Reviews

The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark

lynnuwatson's review

5.0

This book has been on my TBR list since its release. So glad I finally moved it to the top.

A beautiful and complex story of love, relationships, mixed-heritages, dreams. God is the author of each of our stories. He weaves all the pieces together in His time to create legacies and dreams come true - sometimes in times and places we least expect them.

Well-written timeslip.

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review

3.0

I had trouble wading through The Dress Shop on King Street. The multiple timelines and points-of-view were confusing. I had to keep re-reading sections trying to keep straight what was going on. I will share my full review soon.

prupell's review

4.0

I really enjoyed The Dress Shop on King Street. It is a dual timeline story set in Fairhope, AL starting in 1946, and mostly present day in Charleston, SC. I live close to Fairhope, and also really like historical fiction, so I especially liked that part of the story. I struggled at the beginning with the switching back and forth, but once it came together, it was worth it. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

typewriters87's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

kcordova's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was incredible. I loved the characters. This book speaks so much truth. Highly recommend. 

ladyamay's review

4.0

Love how color (of human kind) and embroidery and history are all woven together for a story that is bound together by hope, worry, and love.

morgangiesbrecht's review

5.0

Ahh, why did I wait so long to read this?!

maryfaithreads's review

4.0

"But what fun is it to merely do the possible?"

This is the kind of book I love - multiple timelines, relatable characters, tough topics addressed, and so much more.

Over the past year or so, I have come to love books with multiple timelines. (Or, as the author described it, "multigenerational" stories.) I don't like contemporary fiction and read very little of it, but throw in some historical vibes and I'm in love. Books like this also usually have some kind of mystery waiting to be unraveled that keeps you turning the pages as quickly as you can, and that was definitely the case here.

You all know characters make or break a book for me, and I loved this crew! Harper was definitely my favorite, and I really connected with her struggle to decide if she should keep following her dream. Peter was simply adorable, and his history obsession was the perfect touch. Watching Millie's story unfold was fascinating. It was heartbreaking to know all that she went through - all that she was forced to go through - but I admired her so much because of it. I have to give a shoutout to Franklin as well, since he was the coolest, most accepting dude ever!

This book addressed the history of racism in the southern United States, and how it continues to affect people today. I thought this was done very well. Millie's character was a strong example of resilience, while also showing the heartache of being judged for your skin color. Peter showed how racial tensions can change lives and affect families through generations. His story is very interesting and presented a perspective we don't often see. Because of this, and the multiple perspectives, this book reminded me a lot of [b:We Hope for Better Things|40392264|We Hope for Better Things|Erin Bartels|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539080356l/40392264._SY75_.jpg|62706888] (which I loved and really recommend!).

I can't believe this is Ashely Clark's debut novel. I adored it, and I can't wait to read more from this author, especially in this series!

"Sometimes life is just magic."

mamaroe93011's review

4.0

The author did an amazing job of intertwining the different timelines and keeping you guessing on the final outcomes until the perfect time. Such a heartbreaking story that is also so loving.

thebamabuckeye's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

3.0