The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle: A heartwarming nostalgic World War Two novel inspired by real events

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From the acclaimed author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Kitchen Front, Jennifer Ryan, comes a novel inspired by true events in the Second World War. After renowned London fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. She arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business from a quaint country village. Her niece, Violet, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay - the village has been interminably dull with all the men off fighting. 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 . . . The Great British Sewing Bee meets the Second World War in this warm, charming and nostalgic novel The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle.

Reviews

Jennifer Ryans wonderful ability to weave an atmospheric, wise and warm story makes The Kitchen Front entirely comforting and unputdownable. Like The Great British Bake Off set in World War Two, with redoubtable heroines youll cheer for, The Kitchen Front is an enchanting hug of a novel written with Jennifer Ryans usual skill -- Cathy Kelly on The Kitchen Front
What a dream of a book! Absolute perfection! Nostalgia, rivalry, friendship and fun a real treat. Beautifully detailed you will be right there with a cast of vivid characters, cooking their way to a new life. You will love it -- Veronica Henry on The Kitchen Front
A gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship -- Jill Mansell on The Kitchen Front
A delight! Jennifer Ryan cooks up a fresh take on the popularity of World War Two fiction and brings the battle into the heart of the wartime home. A charming blend of intriguing characters and a high-stakes cookery competition, served with the perfect amount of pathos and humour. Deserving of a historical Hollywood handshake! -- Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of The Bird in the Bamboo Cage, on The Kitchen Front
Evocative, nostalgic and comforting with a wonderful story of female friendship. A delight -- Alex Brown, author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage, on The Kitchen Front
Delightful -- People magazine on The Chilbury Ladies Choir
Delightful . . . it manages to be sad and funny, exciting and heartwarming, all at the same time. Quite an achievement -- Barbara Erskine on The Chilbury Ladies Choir
The writing glows with emotional intelligence. This atmospheric debut, based on the authors own family history, had me sniffing copiously -- Daily Mail on The Chilbury Ladies Choir
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel . . . both fascinating and informative -- Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You

Author Bio

Jennifer Ryan is the author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir. She lives in Ireland with her husband and two children. Originally from Kent and then London, she was previously a non-fiction book editor.