This is a story of how WWII affected the women of a small village in England. The civilians dealt with bombings, rationing, and uncertainty. National pride was important during wartime. The people remaining at home made daily sacrifices to support those in the trenches. Women were knitting socks, reusing clothes, and “making do”. Grace, a vicar’s daughter, spent her time trying to help the people of the village. Violet, the sister of the local noble, has been conscripted. She will be learning a skill that will help her country during the war. Cressida, Violet’s aunt, lost her home and her business in a bombing in London. When these three women forge a friendship at the local women’s sewing circle, village life improves. Each woman learns about her strengths and herself. Their bond leads to the establishment of a wedding dress exchange.
The dress exchange begins as Grace donates her mother’s wedding dress. Several women in the sewing circle donate their dresses too. The circle has fun taking these beautiful creations apart and creating a more modern wedding dress. Soon news of their collection begins spreading. They begin receiving requests from brides in nearby villages. It is exciting to know that there are dresses available and white weddings aren’t something they have lost with the war. Women getting married can borrow a wedding dress instead of having to marry in their daily clothing. Helping women have a happy wedding lifts everyone’s spirits.
Jennifer Ryan writes with remarkable insight into three very different characters. We see them realize their potential and the benefits of friendship. Each woman becomes stronger through her association with the other women. These are people you would enjoy knowing. There are trials and tribulations but these plucky women rise to the occasion and show how resilient they are. This is a wonderfully uplifting story that has made me a fan of Jennifer Ryan.
My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
Additional Thoughts: This book has a certain Downton Abbey feel to it. Grace is not upper class and pre-war was not viewed as an adequate friend for the young nobles. War removes the class barriers and relationships are valued for love and not title. We are really fortunate that marriage is for love now.
The sacrifices that are made during war are admirable. People understood why they needed to sacrifice. I wonder if we would rise to the occasion today?