The Dressmakers of London This book is quite different in tone from many World War II historical fiction books I have read. Rather than a bleak tale of battles and suffering, Izzie and Sylvia’s story is heartwarming and full of hope set against the backdrop of a world at war. The vastness and terror of the war are not downplayed, but the story focuses on those more indirectly affected. The author clearly did a lot of research, and I loved learning about the women’s war effort and everyday struggles such as clothing rations. Izzie and Sylvia are both relatable characters, and both their individual stories are compelling. There is also plenty of family drama and a journey to forgiveness and healing. I loved that many of the chapters started with letters back and forth between the sisters. The author did an incredible job setting the scene and detailing the surrounding area perfectly. I've read several books by the author and they never disappoint.
The author of the “enthralling” (Woman’s World) The Lost English Girl returns with a heartfelt new novel about estranged sisters who inherit their late mother’s dress shop in World War II London.Isabelle Shelton has always found comfort in the predictable world of her mother’s dressmaking shop, Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions, while her sister Sylvia turned her back on the family years ago to marry a wealthy doctor whom Izzie detests. When their mother dies unexpectedly, the sisters are stunned to find they’ve jointly inherited the family business. Izzie is determined to buy Sylvia out, but when she’s conscripted into the WAAF, she’s forced to seek Sylvia’s help to keep the shop open. Realizing this could be her one chance at reconciliation with her sister, Sylvia is determined to save Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions from closure—and financial ruin.Through letters, the sisters begin to confront old wounds, new loves, and the weight of family legacy in order to forge new beginnings in this lyrically moving novel perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Lucinda Riley.
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