February 2021 Reading Recap & March 2021 TBR

My February 2021 Reads:

February blessed me with more reading time than January did. As you can see below, I exclusively read books I had received for review. I would like to get into my TBR stack of books I received for Christmas, but that might be awhile away still. Not complaining though, I love receiving books for review. In February, I finished:

1. The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review coming soon.


3. The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


4. Stay with Me by Becky Wade - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This was a second reading. Read my original review.


5. Suitors for the Proper Miss by Jen Geigle Johnson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


6. His to Keep by Sherrinda Ketchersid - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


7. The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fischer. - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


8. A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel. - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

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Expected March 2021 Reads:

In March, I hope to read:

1. A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae.


2. Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green. - A reread in anticipation of the sequel! Read my original review here.


3. Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green - sequel to Veiled in Smoke.


4. Can't Buy Me Love by Andrea Christenson.


5. What We Inherit by Jessica Pearce Rotondi - A step out of my normal genre, but it sounds so interesting!


6. Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee - My local book club's selection for March.


7. The Piano Teacher by Kristie Self.


8. Stronger Every Day by Janell Rardon. - Currently Reading!

What will you read this month?

Book Review: 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.

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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.

December Reading Recap & January TBR

My December 2020 Reads:

The first part of my December 2020 abounded with busyness. Then COVID hit our little family. 😷 My husband, myself, and our two daughters all came down with the illness. I spent many hours in bed and finished several books. 📚 Did I like having COVID? Absolutely not! 🙅 But I spent more time reading than I have in a long time.📖

In December, I finished:

1. To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. All That We Carried by Erin Bartels. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


3. A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


4. Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery - ⭐⭐⭐⭐


5. A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review coming soon!


6. Discipline Your Kids with Positive Parenting by Nicole Libin - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


7. Make Life Beautiful by Syd & Shea McGee. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


8. A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 


9. Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

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Expected January 2021 Reads:

In January, I hope to read:

1. The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fischer.


2. Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green. - This will be a reread for me. It's my local book club's January selection and we plan to tour Historic Spanish Point, Bertha Palmer's Florida residence. Read my original review here.


3. Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery. - I'm slowing making my way through this classic series!


4. The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall. - A new-to-me author.


5. What We Inherit by Jessica Pearce Rotondi - A step out of my normal genres, but it sounds so interesting to me!


6. Occasional Moments of Happiness by Shana Donyaei. - Currently reading!


7. The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark.


8. The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren. - This one has been on my TBR for a long time... I've enjoyed the other two in the series and hope I can get to this one in January.

What will you read this month?