THE DRESS SHOP OF KING STREET BY ASHLEY CLARK//BOOK REVIEW

The Dress Shop on King Street (Heirloom Secrets #1)

By: Ashley Clark

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: December 1st, 2020

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Romance

Pages: 352 pages

Where You Can Buy It: Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Christian Book, Lifeway, and everywhere else books are sold!

Add On: Goodreads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Harper 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.

My Review

Oh, my word…I am in love with this book. From page one, I knew that this was going to be an amazing book. I do not even think I can put into words how beautiful this book was. Everything from the storyline to the characters had me in love. Literally, this book is a MUST read for everyone.

I really loved the split-time aspect of this novel. It was so beautifully crafted. This split story allows the reader to get to know, and love, all the characters. These stories were filled with so much heartbreak yet so much hope. My favorite part about this whole book was how everything intertwined. I loved being able to read the history of the story while seeing how everything plays out in the future.

The characters in this book were so complex and beautifully written. I could not help but love them all. I loved reading about Millie’s past self and future self. She was so strong and so inspiring. Franklin was just as strong as Millie. I loved watching their story evolve. Harper was a really fun character. I loved watching her grow throughout this book. Peter was probably my favorite. I really related to him and all of his love for history. Honestly, it is so difficult for me to put into words how amazing these characters were. I do not think words can describe how these characters touched me.

One of my favorite parts of this book was how much history was woven throughout every page and chapter. Ms. Clark definitely did her research while doing this book and I could not help but feel like I was right there with all the characters. Another part of this book that I loved was the theme of God’s timing. Throughout this whole book, we see how characters chase dreams and ambitions only to see God answer them in His timing and not their own. It was a great reminder for me in this time of life.

This book took me on a whirlwind of emotions. I was laughing, crying, getting giddy, feeling hope, feeling despair, and all the emotions in-between with these lovable characters. This book is great for every historical fiction and contemporary lover. I cannot really put into words my love for this book but all I know is that this book is a must-read for every reader. Do yourself a favor and read this masterpiece!!

*FTC: I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.*

About the Author

I write romantic women’s fiction set in the South, and The Dress Shop on King Street is my debut novel. I have a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and enjoy teaching literature and writing courses as an adjunct. I’ve been an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers for almost decade! When I’m not writing, I’m re-watching You’ve Got Mail, dreaming of Charleston, and drinking all the English Breakfast tea I can get my hands on.

My journey to publication took ten years, so I am a huge believer that sometimes God-dreams can take a while to grow, and that’s really what The Dress Shop on King Street is all about. If you, too, are holding a dream that feels invisible or altogether gone, I hope you’ll come away encouraged that perhaps you are simply in a mending season, where God is still strengthening your dream at the seams.

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