The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

A Novel

By: Jennifer Ryan

Narrated by: Sophie Roberts

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Three plucky women lift the spirits of home-front brides in wartime Britain, where clothes rationing leaves little opportunity for pomp or celebration—even at weddings—in this heartwarming novel based on true events, from the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.

After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. Praying that her niece and nephew will be more hospitable than her brother had been, she arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business while staying in a quaint country village.

Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay—the village has been interminably dull with all the men off fighting. But just as Cressida arrives, so does Violet’s conscription letter. It couldn’t have come at a worse time; how will she ever find a suitably aristocratic husband if she has to spend her days wearing a frumpy uniform and doing war work?

Meanwhile, the local vicar’s daughter, Grace Carlisle, is trying in vain to repair her mother’s gown, her only chance of a white wedding. When Cressida Westcott appears at the local Sewing Circle meeting, Grace asks for her help—but Cressida has much more to teach the ladies than just simple sewing skills.

Before long, Cressida’s spirit and ambition galvanizes the village group into action, and they find themselves mending wedding dresses not only for local brides, but for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might even manage to find it for themselves.

©2022 Jennifer Ryan (P)2022 Random House Audio

Interesting but a little preachy!

I enjoyed the book and learning about fabrics and sewing and details that affected particularly women in England during World War II. However particularly towards the end the themes were a bit preachy, repetitive and predictable.

Wartime reality for a small English village

The characters were developed with excellent description. The story evolved with gentleness and precise direction to how imperative, behind the battle lines villagers, had an important opportunity to bless other brides & their family.

Such a good story

What a great story touching on a subject that I wouldn’t have thought of during WW2.

wonderful story

I absolutely loved this book. I felt as if I was transported back in time. as if I was also apart of the Sewing group , going thru clothes rationing. it just reiterated how lucky we are now. wonderful author - I will look for other books by her

FABULOUS

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. this book provided great insight into lives of British citizens during world war II during the Nazi bombings. Would highly recommend!

Delightful

Wonderful story about friendship and resiliency. I especially liked the awakening of Hugh and Violet. Although war is always hard, the sewing circle made the best out of their circumstances and was able to pay it forward.

Friendship and Love during trying times was as important as times of smooth sailing.

it was interesting to learn about the clothing rations in the UK during WW11! My parents only talked of rationing in the US of food ,shoes, aluminum and rubber.
I liked that the author finished the storylines. I like knowing what happens to all the characters on the book,and she wrapped it all up nicely.

Set in small village in World War II

Got better as you came to know & care for the main persons. An uplifting, & sweet ( but not saccharine or overly religious story. All the main female characters had an arc.

Started out good…

I enjoyed a previous book by this author and thought this would be enjoyable. It started out strong, but then got weaker or I might say, boring. Finished but not enjoyed.

Great story with historical interest

I enjoyed this book. The characters were just larger than life enough to be interesting. The author weaves all sorts of historical info into the background. It made me smile. Definitely read the afterwards.