I loved this book and this series. I'm invested in each of the Summers sisters we've come to know and love so far, but I'd hoped from the start that Claire would get her redemption story. <3 Seaside Homecoming did not disappoint.

It's always such a treat to read a book by the author and I'm already looking forward to the Christmas release in this series coming out in September.
This is the third of what I believe to be a four-book series.
I've enjoyed getting to know the five sisters and their widowed mother. I'd suggest reading the other two books in the series to catch up on the back story, meeting all the sisters and getting to know their personalities.
The author's books are wonderful, and her storytelling abilities have evolved over the years making for such compelling stories that I'm sure not to miss.
How exciting that the book started out taking place in Scotland.
I've really enjoyed the Regency spin she puts on her books. We have romance, forgiveness, strong faith. We have a reunion with the oldest sister and after a troubling past it was so nice to see such strong sisterly bonds are still there as they are there to support her.
Great descriptions and as with the other books I could imagine the rugged seaside coast. Looking forward to the other sister's stories soon. Great wrap up of this story as it kept me glued to its pages.


I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own

Great story. Can’t wait to read the next book later this year. Characters are relatable and realistic. Themes of forgiveness and family and of course some sweet romance too

This is the 3rd book of the On Devonshire Shores series, which follows the lives of the Summers family, all five daughters and the widowed mother, in 1800s England. Catch the Jane Austen vibes yet? You should. Julie Klassen is absolutely today’s Jane Austen, and her books are imbued with all the charm and elegance of an Austen novel.

I would recommend reading the first two books in this series first, as there is a lot of callback to prior characters and storylines, but I loved seeing it all from Claire’s perspective as she returns to Sidmouth after being dismissed by her family and living in Scotland following an elopement-gone-wrong. In a period-appropriate manner, this book explores themes of race and racism, guilt and shame, and forgiveness and atonement. Reading Julie Klassen always feels comforting and warm, and this book is everything I’ve come to expect from this author.

Having greatly enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was so excited to finally read Claire’s story! Although I think this book can stand on its own, it is nice to get background on the Summers sisters and read the other first. I absolutely love Julie Klassen’s storytelling abilities. She does such a wonderful job weaving details seamlessly into dialogue that moves the plot along and allows me to visualize the setting perfectly. Claire has made some mistakes (haven’t we all) and her realistic redemption is so heartwarming to read. I loved the way the romance developed between her and Mr. Hammond. Several surprises throughout the story easily kept my attention. The characters are so well developed, I finished the novel feeling as if I had truly gotten to know real people. I really enjoyed this novel and loved this whole series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was the third and final full length novel of the series. There will be a novella dedicated to the one remaining unmarried sister. More on that in a moment. I liked the way things were wrapped up in this book for most everyone. I did get frustrated with the mother in this one because she was so adamant about sticking to the promise she made to her dying husband and his wishes regarding Claire. Sometimes that's just not possible, especially when the promise or wishes of that person were just plain wrong or misguided, and circumstances can change that they would not be able to foresee. I enjoyed how the sisters went about handling this though.

This book felt a bit different from the first two in the series, mainly because it was written almost wholly from Claire's perspective, and didn't jump around to multiple characters nearly as much as the previous books in the series did.

As for the novella, I've been rooting for the romance between this one sister and a certain man to happen through all three books, and it looks like it will be wrapped up in the novella. I'm a little sad about that. I would love to get a whole novels worth of this conclusion, but I'll take what I can get!


Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The Seaside Homecoming
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House
Pub Date Dec 03 2024
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


Bethany House and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of The Seaside Homecoming for review:


As a hidden past comes to light, a surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood.


Claire Summers, the disgraced eldest sister, has been living in exile in Scotland as the companion of her stern great-aunt. Claire is about to lose her place in a Sidmouth boarding house when she sees an advertisement seeking a "respectable female partner." Could it be a sign? As she answers the ad, she hopes she hasn't made another reckless mistake. Upon meeting the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders if he's any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her less-than-respectable past, Claire is drawn to him.



In the meantime, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has passed away and Claire has disappeared without a word. Will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds or deepen the rift between the sisters?



Discover the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity as the Summers sisters navigate romance and second chances along the captivating Devonshire coast.


I give the Seaside Homecoming five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I know, I'm biased. Klassen is a fave. It's hard to go wrong with a Klassen if you enjoy slow-paced, complete immersion into atmospheric Regency-era stories.

This novel is book three of the series where we finally get to know the "real" story about what has been going on with disgraced, eldest sister of the five Summers sisters. I loved the beginning that took place in Scotland a lot.

While I stayed frustrated with Claire's Mom and her choices (concerning Claire) for the entirety of the book, I enjoy returning to Sea View and catching up with the characters that felt like old friends!

I enjoyed Claire and was rooting for her from the start, except for the times when I felt like she sent to many signals to the love interests (yes, plural).

I suggest taking your time to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the Regency England seaside and the diverse list of characters with dilemmas and triumphs.

This story begins in Scotland in 1820. Claire Summers has been disowned and ‘shunned’ by her family and is living with a bedridden great aunt as a companion and caregiver. When her great aunt dies, Claire is left with little money and no prospects. On an impulse, she uses all her money to buy into a partnership of a boarding house in the same town that her mother and sisters live. They also own a boarding house. Her new partner, Mr. Hammond, is a widower with a small daughter who has a nanny from India, His late wife was also from India. The author deals with the elements of prejudice and class systems. The topics of dysfunctional families and blended families is prominent.
I really liked this book for the engaging, believable characters and her style of writing that is both entertaining and easy to read.
If you like reading historical faith based romance with elements of redemption, forgiveness and restoration, you will love this book. There is also a thread of mystery that keeps you guessing. What did Claire do to get her banished? Why is Mr. Hammond so secretive about his past? What are all the ‘hush-hush’ meetings about? Will Claire ever be forgiven and embraced by her family? There is also a surprising circumstance involving the late great aunt.
This is book three of the On Devonshire Shores series.
I received a complimentary ARC** of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
**A word about ARC books. Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing. My reviews may include some things that vary from the final published book.

This series has been so good! I love that we finally get Claire's story with The Seaside Homecoming, the sister who had a failed trip to Gretna Green and was sent away as a result. I loved the historical aspect and how the author explored what it would have been like to have to keep away from your family, after being considered a bad influence. I love where the story went and the message of learning to forgive yourself after making poor choices, and the second chance we receive through Jesus.

Claire Summers finds life grey and dismal, just like the Edinburg weather. For the past two years, she has lived in exile at the home of her father’s elderly aunt. After eloping with Lord Bertram, who abandoned her before going before the blacksmith in Gretna Green, Claire feels she deserves the censure of her aunt. Her father ordered her mother to have no contact with her, and her aunt intercepts all incoming correspondence. Claire wonders if she will ever overcome her past mistake or if her years will continue in bleak penury. Aunt Mercer never fails to remind Claire of her part in her father’s death.

When Aunt Mercer suddenly dies, Claire discovers she has less than a week to move out of her aunt’s house and two years’ back wages to live on. If she can only move back to Sidmouth, perhaps she could reconcile with her mother and sisters.

When Claire reads an advertisement in the newspaper for a respectable woman to invest in a guest house in Sidmouth, she throws caution to the wind and moves back to England. She expects a partnership with another woman, and after making the lengthy trip only to discover her erstwhile partner is a man.

Claire isn’t the only one who yearns for reconciliation. Sarah Summers and her sisters wonder why Claire never answers their letters. Viola and her new husband decide to stop in Edinburg and demand an audience with Claire. Their mother, who promised her husband on his deathbed that she would never speak to Claire again, doesn’t know about her daughter’s plans.

What I Loved About this Book

In book three of the On Devonshire Shores series, Julie Klassen brings an At Home in Mitford feeling to Regency England. The Seaside Homecoming tells the story of Claire, the disgraced eldest sister mentioned in books one and two. Fans of second-chance romances will cheer for Claire as she learns to accept herself—mistakes and all and reconciles with her family.

While it can be read as a stand-alone novel, readers would most enjoy it if read as a series, as it includes secondary storylines from characters in other On Devonshire Shores books.

Julie Klassen is an elegant historical writer of regency fiction. In her third book of the On Devonshire Shores, Klassen continues the saga of the Summer sisters. THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING brings the feels of Sense and Sensitivities and Little Women with a realistic and timeless faith journey. And yes, the swoony romance is there with tortured love interests looking for love and redemption.

THE STORY: [taken from publisher’s summary] 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 could get lost in Klassen’s beautifully written prose. THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING is full of intrigue, very relevant family dynamics, and delicious romance. I’m looking forward to the final book in the series.

Fans of Julie Klassen, historical romance, regency period romance, sisterhood, and faith. An exquisite story that will last in the heart of the reader.

I received an ARC from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

This was a very sweet addition to the series. I liked finally meeting Claire and seeing her rebuild her relationships with her sisters and mother. William was a great character, too, though I would have liked a bit more development with their romance (they were great friends, but I wanted to know why/how he fell in love with her, besides seeing her love his daughter). I liked that we also saw development in side stories/characters/romances that had started in the previous books. It did feel a bit slower, but the themes of forgiveness and mercy were really beautiful. And I can't wait for Sarah to finally get her HEA next!

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen is a clean, historical romance which is book 3 in a wonderful series called “On Devonshire Shores”. This tells the story of Claire, the “outcast” sister who is always mentioned in the other books but not delved into. Christian themes of love, and forgiveness are woven throughout. It was fun revisiting the Seaview Inn and all the sisters. I am also excited that there will be a 4th in the series, a Christmas novella coming out in September that I will be on the lookout for!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC ebook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Claire is such a beautiful character. She has been living with an estranged Aunt as a companion for the last few years because of the shame she brought to her family. Owning up to what she did and struggling through her loneliness has been a real test to her character.

But when her Aunt passes she's asked to leave. Unsure of where to go now with the very little money she has, she decides to return closer to home, even though she knows her mamma won't be too happy about it. However, she finds herself a co-owner of a boarding house and is getting her life in order. But romance with her business partner begins to bloom all while she's trying to mend things with her family.

The Seaside Homecoming is filled with tension throughout the pages because of her estrangement situation and all of the odd happenings at the boarding house. I loved the slow and casual unfolding of the story - Klassen really takes her time laying out the Claire's story and allowing you time to immerse in everything. It really reminded me of a classical novel with its poignant descriptions of the surroundings. Like the scene where Claire decides to go to town and purchase some flowers to brighten up the yard and coincidentally gets to enjoy some time with her business partners daughter.

There are a lot of sweet moments in this story while sadness looks for Claire and her desire to reconnect with her family. A reminder of how important family is and the void that's left when you feel you don't have them anymore.

“It is beautiful up here.”
Feeling his gaze on her once more, she turned and found him watching her.
“I completely agree.”

Julie Klassen has done it again; I can’t get enough of this series. Reading this book felt like coming home. I loved reconnecting with Sarah, Emily, Violet, Georgie, and other beloved secondary characters. The introduction of new characters added so much more depth to an already multi-layered series.

Getting to know Claire and finally digging into her backstory was fantastic. She’s been sort of a mystery since book one, but I loved getting to know her. I felt so connected to Claire and I just wanted to protect her. The addition of William, Mira, Sonali, and Armaan just enriched this series so much more! Even though this series is centered around a family, I love that there’s a found family element. The Summers’ circle just keeps getting bigger and I love how everyone has a place.

The romance is subtle as usual, but still packs a punch. The way everything worked out in the end truly melted my heart against a certain aunt. It was a good reminder to be forgiving and to remember that we’re never to old to learn. I absolutely cannot wait for the series ending novella coming out next year!! If you love Little Women vibes, seaside settings, and cozy romance, you’re going to absolutely love this series!

Content: kisses

Thank you to Bethany House and Austenprose for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

For those of us who have lived for several decades, we are keenly aware of our imperfections. None of us is free from the sting of regret, as we recall the mistakes we have made and the wrongs we have done. The question becomes, how do we respond to those mistakes? Do we ask for forgiveness from those we’ve hurt? Do we show true remorse and strive to never repeat the mistakes of the past? Many people will exercise their religious faith and ask God for forgiveness as well. While spiritual pardon from God is available, those who have transgressed may still struggle with feelings of guilt or shame. This is keenly seen in the lead character of Claire Summers in Julie Klassen’s latest novel, The Seaside Homecoming.

The prior novels in the series, The Sisters of Sea View and A Winter by the Sea did mention an elder sister Claire. Readers were not offered many details, but we were given to know that she was the “fallen” elder sister who had been effectively cast out of the family. Her four younger siblings missed her dearly, and their longing was mentioned on occasion. Now with The Seaside Homecoming, author Julie Klassen divulges the whole of Claire’s story. We learn what specifically led to her banishment, and the events that rippled out as a consequence. Readers of Regency fiction will not be surprised to find that a botched elopement to Scotland was involved. Not only did Claire run off alone with a sweetheart, but she returned unmarried, alone, and essentially ruined. In an effort to protect her four younger sisters from shame by association, Claire’s parents disowned her as their daughter. Events transpire which lead Claire back into her family’s town, but she is not universally welcomed back with open arms.

The Seaside Homecoming maintains a large focus on Claire’s shame, the ways in which she deals with her choices, and the repercussions of the beliefs of all those involved. As a Christian, I grieved at the amount of contempt that was directed at Claire from members of the believing community. Although this is a fictional tale, I know that condemnation still occurs even today. It is sad that we often refuse to forgive others, when God Himself offers forgiveness to each one of us. It is my belief that part of our instinct to shame and condemn comes from our God-given desire to see wrongs righted, and for villains to receive their comeuppance. Unfortunately, the desire for righteousness often becomes warped, and we forget to also extend grace to others as well. Sometimes we also neglect to extend grace to ourselves, even when some or all parties involved have offered forgiveness. Claire Summers struggles with this as well. Not only does she face judgment from those without, she wars against the shame within. As a character she must grow and learn to accept God’s forgiveness, and trust that she is worthy of love from others.

In addition to the theme of redemption that is strong in The Seaside Homecoming, other social issues are addressed. I highly enjoyed the narrative related to the Asian Indian community, and relished the development of the Indian characters present on the Devonshire coast. They realistically had to endure unjust prejudice and shaming of their own, although their only “fault” was the color of their skin and difference of heritage. I loved the manner in which Klassen touched on Indian culture, such as their food, fashion, and even toiletry techniques. Although differences in religion were not overtly addressed, the characters in the story are in at least some measure theists, as they refer to “God”. It can be assumed that Klassen did not have the bandwidth available in the novel to address the complex issues of religion as they relate in native English and Indian cultures. However, she handled the matter well, considering the matters at hand.

As is always the case with Julie Klassen’s novels, The Seaside Homecoming is very family-friendly and a pleasure to read. There are dramatic moments of tension, but the general feel of the entire story is one of comfort. Difficult adult issues are addressed, such as unwed pregnancy, judgmental members of society, a brief mention of a suicide, and racial prejudice. Klassen handles these concepts with grace and in a realistic manner, not shying away from difficult realities, but not turning them into opportunities for sensationalism either. As has been alluded to, mentions of faith, sin, forgiveness, and God are important aspects of the plot, but sweet romance and a touch of possible espionage are involved as well. The Seaside Homecoming is certainly a story of redemption, but it offers so much more. It is a fine addition to the On Devonshire Shores collection, and answers many questions that have been lingering since the series began. The story of the Summers family comes to a conclusion next year in A Sea View Christmas, and I look forward to returning to Sidmouth one last time in September 2025.

Condemnation, a genteel boarding house, and a cross pendant on a gold chain provide links in this thought-provoking study of the social mores of the 1800’s, family loyalties, and sisterly love. While searching for reconciliation Claire and her siblings hope to discover “home” in book #3. A thorough background of the Summers’ family situation with Claire’s fall from grace, a husband-wife promise, and the death of Mr. Summers provides readers with understanding and empathy for the varying emotions and attempts at restoring relationships between Claire, Mrs. Summers and the sisters still at home. Threads of longing for acceptance and forgiveness keep hopes alive for the family’s restorative, satisfying return to Devonshire.

The Seaside Homecoming is a story of love, forgiveness, new beginnings, hurt, and so much more. Klassen easily brings me back in time with her beautiful descriptions, charming characters (and some not so charming!), and dialogue. Fans of Little Women will devour not only this book, but the entire series as well.

I think the thing I enjoy most about this book was the way Klassen made the characters so relatable, even though there are many years between them and me. Sure, I’m not working in a boarding house, but I could still relate to the troubles that Claire had. I enjoyed watching her character grow sort of into her own person, and I especially loved the scenes with a cute little girl in them! Claire had a lot of hurt – from family mostly, but also from a potential love interest. I learned a lot from how she handled situations that I can apply to my own life – something that I don’t admit lightly. But it goes to show you Klassen’s talent. Making lessons from a historical time period relevant to today’s world.

The other thing I love – the themes in the book. Yes the romance was wonderfully written. I knew from the moment Claire and Mr Hammond met that I wanted them to spend lots of time together. There was something mysterious and intriguing about our leading man, and I was delighted as I found out more about him as the story went on. But the themes of faith and forgiveness really resonated with me. Forgiveness is a hard pill to swallow, and Klassen didn’t take it lightly with the characters which I appreciated. It was realistic, heart felt, and wonderfully presented.

Historical fiction fans, romance fans, and fans of sister stories will delight in this series from Klassen. Though I would love to spend more time in Sidmouth, I know Klassen will be bringing more fantastic settings in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

BOOK: THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING
AUTHOR: JULIE KLASSEN
PUB DATE: O5 DECEMBER 2024
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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First of all, this feels more like a women's fiction than a romance, but I still felt some romance. That being said, this was a wonderful book. I read it in a day!
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Claire, the FMC, was 'banished' because she was 'ruined', she had to leave her home and her family, and it was heartbreaking to read. My least favorite character in the book was Claire's mother and father. They failed to do their jobs as parents, and I couldn't forgive them, especially her mother, who insisted on breaking off contact with her even after her husband died. I understand the time they lived in, but they could have shared letters or something instead of disowning her. Her mother was the bane of my existence in this book. Though I loved her sisters who never forgot about her, neither did they judge her harshly.
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For a novel with multiple povs, it was annoying not to have gotten the MMC's POV, I really, really wanted it, but it was not to be. That being said, the romance, the chemistry, was at the top even with it being closed door. Although I would have wanted more scenes with both of them together. But, their relationship was nice nonetheless.
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I liked the presence of Indian characters in the book, including the MMC's daughter, Mira. It provided some diversity. The author was also realistic in portraying their situation.
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I'm glad that the FMC didn't repeat the same mistake and made the right decision for herself. This book was worth it, and it was a delightful read. I would definitely read the other books I'm the series.
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