The Sisters of Sea View

Julie Klassen

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers convinces her sisters to open their seaside home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. Emily and Georgiana agree, but Viola, who wears a veil to cover a scar, detests the idea.

Determined to stay together, the sisters begin the new venture. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family. Meanwhile, the new situation exposes Viola's scars--both the visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

My Review: 7.5/10

Though this book was a slow build for me, I became attached to each of the characters and at about halfway through I couldn't put it down. There are 5 daughters and a mother, plus a houseful of guests, plus a seaside town of people. There are many threads woven together and personal histories with layers of color. I loved the four sisters we came to know intimately in this novel, their distinct personalities and strengths, and was rooting for each of them in turn. This book is a cup of warm tea and I can't wait for another.

*A minor note: as always not a fan of using others' characters or dialogue, etc. (Jane Austen in this instance), even when credit is given.