The Seaside Homecoming – Julie Klassen

The Return and Reconciling of a Ruined Daughter

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance, Historical Fiction

SERIES: On Devonshire Shores #3

THE PREMISE: Two years ago Claire followed her heart on a romantic adventure, but ended up disgracing her family. Because she was exiled from her family, she stayed away and served as a companion to her cantankerous great aunt in Scotland. But her living situation has underwent a new change and now Claire is once again adrift and at the mercy of whatever situation she can find – which happens to be at a boarding house in Sidmouth…

WHAT I LOVED:

No One Talks About Claire…: Until now! For he first two books of this series Claire was “she who must not be named” amongst members of her family. And readers only had a few clues of what she did or even what her character was like. But now we finally get to meet her, learn more about her experiences, and see what becomes of her. I kind of love how Julie Klassen kept Claire hidden off-stage all this time. It built up some exciting curiosity and anticipation.

A Prodigal Sister Returns: As I’ve stated before these sisters are like the March and the Dashwood sisters with their close-knit and confiding relationships. I love the support and understanding they have previously shown one another. But Claire – the oldest sibling – is the one who caused the initial disrupt. And now that she has returned the family dynamics are in a bit of upheaval. Especially since some of the family is wanting to continue to honor their father’s denouncement, some feel that sisterly bonds are stronger than any wrongdoings, and some were completely unaware of what happened in the past. I loved observing all the reactions and relationships between Claire and her family.

To Forgive/ To Accept: With Claire’s return and the myriad of reactions it causes amongst the Summers family, Julie Klassen skillfully entwined some important and thematic messages about forgiveness and acceptance. Not too mention Mr. Hammond and his own guilt for the past choices he made. What does it truly mean to forgive? What is forgiveness without acceptance? And how do you forgive yourself? Witnessing these characters work through their own paths to forgiveness and acceptance was very meaningful, insightful, and recognizable.

Admiration and Affection: I adored the slow and gentle romance between Claire and Mr. Hammond. Claire is older and wiser and has learned to be more careful with her heart and her trust. No matter how strong the inclination and mutual admiration between them is, she knows there are some big obstacles in their way. I loved witnessing her thoughts as she becomes more and more aware of her growing feelings for Mr. Hammond and her sorrow about the impossibility of it all. And I kept swooning in all the moments Mr. Hammond revealed his growing admiration for Claire…he doesn’t use a lot of words, but his actions are very telling.

New Friends & Cultures: As always, Sidmouth is bustling with new guests and characters to enjoy, but I particularly enjoyed Sonali and Mira who come to Broadbridge with Mr. Hammond. I loved learning about their Indian culture and traditions like hair oiling. And I appreciated the honest depiction of prejudices and challenges these characters would face living in England in 1820. I was very pleased to see Sonali, Mira, and Armaan receive so much page time and was thrilled with what developed for them.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

Small Personal Quibbles: This might just be me, but on the outside it felt like Mrs. Summers was a little too stringent and unyielding, I wouldn’t have minded seeing more of her internal battle, conflicting emotions, and doubts. Also, the mystery/secrets surrounding Mr. Hammond’s work felt a little out-of-place or unnecessary. I’d rather the page time be spent on his developing feelings for Claire and his own internal struggles with his past relationship.

NOTE: This is the third book in this series, and while it can stand alone, a lot of significant events and character developments that take place in the earlier books of this series are needed to fully understand this book. So I’d recommend reading the The Sisters at Sea View and A Winter By the Sea first.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

📖 This heartwarming and charming series about an endearing family of sisters finding their paths continues with another delightful visit to the Devonshire coast.

🤍 A very moving installment that highlights making mistakes, accepting others, and releasing blame.

🤔 Should you continue shunning the daughter that has caused scandal and ruin or do you celebrate her return with a fattened calf?

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