As too often the case in Regency England, the Primogeniture right in their late father’s will has left his sick wife and five daughters with little income to support themselves. Despite calculating every way and rechecking, 26-year-old Sarah Summers, the oldest daughter, finally had to admit that the horrid solicitor was right.  They are rapidly running out of funds and may not be able to keep their new home, their mother’s seaside residence by the ocean in Sidwell. Then, the family would be forced to separate and that they did not want to happen.

With great courage and an understanding of the consequences, the sisters decide the only way they can stay together and care for their ailing mother is to open their house and rent out rooms to strangers. How would they manage when they never had to work before?

 With all her skills as a wonderful story teller, the very talented and award-winning Julie Klassen has launched THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW as the first novel in what is sure to be a delightful new series about the hopes, dreams and struggles of the Summers sisters entitled “On Devonshire Shores.”

Sarah as the oldest feels responsible and knows she has to give up all hopes of a husband for herself to care for her mother and sisters.  Emily takes on helping with the advertising and booking for their lodge while Georgiana helps with the household and cares for their mother. Claire had mysteriously been sent off to Scotland, while Viola with her scar finds her own revenue niche by reading to the gruff Major Hutton convalescing both from battle and emotional scars. All likeable with their own quirks and ways.

While THE SISTER S OF SEA VIEW is both intriguing and compelling as a stand-alone historical novel with a touching romance, I am thrilled that this is the start of a new series that is sure to be addictive.  It has everything I appreciate in a Regency Romance – a well-constructed plot, fascinating historical details, strong and likeable characters, misunderstandings, power differentials, sibling rivalry, duty, and fidelity (or lack thereof)!

If you or your friends are fans of Jane Austin, Louisa May Alcott , or historical novels,  then THE SISTER S OF SEA VIEW should definitely be on your Christmas gift list! This is one charming and witty novel with a touch of romance that you will not want to miss!   I can hardly wait for the next in the “On Devonshire Shore”  series to be published!  Enjoy!