The Memory Dress by Jade Beer opens in 1997 with an auction of Princess Diana’s gowns at Christies. Eighty dresses were listed to sell but only 79 were sold. What happened to that missing dress?

The dual timeline narrative weaves a tale beginning in 1988 as Meredith begins working at a famed London design house, eventually becoming the premier seamstress of Princess Diana’s gowns. In 2018, we meet Jayne, living a quiet life in Bath, England, piecing together a life as a dog walker and part time florist.

I always enjoy a dual timeline story, but the present resonated a bit more with me as a whole. I am not much of a Royal follower and recall little of Diana’s various trips and certainly not the dresses. But I enjoyed watching Meredith and William as they fall in love and begin a family in spite of the pressures and stress of bringing exceedingly complex designs to life for one of the most admired and photographed women of the time.

In the present, when one of Jayne’s charges accidently runs through an open door and into a neighbor’s apartment, she meets the elderly occupant Meredith whose husband is missing.

Jayne’s concern and compassion are heartwarming as she begins to call on her neighbors to help solve Meredith’s problem and provide much needed support. As the tiny group pieces together the puzzle of Meredith’s life, they develop friendships and maybe love is in the air for Jayne after all.

The Memory Dress (titled the Palace Dressmaker in the UK) is a heartfelt story of love and loss as well as friendship and found family. It asks what becomes of us when our memories fade and how much do those memories make us who we are. It is an interesting and well-researched historical fiction novel for readers who enjoy dual timeline stories, the Royal Family - Princess Diana in particular, fashion and found family. (Note there may be triggers related to dementia and Alzheimer’s.)

This book really struggled to be something it was not -- it was so convoluted and I kept asking myself WHY?!!!! I just didn't understand the characters at all and as much as I'd hoped for some big mystery, everything was rote and predictable. Hope you have better luck!

The Memory Dress comes out next week on November 5, 2024 and you can purchase HERE.

As they approach the workroom together the following morning, they share a look that passes as an understanding between them. No one else needs to know. But Meredith knows. And the memory of it will burn inside her all day long. How this man, so professional now in his white coat, so economical in the way he speaks to colleagues, so reserved and respectful, was a different man last night. There were no boundaries between them then and no restraint, until the final frantic, passionate moment when he took her breath away.

This book is not for me. I couldn’t get into the story or the characters. The tone is dark and depressing. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

This bittersweet book is really lovely. It shows the power and influence of community, relationships, and memory, and the story is unique and intriguing with royal connections that readers will enjoy.

Thank you @BerkleyPub for the free book and thank you @PRHAudio for the #gifted listening copy of The Memory Dress! #BerkleyBookstagram #berkleypub #BerkleyIG #berkley #PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer #TheMemoryDress #JadeBeer


𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐫
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐫, 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝟓★

The Memory Dress was such an unexpected delight. I truly had no idea what to expect when I started this book, but I was so surprised by what I got out of this book. This was an emotional read at times, and I truly loved how it was told in dual timelines, with multiple POVs because it really enhanced the story so much. Found family is one of my favorite tropes, and I found that to be such a central part of this book, and I just loved it. This book also focused on dementia, and the challenges that go along with caring for someone suffering from dementia. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book and I loved Jayne and how she was such a supportive and caring person. There was just so much to love about this book. I could honestly go on and on. This is definitely one to pick up if you are a fan of historical fiction!

👗Found Family
👗Dual Timelines
👗Multiple POVs
👗Historical Fiction + A Touch of Romance
👗A Hint of Romance
👗Heartwarming & Heartbreaking
👗The Realities of Dementia

🎧I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by three fantastic narrators. All three of these narrators did such a phenomenal job bringing this story to life for me. I would highly recommend this one on audio if that option is available to you. I had such a great job listening to this one, and I cannot recommend this audiobook enough!

ANOTHER 2024 FAVORITE!!

We meet Meredith both past and present.

In the past, we meet Meredith as she starts work at her dream job of being a dressmaker. William, who also works there, figures out that she is very talented.

Present day, we see Meredith living in an apartment where no one pays attention to any of the residents, but one day Jayne notices Meredith’s apartment is in horrible condition. There is no food. It’s dirty. It’s messy. It smells.

She has to help this sweet woman who apparently has dementia and keeps repeating that she is looking for her husband William and waiting for him to come home.

A surprising thing is that Jayne found a room in Meredith’s apartment called the memory room where there are dresses with a note pinned on each dress explaining some event in Meredith’s life. The most amazing dress is one that belonged to Princess Diana and one that Meredith designed and made.

Jayne must find out what all this means and how she and her neighbors can help Meredith with her memory. She has no family that the neighbors know of to help.

THE MEMORY DRESS is a sweet, but heartbreaking read with a look at how dementia robs a person of their life and one that you will not want to put down as you follow Meredith and Jayne and as Jayne unravels the life of Meredith

Each one of the characters is so lovely and ones you would hope to encounter in your life.

Historical fiction fans, fans of Princess Diana, and fans of fashion as well as those who enjoy some twists and turns in a character’s life will enjoy this book.

I enjoyed another book by Ms. Beer, THE LAST DRESS FROM PARIS. Be sure THE MEMORY DRESS is in your want to read list along with some tissues. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a captivating book exploring the realities of dementia through the story of Meredith. Jayne is a sheltered woman who encounters Meredith, who is losing her memory. She decides to help Meredith organize her things, and in the process learns of Meredith’s intriguing past as a seamstress for Princess Diana, and the mystery of her missing husband. The threads of Meredith’s life are slowly woven together to form a beautiful picture at end.

I couldn’t get enough of this book! I love a good historical fiction novel and have loved Princess Diana since I was a little girl. I was immediately pulled into Meredith’s story and the truth of how dementia robs people of their cherished memories. It was heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting and beyond memorable. There were also some twists in the book that weren’t expected and I loved!

If you’re a historical fiction fan or lover of Princess Diana and fashion, this is a must read!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the gifted ARC!

“Why is it considered somehow lacking to want to sit alone with your thoughts or a good book?”

A missing husband and a dress once owned by Princess Diana…say no more *adds to cart*.

Bear with me as I gush about this book. If you loved Princess Diana, as I did, this book is like an interactive reading experience. With every dress described in terms of the creator and from the seamstress’s perspective, I found myself going “yes! I know that one!”. I also spent way too much time on google revisiting this incredible woman and the dresses that shaped an era.

This will be a top 10 of 2024 book for me. Oh my heart! This story is precious. It’s about love, forgiveness, community, honor, and all of the things that make you feel good about humanity. And dogs. Oh and obviously Princess Diana. I couldn’t possibly have loved it more.

“Dogs are glorious. You love them and in return they ask so little of you.”

Thank you to Berkley Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for the ARC.

The Memory Dress, written by Jade Beer, is a poignant tale of loss and redemption, filled with mystery, memories, heartache, and love. This captivating novel will keep me enthralled from beginning to end.

Thanks to Berkley for an advanced copy of The Memory Dress by Jade Beer. This is a story about friendship, helping others and the power of memories.

This is a dual timeline with a 2018 and a 1988 storyline that intersect in 2018. In the 1988 storyline we meet Meredith who works as a seamstress for one of the most iconic designers who designed clothes for Princess Diana. In 2018, Jane is a neighbor to Meredith and one day realizes that her neighbor needs help and is confused, but the biggest question Meredith has is about her husband. Jane is determined to help and even more questions come up when she finds a couture gown with a note from Princess Diana...

I really wanted to like this story more -- I liked the 2018 storyline with Jane getting her neighbors to help Meredith and showing some of the realities of dementia and helping to care for someone, but I didn't like the 1988 storyline. I wanted more about Meredith's work and Diana's dresses. This wasn't the book for me, as I found it a little too slow, but others are loving it in reviews.

The Memory Dress comes out Tuesday - November 5th.

Thank you to Berkley, for the free copy for review.

Jade Beer's "Memory Dress" weaves an intricate tapestry of human connections, with Princess Diana's missing dress as the thread that binds it all.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Jayne, a dog walker and florist, whose chance encounter with her neighbor Meredith sets her on a life-altering path. Jayne's character resonates with many readers, myself included, in her reluctance to seek help, fearing she might burden others. Her journey of self-discovery and gradual openness adds depth to the story.

Meredith's tale tugs at the heartstrings. A woman grappling with memory loss, she lives in a state of perpetual anticipation, awaiting her husband's return and reconciliation with her estranged daughter. Beer skillfully navigates Meredith's past and present, crafting a poignant portrait of love, loss, and resilience.

The bond that forms between Jayne and Meredith stands as a testament to the power of unexpected friendships. Their relationship, along with the community's rallying around a neighbor with dementia, showcases the ripple effect of compassion. It's a reminder that kindness can bridge generational gaps and unite seemingly disparate lives.

"Memory Dress" offers more than just a story; it's an exploration of human nature. It delves into how our past shapes us, the choices that define us, and the connections that sustain us. The narrative's emotional depth sneaks up on the reader, delivering a profound experience.

This book is a celebration of the extraordinary within the ordinary, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with a simple act of neighborly concern.

The Memory Dress is such a special book. It's a beautiful story with characters who I will remember forever.
Found families, forgiveness and love. So much love.

I absolutely loved it.

This reader has never been adept with a needle and thread, but the fascination for those who have this ability has always interested me; I know that’s why I chose this title to preview. The Memory Dress was filled with so much more than Princess Diana’s beautiful gowns and the talented team that created them. It was a story of friendship and mystery and loss. It was neighbors helping each other, and learning to deal with the challenges of caring for anyone suffering from dementia. A devastation that so many of us can understand.
The addition of a memory room in the story and an amazing neighbor named Jayne who used the clues on these walls to help unravel the mystery of Meredith, was definitely a friendship that any of us would be fortunate to have in life.

I’m so happy to have had the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy of The Memory Dress by Jade Beer; thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group!

WHAT A BOOK! 😍 All the feels for this beautiful, poignant and heartwarming/heartbreaking book.

When the story began, I knew the synopsis but worried that it would simply be cold and efficient. Luckily for us all, it was anything but. There is love, fashion, royalty, care and growth throughout the story and it’s anything but cold and efficient.

Jayne is confined her small, in the shadows life. But when she meets Meredith, the whole world changes. This is for the better, even though she resists. Her life grows and is enriched in such breathtaking ways, and Meredith’s life is transformed, as well.

Advance reader copy provided by Berkley and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

I have a lot of feelings about this book. It seems like it took me forever to get through this one as it crosses a few decades and sets up the plot through multiple characters. The crossover is in today's world, but the story starts in 1988.

There are a lot of aspects to this story that may seem innocuous but end up being an important key down the road. This story is a blend of quiet neighbors getting to know each other, a touch of romance, and the hunt for missing people from an older neighbor who is worried about her missing her husband, but has little to no memory remaining while living on her own.

The plot in the concept of the story is really interesting and amazing. The way it is written takes a lot of brain power and deals with the reality of dementia. There are so many positive points, but in some areas, this is a heavy story.

Who is helping our older generation? How hard is it to help and become a part of their lives? What will you gain or lose in your own life?

As we traverse England for clues to Meredith's past, tidbits of information trickle in. Friendships develop, romance blossoms, and lives are changed forever. Deep dedication and hard truths are on display and the author's imagination is steeped in the history of a Princess.

The Memory Dress is a story interwoven with threads that come together to create some beautiful memories and some best left unsaid. A warm, endearing story that will make a wonderful memory for you.

I was really looking forward to this book but I found it rather slow and uninteresting. The characters were tolerable but nothing I would write home about. This is a book that someone will love but sadly that isn't me.

Jayne lives in a very nice flat, though she makes her living as a dogwalker and part-time florist. She walks some of the dogs for neighbors and when when one suddenly darts into one of the flats, Jayne has no choice but to chase the dog. She meets the resident, Meredith, a rather untidy, confused woman with a bad memory. Meredith wants to know where her husband has gone. So, she meets with other residents of the building to try to learn Meredith's story. No one knows her well and no one has seen her husband for a very long time. They decide to try to find him as it's obvious Meredith needs more care than the group of neighbors can provide.

Jayne gets to know Meredith better and sees a very expensive, familiar dress in her flat. And, Meredith shows her the "Memory Room" with drawings of famous dresses, dresses mad for Princess Diana. Jayne realizes that the dress Meredith has once belonged to Diana, and Meredith even has a personal note from the Princess gifting it to Meredith. We learn through Meredith's scattered memories that she and her husband were on the team designing dresses for Diana. Since Meredith so obviously is suffering from dementia, Jayne and the rest of the neighbors decide to find her husband. It's a lot more difficult than they anticipate but they do learn Jayne has a grown daughter. One she hasn't heard from in years. Jayne even takes Meredith on trips to London and other places the group believes might trigger her memories. The group all work together and eventually crack the mystery of what happened to Meredith's husband and daughter, becoming good friends to one another along the way

People who enjoyed Beer's book, The Last Dress from Paris will want to read this one as well And wonder if there will be more offerings of stories about famous dresses to come...

I found The Memory Dress to be captivating, instructive, and essential reading about dementia, as well as a finely written novel. Jade Beer has tackled dementia in a compassionate story of love, loss, and growth. My mother died from dementia, and yet, I found so much new information in Beer's exploration of how this disease has impacted the lives of everyone who knows Meredith, who is living with dementia.

The shame that families feel and that the patient might feel was handled so well in The Memory Dress. It isn't just the opinion of strangers that concerns family, but also the reaction of colleagues at work and friends, who will in some way pass judgment on those who have lost so much of who they are. Dementia doesn't just rob patients of their memories; it robs them of their identity and personality. Patients become isolated. Fear of this disease requires an effort to hide dementia from too many people. Beer also includes a fear of medical help, perhaps a fear of learning the truth, of having a name for what has been forgotten? In The Memory Dress, readers see the stages of the disease, all that is lost of experience and self, and how dementia creates a fear that incapacitates victim and friends and family.

The Memory Dress is an important novel, which entertains, even while teaching. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for driving me with this ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. I do recommend The Memory Dress.

This incredibly lovely novel tackles the extremely sensitive subject of dementia. And it is done in such a wonderful manner. We often hear the phrase, "it takes a village to raise a child". But in this story it took a village to help one sweet, elderly woman to deal with the disappearance of her beloved husband. The characters who populated this novel were all special people, especially Jayne, our protagonist. We could all use a Jayne in our lives sometimes. "The Memory Dress", also deals with a host of other issues, like love, loss, and connections. Ms. Beer is a wonderful writer and I highly recommend her book.

I love historicals and I love the royal family so this book had a lot going for it for me. I thought it was really interesting and I loved the dueling timelines. I was worried they would be confusing but the author did a great job with them.