Welcome friends! Today starts Random Things Tours for the latest novel by Jade Beer, The Palace Dressmaker. This book would appeal to mystery lovers to fans of fashion history and heartfelt fiction. In this post, I will share 10 reasons why I enjoyed this book and would encourage you to pick it up too. Here is what it is about:
Jade Beer | Goodreads
A royal princess. A dress lost for decades. A love story waiting to be uncovered…
London, 1988: Meredith has landed her dream job at London’s most prestigious fashion house, creating beautiful gowns adorned with intricate beads and embroidery. But now Meredith is about to create a dress like no other for the most famous woman in the Diana, Princess of Wales.
As Meredith pours her heart into this career-defining dress, she works under the handsome and exacting William in the workroom.
William, and this commission, could end up changing her life in more ways than one…
New York, 1997: The red carpet has been rolled out on Park Avenue for the auction of Princess Diana’s dresses for charity. Of the eighty items listed for sale, only seventy-nine will sell.
Because dress Number 19 is missing…
England, 2018:Jayne has met all the neighbours in her new building bar Mrs Chalis on the first floor. When she finally meets Meredith Chalis in the hallway, she is taken aback by how upset she seems and offers her help. Entering her home, Jayne immediately knows something is very wrong. The house is in complete disarray and there is no sign of Meredith’s husband.
But then Jayne sees the most beautiful evening dress thrown over a chair and reads the note laid beside it.
Jayne realises that Meredith has an incredible story to tell… and only she can help uncover it…
A sweeping, heartbreaking and inspiring story of a princess, the power of fashion and the importance of love. Perfect for fans of The Crown, The Seven Husband of Evelyn Hugo and The Royal Librarian.
The Palace Dressmaker – Book Review –
10 Reasons to pick up this book
1.Community and Compassion
The modern day setting of people living in the same building coming together to help out one of their neighbours, showcasing the small acts of kindness that can make a big difference.
2. A Life Shrouded in Mystery
Meredith’s life holds secrets, from her chaotic living space and a luxurious dress strewn across a chair to the missing presence of her husband. The novel builds intrigue as Jayne, a curious and empathetic neighbor, discovers the story behind Meredith’s enigmatic life.
3. A Romance of Creative Partnership
At the heart of the story is a tender romance between Meredith and her co-worker, William, that transforms into a partnership of creativity and passion. Their love story enriches their work, adding a layer of personal investment and risk to their high-stakes project.
4. The High-Pressure World of Royal Dressmaking
I found the inside look into a demanding industry fascinating and immersive. The hectic lives of royal dressmakers to create the perfect dress for their highly visible clients.
5. Intergenerational Friendship and Growth
Jayne’s willingness to connect with Meredith was heartwarming to read. The women are over thirty years apart in age and strike a unique friendship. It’s a touching reminder of how much we gain when we open our hearts to others, no matter their age.
6. Boutique Politics and Power Plays
Meredith is new and talented and she has to find a place amongst her co-workers. The politics and rivalries within a high-profile fashion boutique brought drama and tension to the story.
7. The Art of Dressmaking – A Process Unveiled
The Palace Dressmaker presents the meticulous steps of dressmaking, one that would be scrutinized by the press. I enjoyed the research process of taking a dress from idea, its purpose and cultural sensitivities, to design to fabric to final product.
This book is a feast for those who love dresses and dressmaking. The vocabulary of material and cuts would be engrossing and the knowledge would likely enhance the reading experience.
8. A Sensitive Depiction of Dementia
Meredith’s struggles with memory loss, yet her moments of clarity and wisdom, add a realistic portrayal of dementia. Her interactions with Jayne are both touching and sad, highlighting the delicate balance of memory, trust, and connection. Over the course of the story, the impact on her family is portrayed.
9. Complex Portraits of Grief and Healing
The Palace Dressmaker explores the many ways in which people deal with grief, loss and regret through many of its characters. I liked how in the case of Jayne, she finally had the tools to process the things she couldn’t understand as a child when her grandmother was grieving. Her neighbour, Ophelia, is another example of someone whose parent passed away from dementia and while she is willing to share her knowledge, she doesn’t want to personally help out.
10. A New Perspective on Princess Diana’s Legacy
The book follows the life of Princess Diana through dresses and from the eyes of the dressmakers who created them. Fans of royal history will enjoy seeing her legacy unfold not only in public events but in private moments through the gowns created for her.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for giving me a chance to highlight this book on my blog in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for reading my thoughts. 🙂
Check out other reviewers on the tour:
Looking for another book about a dress? Check out The Wedding Dress Christmas by Rachel Hauck.
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