THE GOWN by Jennifer Robson is a lovely book that is so much more than just about wedding gowns. There is a story behind the gowns about the people who design and create these masterpieces. Robson shares a behind the scene story about the wedding gown worn by Princess Elizabeth in 1947, the friendship between two women who helped to make the dress, and how their friendship helped them both survive.

The war is over, but there are still food and coal shortages, and the entire country is still dealing with the side effects of war. The hardships that people are facing at this time are unimaginative. But despite the desperate times, a royal wedding is in the making, that will hopefully boost the spirit of the people and give them hope for the future.

Ann and Miriam quickly become friends while working as embroiderers at the same fashion house. They are both chosen to embroider the wedding gown which is a great honor in their dreary lives. The wedding was very exciting for the British - it represented Britain coming out of the bad years of the war. It provided hope to the people that a bright future is on the horizon.

Next, readers are taken to modern-day Canada, when a beloved grandmother dies and leaves her granddaughter, Heather, some embroidered flowers. Heather wonders about her grandmother's life in England and decides to investigate. Heather discovers a story of love and the fear of the unknown. As Heather learns more about her grandmother's work on the royal wedding dress, she meets an artist who knew her grandmother and shares a past with her...

Robson writes a lovely story that is heartfelt and at times a tear jerker. She has done her research and it shows on each page you read. An interesting story about a topic that many never given much thought to - the amount of work that could go into a wedding gown. THE GOWN is a wonderfully written historical fiction that is captivating. An intriguing inside look that sheds lights on the wedding that started the fanatical interest in the royal family.