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The Sisters of Sea View
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.
These book club discussion questions are provided courtesy of Bethany House.
Book club questions for The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
During the last few hundred years, many people have enjoyed holidays at the seaside. Do you share a love of the sea? Why or why not?
What was your reaction to the physician’s (historically based) advice to not only bathe in salt water, but to drink it as well?
Were you familiar with Honiton lace or other types? Have you seen lace made, or made it yourself? What about that cottage industry interested you?
Are you a Jane Austen fan? Did you recognize Mr. and Mrs. Elton from Jane Austen’s Emma, or any other “nods of honor” to that esteemed author?
Viola struggles with bitterness over being born with a cleft lip. She believes in God but doesn’t “like all His ways.” Similarly, Sarah finds it difficult to accept God’s will after the loss of loved ones. Can you relate? What would you say to someone struggling in their faith due to loss or disappointment?
What did you learn about cleft lip and palate surgeries (and superstitions) from earlier centuries? Are you familiar with charitable organizations like Smile Train and Operation Smile, which perform procedures for people who might otherwise go without?
Which Summers sister are you most like and why? Do you share an interest or hobby with one of them?
Do you have a sister or sisters of your own? If so, could you relate to any relationships, frictions, or affections depicted in The Sisters of Sea View?
Did you have a favorite character in the novel? Least favorite? Did your feelings toward any of the characters change as the story progressed?
Which sister and/or relationship are you looking forward to reading more about in later books in the ON DEVONSHIRE SHORES series?
The Sisters of Sea View Book Club Questions PDF
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