This novel is told from the perspective of three women in three time periods, all linked by one wedding dress. In the present day, Rocky is planning her wedding and struggling against expectations of a traditional wedding where her mom wants her to wear her wedding dress. In 1982, Rocky’s mom Joan is an engaged college student whose own mom has offered her her wedding dress, but Joan also preoccupied with finding out more about her dead sister. And in 1956, Rose is an orphan in France working on making a wedding dress at a French atelier.

This was a cute story where each woman is grappling with her own family and love issues. I found it a bit choppy though, because the chapters are so short and cycle between the three characters so each time you get into one story you’re jumping to the next. But it was nonetheless an enjoyable read, and author Brenda Janowitz is super sweet on Instagram.

This book is a great story. I was waiting to read this and I wish I would have read this book sooner. The story flowed so well and it was not predictable and that is what I look for in a good story.

I love Grace Kelly - visited the church in Monaco where she was married so it was extra great to read this story. I loved this story - so much more than about the dress!

Ahhh this is how I like my historical fiction! Three generations of women, one dress, three stories of how they came together to need this wedding dress in their lives and each has a different relationship with it. I loved the writing, the three different timelines, and each of the women's stories. I enjoyed each woman's story equally, and the way the author showed how their pasts shaped them in the present timeline. Their history had made them who they were currently and I kept thinking about how different they could have been had each of their situations turned out otherwise.

I devoured this one in a day, the audio was fantastic, and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read this one. Highly recommend if you love this genre, but even if you don't, this one is so good!

Thank you to NetGalley and Graydon House for the digital copy to review.

I didn’t think I would like that this is 3 stories in one, but I did and I’m not sure if it was because all the parts intertwined or the story telling was just that good (I think it was the story telling). The way these women each had their own strife, when they came together and told their truth they were able to understand each other. Very good book and I can’t wait for more

“The Grace Kelly Dress” by Brenda Janowitz

Three women, three generations, and one iconic dress.

Green Gables Book Reviews thoughts- l love every part of this book. The writing style is one of my favorites, highlighting each era and main character. I loved knowing the thoughts of who I reading about. I was able to picture each woman in my mind, and feel a part of their stories.

Rocky, a nickname of course, is recently engaged to Drew, and Joan, her mother, is very excited about planning a huge wedding and seeing her daughter wear the dress. Rocky and Drew want a small, intimate wedding. And, Rocky does not like the dress. But she’s expected to wear it. Her grandmother did, her mom did, and Rocky doesn’t like it. It’s not her. She’s not into princess type dresses, or any dresses. Navigating wedding conversations with her mother is difficult since their ideas are so different.

Joan, as a college student, was engaged to gorgeous Matthew. Joan has been dreaming of wearing her mother’s gorgeous wedding dress since she was a young girl. She is beyond excited for her chance. When an invitation to an art show arrives addressed to Joan’s deceased sister, everything changes in Joan’s well planned life. Is Matthew the person for her?

Rose, orphaned at a young age, loves her job as a seamstress living in Paris in 1958. Working for the famous Madame Michel is amazing and Rose is thrilled Madame has recognized her talent. When Rose has to take on the full design and wedding dress project for a wealthy customer, she is nervous. Can she meet the standards set by Madame to sew the dress? And, the bride-to-be has a brother who is so handsome…

A wonderful book about traditions, a dress, and love.

I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but I couldn’t resist this one and I so enjoyed the three timelines, definitely kept things very interesting. I’m sure keeping three narratives straight isn’t easy but the other pulled it off very well

The Grace Kelly Dress will definitely tug at the heart strings. The story follows Rachel who inherits a Grace Kelly imitation dress that was made in 1958. Rocky is a modern-day career woman that does not want to wear an heirloom from the 1950’s! Much her mother Joan’s dismay the story behind the dress unfolds as do secrets and admissions. The Grace Kelly Dress is a book that examines the intricacies of the adult mother and daughter relationship and proves that no matter how old we are we can still learn things, if we choose to listen.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2021 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2021/02/2021-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

I am a huge fan of anything that has to do with royals, weddings, dresses, and such so this book was right up my alley. I really liked the three different timelines. They were all well developed and led into each other well, but I do feel that the ending was a bit rushed. I believe Rose's storyline was my favorite of the three. 4 stars for being an entertaining read. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC.

I grew up reading Brenda Janowitz, so happy she had a new one out. I tried to get into the story but it was not engaging enough but I don't fault the writing. When the pandemic hit, it has been difficult to concentrate and I really wanted to enjoy the story but I was unable to and was disappointed I could not enjoy it.

The Grace Kelly Dress follows the story of a wedding dress inspired by Princess Grace of Monaco’s famous wedding dress, connected by three generations of women. The story is told in parallel timelines: the Parisian seamstress Rose in 1958, her daughter Joanie in 1982 Long Island and her granddaughter & bride-to-be Rocky in current day Brooklyn.

Usually when books are told in parallel timelines, I get more invested in one of the stories more than the other. But in this case, I was equally intrigued by each of the women’s story and felt that they were all very true to the era in which they hailed from. Janowitz did a fantastic job giving each woman their own unique voice and style. Although I didn’t connect with Rocky as much (to be honest, I found her a tad bit annoying at times), I did enjoy getting to see Joan and Rose outside of their dedicated chapters. I enjoyed Joan’s chapters the most – as a reader it was rewarding to watcher her story as a young adult unfold in her own chapters, but then take on a totally different role in Rocky’s chapters.

The chapters were short, which at first, made it hard to get into the flow of the story. Once the story progressed, and I got to know the characters, I didn’t mind the length of the chapters and found that it actually propelled the story forward in a fast-paced, hard to put down way. Each chapter ended with a sort of “cliff hanger” that led to a constant cycle of wanting to get to each character’s next chapter to uncover what was going to happen.

Although this novel does include some romance, the theme of love is predominantly seen in the generational relationships – which as we all know, is a more complicated kind of love. I thought this book had more potential to be an emotional read given its themes of tradition, expectations and family, but don’t think the chapter length allowed for that type of depth. Overall, The Grace Kelly Dress was a great and uplifting read that can be shared across generations!

Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2020. I read this book everyone was talking about and I must say it's even better than they said! Beautiful and everything I want in a historical read this authors attention to details was not lost on me! Captivating and beautiful story that I highly recommend! I loved this!

A family story, that unfolds over three generations. In the present, Rocky is a successful tech businesswoman, who is about to be married. Her mother presents her with the family wedding gown, modeled after Grace Kelly's wedding dress. While trying to find the way to tell her mother that the dress just isn't her style, the story weaves through several generations of stories, all about the women who have worn the dress. With love stories and weddings from the 1950s, 1980s, and 2010s, this story has something for everyone. A light and easy read, with a solid family story, and incredible historical details about the making of a custom, couture wedding gown.

One dress. Three generations of women. A lifetime of love. That's the Goodreads description. I love fiction that has multiple timelines. This book is about one dress, but three different women. Rose from the 1950s, Joan in the 1980s, and her daughter Rocky present day. I loved the parts with Rose the seamstress. It's what kept me reading the book. It was a good book, sweet and sentimental. One of those you want to read in the summer lying by the pool.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book! This book wasn't a fit for me so I was not able to finish it.

I loved this book about family and the importance of traditions and understanding your roots. I really enjoyed the story and the message. I am looking forward to Brenda's next book already.

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What a touching story that touches on a variety family dynamics. I had a smile while reading this story and found myself happy for the characters when things magically worked out. A pleasurable read for your weekend getaway!