Another gem from my TBR shelf, The Dress Shop of Dreams is an enchanting, contemporary romance set in Cambridge (UK) with a bit of Oxford thrown in for good measure. What begins as the story of star-crossed lovers Walt and Cora soon becomes populated with other people who explore their own second-chance romances. Each of these helped along by the magical sewing of Etta, Cora’s grandmother, who own the Dress Shop of Dreams. Unknown to Cora, grandma Etta has been keeping secrets, especially about the manner in which Cora’s parents tragically died.
Many words have been used to describe this page turner – contemporary, light, sweet, magical. I call it enchanting and intricate for the manner in which the author intertwines the various plot lines. And did I mention there a mystery involved as well. Well written, good pacing, totally flawed yet realistic characters, and a pinch of magic (who doesn’t believe in a bit of enchantment) make this a feel-good read. Better than a box of bon-bons.
My first book by this author but definitely not the last.
Synopsis
Since her parents’ mysterious deaths many years ago, scientist Cora Sparks has spent her days in the safety of her university lab or at her grandmother Etta’s dress shop. Tucked away on a winding Cambridge street, Etta’s charming tiny store appears quite ordinary to passersby, but the colorfully vibrant racks of beaded silks, delicate laces, and jewel-toned velvets hold bewitching secrets: With just a few stitches from Etta’s needle, these gorgeous gowns have the power to free a woman’s deepest desires.
Etta’s dearest wish is to work her magic on her granddaughter. Cora’s studious, unromantic eye has overlooked Walt, the shy bookseller who has been in love with her forever. Determined not to allow Cora to miss her chance at happiness, Etta sews a tiny stitch into Walt’s collar, hoping to give him the courage to confess his feelings to Cora. But magic spells—like true love—can go awry. After Walt is spurred into action, Etta realizes she’s set in motion a series of astonishing events that will transform Cora’s life in extraordinary and unexpected ways.
Rating: 5 stars
Moonlight Musings 