The Grace Kelly Dress

A Novel

By: Brenda Janowitz

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

“Exactly the type of book I love: charming, smart, and brimming with heart.” (Emily Giffin, number one New York Times best-selling author of All We Ever Wanted)

“Fast paced and entertaining from beginning to end.” (Kristin Hannah, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Nightingale)

Two years after Grace Kelly’s royal wedding, her iconic dress is still all the rage in Paris - and one replica, and the secrets it carries, will inspire three generations of women to forge their own paths in life and in love.

Paris, 1958: Rose, a seamstress at a fashionable atelier, has been entrusted with sewing a Grace Kelly-look-alike gown for a wealthy bride-to-be. But when, against better judgment, she finds herself falling in love with the bride’s handsome brother, Rose must make an impossible choice, one that could put all she’s worked for at risk: love, security, and, of course, the dress.

Sixty years later, tech CEO Rachel, who goes by the childhood nickname “Rocky”, has inherited the dress for her upcoming wedding in New York City. But there’s just one problem: Rocky doesn’t want to wear it. A family heirloom dating back to the 1950s, the dress just isn’t her. Rocky knows this admission will break her mother Joan’s heart. But what she doesn’t know is why Joan insists on the dress - or the heartbreaking secret that changed her mother’s life decades before, as she herself prepared to wear it.

As the lives of these three women come together in surprising ways, the revelation of the dress’ history collides with long-buried family heartaches. And in the lead-up to Rocky’s wedding, they’ll have to confront the past before they can embrace the beautiful possibilities of the future.

Don't miss The Liz Taylor Ring, Brenda Janowitz's next novel. On sale February 1, 2022!

©2020 Brenda Janowitz (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

It's Paris

Loved this and wish I could have been there during this time for the beauty of fashion, No place like Paris

Fun light read/listen

This was my first book by Brenda Janowitz. My one line book group recommended this one. I made a comment that I was going to read it, and then I noticed that the author herself had replied by saying "I hope you like it". That was kind of cool. Well, I sure did like it. I decided to listen to this one because I needed a new audio book and Cassandra Campbell is one of my favorite narrators. She did not disappoint.
This was an intriguing and fun story. I liked the little mystery of who the fathers were. I instantly liked all three main characters and found them interesting, strong and relatable. It was a sweet story. I would recommend it, but if you are looking for a thriller or something with a lot of tension or suspense, this in not that book. It is however, an enjoyable, quick, light and good read.
Yes, Brenda Janowitz, I liked it very much. Well done. I will be reading your other novels.

WAY too much focus on “the dress”

Just felt non stop and endless, making the story feel repetitive and slow. I’ll pass.

loved

I thoroughly enjoyed the juxtaposition of generations and the character development throughout. Completely aptured my attention!

A nice bit of fluff

A sweet story that touches on complex family relationships, but is mostly about the dress. Reminded me a bit of a grown up version of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Summer reading teens might also enjoy.

Lovely light listening

This book was a perfect summer listen. I’ll look for more from the author and narrator.

This book is delicious

Like a beautiful French pastry. It delighted me and I savored the pleasure of its words bite by bite. I am sure I will read it again. Enjoyed it so much. Also loved the narrator.

Great historical tie in

This story was rich in history. I had to get used to the back and forth in the story but by the end I could visualize the transformation of the gown.

Delightful!

This book kept my interest throughout and I definitely recommend this book. Just be prepared to feel let down a bit when ever chapter switches to another character. But I overlooked it after a while. Cassandra Campbell is my favorite narrator!

Grace Kelly Dress

This is a lovely read/listen!
The characters are compelling, I enjoy multi-generational stories and this one doesn’t disappoint. Cassandra Campbell’s rendition is fantastic as always!