The Seaside Homecoming + Giveaway

random retro read

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 picturesque 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 completely hooked from the atmospheric first sentence: “Bleak. The weather, her mood, her life.” Klassen caught my attention and kept it captive for the entire read. Her masterful storytelling never fails to transport me to another time and place. Every word begs to be savoured and there’s no hurrying me through a Klassen novel.

I was especially excited because this is Claire’s story – the exiled sister who brought shame to the Summers family. She’s been referenced in previous books in the ‘On Devonshire Shores‘ series, but this is our first ‘real live’ meeting. And oh my, but do I have big feelings! Gah! Her mother, in particular! The idea that there can be no forgiveness from Claire’s transgression is mind boggling. One mistake not only wipes out a chance at a decent future for her, but it casts a shadow over her sisters as well.

This is very much a redemption story , both for Claire and her entire family. Watching the sisters rebuild their relationship was emotionally satisfying. Klassen doesn’t dwell on Claire’s painful past, but she doesn’t shy away from the long-reaching consequences either. Her story is told with tenderness and compassion and energized by the glimmer of hope at long last.

One of the strengths in Julie Klassen’s storytelling comes from the sense of community she brings through her intriguing secondary characters and charming side stories. So easy to lose myself in tension, drama and humour courtesy of the unique mix of characters populating this remarkable story. So many sumptuous layers to delve into! Which includes a romance! I championed Claire every step of the way to her second chance at a happily every after!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Seaside Homecoming, 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 February 21 2026

35 thoughts on “The Seaside Homecoming + Giveaway”

  2. THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING sounds like an amazing read! Oh how I love when a book grabs you with the first sentence or the first page. It lets you know even better is to come. Always enjoy reading second chance stories. How many would be lost if not for the second chance? And to not allow it is unthinkable! Imagine it’s a wonderful delight to see her rise up above her mother’s condemnation and thrive. Beautiful cover too!

    Thank you so much for the wonderful chance to win a copy!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  4. Even though I’ve already read this (got a copy from the great Julie Klassen herself!), I enjoyed reading your awesome review & reminiscing about this one. I read the entire series & I believe this was probably my favorite one of all.

    P.S. I sent you an email but it may’ve landed in your spam folder. A couple of yours have done so here lately. 🤔

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      1. During the lean times when I was growing up, my mom used to fry spam and we’d have it in sandwiches. Maybe she jinxed me. hahaha

        You’ll enjoy the Christmas novella, too! I don’t think Julie K. can write a bad book if she tried!

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      3. Would you believe your reply about spam landed in my spam folder? Goodness! I just rolled my eyes when I saw it there. Anyway, you don’t ever need to try it, you can take my word for it. Although it wasn’t half bad when she would melt cheese on it! hahaha

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  12. I really like Julie Klassen‘s writing. This series has intrigued,me, but I haven’t read any of the books yet. I saw in a comment below that you thought this is one of her best series. That says a lot! I like the redemptive story of Claire that you spoke of, and all the layers of the various other characters in the story. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book, Kav!

    Alison Boss
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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