Monday, January 15, 2024

On Devonshire Shores #2 A Winter by the Sea Julie Klassen book review

On Devonshire Shores #2

A Winter by the Sea

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: 7/10 

This is the second book in the series and it is not a stand alone novel. It was very slow going for me until about half way through when it suddenly became a page turner and caused me to make some very bad decisions. You have been forewarned.

Emily takes center stage in this book. I enjoy this story of sisters, their daily life and relatable challenges and feelings. The historical aspects were very interesting, though sad. 
 
Some of Sarah's choices (*cough* following a man suspected of dangerous activity *cough*) were not bright and that frustrates me as a reader. I hate seeing intelligent women get themselves into totally avoidable life threatening situations because they pranced blindly (or stubbornly etc) into it. I could have done without that scene. Luckily it's the exception, not the rule here.

*SPOILERS*

I loved what Emily ultimately based her choice on - love for her sister. Though I thoroughly agreed with Viola that they were so poorly matched in a number of major ways that I didn't even think it needed to come to that. But I loved that Claire was such a high priority there. I hope we get a redemption story for her.

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