The Dressmaker’s Secret Synopsis
“Italy, 1819. Emilia Barton and her mother Sarah live a nomadic existence, travelling from town to town as itinerant dressmakers to escape their past. When they settle in the idyllic coastal town of Pesaro, Emilia desperately hopes that, this time, they have found a permanent home. But when Sarah is brutally attacked by an unknown assailant, a deathbed confession turns Emilia’s world upside down.
Seeking refuge as a dressmaker in the eccentric household of Princess Caroline of Brunswick, Emilia experiences her first taste of love with the charming Alessandro. But her troubling history gnaws away at her. Might she, a humble dressmaker’s daughter, have a more aristocratic past than she could have imagined? When the Princess sends her on an assignment to London, she grasps the opportunity to unravel the truth.
Caught up in a web of treachery and deceit, Emilia is determined to discover who she really is – even if she risks losing everything . . .“
Note: This review is spoiler-free!
Why did I pick it?
I’ve read a book by Charlotte Betts before, The Apothecary’s Daughter. and although it was some years ago now I remember enjoying it. In fact, according to my Goodreads account I gave it 5 stars. So when this title came up for review I jumped at the chance.
What I loved about it
Firstly, I loved the setting. I read the book whilst in Italy and thought the descriptions of everyday family life in Pesaro was lovely. I especially loved the dialogue between Alessandro and his family.
I usually say that it’s the predictability of a book that I dislike, and although this book was predictable in places I loved that on occasion, it took what you thought and completely turned it on its head. Moments like this make a book for me.
What I loathed about it
Ok so yes, the predictability has to be mentioned, but to be honest, it was such a fun read I really didn’t care!
I’m not a massive fan of books that take historical figures and use them within a story, unless your Phillippa Gregory and that IS the book. However, Caroline of Brunswick is not someone I know a huge amount about and so it was easy to dismiss this.
Thoughts
An enjoyable and light-hearted page turner that I really enjoyed whilst on our Italian Adventure.
When and where can you can get it
You can purchase The Dressmaker’s Secret on Amazon today
* Book provided FOC in exchange for an honest and fair review
Thank you for this lovely review, Hannah!