The Sisters of Sea View

About the Book:

Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

My Review:

There are so many things to love about this book starting with the four Summer sisters and their mother who live on the Devonshire coast. Opening their home to short term boarders, we have a glimpse into the lives of such interesting people. You are sure to love some of the boarders as well as the villagers and the neighbors. 

With the Devonshire coast as the setting that was described in such vivid detail I would happily register for a seaside vacation stay at Sea View. Who wouldn’t want to walk along the cliffs, enjoying the sea breeze and strolling through the town of Old Sidmouth?

I loved the beautiful love story of Viola and Major Jack Hutton. While each had visible scars that made people fearful of them, they could see beyond that to who the person really was. Viola + Jack = perfect couple

There are discussion questions for book club readers at the end of the book and a map of the village for your reference, both of which I appreciate. Lovable characters, faith, a time of crisis, and a well written plot, I highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction or books by authors such as Elizabeth Gaskell or Jane Austen, you will want to read this first book in the On Devonshire Shores series. There were many questions that were unanswered and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what else will take place at Sea View. 

I received an advanced e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.