This was a great book about a time in society that I don't read about often. Well written and easily enjoyable.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

The Cliff House is a neo-classical style building perched on the headland above the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach, in San Francisco,CA.The building overlooks the site of the Sutro Baths ruins, Seal Rocks, and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area,operated by the NPS.The Cliff House was built by Senator John Buckley and C. C. Butler, opened in 1863 and leased to Captain Junius G. Foster.The restaurant hosted mostly horseback riders, small-game hunters or picnickers on day outings. With the opening of the privately built Point Lobos toll road in 1864, the Cliff House became a Sunday destination among the carriage trade. Later the builders of the toll road constructed a speedway adjacent to it where rich San Franciscans raced their horses along the way. On weekends, there was little room at the Cliff House hitching racks for tethering the horses for the thousands of rigs. Soon, omnibus, railways and streetcar lines made it near Lone Mountain where passengers changed to stagecoach lines to the beach.The growth of Golden Gate Park attracted beach travellers, in search of meals and a look at the sea lions sunning themselves on Seal Rocks just off the cliffs, to visit the area.In 1883,the Cliff House was bought by Adolph Sutro, who had made a fortune in silver in the mines of Nevada's Comstock Lode.The Cliff House was severely damaged when the abandoned schooner Parallel, containing flammable lamps and cargo,exploded while aground at Lands End on January 16, 1887.In 1896, Adolph Sutro rebuilt the Cliff House as a seven-story Victorian chateau, aka "the Gingerbread Palace",below his estate on the bluffs of Sutro Heights.Then work began on the Sutro Baths in a small cove immediately north of the restaurant,which comprised of large indoor swimming pools,a museum, a skating rink and other pleasure grounds.The 1896 Cliff House survived the 1906 earthquake mostly intact, but burned to the ground on the evening of September 7, 1907.
The California State Normal School was a teaching college founded on May 2, 1862, which later evolved into San José State University in San Jose.Its southern branch campus evolved into UCLA in Los Angeles.

Intriguing characters that are full of flaws. Uninspired plot that lacks creativity. Well-done family dynamics. Well-executed conflict between freedom and responsibility. Emotional with some charm. Character development is integrated seamlessly in terms of pacing and excitement. Henry is my favourite based on his humanity. Brings forth feelings of determination and care. Recommended for those looking for a dramatic timeline of self-discovery and resilience. Overall, a mediocre read.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

1907 two young women with ambition to do something with their lives. Both thwarted by family who have no intention of sending their daughters to college. Both do not have any money of their own and both are not actively looking for a partner though one of them - Grace Hamilton has a secret fiancée who has followed her to San Francisco, and in hindsight Grace realizes he is definitely not marriage material but does not see a way out.

Isabella wants to be a nurse but finds that her chances grow slimmer by the day. Her mother’s illness, steadily worsening and her sister Josephine’s marital problems leading to a divorce seems to take away all chances of breaking free.

The story is a commentary on society of the time, and the expectations that family wished for. It showed women’s total dependence on their guardians of the time who curtailed any independence by controlling the pursestrings.

Both girls achieved their dreams, one by very drastic methods and one in a more straightforward way.

This is a wonderful historical fiction read that I highly recommend. .The author has done extensive research and brings San Francisco in 1907 to life for the reader. The historical descriptions of the city and the Cliff House are beautifully crafted. For those of us that have known the Cliff House as part of our family history this was so enjoyable to have it brought back to life so vividly. It was wonderful to picture old San Francisco and the Cliff House in its heyday.
This is the story of a family recovering from the big quake and two cousins who are determined independent young women for their time. A daughter expected to marry and have children. She has her own career aspirations and secretly is planning to enroll at nursing school in Los Angeles and escape her overbearing family .The cousin from Colorado arrives with her own scandal and ideas about her own freedom. The two women are of similar minds and both are planning their lives with fullfilling careers.

The characters are perfectly crafted to the time period. The historical aspects of the exquiste beauty of the Cliff House in detail is a thrill to read. The vibrant city recovering from the quake is told in detail. I loved the indepence of the two cousins and how intelligent and strong they both are. It was wonderful to read and this is a must read for all who enjoy historical fiction. Very well done to the author. I look forward to further works. Thank you to Net Galley , to the publisher and to the author for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own. A fabulous read !

This sounded good and early reviews raved about it, but I couldn’t get into it. The characters criticized each other in their thoughts. Some made very poor choices. I read the beginning and the end. That’s enough for me.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

I really enjoyed this book. The way it wove through complicated emotions of wanting to be able to make your own decisions and family dynamics for the time period was very well written and hooks you as soon as you start the book. Isabelle's resilience being determined to achieve her dreams no matter was was very inspiring.