The sisters of Sea View

"When their father's death leaves them impoverished, the Summers sisters open their home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. But instead of the elderly invalids they expect, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah must confront her growing attraction to a mysterious widower, and Viola learns to heal her deep-hidden scars"-- Provided by publisher.

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Library	Shelf Location	Shelf Number	Material Type	Item Barcode	Status
Searching... Palmerston North Central Library	Sagas-Fiction Zone	KLA	Book.	PN364650044899	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

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.

Genre:

Christian fiction.

Historical fiction.

Reviews (1)

Publisher's Weekly Review

Jane Austen fans will delight in this nimble series launch from Klassen (Shadows of Swanford Abbey). In 1819, the four Summers sisters face reduced circumstances after their father's untimely death, and they move into a seaside home in Sidmouth, England. Their mother is ill and the family is desperate for funds, so oldest daughter Sarah decides to rent out spare rooms and prays to God that the income will be enough to keep the family afloat. The sisters are eager to help, except for Viola, who fears that having "guests" will subject her facial scar, which she keeps hidden under a veil, to added scrutiny. She takes a job reading to disabled people, including Major Hutton, an irascible young man disfigured while in India, with whom she develops a close bond. Meanwhile, the guests at Sidmouth add excitement and a bit of romance to the family's lives. The handsome Mr. Henshall makes Sarah rethink her decision to be a spinster, snooty Mrs. Elton (plucked from Austen's Emma, one of many nods to the author) lacks tact, and eccentric Mr. Gwilt converses with a stuffed parrot. Klassen excels at weaving her various story lines, each emphasizing the colorful qualities of her characters and allowing them the space to shine. Readers will be eager for the next installment. (Dec.)