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Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Dressmaker's Dowry by Meredith Jaeger


From San Francisco 1876 to present day, we learn of the plight of the poor, the privilege of the wealthy, and secrets of a family that connect both eras.

Sarah married into a wealthy family and brought a secret with her that she never revealed to her husband.  Her husband's family had a secret too, but he was unaware of it.  Or was he?

Sarah was writing her thesis and came across two dressmakers, Hannalore and Margaret, who lived in1876 and who fascinated her because of the story of their lives.

As Sarah researches, she finds connections between the dressmakers and her husband's family.

THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY moved us back and forth in time with Hannalore's life story being much more interesting than Sarah's story about her life as the wife of a wealthy man and a journalist.

Hannalore's story tells of her hardships as well as her resilience as she takes care of herself and her three siblings after her mother dies and they escape from their drunken, abusive father.

The characters definitely were authentic especially the wealthy with their fancy clothing and privileges.  The destitute were equally well described, and you could feel their pain and suffering through the excellent writing style and descriptions of Ms. Jaeger.

I enjoyed THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction, switching back and forth in time, and finding items from past to present turning up for a mystery that includes a bit of love.   5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.

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13 comments:

  1. ElizabethFebruary 23, 2017 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks for stopping.

    Have you read this book?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Laurel-Rain SnowFebruary 23, 2017 at 12:58 PM

    I want to start reading more historical fiction. So far, I gravitate toward the early 20th C. for my historical novels...but this one sounds wonderful.

    Gorgeous cover, too. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. ElizabethFebruary 23, 2017 at 1:38 PM

      There are a lot of historical fiction books I have reviewed on my blog.

      I hope you find something you like.

      Thanks for stopping, Laurel.

      Delete
  3. Mary (Bookfan)February 23, 2017 at 3:35 PM

    I know I'd enjoy this one!

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    Replies
    1. ElizabethFebruary 23, 2017 at 3:37 PM

      I think you would. Mary. :)

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  4. pilch92February 23, 2017 at 4:27 PM

    That does sound like an interesting read.

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    Replies
    1. ElizabethFebruary 23, 2017 at 7:44 PM

      I liked the back and forth in time.

      Thanks for stopping, Ellen.

      Delete
  5. SukoFebruary 23, 2017 at 5:01 PM

    Wonderful review, Elizabeth! This sounds like an excellent mystery.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Melissa LeeFebruary 24, 2017 at 11:59 PM

    Nice review Elizabeth. Sounds like a good book. Adding it to my TBR. :)

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    Replies
    1. ElizabethFebruary 25, 2017 at 1:57 PM

      Glad you liked my review, Melissa Lee.

      I hope you enjoy the book.

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  7. Laura at Library of Clean ReadsFebruary 28, 2017 at 8:55 AM

    I'm glad you enjoyed this one more than I did. I loved the setting of 19th century San Francisco.

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    Replies
    1. ElizabethMarch 1, 2017 at 10:11 PM

      I liked Hannalore's story better.

      Thanks for stopping, Laura.

      Delete