I’ve read several of Julie Klassen’s books (including this one), so my excitement piqued when my Libby library app alerted me that her newest series was available to borrow through my local library.
I discovered the Libby app mid last year when I learned I could access a heap of e-books from authors I liked. My local library reading app offers more mainstream popular books and less indie and Christian fiction reads, so the Libby app was a wonderful find!
So far, I’ve borrowed books by superb authors like Francine Rivers, Katherine Reay, Courtney Walsh, Amanda Dykes, Karen Witemeyer and Melissa Ferguson.
Last week I indulged in reading the first two books of Julie Klassen’s historical Regency romance series, On Devonshire Shores.
The Sisters of Sea View is a delightful story revolving around four sisters—Sarah, Emily, Viola and Georgiana Summers—and their ailing mother, all coming to terms with the death of Mr Summers and their new impoverished circumstances. Set in the Devonshire coastal town of Sidmouth where the Summers family now lives, this story shares the woes and triumphs of living in their seaside home, Sea View, which is opened as a guest house to visitors.
I enjoyed this sisterly saga, including romance for three of the four young ladies, while tackling some bigger themes: survival, navigating the boundaries of 1819 society and overcoming fear and prejudice. While there were some anxiety-fuelled situations where I peeked at my e-reader through spread fingers, I enjoyed every moment! Each character—from the beloved and quirky Sea View visitors to the Austen-inspired Eltons—enriched the Summerses tale and enraptured me.
A Winter by the Sea, set several months after The Sisters of Sea View, continues the story with an added “royal twist”. In 1819, the Duke and Duchess of Kent—Queen Victoria’s parents—with their then infant daughter, rented Woolbrook Cottage, a nearby property to the fictional Sea View. If you’re familiar with royal history, you’d be aware of some events which occurred during their stay (I won’t spoil the story). Ms Klassen skilfully weaved facts with fiction and created a novel worth savouring.
Since royalty travel in large parties, several staff camps at Sea View, fuelling moments of drama and deliciously sweet romance. With more Austen references, a local library rivalry and the delights and pressures of serving strangers in their home, the Summers family have plenty to keep themselves busy!
Throughout the action-packed story, I’d held hope for a particular character from book one to reappear… so I look forward to the next instalment, The Seaside Homecoming, set for release in December.
Do you enjoy reading Regency romance?
Until next time,
