well chosen scriptures. In fact the book has a strong Christian message of unconditional love, of laying one’s life down for others, of living in truth and taking care of the poor.
In the well described setting on the Devonshire coast we come across strong friendships, family relationships, both good and bad, true love and betrayal, superstition and even smuggling. There is also gossip and the self importance of those who look down on the less fortuate.
I really loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

A Winter by the Sea is an excellent addition to the On Devonshire Shores series by Julie Klassen. Emily Summers is the focus of this story which centers around her attempts to be published. The setting for this story includes the winter visit of the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter Victoria (the future queen) when they stay in Woolbrook Cottage on the Devonshire coast. Using well known historical figures can be tricky, but Klassen handles it expertly. Three of the Duke of Kent's staff, including his secretary stay at Sea View with the Summers. The resulting intrigue and romance are nicely developed and suspenseful. Strongly recommended for readers who love well researched historical fiction.

Another winner from Julie Klassen! Perfect for fans of historical inspirational fiction.
Loved returning to Devonshire and encountering the Summers sisters again. You don't need to have previous familiarity with the series for this novel to be perfectly enjoyable. Klassen crafts a heartwarming tale of romance that does a great job of pulling the reader in.

I received a complimentary e-galley from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

I adored "The Sisters of Sea View" and this latest is the second novel in the series. A young Victoria and her parents decide to visit Devonshire and some of their household staff rent rooms from the Summers sisters, and of course - drama and an excellent story ensue. There is heartwarming romance in this novel, the way Julie Klassen does best, that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I really enjoyed this second addition and loved returning to Devonshire to the Summers sisters again. Julie Klassen has written many novels, but I believe this one might be her best yet! This book is a warm reminiscence of a Jane Austen novel, and it is clear, as always, that Julie Klassen is a historian alongside her authorship (she knows regency England!). Wonderful, captivating writing and original plot gives this novel the depth and ability to pull in any reader. I highly recommend this author and all of her other books I have read have been nothing less than fantastic. She is definitely an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to own this novel in print.