An enchanting story of the Summers family who must give up their home, move to Sidmouth and open a guesthouse when their patriarch dies. Told from each of four sisters points of view, we meet neighbors, guests and the inhabitants of this seaside village. The eldest, Sarah, feels responsible for organizing things and keeps things going. Self conscious Viola, starts to become more social, demonstrating helpfulness and kindness. Emily is good at hospitality, while Georgiana befriends a guest closer to her own age.
Unexpected romance blooms as the girls show their Christian concern for others. They learn valuable lessons such as forgiveness, tolerance, humility and getting along with others. It was delightful to get to know the family as well as the other characters and it is good to know that some guests will be returning in subsequent books. It is always a pleasure to slip back in time to Regency England through the pen of Ms. Klassen.
* I won a copy of this book from Kav Rees at Best Reads blog in 2022. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.
BackCover Blurb:
Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .
When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.
Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.
Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.
So looking forward to this! I loved book one.
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