Published by Bethany House Publishers Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: ARC, eBook
“We will live fragile lives, my dear Harper, if we avoid that which is delicate for fear it might break at the seams.”
Harper Albright has dreamed of working in fashion design since childhood. She has had her hopes dashed and returns home to Fairhope, Alabama to lick her wounds. At her father’s suggestion, she visits Millie Middleton, the woman who taught her to sew. There as she contemplates her future, we are given glimpses into Millie’s past.
“Because I am proud of my heritage, no matter what the law and society think. I am proud of my mother and my mother’s mother and all the rest who came before me. Without them, I wouldn’t carry these dreams.”
Millie Middleton left Charleston in 1946 to keep half of her heritage hidden. She brought with her dreams of owning a dress shop and two signature buttons. Along the way she meets a charming train jumper, and her life and dreams are changed forever.
Harper and Millie have both dreamed of owning dress shop and decide to go to Charleston to open a dress shop of their own. Along the way secrets from Millie’s past will be revealed. As we learn about the past, we are also given a glimpse into what the future might hold.
“…she caught her heart before it grew wings and floated away like a butterfly.”
The Dress Shop on King street is a beautiful book about two women and their dreams. It deals with various themes such as identity, race, racism, hope, dreams, love, friendship, skill, secrets, acceptance and family. Some characters are left to deal with hard choices and the consequences of making those choices. We will watch them dream, hope, experience doubt, have their dreams altered and see them struggle, overcome, love, and keep moving forward. I also really enjoyed their friendship and exchanges with each other.
This book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It is also filled with hope and love. This book was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed both characters but had a soft spot for Millie. Both timelines were interesting abut again, Millie’s back story was the one that really moved me. I look forward to more books in the series and learning more about the characters and their lives.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.