A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen
In a Winter by the Sea, the Summers sisters are surprised when members of the royal family move in to a neighboring cottage to spend the winter.
Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Sisters, Family Drama, Seaside Bed and Breakfast, Village Life, England
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My Summary of A Winter by the Sea:
Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for #AWinterByTheSea by Julie Klassen. Thank you #NetGalley #BethanyHousePublishing @AustenProse #AustenProsePR for a complimentary e ARC upon my request. All opinions are my own.
A Winter by the Sea is the second installment in the On Devonshire Shores series. Even though it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend starting with (book #1) The Sisters of Sea View which provides an introduction to the family and their circumstances. Reading in order promotes the richest reading experience in my opinion. In A Winter by the Sea, the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent a neighboring cottage for the winter and the Summers sisters provide lodging for a few of the staff. This situation presents new challenges and possibilities.
My Thoughts:
A seaside setting + sisters drama + colorful and likable characters + sides of romance = a gently written histfic story with substantial themes
Sisters
One reason I appreciate this series is the focus on sister relationships. Each of the sisters is likable and their interactions are realistically portrayed. Even though each story has a main character focus and a unique set of challenges for a particular sister, the story includes all the sisters and continues to grow their relationships with each other.
Themes
In addition to themes that you might expect like sisters supporting sisters and family loyalty, more specific themes in this installment include reaching for your dreams, taking risks, and finding that what you’ve always wanted might not be right for you now.
Gently Written
I appreciate that the series is gently written with a just the right amount of suspense and intrigue. Perfect for winter evenings by a crackling fire. The author provides vivid details of the historical period that promotes a strong sense of time and place. The challenges are not too weighty, profanity is nonexistent, and the sweet slow-burn romance is (firmly) closed door.
Plot or Character-Driven?
If you follow my reviews, you know that I enjoy a balance of plot and character! If I had to choose one, I’d say this story learns toward character-driven but there is enough plot to provide a satisfying and compelling story. The story revolves around a colorful cast of characters, compelling family dynamics, and a slow-burn romance.
Recommending A Winter by the Sea
Readers who enjoy gently written, family-centered stories will want to add this charming histfic/women’s fiction series to your TBRs. I think book clubs who appreciate good storytelling and who might want chaste romance and no profanity will also love this heartfelt series. I’m eager for the next installment.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Meet the Author of A Winter by the Sea, Julie Klassen
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit http://www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.
QOTD:
Do you love stories about sisters?
Do you have a favorite sisters story?
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Sounds like a lovely read Carol, and that cover is lovely too!
I think I’ll continue with the series!
You had me at “a perfect for winter evenings by a crackling fire”. Thank you for the recommendation!
I hope you’re well stocked up for winter ! 📚
This sounds as good as the first one, Carol. I was disappointed when I was declined for this one, so am waiting for my library to get it. Wonderful and thoughtful review.
Thanks! The second is good but I really enjoyed the first one in which we are introduced to the family….and also the physical disabilities theme. I’m happy to continue the series!