ABOUT THE BOOKHarper Albright has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her to sew. As she rethinks her own future, secrets long hidden about Millie's past are brought to light.
In 1946, Millie Middleton boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.
Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston and the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.
In 1946, Millie Middleton boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.
Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston and the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.
MY THOUGHTS.....
Adored. Adored by the One who created the stars and knew her before she was born. Adored by her mama, who taught her she could win the world if she tried hard enough.
Author Ashley Clark uses Charleston, South Carolina and Fairhope, Alabama as the settings for this dual-time book that alternates between 1861 and present time. I loved Millicent Middleton with her red cloche hat and the two butterfly buttons that are such an integral part of both stories. Millie yearns to own her own dress shop and this desire remains with her most of her life, through her struggles with racism, tragedy, and her decision to conceal her own bi-racial identity. In the modern day story Harper Dupree dreams of being a dress designer and Millie plays an important role in her story also. It was Millie who taught Harper to sew as a child and now, as they both find themselves back in Charleston, it is Millie who may be the grantor of all of Harper's dreams.
The Dress Shop on King Street is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the worst of times. This powerful story reminds us that even though the ugliness of racism has long existed, it can be conquered with hope and love. Millie and Franklin Pinckney's love story took my breath away and the possibility of the same for Harper and Peter Perkins kept me turning the pages. Several surprising twists made this a book that I couldn't put down!
Clark uses the true legacy of Rose Middleton, her young daughter Ashley, and a cloth sack filled with a dress, pecans, and a braid of hair, to create a stunning debut novel that I won't soon forget. I recommend The Dress Shop on King Street to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation to post a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
Ashley Clark writes romance with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature courses as an adjunct. She's an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns.
The Dress Shop on King Street is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the worst of times. This powerful story reminds us that even though the ugliness of racism has long existed, it can be conquered with hope and love. Millie and Franklin Pinckney's love story took my breath away and the possibility of the same for Harper and Peter Perkins kept me turning the pages. Several surprising twists made this a book that I couldn't put down!
Clark uses the true legacy of Rose Middleton, her young daughter Ashley, and a cloth sack filled with a dress, pecans, and a braid of hair, to create a stunning debut novel that I won't soon forget. I recommend The Dress Shop on King Street to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation to post a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashley Clark writes romance with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature courses as an adjunct. She's an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns.
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