My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Synopsis
Royalty comes to Sidmouth, bringing unexpected danger and the sweet possibility of romance . . .
When the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter--the future Queen Victoria--rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal family's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited secrets and intrigue into their home.
Meanwhile, Emily Summers longs to become an author. A local publisher offers to consider her novel if she will first write a Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily agrees and begins researching the area with help from 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's long held 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.
My Review
A lovely, meandering story focused on Emily's three loves- two different men and her writing. One suitor she long pined for abandoned her in her family's time of need, only to reappear with renewed hopes. Her new friend lodging at the inn provides a level of support and encouragement of her own dreams that she's never experienced before, but of course there are obstacles to the relationship. Her writing brings her new opportunities as she reaches outside her comfort zone, yet her family is there as her foundation of strength. I enjoyed seeing her character growth, becoming less self-centered as she follows her sisters' examples of selfless service and compassion. We also read in the perspective of older sister Sarah, who has another potential relationship developing, but her main focus is on the inn and her family. Having royals visiting the small community brought a level of excitement and drama, interesting characters, and elements of real history. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Don't miss the first book in the On Devonshire Shores series . . .
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.PRAISE FOR A WINTER BY THE SEA
“Enlivened by historical details of the royal family’s 1819 visit to Devonshire, the narrative is propelled forward by an irrepressible protagonist whose spunk will easily win readers’ sympathy. This breezy and delightful installment is sure to satisfy Klassen’s fans.”— Publisher’s Weekly
“A Winter by the Sea is a story about finding your purpose and realizing that the things we hope and pray for...might not always be the things we truly need… The On Devonshire Shores series is truly a delight.”— Lauren, The Books Script
“Julie Klassen has provided such a beautiful escape with this series…I can't wait to see what comes next in this series and will be highly anticipating book 3!!”— Tasha, Clean Read Book Club
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