Review: The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark
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This is Dana’s review. She chose the book from a list I made of books I found in Christian categories on Amazon. As the blog owner I purchased the book for her and neither of us has had any contact with the author or publisher. According to Amazon this book is 367 pages and it’s published by Bethany House Publishers.
About the Author
I like to include a little bit about the author when I can. I think it makes the book more interesting to know something about the person behind it. According to Ashley Clark’s website, she writes romantic women’s fiction set in the South. The Dress Shop on King Street was her debut novel but there are two others in the series so far and from what I read on Facebook the author states that they need not be read in order, maybe because she wrote them out of order. Ashley holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and teaches literature and writing courses. It took ten years for her to be published and she says that not giving up on God-dreams is the theme of The Dress Shop on King Street.
Book Description
Harper Dupree has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew. As Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie's past are brought to light.
In 1946, Millie Middleton--the daughter of an Italian man and a Black woman--boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.
Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.
Dana’s Review of The Dress Shop on King Street
Ashley Clark has written a wonderful “Southern” dual-time book of great depth and feeling. She skillfully weaves together two timelines into a precious fabric of life. It was a book that spoke to my heart and taught me about the threads of faith in my own life. While there is no overt, come to Jesus, salvation message, God and faith were intricately woven into that fabric of life. Ms. Clark reminded me how much God loves us, even when our dreams don’t come true. And how gentle He is as He guides us through the plans He has for us.
There are parts of this book that some might find offensive, but, I believe, in a good way. It opened my eyes to a horrid part of American history of which I was unaware. I mean, I have read about “passing”, but Ms. Clark helped me feel the depth and pain of it. How heart wrenching it must have been for Millie to deny part of her heritage to survive. Terrified of being discovered as “passing”. Even more so after marrying a white man. I knew interracial marriage was illegal in mid-century America, but I did not comprehend the extent of the hatred from others that interracial couples had to face. I cannot imagine the tragic choice she had to make to save her children. However, her life was not always one of fear and sorrow; there was also great joy. Millie’s husband, Franklin, was a lovely man with a great heart. He was a wonderful husband, partner and father.
In the “current day”, I think Harper and Peter resonated with me most. I didn’t always understand how Harper could let one opinion alter her belief in herself, but not accept the opinions of those who knew her and loved her. But, I’ve been there, I get that. I was so glad she got past that mindset and … oops, no spoilers. And Peter’s love of history is wonderous. Peter loves to know “things” and about things. I want to meet him. :-D He is much like Franklin in his choices, his heart and his care for others.
Since the book is a dual timeline book, the author did a lot of jumping from timeline to timeline. (I know, duh. Right?) But some of the timelining was hard to follow. It seemed choppy or rushed. Another thing that kind of puzzled me was the life of Juliet. She shows up in the historical timeline but is barely mentioned in the current day portion of the book. Not knowing what happened to her until very late in the book almost made me cheat and read the end. One other thing, I wonder how this book will read 10-15 years from now. With the historical portions having specific years, speaking of “current day”, will become more and more awkward.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing how God mends the torn places in our lives to make us whole. I definitely want to read more from this author. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is that honest review.
Where To Find The Dress Shop on King Street
You can purchase The Dress Shop on King Street at the following links:
About the Reviewer
Dana
I am basically a "West Coast" girl. Born in CA about 70 years ago and continued moving up the coast as far as Seattle, WA. After college and marriage, I spent some time in FL and now live in AZ year round. As the child of an editor, I can fall into grammar police mode, but try not to let the words in my head come out of my mouth... It is not my job to correct the speech of others. I have been a born again Christian since I was in High School. I worked many jobs over the years but I worked for the Marine Corps for 20+ years. I am now retired from the workforce and a true introvert, but I try to keep socially active so I don't stagnate. I also volunteer at my church creating graphics and written materials.
