Sunday, January 17, 2021

Review of The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark


About the Book ~ 

Harper Dupree 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 how to sew. As Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie's past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton--the daughter of an Italian man and a Black woman--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 to find 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.

For more information about Ashley Clark and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark is the epitome of southern charm!

This beautiful story has so much going for it, so much that makes it memorable! The author's poetic writing style is an example of perfection when it comes to similes, metaphors, and personification -- all things I adore! Each detail -- large and small -- takes on a beautiful life of its own. Additionally, this split-time story is unique from its counterparts because the historical storyline slowly merges with the present day storyline. While I felt a little disconnected from the characters at times, nothing could detract from the awe of the almost divine intersecting, crossing, and overlapping journeys of the characters! The contemporary storyline is humorous and nods to pop culture, and the historical storyline pulls at you like a haunting melody. The author sensitively and truthfully depicts the heartrending struggles, injustices, and sorrows that a biracial person would have experienced in the era. From start to finish, the complex, beautiful layers in The Dress Shop on King Street will hook you! Truly, I tip my imaginary cloche hat to the author!

The Dress Shop on King Street overflows with so many beautiful lessons and spiritual truths! However -- at its core -- it's a story about never giving up on the dreams God has given you because if God has given you a dream, then He is gonna make it happen -- you just might be a little foggy on the how (or when!) of it all! 

Four Stars ~ The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark brings southern charm to a new level! The Dress Shop on King Street is the first book in the Heirloom Secrets Series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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