BOOK DESCRIPTION
A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .
Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a "respectable female partner" in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made 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. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.
Meanwhile, the Summers family learns 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 deepen the divide?
Return to the captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.
MY REVIEW
I was glad to return to Sidmouth and connect with the Summers family. Claire has been estranged from her family and when given the opportunity to return to where they are residing she decides to become a partner in a boarding house. I loved that her sisters support and love her in spite of the circumstances that caused her to live in Scotland for a time.
William Hammond, Claire’s business partner, lends an air of mystery to the story as he has clandestine meetings with men of different nationalities. I was glad that he chose not to listen to malicious gossip, but rather asked Claire for her side of the story. I enjoyed the romance that developed between the William and Claire. Mira, William’s daughter, was very cute and I was happy to have her as part of the story.
Things to enjoy:
second chances
seeing beloved characters again
breaking down societal barriers
seaside town
found family
clean romance
This is the third book in the On Devonshire Shores series. While it can be read as a standalone,I recommend you read the other two books first in order to have knowledge of the family dynamics. There is a fourth book to be published, and I can't wait to read it! This book reminded me of Elizabeth Gaskill’s Cranford series, and I recommend it if you like historical romance and village life.
I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher,NetGalley, and AustenProse with no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
AUTHOR BIO
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit JulieKlassen.com.