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A Sea View Christmas: (A Holiday Regency Historical Novella with Sisters and Second Chance Romance)(On Devonshire Shores) 

240 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . .

With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year’s Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland–and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall–blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as 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?

Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds.

MY THOUGHTS

What an absolutely lovely book A Sea View Christmas is. It is the last book in the On Devonshire Shores series. I’d recommend reading the series in order as each book builds off of the previous one.

I loved the whole series, the location and the characters. The sisters show so much growth and maturation, and I loved seeing these godly women have the support of their family in all they’ve done.

The books are full of laughter, compassion and a few tears along the way. We have a book devoted to each of the sisters.
Family bonds are strengthened, and we see a second chance at love occurring.
This holiday regency explores the customs involving Christmas time and romance and is a true delight. Though I am sorry to see the series end I greatly look forward to the next book by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit http://www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.

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First Line Friday

Happy Friday & welcome to First Line Friday. In the comments leave your first line then visit Reading Is My Super Power to see other first lines and add your own. Today I am choosing a book still sitting on my tbr list that I hope to get to soon. Just look at its beautiful cover. My choice is Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack.

The first line is…………

March 23, 1822

Hazel had not slept well. Her crippled foot ached, despite it having been propped on a pillow all night to help manage the swelling induced by traveling.

About The Book

Pub Date 02 Nov 2021Shadow Mountain Publishing

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls’ school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways, or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

Have you read this book or plan on reading it?

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The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd (The Houses of Yorkshire,#1) Book Review

I don’t really read a lot of Regency romances but when I do this is one of my favorite go to authors.

My Review

When I read my first regency book years ago it was by Sarah Ladd, I was attracted by the beautiful cover of it and I haven’t stopped reading them.
The Letter from Briarton Park is very intriguing, I simply could not stop reading it.
Elements of swoon worthy romance,mystery and romance combine to make this a do not pass up historical.
Letters today are not nearly as popular as they once were but an all important letter is life changing in this story.
A letter leads Cassandra on a trip to make a lot of self discoveries about herself and her family once she arrives at her destination.
The author does regency right, making for such an exciting read with clear descriptions of the time period from fashion and the division of social classes to the brilliant decor and landscapes.
Intrigue,danger,mystery and the depths of romance will keep you captivated within the pages of this book.

Pub Date 01 Mar 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

GoodReads Synopsis

In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient place that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.

Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But Cassandra’s world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, she travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.

James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks.

The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home.

Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling.

About The Author

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance.

Do you have a favorite go to regency author?