Behind The Words welcomes Julie Klassen to the blog. Thanks for joining us, Julie! Your current series, ON DEVONSHIRE SHORES, is now on its much-awaited third installment. Where does The Seaside Homecoming pick up with the Summers sisters?
Julie Klassen: The Sea View guest house is well established and two of the sisters have married, yet something is missing—their eldest sister, Claire, who left the family a few years ago under a cloud of secrecy and disgrace. She has been living as a companion to an elderly relative, and news of that lady’s death spurs the sisters to renew their efforts to reconnect and reestablish bonds—despite their mother’s determination to honor her husband’s edict to sever all ties.
Before we dive in deeper, for readers discovering this book mid-series, can these stories be read separately or would you recommend they be read in order?
JK: I have certainly heard from readers who read book two first and still very much enjoyed it, but for the full story, I recommend reading the books in order.
In The Seaside Homecoming, readers will dive deeper into the nuanced character of Claire Summers, who has long been distant from her mother and younger sisters. Can you share a little bit about what her relationship with her family is like?
JK: Claire had once been the admired and esteemed eldest sister who doted on her younger siblings. But after a scandalous failed elopement, she loses her place in the family. She lives with a stern, elderly relative in Scotland, but dearly misses her mother and sisters and hopes to one day be forgiven and reconciled with them.
Like in many families, the Summers sisters—Claire, Sarah, Viola, Emma, and Georgiana— have distinct personalities and each play a different role in family. If you could pick up to three words to describe each sister, what would they be and why?
JK: Claire, the estranged eldest, is nurturing, maternal, and regretful.
Sarah, left to fill her older sister’s place, is responsible, hardworking, and loyal.
Viola, born with a defect that left her scarred is reclusive (initially), fiery, and determined. Emily, the pretty sister who had her heart broken is impulsive, spirited, and talented. Georgiana, the youngest who is only now learning why Claire really left is loving, good- natured, and athletic.
How do you think readers will relate to the family dynamics, especially the ups and downs of sisterhood, in this series?
JK: No family is perfect, and I think readers will relate to both the problems and frictions that sometimes occur in sibling and parent relationships, as well as the joys of loyal love, pulling together in a crisis, and wanting the best for each other.
Is there one sister in particular who you resonate with?
JK: I did not pattern any of them after myself; rather I created the sisters I would have liked to have! They are all very distinct from me, though I do share some characteristics with them, like Sarah’s determination to help her family and Emily’s love of books and writing.
What elements of this novel do you think loyal regency fiction fans will pick up on and appreciate?
JK: Many things! This is a sweet, “forced proximity” romance inspired by a historical newspaper advertisement placed by a man seeking a female partner in a boarding house, which sends Claire to live under the same roof as a handsome widower and his daughter. The novel also includes Regency-era favorites like a seaside picnic, balls, secrets, and nods to Jane Austen.
What do you hope readers gain from reading Claire’s story?
JK: I hope readers will be reminded that our burdens—and secrets—only grow heavier the longer we try to bear them alone. We have all made mistakes, but our loving, merciful God offers us forgiveness and second chances.
Can you share with us what you’re working on next?
JK: I am writing A Sea View Christmas, the fourth and final installment in the series, which releases in September 2025.
And finally, where can readers go to connect with you and purchase their copy of The Seaside Homecoming?
JK: My books are available from bookstores or online retailers. Readers can interact with me either by email or social media. I am involved in a fabulous Facebook group called Inspirational Regency Readers and would love to chat with readers there.
Julie, thank you so much for joining us today. Reader’s, The Seaside Homecoming just released. Here’s a quick look:
Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to become homeless and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire answers an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign or another reckless mistake? When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he’s hiding and if he’s any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Even as she is drawn to him, she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.
Meanwhile, the Summers family learn their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or widen the divide?
Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.
