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 Thoughts:
The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark started out rough. While well-written, the heartbreaking situations in the first few chapters made it difficult to continue into the novel. However, I persevered to discover a dual-timeline story full of love, fear, and redemption. My journey with Harper and Millie reaped rewards as the deep themes of the book settled in my mind.
The Dress Shop on King Street plunged into issues relevant
to modern society. Racism, in the past and present, deeply affected Millie and her
decisions. Disillusionment drove Harper to turn from her dreams. Yet, I loved
the novel’s theme of redemption – for people, items, and history. Threads about
discovering and preserving history weave through the novel as characters seek
to understand their family history, restore vintage pieces, and cultivate hope
for the present and future.
I enjoyed the slow, deep exploration of issues in The
Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark. Readers who enjoy dual timeline
fiction that dives into painful issues and searches for hope will likely
enjoy this novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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