Book Review: A Sea View Christmas (On Devonshire Shores #3.5) by Julie Klassen

September 4, 2025August 9, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Holiday Romance Novella
Length: 238 pages
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: September 2nd, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . .

With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year’s Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland–and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall–blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year’s dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?

Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds.

Julie Klassen’s heartwarming Christmas companion to the On Devonshire Shores series holds themes of friends to more, sisterhood bonds, and matchmaking that will fill you with holiday spirit. This novella can be read separately or along with the series and will appeal to fans of Jane Austen, English Regency romance, and Downtown Abbey.

Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted copy.

IT WAS SWEET.

I’ve really enjoyed this series from Julie Klassen. And this little novella was just as sweet as the rest. It touched on a lot of good themes and topics that brought about moments for growth and realizing that you’ve got to adapt to move forward.

I adore all of the sisters and how close they have become over each book. Getting to see them all together celebrating the holidays was tender and made for an easy read. I love reading close relationships between family members.

There’s a little bit of romance too!! I liked the slow burn and swoony moments too. Callum was such a great love interest and I adored Effie and Cora too. Truly this whole cast was a delight. It’s a heartwarming story perfect for the holiday season.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Holiday Romance Novella
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Content warnings: mentions of suicide, loss of a loved one

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ARC Book Review: The Seaside Homecoming (On Devonshire Shores #3) by Julie Klassen

December 1, 2024November 29, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 400 pages
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: December 3rd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK 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. Meanwhile, the Summers family learn their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or widen the divide? Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted copy.

LOVED MEETING CLAIRE.

I have been waiting for Claire’s story since I started this series and I enjoyed so many aspects of it. I loved how strong she was in the face of a lot of tough circumstances for this time period. So many things weren’t fair and she persevered through it all.

I loved the slow burn romance and the building of a friendship to more. It was very sweet and I adored Mr. Hammond. They were both in the right place at the right time to connect and realize the family they were building. I loved the single dad trope for his historical too. And some of the side characters were endearing and I was charmed by them too.

For a few of the other more antagonist based characters, I didn’t love. I just thought some of the plot points weren’t necessary nor did I love how Claire’s Mom behaved. It was like I understood where she was coming from initially, but the hold out only frustrated me.

A good read with hints towards book four that I’m really looking forward to as well. I adore this series as a whole. I love the themes and enduring sense of hope that is woven in.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: low
Content Warnings: mentions of abuse

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Book Review: The Sisters of Sea View (On Devonshire Shores #1) by Julie Klassen

December 27, 2023January 5, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 448 pages
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

When their father’s death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers convinces her sisters to open their seaside home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. Emily and Georgiana agree, but Viola, who wears a veil to cover a scar, detests the idea.

Determined to stay together, the sisters begin the new venture. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family. Meanwhile, the new situation exposes Viola’s scars–both the visible and those hidden deep within–and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

A DELIGHT.

I really enjoyed this! Especially via the audiobook. It had fantastic narration and I was wrapped in this historical story (with a good dose of romance).

The sisters were all unique in their personalities and lifestyles. I love that they came together to find a way to stay in their home and that even with the ups and downs of running a bed and breakfast they found their footing within the home. I love strong relationship bonds like this and I love supportive families. The path is definitely not straight, but the bends and valleys are what makes it dynamic.

I love all of the subtle romances throughout. This specific book focused on one sister more than the others (of which my assumption is each book will have a sister as more of the main focus than others) and I loved her points of view the most. This book is wholesome and they’re Christian themes. I didn’t find these heavy handed, more so beautifully woven throughout. The sentiments of learning to love yourself and forgiveness are some of the themes I appreciated most.

A wonderful read, I look forward to future books with these sisters!!

Overall audience notes:

Historical Fiction
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: low
Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, a flooding situation, injuries from war

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ARC Book Review: A Winter by the Sea (On Devonshire Shores #2) by Julie Klassen

December 5, 2023November 3, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: December 5th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted copy.

ENJOYABLE.

There’s something about this author’s writing style that just slowly draws you in and takes you on a journey. I loved this winter filled story of hope and recovery.

I enjoyed Emily’s story a lot. I liked seeing her stretch past her comfort zones and also maintain that strong family bond that she has. Her love for her sisters was beautiful and moving through a love triangle that worked well for me. You always knew where it was heading, but I think the push and pull gave Emily a chance for much needed growth and release from her past.

My only little thing is when the story focused on another sister I lost a little interest. I felt really committed to Emily’s story, but not as much as Sarah’s.

The fictional community is wonderful. It’s got the small town vibes but set in a historical time period. I love how they come together for each other and the subtle faith aspects that round out the themes of the novel. I’m very much looking forward to the next story in this series.

Overall audience notes: