The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle was such a feel good, light hearted read. Having WW2 be the backdrop of this story did make it more emotional but I loved the characters so much. The book left me smiling.

Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.

This is one of the most darling World War II novels I've read. I went into it expecting a lot of the same content that I see used over and over, and was so pleasantly surprised.

What really made the difference in this book is that it focused on the everyday women who lived during the war, rather than a heroine figure who was off spying or rescuing people or something equally as intense. And I loved it, because it felt so relatable. These were just women who were trying to get through the war and help those around them. They do become heroines in their own way, but because of their quiet strength and their persistence through the little everyday tasks that often get overlooked.

Another unique aspect of this book was the attention to detail. Ryan included so many little details about life in England during the war and it just felt so organic and cozy, like the author had lived this way herself. You could tell she had done her research down to the tiniest bit.

As for the story itself, it was delightful. I loved each of the three main characters and how each of them grew through the war. The story was the perfect combination of cozy and suspenseful, and I devoured it so quickly once I got started.

Overall, this is an excellent cozy read, and it made me want my own wedding dress sewing circle.

This has been on my TBR pile for awhile. I'm so glad I finally read it. It was the perfect book for a long airplane ride. At one level it is completely predictable, yet Ryan has developed her characters so well that I was drawn into their lives and wanted to know how all of the relationships worked out. Ryan handles her ensemble cast with skill, each main character's story weaving together with the others yet still completely separate. Recommended as a feel-good summer read.

Jennifer Ryan’s "The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle" is a story of resilience, community, and the power of love during one of history’s darkest periods. Set against the backdrop of wartime Britain, where clothes rationing has stripped away much of the joy and celebration from everyday life, this novel features three remarkable women who persevere: Cressida, a renowned fashion designer who loses her home and design house in the London Blitz; her niece, Violet, whose life is upended by conscription just as her famous aunt arrives; and Grace, the vicar’s daughter, desperate to repair her mother’s wedding dress for her own wedding. The bonds they form grow beyond a simple sewing circle...

To be perfectly honest, the story felt a bit fantastic at times, but I suppose at times like these, we need something uplifting.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

It took me several tries to get in to the book but once I did, I ended up loving it! The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle embraces light and friendships in what was a very difficult period for many people. I loved how the author wove in the stories of several different women with a very special tie in.

If you need to read a pick me up book give this one a try!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for allowing me to read The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. This story is so good! I love Jennifer Ryan's writing!! She creates fabulous characters! This is a story of love and strength and embracing what makes YOU happy. This is another book that is not to be missed!

The story is told through alternating POV of Grace Carlisle, Cressida Westcott, and Violet Westcott. This historical fiction is based on true events during war time Britain. Cressida Westcott is a famous fashion designer who lost her business after the London Blitz. She returns to the family home hoping to be welcomed after leaving years ago to live her dream in London. She finds the family home in the hands of her niece, Violet Westcott and nephew, Hugh Westcott. The reality of life during WWII sets in as even the most affluent feel the effects. Grace Carlisle is the daughter of the local vicar who is hoping to repair her mother's wedding dress. During this era, many women were scaping together clothes or borrowing wedding dresses as supplies are hard to find. Cressida finds her place by gathering women and teaching them how to sew. it becomes their contribution to the war effort in a unique and meaningful way.

I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and Random House Publishing. My review of this book is voluntary and all unbiased opinions are my own.

Absolutely loved this book. The characters were well developed and the story kept me pulled in because the author makes you care about their success. I also learned so much about the practice of sharing wedding dresses during WW2!

If you are looking for historical fiction with strong female friendships, this book is for you. This book is not to be missed. I was on the edge of my seat and could not stop reading it. I recommend this one.
Many thanks to the author, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

This is the kind of historical fiction that I love and that Jennifer Ryan always delivers. I love her explorations of the lives of British women during WWII. This is a heartwarming story about women who help brides with their wish for a beautiful dress for their weddings. I loved watching these women come together and grow while helping each other.
I will continue to seek out Jennifer Ryan’s novels. Many thanks to #Netgalley and #PenguinRandomHouse #Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Jennifer Ryan is one of the best writers of historical fiction.
I absolutely adored The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. Set outside of London during WWll these women are doing the best they can for others. A fiction story, but some truth in the history of the sewing ladies in Britain.
Thank you NetGalley for copy of this wonderful story.

Jennifer Ryan penned a beautiful story in The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. I could not pry my eyes away from the story. Readers will be captivated with Ryan’s latest release.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jennifer Ryan is absolutely one of my most favorite historical fiction writers. She gives us characters and stories that will live in our hearts and minds for a long time to come. Impeccable research on sewing circles, coupons, rationing, repurposing help make this story one about resolve and overcoming obstacles.

Jennifer Ryan writes stories of war, but, in the midst of death and destruction, she finds moments in history that exemplify wartime spirit and communities that stood together to do what they had to do to survive and find joy in some of the darkest moments of world history. This story of war is a memorable story of caring and ingenuity. As with Jennifer Ryan's other books, the war is present and its devastation never far away.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/10/the-wedding-dress-sewing-circle.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

Cressida Westcott loses her home and her design shop during the blitz. She has nothing and feels hopeless. Her only option is to her back to her family estate, the one she ran from years ago and never looked back. She doesn’t have high hopes that things will work but she has to try. Her niece and her nephew are most hospitable then her brother and it looks like she will have a fresh start. Her niece Violet helps her get her business started up again. Even though she gets conscripted and has to do war work.. she will help. Cressida meets the vicars daughter and together with the sewing circle they formulate a plan. Cressida’s spirit and passion lights up the village and they are lucky to meet her. This is cig a sweet positive story. The characters and the story were so good. The author did a wonderful job of telling a different kind of story about WWII. This was a four star read for me. I want to thank Netgalley and Jennifer Ryan for my copy of The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read & review this book. I hope you enjoy it too.

This book was a bit too slow for me. Maybe it was just too sweet for me. I enjoy Jennifer Ryan books and I will continue to read more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle" and all opinions expressed are my own. I tried to read the book. I waited quite a bit and then tried to listen to the audiobook. It just didn't grab my attention. Really just not for me. DNF.

This is the type of novel that I really enjoy: historical fiction with heartwarming love stories and interesting characters at its' heart. This was a fun read despite some heavy scenes and post war trauma. The characters were unique and diverse - from the privileged Violet, the independent and strong Cressida and sweet and unconfident Grace. It was entertaining to watch them grow and change while becoming friends with each other.

Jennifer Ryan captures the heart and resilience of her characters, all of whom are facing new challenges and rethinking the choices ahead of them. The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle tells the story of three women whose lives become intertwined when they become involved in their town’s sewing circle. Learning about the repurposing of the soldier’s parachutes to make wedding dresses was uplifting, as was the story behind the wedding dress that was reunited with its missing veil. I loved reading about these three women and how their friendship helped them persevere during the war.