A Seaview Christmas

With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year's Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But the arrival of Callum Henshall--dashing Scottish widower and returning guest--blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before and is once again torn between attraction and duty. Yet even while she's busy managing the family's guest house, alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year's dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?

Return to Sidmouth for this highly anticipated holiday companion novella to the Summers sisters' lives and loves on the charming Devonshire shore.

My Review: 8/10

Much of Sarah and Callum's strory had already been told (though his immediate return to her when he learned he'd missed their visit was just the sweetest). I appreciated his patient pursuing and I agreed with him that Sarah's wavering was tiring. But I also understood why she did. Why she felt like she couldn't leave. I kept waiting for something in her circumstances to change, while side eyeing the story because life doesn't often work that way. Instead I was pleasantly surprised by the support and advice and hard truths Sarah got from her sisters: there's always going to be -something- in the way, something needing doing, someone needing help. The change had to come from Sarah. She had to decide to step out in faith, without the answers, and change her priorities.

I'm so glad Sarah got her story. But I'll be honest- I was more invested in Georgiana's. And she only got a fraction of the screen time, so to speak.

A spark here and there, but it seemed the be the efforts of a frenemy who didn't want Collin unless she was literally taking him away from Georgiana, that made them really appreciate one another with new eyes. It was JUST getting good when they parted for 3-6 months with light teasing/the hint of interest in one another. And that's it. That's the end of the book, the end of the series. I feel like Georgiana (and the readers) got the shaft.

Apart from my disappointment there, I am so sad this series is at an end. I loved these sisters, their home, and their community. It has been a warm cup of tea for my soul.

And this book was an excellent christmastime read. All the fun historical elements, plenty of cheer, and the sweetness of two love stories unfolding.