
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.
My Review:
If I had to describe Julie Klassen’s writing style in one word it would be ‘layered.’ Characters with layered backstories — and not just the MCs but secondary ones as well. Historical elements layered through the story in exacting detail. A plot with enough layers to keep a reader riveted right to the end.
And all that means ‘A Winter By the Sea’ was an immersive read for me. Kinda felt like I was binge-watching a BBC period drama like ‘Larkrise to Candelford’ or ‘Cranford.’ And wouldn’t it be wonderful if some enterprising producer decided to put some of Julie Klassen’s novels on the screen?!
The character-driven plot leaves plenty of time to explore relationships in this quaint seaside village. And, of course, there is romance — a delicious one despite a brief nod to the dreaded — gasp — love triangle! But it was gently done and almost painless. 🙂 And…eeeeepppp!!!…our hero is a man of faith who loves to read! Be still my heart!
‘A Winter By the Sea’ is divinely captivating and utterly addictive.
Of note: This is the second book in the ‘On Devonshire Shores’ series and, while it could be read as a standalone, I think it would be better to read the books in order. You’ll understand the Summers sisters circumstances better and some of the ‘whys and wherefores’ in this story. Would still make total sense as a standalone, you’d just have a richer read if you start with ‘The Sisters of Seaview.’
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
WINNER MAY CHOOSE BETWEEN BOOK #1 SISTERS OF SEA VIEW OR BOOK # 2 WINTER BY THE SEA — PLEASE STATE WHICH BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN IN A COMMENT OR IN YOUR EMAIL. THANK YOU.
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the On Devonshire Shores novels, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 11 2024.
Kav, sounds intriguing, but I haven’t read the first in the series so put me down for Sisters of Sea View if I win, please 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot come
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It’s an awesome series so far, Cheryl. Good luck!
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Another one I’ve been anticipating! Winter by the Sea!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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Good luck, Kimmy!
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Sounds good. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom
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Which book are you in for, Kim?
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Thank you for the review on “A Winter by the Sea”. Sounds amazing and it is now on my TBR list. LOVE the cover and all the shades of purple!
Can’t wait to read this series. As per your suggestion, if I were fortunate enough to be selected, I would love a copy of “Sisters of Sea View” in order to start this series properly. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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You will love these stories, Kay. Good luck!
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I adore Julie Klassen’s novels!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Which book would you like to be entered for? #1 or #2?
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Book one please.
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This is the first series that I’ve read by Julie Klassen and I’m loving it. My choice is A Winter By the Sea; the cover is gorgeous!
Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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Eeeep — so glad you are loving it. Good luck, Sandy!
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That is a striking cover, isn’t it? A bit different with it not being just blues or greys or even red/orange streaks of sunshine. Mirrors her plum-colored dress. Imagine photoshop really helps with any marketing photographs nowadays. I have read the first book so would be interested in this Winter by the Sea. Thanks!
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I bet that cover stands out in a bookstore and the plummy colours suit the Winter theme of the story. Good luck, CC!
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I love this author have read most of her books. Would love to add this one to my set of books.
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I think I’m up to date with her books now. 🙂 Good luck, Becky!
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I’d love to enter for The Sisters of Seaview😍
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Good luck, Elly!
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Definitely any Julie Klassen novel! I adored book one! So… I will choose the second book ~ A Winter by the Sea.
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
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Good luck, Kathleen!
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I really enjoy this author but I haven’t started this series so I’m in for #1. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Good luck, Lucy!
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I love her books! I would pick A Winter by the Sea. I have read Sisters of Seaview and loved it.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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Good luck, rubynreba!
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i love Julie Klassen. This one sounds good but I haven’t read the first one so I would like that one please. Thanks for the chance.
tighefan42atgmaildotcom
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It’s a fantastic series! Good luck, Tammy!
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