Cherished & Loved
The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen is a charming Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the third book in On Devonshire Shores series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order as each one begins where the previous book ended.
Each book surrounds the five sisters, with a different character focal point each time. This book focuses on Claire, the eldest sister. We have only previously heard about her as she lived many miles away in Edinburgh. It is a joy to get to meet her.
We witness her bravery as she travels from her home to Sidmouth where her family reside. This was quite a feat in 1819. Circumstances have presented her with the chance to have a change of direction, showing that we are never too old to have a new beginning.
The reader meets other new characters who have arrived from India.
We witness the prejudices of the day towards those who look different; are classed as ‘unworthy’; or who reside in a class that others view as beneath them. Big-hearted characters welcome everyone, knowing that we have all sinned and yet God loves and welcomes us all.
Prayer is important. We hear of a praying mother. “I pray for each of you every day of my life and shan’t stop now.” We can commit our loved ones into God’s care, knowing that He will love them. He sees them even when we don’t. “Almighty God… wherever she is, please keep her safe.”
A character feels unworthy to ask God for anything. “As she prayed, she worried she had forfeited the right to ask God for anything.” God longs to hear from each and everyone of us. No one is ever too far away from His heart.
We see the importance of church. “She needed… God’s presence and the comfort of corporate worship, even as she felt unworthy to join the faithful.” We need to join others who will uphold us when we are down. Church is not a place where we are all perfect. Church is the place where we are equal in the eyes of God as He loves each one of us unconditionally.
Sometimes we view God as we view our earthly father. “When I think of Him, I cannot help picturing my own father, and hearing his voice.” This is okay if we have a good father but we should never project our bad experiences onto the character of God.
The love of money is the root of all evil. Characters who pursue wealth and ambition are not attractive. “I don’t like who I was then. Driven by ambition. Determined to advance.” It is good when we can look at who we were, see our flaws, and change.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn and realistic. Their interactions were a delight to behold.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the trio of books in this series. Each book has found me more invested in the lives of the characters. I really enjoyed The Seaside Homecoming best of all. It is a story of redemption, grace and the goodness of God.
I am looking forward to the final book in the series but shall be sad to leave the seaside town of Sidmouth behind.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favorable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
