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

Really enjoy a good WWII story!

So well researched and written. Love all the history and daily wartime life. The love stories were sweet (and thankfully clean) I’m really glad I purchased this one!

Absolutely loved it.

So much thoughtfulness was put into developing each character and their story. So refreshing to read such a beautiful book.

Beautifully written

Such a beautiful story about love, hope, resilience, creativity & hope. The sewing circle is more than just a group of sewers - learned so much about history & power of women & their friendships.

The character development

I loved that It was so HOPEFUL! Especially in these horrid times… it is nice to feel some positive emotion

Sweet Historical Romance

The only thing I didn't like was the woman the vicar decides to marry, isn't a believer. I couldn't imagine a pastor or minister regardless of their faith marrying a woman who doesn't possess the same faith he does! If she does believe in the Lord, it's never mentioned in the book.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and the narration very much!

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.

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.

Such a good story

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

Women working together

Very enjoyable listen in a challenging
Year in politics here in the USA. Thank you.

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.