Finished listening to the audiobook. I already looked into the real people in the book. The narrators are clear and emotive. A mystery built and I wanted to know the answer as much as what the result of the love stories at play. I was not disappointed. I will be recommending this book.

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It has such a rich historic Italian setting and I loved that. It made me want to pack a bag, fly to Italy, and never come back. I really loved the Italian culture, and Victorian fashion that this book explored. And I adored the touch of romance that was involved with the mystery.

Overall, this book was engaging, well written, and an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the audio arc of this book!

Present me with a book that takes place in Italy and I’m in no matter what it’s about. With that, I didn’t look much into what this one was about before diving in. I’m not sure what I expected from this one, but it was so much more! Within the covers of this book the reader is given a lesson in poetry, history, and mystery. All of that is woven into the threads of dresses from the century prior and the way the dual storylines intersected was so beautifully done.

We follow the story of both Christina Rossetti, an aspiring poet who takes a life-changing trip to Italy in 1864, and Maryanne Baxter, a widowed consume curator who travels to Italy in 1947 at the request of her best friend to restore the found dresses as part of exhibit that will restore the art culture that was destroyed in the war.

Both storylines were compelling and left you wanting more while also lending clues to the other storyline. Both Christina and Maryanne were worthy, strong female leads and I found myself rooting for each of them as events unfolded. At one point I was even left with my mouth hanging open and I totally didn’t see that twist coming.

I love historical fiction, but this one was so much more than just that. It delivered on so many different levels and I adored this story from cover to cover.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for allowing me to audibly read and review The Lost Dresses of Italy on NetGalley.

Published: 02/06/24

Narrators: Hope Newhouse; Melanie Crawley; Edoardo Camponeschi

Stars: 2.5

I released an audible sigh of relief when this ended. If I didn't have access to 100,000 books that I have never read I would pick this up in the physical form and read it. The audiobook execution did not work for me, and I do believe I would have problems with the E-book.

Pick a language. I choose English. The Italian is represented by the accents of the narrators and the proper intended pronunciation of proper names and places. Spewing Italian, then translating to English brought about confusion. I was already having trouble understanding the male narrator.

The plot is different. That is what drew me to the book. The story around the dresses was more personal than scientific. There was too much whining and the familial romantic dynamics were just over the top and took away from what may be a beautiful story. With the physical book, I dictate the narrative leaving a different outcome.

This book had all the makings to be something I would really enjoy, historical fiction, fashion, romance, murder, all taking place in Italy! I liked the concept and dual POV but I felt like it took a realllly long time to get to the point.

I found myself reading other titles while trying to pick this one back up. Once we got to the end, I felt like it went from 0-100. I also felt like there was little inclination for either climax that this was what’s to come. In a way I liked that McLaughlin caught me off guard but I also felt myself being like how in the world did that happen/are we supposed to believe that? Given all the great reviews, it’s possible I missed something or my reading break led to me missing something’s.

If you’re someone who likes to get really in the details of your MC lives, this will probably be a great read for you.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This historical novel set in Italy followed the two stories of real-life poet Christina Rossetti in 1864 and Marianne Baxter in 1947. I did enjoy the dual timelines and seeing how the stories of these two women are connected through the dresses of Christina. Also the setting and the descriptions of Italy were wonderful.
Unfortunately the plot moved very very slowly, so I was not really invested in it. It picks up again at the end when some twists and turns are introduced, but all of these were quite obvious early on.

Marianne goes to Verona in 1947 to help a friend with a museum project. They have found a trunk with three dresses thought to belong to Christina Rossetti from her visit there in 1860s. Dual timelines, one in 1865 focusing on Christina, the Victorian poet, and one in a struggling post-war timeframe. In both timelines, things are not what they seem. Mystery, danger and a hint of romance.

When I picked up this audiobook, I did not know it was loosely based on the life of a real female British poet. In fact, I had no idea who she was until I googled her after reading the other reviews.
So, if you don't know who she is, don't worry, the book is still immensely enjoyable.

The alternating timelines between Christina Rosetti and Marianne Baxter are very easy to follow and both are characters I liked. I loved how much of the actual history of Italy post WWII was included, I loved that there was a cast of narrators to voice the different characters, and I especially love how much Italian there is in the book (it gets translated to English after written/read in Italian so if you don't speak it, never fear).

What I didn't like though was the far fetched way that Marianne seemed to "solve" the story of Christina's dresses. It bordered on magical realism, or hallucinations, I'm still not quite sure which, but it wasn't believable and it didn't really fit with the atmosphere of the story.

Overall it is an enjoyable read - I would rate is a 3.5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to an advance release of the audiobook.

I loved this dual timeline novel, set predominantly in northern Italy. In 1947, textile curator Marianne arrives in Verona to examine three Victorian dresses and prepare them for an exhibition. She discovers that they once belonged to English poet Christina Rossetti, who traveled to Verona in 1864. But, Marianne wonders, why did she leave behind these dresses and other artifacts, including a letter from her father? As Marianne works to solve this mystery and curate the exhibit, we learn of Christina’s story in alternating chapters. There are different narrators, which helps to keep the stories distinct. Both women are very interesting, searching for personal and professional fulfillment, despite numerous obstacles. I had technical problems playing this audiobook and almost gave up, but I’m glad that I was able to finish it. The pace picks up as the story nears its conclusion, and there were a few twists that I did not see coming. The way in which the physical objects, including the dresses and other things that Christina possessed, were unearthed in the 20th century—and the story that unfolded as a result—was captivating. M.A. McLaughlin did a lot of research to fashion this novel and it makes me want to learn more about Christina Rossetti’s life. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

I listened to an ALC (audiobook) and it was amazing! I was quickly drawn into this story that delved into the past of English poet Christina Rossetti as well as a story of post ww2 in Verona. When a trunk is discovered in the upper room of a grand house turned museum, three dresses are unwrapped by textile historian Marianne. As they are carefully examined, clues are revealed that draw the reader into the transformational days Christina spent in Verona.
Excerpts of Rossetti's poetry are used throughout the book, which add to the connection between the fictional aspect and the reality of Christina's art.

I was fascinated with the way she wove the two stories together…as the mystery unfolded it was hard to stop listening! I can imagine if I had the book in my hands I would not have been able to put it down. The author's style reminded me of another of my favorite authors, Chanel Cleeton--blending historical fact with compelling personal stories.

I'm an avid reader of historical fiction, but this just wasn't for me. It was good, but not great. I had a had time keeping the story line straight and didn't find myself desperate to return to the story line. I do think this is a good read for someone who has a bit more interest in historical fashion. I also found some of the accents a bit difficult to understand while listening.

thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy to read.

Two different timelines, the first in 1947 told by Marianne and the other in 1865 told by real person Christina Rossetti. Marianne, a fashion historian from Boston, travels to post-war Verona, Italy to research dresses that were found in a trunk that were Christina Rossetti’s. I love Italy and love reading about the beautiful architecture and culture. I wanted to enjoy this read more, but I got lost in the words too many times and found my mind wandering off to different places. This story was like a puzzle where Marianne had to piece together pieces of Christina’s life as a poet and a daughter, with her dresses to find out the true story. The storyline went back and forth between the two timelines and the two POVs slowly introducing the puzzle pieces. There was some mystery and some romance. I thought I would be more interested and invested in the story and it just didn’t do it for me.

A captivating historical romance and mystery that seamlessly weaves together two timelines, offering readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of poet Christina Rossetti and the intrigue surrounding her dresses. The prose, reminiscent of Rossetti’s own poetry, paints a vivid picture of Victorian England and the Italian countryside, immersing readers in a world of vibrant imagery and dreamy romance.

In 1864, Christina embarks on a journey filled with secrets, forbidden love, and dangerous intrigue, all while donning three mysterious dresses gifted by her aunties. Meanwhile, in 1947, dress historian Marianne Baxter unravels the mysteries hidden within these same dresses, facing threats from a jewel thief and navigating her own romantic entanglements.

Despite the complexity of the dual timelines, the narrative remains engaging and compelling, with well-developed characters that elicit both empathy and surprise. The author skillfully navigates the blurred lines between past and present, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the secrets woven into Christina’s dresses.

“The Lost Dresses of Italy” is a recommended read for fans of historical fiction and mystery, offering a captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and rich historical detail. With its evocative prose and compelling storytelling, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

This was an interesting story with dual timeline’s both set in Verona Italy. I liked the 1864 timeline immensely and I think that was due to the calming voice of the narrator. The other narrator, set in 1947, did a fine job but didn’t really have the lovely cadence of the other. Still, both timelines were interesting and the poetry, by Christina Rossetti, that was mixed in was very beautiful.

I’d never heard of Christina Rossetti before this but after finishing I did a deep dive and found out she was known as one of the “Victorian age's finest poets.” I read quite a few of her poems and really enjoyed them!

I also had never heard of a textile historian before this book. “The study of the history of clothing and textiles traces the development, use, and availability of clothing and textiles over human history.” I imagine it would be a very cool job. Why wasn’t this part of the career fair options? 😂

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for the alc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of M. A. McLaughlin’s recent novel, The Lost Dresses of Italy, released on Feb 6th. This is a fictionalized story of the real trip to Italy taken by the famous poet, Christina Rosetti. The story takes place during two time periods, the 1800's when Christina was alive, and 1947 in post war Italy when Marianne, a historical garment expert is invited to Italy to restore and put on a display of dresses. Are they Christina Rosetti's? Marianne finds much more <wink> than just apparel!

I really enjoyed this book a lot. The two different stories were worked into each other very well. It was easy to follow along and was very interesting figuring out what happened and why. I enjoyed hearing about the dresses and the woman who wore the dresses.

A beautifully written historical romance and mystery based on real life poet Christina Rossetti. The prose was like one of Rossetti's poems, conjuring gorgeous images of colourful sunsets, Italian countryside and dreamy Victorian fashion.

Told in dual timelines, one woman's secretive past revives itself to another woman almost a century later. In 1864, poet Christina is given three dresses by her aunties before a big trip to Italy. Whilst wearing them, she learns about her father's cloudy past, falls in love with someone she shouldn't and becomes a part of a dangerous plan to retrieve lost jewellery. During 1947, dress historian, Marianne Baxter, doesn't just have three vintage dresses to get ready for a show, within the dresses lays a mystery waiting to be discovered, a jewel thief trying to kill her and her own love story to create.

There's a lot happening in this book with the two storylines but it keeps it fascinating. Sometimes they get blurred but it's not too hard to keep track of. The characters are well developed and it's hard to take when they disappoint you. Discovering someone's a bad guy can sometimes be sad but that's when you know you've got a good writer. A recommended read.

An intriguing, well written and researched dual timeline historical fiction mystery that featured a part of history I hadn't known much about before reading the book. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of authors like Natasha Lester or Kristy Cambron. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Stunning story!Marianne Baxter is restoring beautiful dresses that were found in a trunk , she finds secrets within the dresses that tell Christina Rossiti's tragic love story .A story filled with mystery, intrigue , lost jewels and murder . This was told in two different parts , the narrator was amazing at bringing the story to life .

I came for the fashion and totally stayed for the history and mystery! This new release by M. A. McLaughlin was such a fantastic read!
In The Lost Dresses, textile historian Marianne Baxter heads to post-war Italy to unravel the mysteries behind three Victorian dresses once owned by poet Christina Rossetti. While discovering a tale that spans generations, Marianne finds hidden secrets, and a shared connection between the past and present that just might be worth killing for!