During the London blitz, a bomb took out famous dress designer Cressida Westcott’s home as well as her business. The only place to go is back to the family manor house in Aldhurst village. She left many years ago because of her father and brother. Now she worries whether her nephew, Hugh, who inherited the estate, will accept her.
In Aldhurst, she meets her niece, Violet, who is thrilled to have her famous aunt in residence. She also meets Grace, daughter of the Vicar. Grace is engaged to be married to Lawrennce, also a vicar, and she very much wants a white wedding dress. He father gave her her mother’s wedding dress, but it’s in tatters.
The local sewing circle with guidance from Cressida and donated fabric sets out to give Grace her dream, In the process, they help other girls to have a white wedding and learn to be more independent. Each woman learns about herself and what she truly wants. It was a very up lifting book.
This historical novel is based on real events. The author did a superb job showing what wartime Britain was like for the women in the country villages. The characters were people you’d like to know. Violet starts as a spoiled snob, but becomes a much more understanding person through her wartime duties. Grace finds hidden talents, and Cressida finds that she can use her talents to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people. High couture is not the whole world.
If you enjoyed Bloomsbury Girls, or like historical novels featuring strong women, you’ll enjoy this book.
I received this book from Penguin Random House for this review.
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