Book Description:
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.
My Review:
Wow! What a wonderful story. The Dress
Shop on King Street captures the tension of the time period in the
1940s-60s, then slips on to modern day to tell an incredible story of courage,
despair, and hope. I absolutely love Millie and Franklin's story as Millie
traverses the world of a white person, whose heritage speaks differently. At
times Millie's story breaks my heart and makes me angry because of the unfair
world she lives in, but she perseveres. Harper's search for the future she
dreams of leads Millie and her into Peter's life. The story that tumbles out of
the past and crashes into the future is one filled with untold secrets,
regrets, and hope, always hope. I also enjoyed the sewing references and the tale
of the buttons. I'd love to see Harper's gorgeous creations. Ashley Clark did a
beautiful job stitching the eras together and giving Harper a clear understanding
of what it takes to follow your dreams. 5+ stars. I received a complimentary
copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.