The third instalment of Julie Klassen’s On Devonshire Shores series, The Seaside Homecoming, filled my “spare” (ha!) time last week and kept me enraptured. I reviewed the first two books in the Regency romance series back in August.
The family saga continues with eldest Summers’ sister, Claire, who was exiled to Scotland two years earlier after an unwise decision compromised her reputation. Her sisters’ romances had shared snippets about Claire, but didn’t prepare me for the daily shaming she endured.
Claire’s story is redemptive, but difficult. Forgiveness did flow, but often her past poor choice boxed her into a future she only embraced because her options were limited. I felt for her and the imbalance of power between the sexes in Regency society.
I also struggled to understand how some family (and strangers!) responded to her. While the era’s societal standards differ from today’s culture, I can’t imagine treating someone with similar indifference or disdain. Jesus came to forgive us of our sins and offer love to all, so how can I not follow His example?
A highlight of The Seaside Homecoming is meeting wonderful new characters like Mr Hammond and his daughter, Mira, and reconnecting with the younger Summers sisters. And, as I hinted in my previous review, I still hold hope for a particular character from book one to reappear…! A Christmas novella is to be released in September 2025, so hopefully this instalment includes Sarah’s happy ending.
Have you read any of Ms Klassen’s novels? Let me know in the comments below.
Until next time,
