The American Dream thrives in 1912 New York City Annie Wood, the housemaid-turned-pattern designer in The Pattern Artist, jumps at the chance to design her own clothing line when a wealthy New York couple offers to finance her endeavor. Joining the project is Annie’s new husband, Sean Culver, her best friend at Butterick, Maude Nascato, and a mother figure, Edna Holmquist. Annie and her … Holmquist.
Annie and her colleagues give up their careers, risking everything to follow a shared passion: clothes that are both fashionable and functional for modern, busy women in 1912.
Personal and financial setbacks test old relationships and new romances while threatening to keep the business from ever selling a single dress. No one said it would be easy. But the promise of the American Dream holds a deep hope for those who work hard, trust God, and never give up.
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I love Historical Fiction and it was obvious that this author did a lot of research to get the facts and the feel right for this novel (she even included some vintage photos in the back of the book). I enjoyed the way that faith issues were handled openly and yet not in a “preachy” way. There were several plot twists along the way to keep the reader interested. Overall a great read.
Inspiring insight into early 20th century life as an independent woman .
I began sewing when six years old. Preferred Butterick patterns and also delighted in altering them. This book is such a joy for me to read and I am excited to begin the next in the series. Thanks for writing it.
Couldn’t put it down.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In fact, I could not wait to finish it to see what happened to each of the characters!
Thank you for a charming time of reading. I look forward to reading more of your books!!
Believable characters that are easy to follow with just enough drama and romance to help with the plot without overshadowing it. Delightful!
This was the sequel to THE PATTERN ARTIST. I loved them both. They had a wonderful story was sometimes tearful and filled with joy and the wonderment of God’s blessings. Cozy good read!
This was the best book I have read in years!! It was written in a way that you feel like you are standing there watching as the story unfolds, Beautiful story that shows dreams can come true if you work hard, believe in yourself and trust God.
Characters that are likable and many that are finding the blessings of their present lives in spite of difficult pasts. The inclusion of some historical details lended well to the enjoyment of the book as well as the steps necessary to begin a business, something not some asily by women at the time
I enjoyed the people of this story, I would have liked to have been in this time.
Sewing and reading are my favorite hobbies. This book and its predecessor The Pattern Artist fed my passions. Plus that it’s Christian literature and shows real-life-like struggles with allowing God to be in control, it was a great read. I enjoyed how the author tied in current events within the plot.
A very uplifting book.
Enjoyed this book very much. Excellent and entertaining
One of the best books I’ve read in recent years!
I truly enjoyed this story and the book prior to it about the Pattern Maker. Unique story lines in both, using real business history sprinkled throughout, making them all the more intriguing in the approach and style.
Nice Christian story
Such an interesting story, I loved the first book and the second was great too. It was so easy to read and so clever how the story unfolded. Look forward to her next book. Great author.
Historical, inspirational
I really appreciated the author bringing the time to life, the relationships between the women, and the deep faith. The care for details and authenticity kept me reading and enjoying the book to the very end. I cheered for the ladies, cried, laughed, and hoped right along with them. A memorable book and one of the best books I’ve read in awhile. I heartily recommend this author and book.
Besides the thoughtful Christian perspective, I enjoyed the historical nuggets the author included. She found interesting information for the time period as she was researching, so she wove some of these historical facts into the fictional story, giving it a feeling of authenticity. Very enjoyable reading.