This was a new to me author- the cover drew me in first, and then the description. Loved it. Plain and simple, just a great story. Honestly burnt out on historical fiction all based around Holocost (they aren't bad, just so much that you can read and not go into a depressing hole with the topic) so this was such a refreshing change of pace. Will be keeping on hand for customers and added to my recommending read now list. You've got a mix of current(ish) times that tie in the past with the perfect blend. Add a bit of royalness into it, just a great story.

Moving, powerful, and heartbreaking, "The Memory Dress" is an emotional novel connecting the past and present.

Firstly, this cover is so beautiful!

Jade Beer's writing is extremely visceral, full of heart, and poignant. The way she weaves both timelines together piece by piece is seamless, and I found myself so drawn in to the story from the very first page. Exploring extremely important themes: such as human connection, friendship, memory loss, fashion, romance, love in different forms, and the deep connection to the history of one's past through what has been created and the memories weaved into them, this book is truly stirring and touching.

This dual-timeline novel centers around Meredith in both timelines. Now an older woman in the later timeline, Jayne, who is Meredith's neighbor, notices something is going on. She offers to be there with Meredith, who is showing signs of dementia. As Jayne begins to help, she slowly uncovers more and more about Meredith's life as a dressmaker and as a dressmaker to royalty, and learns about Meredith's journey with her husband William, whom Meredith expresses that she cannot find. I do not want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, but, I will say that this novel truly is deeply touching and so meaningful. It moved me so much, and is heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, heartwarming, and beautifully written.

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the e-ARC of this novel, it is incredible, and to Berkley Publishing Group for having me on the blog tour! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review to be published Friday, November 8, at The Good, the Bad and the Unread.

Sandy M’s review of The Memory Dress by Jade Beer
Contemporary Fiction published by Berkley 5 Nov 24

I was intrigued by the title of this book, so I read the blurb and became that much more intrigued on several levels hinted at in the story. It’s my first book by Jade Beer, and it won’t be my last. From the heartbreaking issues of dementia to the days of Princess Diana’s hold over the world to the beautiful gowns her dressmakers lovingly created, this book takes you inside all of those areas with heart-wrenching emotions both exhilarating and tragic.

Jayne one day meets up with another tenant of their building and realizes Meredith needs a bit of help. Once she discovers how Meredith lives, which doesn’t bother the woman herself, and that her husband is missing, Jayne encourages other residents, as well as her boss, to get involved. Thus begins a travel down memory lane to solve several mysteries surrounding Meredith.

It’s obvious early on Meredith has memory problems, which Jayne deduces is the reason her apartment is structured and messy as it is whenever Jayne visits. Little by little Jayne and her cohorts figure out Meredith and her husband were the team who created the majority of Princess Diana’s dresses during her heyday. Meredith does have lucid moments when Jayne takes her to the places where Diana wore her iconic wardrobe, and while a few questions are answered during those moments, others also come to the fore. Ms. Beer does a wonderful job of twists and turns as the story moves along toward an ending that the reader hopes for but can never be. You can’t help but feel your heart break for Meredith each time her memories come and go.

I love the way Meredith’s new friends keep working to figure out her past and give her answers to those questions that appear day after day for her. And I love the memories, both enchanting and tragic, the story brought back for me as one who lived through the Diana years. My heart broke every time Jayne introduced herself to Meredith.

This is a wonderful story of friendship, no matter the time and quality of life.

Grade: A

This book has such substance to it a heartfelt and emotional book. A very telling story.
Jayne, a dog walker in an apartment building, friends with some of the other apartment dwellers but had never met Merideth, an elderly woman whom she senses needs some help when they do meet.
Jayne and Merideth form a strong and caring friendship, each benefitting from it in a different way. Jayne visits Meredith daily yet needs to introduce herself each time as Meredith doesn't remember her, or even when she ate last. My grandmother went through dementia and it's so tragic and she as Meredith are so vulnerable. Meredith was a famous seamstress sewing for royalty now she can't even remember where her husband is or why her daughter never visits her.
You will be immersed in the world of dressmaking from years ago as you make a discovery about an important missing society dress. To be taken inside the mind of someone with dementia is tragically sad but wonderful to see moments of clarity as memories of the past are recalled. A special friendship discovered as cherished memories are shared. I enjoyed visiting the locations through the book the women visited and reading about their details. They sounded like fun trips. Very well written. Highly recommended!

This is the most beautiful, yet sad at times, love story involving alzheimers that I have ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cried a few times which I rarely have done in my 20+ years of reading.

The Memory Dress is a compelling story of fashion design, community activism, friendship, found family, and dementia.

Jayne works part-time at a floral shop and is a dog walker. She is a private person and keeps to herself. During one of her dog-walking duties, she meets Madeline, an older woman who lives below her in the apartment community. It’s quickly apparent to Jayne that all is not OK with Madeline. she appears confused and her apartment is dusty, messy, and neglected. Jayne begins to worry about whether Madeline is eating enough and about the whereabouts of her often-mentioned husband, William. As Jayne becomes more concerned, she reaches out to her neighbors for advice and help. As the neighbors develop a plan, we are immersed into a past timeline that reveals Madeline’s past and explains the gorgeous blue gown that Madeline has thrown over a chair in the bedroom.

In The Memory Dress, we have two timelines that explain Madeline’s past (1988) as the neighbors develop an intervention plan in the present. These timelines come together dramatically in the end. Both timelines are interesting and compelling. Some readers categorize this as historical fiction; however, forty years ago is debatable. It might barely qualify as hisfic.

I enjoy a multi-layered story which leads to the consideration of many different themes:

* Neighbors helping neighbors
* Taking the initiative even if it’s out of your comfort zone
* Compassion for strangers
* Work-life balance
* Demanding careers
* Forgiveness/Reconciliation
* Dementia/Alzheimer’s
* Long-term care for the elderly
* Friendship
* Found family
* Character growth (present day)

At first glance, you might think this book is a romance or about fashion. Surprisingly, dementia is the focus of the story in the present-day timeline. The title, the blub on the cover, and the cover photo didn’t prepare me for this heavy and important topic. Many older people suffer from some form of dementia and often they do not have adequate support. In The Memory Dress, a small community rallies around Madeline to ensure her safety and organize a support system.

Fans of fashion, dress design, and Princess Diana will enjoy these aspects of the story. Understanding the demands, skills, dedication, and rigor involved is informative and interesting.

Content Consideration: Dementia/Alzheimer’s, parent/child estrangement

Fans of well-written, engaging, and multi-layered women’s fiction with thoughtful themes might enjoy The Memory Dress.

Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary e ARC of #TheMemoryDress upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley and the author for this arc!

Why am I such a sucker for books about dresses and books that feature gorgeous dresses on the cover!? I see one and immediately >>> adds to tbr! And this one did not let me down!

I loved this book! LOVED LOVED LOVED!! From the very first page I was absolutely glued to this story! I couldn’t wait to find out all the things about Meredith's past and to take the journey that would uncover the mystery of her missing husband, William. What a fascinating and exciting life she and her husband had as Catherine Walker dressmakers for Princess Diana and I took several field trips during the book, Googling pictures of each dress that was part of this sweeping saga! Stunning!

I also loved the found family aspect of this book with Jayne and all the neighbors! Each character was written perfectly and I especially enjoyed little Maggie! What a simply adorable hoot!

This book is why I am such a superfan of historical fiction! @jadebeerbrides did a phenomenal job of weaving fact with “what could have been” and I just had the best time in these pages!

Historical Fiction • Fashion • Dementia
Pub Date • 5 November 2024

Thank you @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free finished copy and ALC!

👗 Gorgeous cover here depicting the dual timelines that are connected by dresses made for Princess Diana. I picked up this book because I enjoy reading about the fashion industry and celebrity gossip but you won’t find much of that here — this is a more serious book that centers around love, relationships, and mental illness.

In the present timeline Meredith is suffering from dementia and her husband William has gone missing. Neighborly Jayne, a single 20s-something professional dog walker decides to take up Meredith’s plight and corals all the neighbors to pitch in to help locate William. We flash from the late 1980s to present day to unravel the clues while learning more about Meredith, William, and the other tailors/seamstresses who created these beautiful gowns.

This was a heartfelt and genuine novel. The pacing was slower than I usually care for, and I struggled with feeling like certain parts were realistic, although I’ll recommend The Memory Dress if you have interest in a feel good novel with a love story and a sensitive treatment of the tough topic of dementia.

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.