After a revealing conversation with the first children of her age she’s ever met, curious eight-year-old Alice Chattoway realizes that one ought to have a father … and she doesn’t. Having determined that his absence is making her mother unhappy, Alice resolves to find him and create a family for herself.However, Alice’s mother, Miss Chattoway, is reluctant to answer any questions posed about a … about a man she’d much rather forget. While Alice investigates, Miss Chattoway tries to balance her own spiritual turmoil with her need to be both mother and provider to her daughters.
Will Alice ever unravel her mother’s secrets? Can Miss Chattoway let go of the past to reach for the future?
more
The Best Book I’ve Ever Kind of Liked?
Kellyn Roth has written a deep, soul-stirring novel that challenges societal norms while holding fast to Biblical principles. It flies in the face of presumption, gossip, and the ridiculous notion of “tainted children.” Without a single “Mary Sue” character in the bunch (except for the only one who actually “should” be one), Miss Roth treats us to love, hate, joy, bitterness, shame, grit, weakness, strength–I could go on indefinitely. No, really. I could.
These rich characters have depth that isn’t always good, but it’s real. The spiritual lessons are there without too much preachiness. It goes there at times but always for good reason and usually stopping short of going overboard.
The Dressmaker’s Secret offers a frank look at the hypocrisy and cruelty that sinners show to other (perceived) sinners. Through a multi-layered story that becomes more vivid with each piece laid bare, we see mysteries within mysteries, truths covered by evasions and deceptions, and one shining reality among it all.
God is still on the throne, and He alone holds our futures in His grasp.
There’s just one problem with this book.
I should love it. I want to love it. So many things within its pages resonate with me deeply. I just kind of like it.
See, part of it is it took a long time for me to get into it–so long that I’m really glad I requested the review copy, because if I’d just put it on my Kindle Unlimited shelf and read it when I got to it… I’m afraid I would have stopped too soon.
Because while the first half or more of the book had me fighting against the temptation to skim and move it along, the last third at least kept me riveted. It’s as if the author came into her own there and really punched up the story. I went from glancing at the “progress bar” to see how much I had left to read to not being able to flip the page fast enough.
Truth be told, I’m so glad I can say that. Because now I’m eager to read the next in the series. And, much like another series that I predicted I’d love and ended up being right about, I suspect this will be another. If you read the author’s note at the end, this book has been through many iterations, and with different subplots and endings, even! I wonder if maybe that’s why it got so much better there at the end.
Oh, I almost forgot!
It was refreshing to read about eight-year-olds who act and think like eight-year-olds–wise for their years one moment and totally clueless the next. That kind of realistic treatment of children deserves a standing ovation right there.
Also, as I’ve made no bones about, this book deals with some seriously mature topics, but Miss Roth handles them in a way that does not “sully the mind,” so to speak. Let’s face it. I’m a prude. However, even a child trying to work out how she doesn’t have a father when supposedly everyone does… well, it takes skill. And Miss Roth shines there.
So what’s “wrong” with it?
Well, I’m not going to shred it to bits, but since I’ve shared its strengths, I’ll point out what bothered me about it. Aside from the aforementioned lapse into preachiness a time or two (which I’m not sure I’d change, being the hypocrite I am), there was a bit too much info-dumping in sections. Actually, most of the backstory told upfront or through “stories” to the girls etc…. Well, it all would have been much better if it had unfolded naturally in the course of the story.
As it is, I’m convinced much of that is what bogged down the first half or so. I can see exactly where things could have been revealed naturally, but instead, those info-dumps really do force the story along at first, and as a result, it drags.
Additionally, I’ll admit that I was frustrated with one “convenience” in the story. I’ll also admit that in the time this book was set, it probably was more of a reality than a plot device. Unfortunately for Miss Roth, to our modern eyes, it just seems convenient. And, being the hypocrite I am, I both want the other scenario and the one she chose. Both cannot co-exist. So, I cheer the author for doing what she thought best.
Still, despite my issues with the book (and there are a few others I’m not going to mention because they’re probably just me), there’s another in the series, and I’ve already added it to my Kindle Unlimited shelf.
Do I recommend it?
I think so. If you’re a contemporary suspense/thriller reader… no. If you enjoy historical fiction heavy on plot and characterization without too much concern for setting, yes. I think I do. Furthermore, The Dressmaker’s Secret is also available on audio, and I actually wish I’d bought it and listened to it that way. Because the snippet I heard made some of those “draggy” moments come alive. This book might be best enjoyed that way.
So yeah, The Dressmaker’s Secret is the best book I’ve ever kind of liked. Giving it 4 stars because 3 isn’t enough.
Keep writing, Miss Roth. I’m anxious for your next book.
So, I’ve finally generated a formula for proper, contained, not-so-crazy reviews, and Lord knows I’d wanted to stick with it, but after the Queen of Assumptions (who has been known to bet some strange things on said assumptions) got blindsided, I decided to forgo the aforementioned formula.
The Dressmaker’s Secret is insane. I say that from the point-of-view of a reader who just finished being pummeled by plot twist after plot twist after plot twist, so had I given myself a couple days before writing this review, I might not have put out such a remark.
That being said, there is no doubt that TDS will probably drive you insane. Kellyn Roth can twist like an accomplished mystery writer. Not even Poirot could have seen some of the revelations in this book coming.
Punches in the gut aside, I was extremely surprised by this novel (and I’m not talking about the twists this time). There was no doubt in my mind that Roth is a fantastic writer—I knew that before I got into TDS. Her prose is even and measured, with a kind of philosophical slant (I understand that because I write very philosophically myself, so…). She writes with a maturity and authority, which is great to see in an indie author, because so many (myself included) doubt their abilities as writers, in multiple aspects.
*returns to finish this review several days after the first part was written* Well, needless to say, I think I’ve regained my composure. Granted, if you asked me about Ivy, McCale House, and Jordy McAllen, I’d start goin’ on again—but we’re talking about TDS. Claire and Nettie. Alice and Ivy. Mr. Parker *shudders* and Mr. Knight.
What was I saying?
Ah, yes. Roth’s performance was exquisite. Her plotting prowess is apparent by her careful maneuvering and twisting of all the many elements of said dressmaker’s secret. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, something else would happen or someone else would turn up and I’d be left guessing again.
Granted, I totally called Mr. Knight. The Queen yet reigns!
Ahem. What struck me the most was how well she wrote from Alice’s POV. I know from firsthand experience that writing from the perspective of a child is strenuous, nigh impossible. (Mind you, I try to write from the POV of tween boys, which is perhaps worse, me being a girl and all.) I’m even more stunned, going into Ivy Introspective, by how well she writes Ivy’s POV.
But we’re talking about Alice here.
Alice (or Gracie, whichever you prefer; I’d rather use Alice, since Gracie is a mite confusing for moi) is a colorful narrator. She grew and matured mentally, and her outlook on her life and family shifted smoothly as she changed from a scared seven-year-old to a blossoming eleven-year-old. I enjoyed reading her interactions with her family and the few outside it. Her fears and hopes, concerns and dreams, were all portrayed so well that I would have been convinced that Roth was Alice had she not applied the same expertise to Claire’s POV.
TDS was a wee bit outside my comfort zone. I’m used to adventures and romance, spies and cowboys—not children. But somehow The Dressmaker’s Secret captured me. In all honestly, I’d say ‘twas the mystery. I do love a good mystery. I wanted to know who and what Claire was, what her story was. This curiosity lured in me, but my growing affection for the characters reeled in the line!
That being said, I would have liked to see Claire’s relationships with the other characters (Charlie, Parker, Knight, etc.) develop a little more. Since I’m devoid her perspective in Ivy Introspective (and since Charlie is quickly becoming a most delightful character), in hindsight I wish for more of Claire. More of her thoughts and dreams and her struggles.
Also in hindsight, she was mighty nice to Mr. Parker. My, I could’ve strangled that man. Hmph.
Either way, Alice kept me entertained. Stories such as Alice’s remind me of Elsie Dinsmore (a beloved favorite of mine), for whom my soul ached until I simply had to stop reading. (Seriously, I won’t pick up the next Elsie book because I just don’t want Mr. Vanilla—I mean, Travilla—to die. Noooooo!!!!! Why???!!! I love you, Edward!!!!)
Pardon me. You must forgive my errant displays of emotion. At times, my feelings get the best of me.
On a not-so-bookish note, Roth is a fantastic example for young indie authors to follow. She started writing at a young age, published her books at fifteen-years-old, and has now risen to popularity. I can’t wait to see where she’ll go!
Long story short, I really enjoyed The Dressmaker’s Secret. Kellyn Roth knows how to write. She knows how to write a mind-boggling plot twist. She knows how to write fun, lovable characters. She knows how to make you laugh, cry, and think. She is definitely going far!
Claire is doing everything she can to keep her secret so she can provide for her twins and her small staff. Their livelihood depends on the past remaining in the past. Everything starts to change when a ghost from her past reappears. Complications begin when her daughter begins to ask questions about who her father is and why he did not stay around. Will she be able to keep her secret?
The reader tries to connect the dots to find out what all the secret entails. As the story unravels, one cannot help but hope things improve for Claire, Nettie, Alice, and Ivy. Things feel like they keep getting worse as the secret unravels. Despite all the trials and struggles, Nettie always continues to point Claire to Christ with her actions, kind words, and prayers.
The storyline seemed to twist in some ways that were very painful to read. My favorite part of the book was how Nettie continued to care for the girls and Claire and share Christ. I loved how the author shared the gospel patiently and over time to Claire by addressing many aspects of the resistance Claire faced. Then other characters were able to compassionately and kindly point her to Christ as well. It was a reminder that we can share Christ in the same way. I look forward to more of Alice and Ivy’s story in the series.
I would recommend reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
The Dressmaker’s Secret is a wonderful historical Christian fiction set in England during the late 1800’s. This story shares an original plot with an amazing cast of characters. At the heart of the book is the faith some hold dear and want for those they love to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, too. From the book: “…as a way of indicating true contentment, true well bring. Joy…was something no one could ever the take…. Joy was more than happiness that it was interior and did not depend on what happened to you or how people treated you. Joy belonged only to God.” I appreciated the beautiful settings and the descriptions with just the right amount of detail. I would recommend this book for Historical Christian fiction fans, mystery readers, romance fans and those that want to read a good inspirational story with substance.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit, the publisher and author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
Im a realist and this book deals with real life. It is gritty and delves into thoughts, feelings, regrets, etc. Claire is hard to understand at first but as secrets unfold and you see God wooing her to Him you see her heart and why she is so standoffish as she has been deeply hurt by the ones who should have loved and protected her. Alice is a precocious child that you will love as she ask questions and is both child and wise beyond her years at the same time. This book takes place in the 1860’s in Regency England so keep that in mind when reading as it was far different how you were treated as a woman and especially if you were a single mother. I recommend going into this book with an open mind as if I went by some of the reviews I would have never read it. I found it sad but also hope was evident and kept me turning pages. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as I enjoyed it very much.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
The Dressmaker’s Secret is a wonderful novel that kept me reading with plenty of twists and turns and surprises to be had. First, we meet Claire. She’s a dressmaker. But that’s not what she started out as. She started out as a daughter of wealth and privilege.
Unfortunately, Claire made some mistakes and decisions that her father didn’t approve of which led her to be pregnant without a husband(but did that mean she wasn’t married) and then the mother of twins(but were they hers?). It’s all so wonderfully intertwined and full of suspense but also full of romance that you can’t stop reading.
I really loved the twin girls. They’re polar opposites yet have a bond that can’t be broken. Alice is outspoken and extroverted while Ivy is introverted and shy. Plus Ivy has health issues that keep her home and in bed quite a lot. Alice goes to school and later gets sent off to school as well.
When Alice starts asking lots of questions about her father things get interesting. They get even more interesting when people from Claire’s past start showing up.
I really loved reading this book and immediately had to look for Ivy’s story to continue on the story. Prepare yourself to be sad when the second book ends and there isn’t a third one. At least, I was.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I find The Dressmaker’s Secret a very interesting and intriguing historical fiction to read. Claire has a good business and is raising her twins herself. No one knows or needs to know who the father is. This is one secret she will keep, even from her daughters. But Alice has a different story. She wants a father, and will search until she finds who he is.
This book takes many twists and turns, as Alice goes on her search for her father. Does she find him? Read the book and you will find out. I grew to love these characters. They developed well throughout the book, though sometimes things were not so easy. Author Kellyn Roth is new for me, and I enjoyed the way she handled the situations throughout the book, especially those that were tougher to deal with. I enjoyed her writing very much and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy this one.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
.
The Dressmaker’s Secret by Kellyn Roth is the first book in The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy series. This is a wonderful story that takes place in Victorian England and told by the daughters’ nanny. Claire is a young woman who’s father took her away from the man she loved. She felt forced to flee his home and went into hiding with her daughters and their nanny. She has built a good business with important clients. Her family and business are doing good until friends from her past come to town. Rumors start flying and her business is hurt by them. As the rumors worsen, she is forced again to make changes to her little family.
This is a very well written story with strong characters. The author has done a wonderful job of telling a wonderful story of single women raising a small family and the trials they go through. I appreciate the strength both Claire and Nellie have and the devotion they have to each other and the girls. I also appreciate the faith Nellie has and how she politely shares with others. The story deals with topics such as parental abuse, broken marriage, single motherhood, implied rape and second chances.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this ebook.. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
The book starts in the late 1860s with a young woman who I wanted to take in my home and care for. Claire becomes an unwed mother of two darling little girls. I cried when her father shunned her. How was she to care for her children and escape the gossip? Nettie is her maid but also her dear friend. They decide to leave and find a better life for theirselves and the girls.
I couldn’t read fast enough to see what adventure awaited them. I thought it was sad that Claire felt she had to hide her girls from everyone. The rumors swirled around her as she found a way to make a living. I’m sure her skills were excellent as she made dresses but she still longed for true happiness. Sone people loved to gossip and make Claire feel ashamed. “He without sin, cast the first stone.”
Alice and Ivy were as different as night and day. Alice was very outspoken for a young girl and I loved how protective she was of her sister. I absolutely loved the faith element in the book. Claire feels like God is punishing her for her sin, but Alice wants her mother to trust God. I thought about this scripture as I read the book, “And a child shall lead them.” Alice does question if she was a mistake and is reassured that God does not make mistakes. She is wanted and loved and I liked how the author shows us the journey Alice takes to find acceptance.
I found the story to be real and honest. The author holds nothing back when it comes to the girls lack of a father. It was interesting to see how Alice decided she would find out who her father was. She was not afraid to learn the truth and hoped it would make her mother happy again. There are some emotional scenes in the story which gives depth to the characters. I was anxious to find out what secret Claire was hiding, I was not prepared for the ending and have to say I was shocked when several secrets were revealed.
Claire fights her feeling for God and at some point she will turn to Him to show her the direction she needs to take. All she has ever known is rejection and she doesn’t want her children to ever doubt that they are loved and wanted. It is a beautiful story that tackles tough subjects with grace. I am excited to know that there is a book coming out where Ivy will be the main focus.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Dressmaker’s Secret is a Christian historical novel by author Kellyn Roth. This is geared toward women and has a light romance as well as a mystery. Having never read anything by this author before, I really did not know what to expect. It was a page turning, pleasant surprise to find a new author that I like.
This is the story of Claire Chattoway and her daughters, Alice and Ivy. She is a single mother trying hard to protect her children in all areas of life. Precocious daughter Alice wants to find her father. Alice believes he is the key to her mother’s happiness. Unwed mothers are taboo so Claire’s story is only known by her long time maid.
I could not put this book down as different scenarios played through my mind. The story is fast paced and characters are complex. The English dialog is quaint and believable. The author uses vivid descriptions that placed me smack dab in the center of her story. It was wonderful.
There are timeless spiritual and life lessons woven throughout this captivating story. I noticed as I read certain sections that I would nod my head in agreement. It is a very lovely story with twists and turns galore. This just happens to be Book One in the Alice and Ivy Chronicles. I am eager to read the second book.
I highly recommend this splendid novel. Escape to England and make a few friends by reading it. It would be a great book club selection. I happily rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but this is my own, honest opinion.
Miss Claire Chattoway finds herself in a dilemma – her twin daughters need a safe place to live and grow up – but how will she accomplish that? 1870’s England is an unforgiving time for a single mother. After all, who is the father and why will he not take responsibility for his children?
It is interesting how a small secret, one that no one really needs to know, can become an impediment to living life freely and safely. The author has carefully taken us through this difficult subject with the reader hoping all will work out in the end. When Claire finally begins to realize that God can take care of it all, she finally finds peace.
This first book in The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy was received through CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
A few years ago, I found Kellyn Roth’s The Dressmaker’s Secret and remember being so startled that a young teenager could produce such a piece of art. Now, she has rewritten and repackaged an already good book turning it into a more awesome read. I love the new twists and depth of character. My promise to follow Kellyn’s writing career holds strong.
The “secret” drives the story, shrouding it in mystery. The secret manipulates the lives of two innocent little girls. Isn’t that the way with secrets and falsehoods? They become live entities, intending to cushion life but making the fall rather jarring.
How long have you kept a secret? Was it as a child or a mature adult? Some secrets last a lifetime. Kellyn uses her imagination and writing skill to present a beautiful, yet imposing, adventure of love, protection, and promise in a situation made into a prison, impregnable due to society and the dressmaker’s unbendable parent.
I loved the point of view of eight-year-old Alice. Children see the world differently, challenging adults to break from the confines of black and white. The world is a little brighter because of them.
Bravo for Kellyn and The Dressmaker’s Secret.
As I started reading this work of historical fiction, I felt like this book would take some twists and turns, which it did. Alice, her twin sister Ivy, along with their mother, governess, and two other servants live together in London where the mother makes dresses. Claire, the mother, wants only to protect her daughters. Nettie, the governess, assists with that endeavor. I had to keep reading to see where the author would take me.
I have to say, once I finished the book, I was glad Kellyn Roth made it clear this book was only the first in a series because I want to read more about these characters. This book does an excellent job of exploring the idea of faith, forgiveness, and coming to know God as the One True God.
So if you enjoy reading Christian historical works of fiction, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoy historical fiction that’s written well, with attention to detail and author Kellyn Roth did that. Her book had the feel you would look for in a novel of that time period, scandals and all. And I appreciated the gospel being shared with a main character in a natural way.
The characters were charming, troubled, and all the things people are. I found the plot intriguing and fairly well written. If I had one complaint it’s that the story is told through the eyes of an eight year old. I seemed to be written in such a way that I sometimes felt I was reading a children’s book. Yet, as we all have different tastes, I can recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Oh my! I literally just finished this amazing story. I couldn’t stop reading this once I started. I admit it, it did bring a tear to eye…ok. more than once.
I am one that loves to research my family tree. It is fascinating to see where my relatives lived and worked. My Mom was born in England during WWII. She has told me stories of going to the bomb shelters during a raid. She shared how my Nan wouldn’t go until her tea was made. She shared the delight she had when she got an orange for Christmas. Her family survived in a period of history that is unfathomable to us. But through it all she talks of how the family pulled together. She speaks of the neighborhood that stuck together. They survived and lived to tell their story.
Harriet was on the path of discovery. She needed the answers to her questions. With this knowledge, she can live the life her great-grandmother and mother would want for her.
An excellent book that I highly recommend. We should not forget our past. It shapes our future.
I received this book for free to review from Celebrate Lit.
The Dressmaker’s Secret
Kellyn Roth presents the first of several books in an historical fiction series, this specific book was originally published in 2016, then rewritten and republished recently.
In The Dressmaker’s Secret, Claire Chattoway is a dressmaker in Victorian England, estranged from her family, and living under an alias. She is hiding a secret that could destroy her livelihood — she is a single mother of two young daughters. Claire works hard to provide for them, hiding her past, and keeping her secret even from her daughters about their absent father.
Eight year old Alice wants to know why she and Ivy don’t have a father living with them. So she sets about trying to discover the truth, believing it will make her mother happy. But will revealing the truth change their lives for the better?
The story introduces the reader to Claire, her daughters Alice and Ivy, and Nettie (Claire’s former maid who acts as a nanny/governess to the girls). Nettie is a believer, while Claire is not. Nettie tells Claire about the gospel on several occasions, but Claire thinks her past is unacceptable. A crisis causes Claire to rethink her stance.
Told from Alice’s point of view, Roth wears faith elements, well-developed characters, and a plot with some twists. There is an allusion to a woman being raped but it is treated gently. The Dressmaker’s Secret tells of the journey from a broken family to a healed one. Ivy’s Introspective is the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
The Dressmaker’s Secret is a very emotional read that tugged at my heart. Claire’s struggle to keep her two children safe and earn a living on her own is highly commendable. Her faith in God, however, was a daily struggle. She felt as though she wasn’t worthy.
Claire’s maid, Nettie, is a loving woman who cared as much about Claire’s children as she does. Nettie’s faith is strong and she shares her knowledge of the Lord with Claire every chance she gets.
The story is full of struggles, grief, redemption, and forgiveness. I loved all the characters in the story and the twist at the end I wasn’t expecting. Inspiring and uplifting filled with hope.
I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
We begin a journey to unlock secrets, do we have the right to know, a lot of people felt they did, or they guessed and held it against Claire. Times were different 1860’s England, and a woman catering to the elite, by making their dresses, and she is good at it, but then rumors fly about her having illegitimate children, what can she do? God has a way of working things out, and we are there to see how things turn out.
There are big surprises, some I didn’t see coming, and some are really heart warming. We are there for some sad happenings, and blessings.
Forgiveness, that is a big theme here, and there needs to be a lot of it, do children deserve answers? If you don’t tell. will someone else? As you turn the pages here you will get answers to these questions, and yes there are surprises!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
The Dressmaker’s Secret is a great start to Kellyn Roth’s The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy series. It is, also, my introduction to her talents. It definitely will not be the last. I adored this story and getting to know little Alice. I thought it had a little bit of mystery added to it that kept me captivated and intrigued. I thought it was great from start to finish.
The Dressmaker’s Secret will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Christian historical fiction. This one is so very good I can not wait to get my hands on the next installment from Kellyn Roth’s The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy. She has earned herself a new fan.
I received The Dressmaker’s Secret from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
This was a tough book for me to review, for several reasons. Over the past couple years, I have heard quite a few wonderful things about The Dressmaker’s Secret. Therefore when I realized that I was able to read it using my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I was thrilled. Until I started reading it, that is. (Yes, this is a largely negative review and yes, up to this point I have mostly posted positive reviews. I realized that I really should be sharing both the books I have mixed feelings about and the books that I enjoyed. So here you have it, my first not particularly positive review.)
To begin with, let’s talk about the positive aspects of The Dressmaker’s Secret. The storyline was interesting and fast-paced. Several of the characters were enjoyable to read about, Nettie in particular. The Dressmaker’s Secret manages to deal with some difficult subject matter in a mostly PG-rated way. This book is one that I could hand to my younger siblings without really having to worry about the content.
Several things annoyed and surprised me about The Dressmaker’s Secret. Number one being, where was the history!? There was absolutely no focus on the historical aspect of the story beyond the necessary notes about horses and carriages. I found this surprising due to the fact that Roth writes about her love and knowledge of history on her blog often. Another thing that frustrated me was the fact that I found the characters difficult to relate to. The thought processes of Alice often seemed far too mature for an eight year old and I would have to remind myself of her age when she did do something that made her seem childish. Last, but not least, the suspenseful piece of the story was not exactly suspenseful or unpredictable.
All that said, I did not strongly dislike The Dressmaker’s Secret, I simply could not get myself to fully enjoy it.