The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

A Novel

By: Jennifer Ryan

Narrated by: Sophie Roberts

Three plucky women lift the spirits of home-front brides in wartime Britain, where clothes rationing leaves little opportunity for pomp or celebration—even at weddings—in this heartwarming novel based on true events, from the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.

After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. Praying that her niece and nephew will be more hospitable than her brother had been, she arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business while staying in a quaint country village.

Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay—the village has been interminably dull with all the men off fighting. But just as Cressida arrives, so does Violet’s conscription letter. It couldn’t have come at a worse time; how will she ever find a suitably aristocratic husband if she has to spend her days wearing a frumpy uniform and doing war work?

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.

©2022 Jennifer Ryan (P)2022 Random House Audio

Wartime reality for a small English village

The characters were developed with excellent description. The story evolved with gentleness and precise direction to how imperative, behind the battle lines villagers, had an important opportunity to bless other brides & their family.

Interesting but a little preachy!

I enjoyed the book and learning about fabrics and sewing and details that affected particularly women in England during World War II. However particularly towards the end the themes were a bit preachy, repetitive and predictable.

Such a good story

What a great story touching on a subject that I wouldn’t have thought of during WW2.

Heartwarming

This book isn’t only a history lesson, it’s a heartwarming tale. We learn about women’s lives and contributions during the war.

Women working together

Very enjoyable listen in a challenging
Year in politics here in the USA. Thank you.

Great read!

I loved this book. So well written and performed. Highly recommend. Can’t wait for the next book!

Entertaining

So good to know about the history woven into a beautiful love story, many sacrifices.

Great history

Wonderful story to the end. The history of the time setting was very interesting to learn.

Slow start

I really liked this book, but I had to put it aside for a while after I first started because I couldn’t get into it. So give it some time and then it gets good.

Loved the story!

Enjoyed the characters and didn't want the story to end! Loved the plot and ending !