A Winter by the Sea

On Devonshire Shores, Book 2

By: Julie Klassen

Narrated by: Elizabeth Jasicki

Royalty comes to Sidmouth, bringing unexpected danger and the sweet possibility of romance … When the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter—the future Queen Victoria—rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal family’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited secrets and intrigue into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers longs to become an author. A local publisher offers to consider her novel if she will first write a Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily agrees and begins researching the area with help from the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she’s long held dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

©2023 Julie Klassen (P)2023 Recorded Books

An Interesting Story

I have enjoyed A Winter By The Sea Very Much! I found the historical context very interesting. Throughout the book the story is based on actual events in history, which I found fascinating.

clean and sweet

nice to hear a clean romance. it doesn't always have to be dirty. thanks for that...it was much appreciated

Enjoyable historical fiction read

I enjoyed reading this novel. The use of real history figures woven into this fictional narrative was excellently executed. The narrative of the sisters Emily and Sarah gave a delightful blend of sisterhood, friendship, love and humor with the other characters as well. I’m definitely looking forward to reading On Devonshire Shores book 3!!

Terrific story

A great second novel in the series. The author is very good at creating characters and places that you care about. I loved the inclusion of actual historical facts, places and people in the story. Looking forward to book 3 and the Christmas novella. Well done Ms. Klassen! And Ms. Jasicki!

Wonderful tale

A wonderful tale. Klassen's characters are believable. I would love to meet them. The setting is beautiful. I love the south coast of England.

ALL THE STARS!!!

ALL THE STARS!!!!

Julie Klassen’s writing keeps getting better and better! I was so looking forward to this book and absolutely loved it! Part Jane Austen, part Little Women, and classic Julie Klassen. ❤️❤️

More history than usual

I love historical novels, and this one is chock full of real history! Julie’s stories move right along with interesting and lifelike characters, facing real life situations that challenge them. And of course, there is sweet and chaste romance that young teens can read. I can’t wait to hear the next book, which will undoubtedly have Claire’s story. 

Sarah's character developed.

lack of Georgian involvement. Also Violet not really involved as much. Too much of Charles and his mother.

A lovely follow up

Not as lovely as book 1 in the series but a good story all the same.

Book 1 was filled with an array of lovely endearing characters which made it truly sing. This one however had much too few heart warming characters and storylines to make the reader relish the journey through the pages.

I did however enjoy watching Emily mature and make good choices. I also enjoyed her times with her twin sister Viola. Though, I would have enjoyed to have Viola's POV in this story too. It would have been a treat to read about her new life and watch her navigate it a bit closely. Because her POV was missing this also caused the book as a whole to feel less full compared to it's wonderful predecessor.

Another place it won out in was in how it provided an opportunity to learn about real major historical characters from the time period. It was a cozy way to glimpse into the past.

I appreciated how men were not as objectified in this offering too. It was a wrinkle in the otherwise beautiful story that was book 1.

Narration was good but Viola's voice changed so much from book 1 it genuinely felt like it was someone else entirely and not Viola. Hence the knocked off 2 stars on narration.

Overall I enjoyed book 1 more but I like how the series is flowing all the same. So I am definitely excited to read book 3 and continue to see how the lives of these lovely ladies plays out in their endearing sea side town.

A great historical fiction

I love all things Julie Klassen! This is another clean, entertaining book. The reader was fantastic too!