The Lost Dresses of Italy

By: M. A. McLaughlin

Narrated by: Hope Newhouse, Melanie Crawley, Edoardo Camponeschi

Verona, 1947. Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne’s expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses.

Verona, 1864. Christina Rossetti returns to her family’s homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her: a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request.

The letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina—and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, The Lost Dresses transports listeners to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion.

©2024 M. A. McLaughlin (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

Historical fiction

I would have preferred less fiction about the family, but I imagine that the book would be a lot shorter.

Great story! I enjoyed it.

Very engrossing story! Performance was excellent! I will look for more books performed by her.

Boring

Too long very hard to follow which character was who, very confusing & hard to follow the characters