I loved this book, which included some of my favorite themes: sisters, social issues and the home front of England during WWII. Izzie worked in her mother’s dressmaking shop, long after her older sister, Sylvia, left them behind to marry a wealthy doctor. When her mother dies, the shop is left to both sisters equally. When Izzie is conscripted into the WAAFs, Izzie and Sylvia have to face many truths bout themselves and their relationship. Julia Kelly is one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend this title. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The publisher (Gallery Books/Scout Press, which is owned by Simon and Schuster) was kind enough to offer me an Advanced Review Copy of The Dressmakers of London, and as a certified historical fiction fan, I’m excited to offer my thoughts on this book.

Similarly to The Last Garden in England (Julia Kelly's best-know work, if Goodreads ratings are anything to go by), The Dressmakers of London is a multi-POV story about women trying to navigate life in World War 2 England. In The Dressmakers of London, we have two sisters, Sylvia and Izzie, who have been estranged for years. But when their mother dies, she leaves them joint ownership of the family dressmaking shop, which forces Sylvia and Izzie to team up in order to save the family business. Because between bombings, conscription, shortages, and clothing rations, keeping this dressmaking shop open is going to take everything that the sisters can give. And of course, along the way, Sylvia and Izzie will have to find a way to talk about their complicated past and forgive each other.

The heart of this book, The Dressmakers of London, is the conflict between Sylvia and Izzie—their journey towards forgiveness, yes, but more importantly, understanding. With all of the big, dramatic emotional conflicts it brings into play, The Dressmakers of London is a stimulating reading experience, but with its focus on the day-to-day routine of running a small business, this book is also soothing and cozy. Once you get past the somewhat slow beginning, the pacing is good; the conflict between the sisters is layered and realistic; and I enjoyed vicariously running a small dressmaking shop in the 1940s in the same way that I imagine other readers enjoyed vicariously running a fantasy coffee shop in Legends and Lattes.

Books like The Last Garden in England and The Dressmakers of London are easy to critique. I've read The Last Garden in England, but I have very little memory of the characters, and while I appreciated the emotional conflict in The Dressmakers of London, sometimes there were scenes that felt, well, a little too emotional. I think we can all agree it’s a little less than realistic for characters to launch into impassioned monologues complete with cliched phrases, yelling, and dramatic exits. We could also discuss the World War 2 factor, the way that World War 2 is essentially a backdrop for The Dressmakers of London and ultimately has little effect on the sisters’ lives. Last year, I read Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile, which is an in-depth exploration of the Blitz, the Germans’ concentrated effort to demoralize the British population by bombing cities, primarily London. This book really opened my eyes to the physical and emotional realities of trying to survive WW2-era London, and given that that’s where The Dressmakers of London takes place, you would think that the Blitz would affect Sylvia and Izzie, perhaps even leave some kind of lasting impact. Statistically, it’s also extremely unlikely that almost every character in the book survives the war. Books like The Last Garden in England and The Dressmakers of London are World War 2 stories, not because they seriously or intentionally engage with World War 2, but because they tap into a traumatic cultural and historical touchpoint in order to heighten the emotional impact of a fictional story. Is it acceptable to exploit and contort the horrific events of World War 2 to create fluffy, heart-warming stories, simply because we’re now eighty years removed from the war, and memory has largely passed into history? Or should we draw a line in the sand, say that engaging with these events (even in a fictional context) requires a certain amount of willingness to engage with the gritty reality of what people in this era suffered through? I don’t have the answers, but reading a book like The Dressmakers of London does make you ponder these and similar questions.

But while these critiques are valid (and perhaps important), they also miss the point of why books like The Last Garden in England or The Dressmakers of London exist. These books are intended as breezy, light-hearted reading experiences, as weekend or beach reading. The emotions are strong but not too strong, the characters struggle but not too much, and the plot is eventful but not tense or stressful. The implicit promise is that by the end of the book, everything is going to be okay: the conflicts will be solved, the war will end, and the characters will find happiness. And in the stressful, tense reality we inhabit, sometimes that’s the kind of book we need to read.

The Dressmakers of London is not deep; it won’t challenge you or how you see the world. There are books like Umberto Eco’s classic The Name of the Rose or Sarah Perry’s modern masterpiece The Essex Serpent that are revelations of what the historical fiction genre can be, and in comparison, it’s easy to dismiss The Dressmakers of London as the fast food of the genre: tasty and easy to consume, but relatively low in nutritional value. But as far as fast food goes, The Dressmakers of London is less of a Moes’ burrito (objectively not good, but strangely addicting) and more of a Chipotle burrito: fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a book that just might convince you that everything will be okay, and there will always be a place for books like this one.

Again, I’d like to thank the publisher for offering me a complimentary copy of this book.

A postscript: I recognize that this was an ARC, and not a final edition, but I do feel the need to point out that the book displayed a disappointing lack of basic editing. Typos, grammar errors, characters constantly repeating gestures or actions—truly, this book had it all. My favorite example has to be the typo in Chapter 33, when we get this masterpiece of a sentence: "And he looked as though he’d seen an angle fallen from the heavens". Izzie has transformed from a mere mortal woman to a piece of divine geometry—truly, love at first sight.

What a delightful transport back in time to 1940s London! I enjoyed the glimpse into the life of a small business struggling to survive during the war and cheered on its inventiveness and ingenuity. I would have liked one of the main characters to be a bit more developed, but the overarching arc between the sisters is satisfying. Learning more about the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and barrage balloons in particular was not what I expected when I first started reading, but it was an interesting component. The author's note at the end is not to be missed! This is an enjoyable book to read while nestled in a comfy chair with a hot cup of tea :)

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Two estranged sisters find love, independence and reconciliation during WWII when they jointly inherit their dead mother's dress shop. I really, really enjoyed this latest from fav author, Julia Kelly. I didn't know much about the fashion implications for women during the war and loved seeing the sisters fight for their independence as business owners and designers while also helping to serve the cause during WWII. Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Kristen Harmel or Kristen Hannah. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @simon.audio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

In early 1940s London, Izzie and her older sister Sylvia are estranged but come together after their mother's death. Izzie had been working hard at her mother's dressmaking shop, Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions. Sylvia chose to marry a wealthy husband and enter the world of high society, distancing herself from her humble beginnings. The sisters are puzzled when they learn their mother left the shop to them both. Izzie is furious. Hoping to buy out her sister, Izzie's plans are delayed when she is conscripted into the WAAF. Sylvia agrees to help but has to keep her involvement a secret from her elitist husband, who appears to also be keeping secrets from her.  

Author Julia Kelly has a great talent for transporting readers into whatever period she writes about. The Dressmakers of London, set during World War II, is not a typical war story. It focuses on the two sisters, whose story is often told through letters written between them. The novel also provides a fascinating insight into how the war affected dressmaking. Clothing rationing was implemented to conserve fabric and resources and mandated elements of its design. This is the sixth book I've read by this author. Kelly has a great talent for crafting well-researched, emotional stories about interesting characters, their relationships, and personal growth.

4.25 stars.

Thank you to @juliakellywrites @gallerybooks @netgalley for the #gifted e-book and @simon.audio for the #gifted audiobook.

What a beautifully poignant story of sisters rediscovering their bond!

In this captivating tale, sisters Isabelle and Sylvia have been estranged for years after Sylvia marries a wealthy doctor who transforms her to gain acceptance in his elite social circle. Upon the passing of their mother, she leaves her cherished dress shop, which Isabelle has tirelessly devoted herself to, to both daughters. When Isabelle is called to serve in the WAAF, she has no choice but to rely on Sylvia to keep the family business afloat. As they exchange letters, they reminisce about their childhood and confront the regrets that have lingered between them.

The tension between the sisters is palpable, revealing the deep emotional scars they bear. It’s heartwarming to witness their relationship evolve as they begin to view each other through a new lens of compassion and forgiveness. Through their letters, they begin to share their life experiences, adding depth and richness to the narrative. The story masterfully shifts between each sister’s perspective, allowing readers to fully grasp the emotions behind every heartfelt exchange. As with all her novels, the author’s extensive research shines through, and the author’s note about wartime clothing rations adds an intriguing touch.

The narrator excels at breathing life into these characters, vividly conveying their emotions and struggles.

If you have a passion for historical fiction, tales of forgiveness, and the promise of second chances, this book is a must-read.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this informative but delightful tale taken place in London during the WWII era. Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions had quite the impact on two estranged sisters when their mother dies and leaves the shop to them. Loved learning about the ins and outs of the dressmaking business, the rationing and restraints placed on shops. Izzie’s war job was fascinating. Sylvia’s awakening to facts was heartbreaking but inevitable. All the characters were interesting and realistic. Very enjoyable story. Highly recommended!

The Dressmakers of London tells the story of sisters Izzie and Sylvia. Izzie works at her mother's bespoke dress shop, Mrs. Shelton's Fashions, while her sister Sylvia is estranged from the family since her marriage. After their mother's sudden death, the girls learn that they have both been left the dress shop as the mother's will says that both woman may need the shop as much as she had. To complicate matters, Izzie, as an unmarried woman, is conscripted by the military. Sylvia steps in to keep the shop running, to the horror of her snobby husband. This is a great story of family as well as forgiveness and second chances, all tied up with the fashion industry in WWII-era London. The main characters and supporting characters are very likeable. I loved it and learned so much about rationing and the home front jobs women were given to free up the men to go about the business of winning the war against the Nazis. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advance readers copy of this book.

Set in World War II London, this novel follows two sisters as they try to keep afloat their late, widowed mother’s dressmaking shop.
Isabelle (Izzie) is 28 and Sylvia is 32. Once very close, they have been estranged since Sylvia married into the upper class, 14 years earlier. Izzie has remained with her mother, running the shop, and she is bitter and resentful towards Sylvia, who seems to have forgotten them once she married. This anger is heightened when she learns that her mother has left the shop to both of them, jointly. Sylvia, whose marriage is in crisis, seems somewhat naively surprised by the depth of Izzie’s anger.

When Izzie is called into wartime service, she reluctantly asks Sylvia to make sure the shop survives, and the two then communicate about the business – and their relationship – through letters that make up an engaging part of the novel.

A cast of interesting, believable characters surround them both as they struggle to understand and reconcile their differing memories and experiences, though some of Sylvia’s upper class “friends” are rather two-dimensional, including her husband.

While the basic premise of estranged sisters moving towards each other is not original, there are vivid descriptions of people, their feelings, and of course, their clothes, as well as of places and situations encountered. It also is fascinating to learn about the clothing ration schemes of the period. Although the book was not too challenging or thought-provoking, it was fun to read.

The Dressmakers of London was a wonderful glimpse into a world I was absolutely clueless about. I may be lacking in fashion sense but I am smart enough to read books written by Julia Kelly. Looking at the title, I thought it would be about fashion during World War 2. I couldn't have been more wrong.

The story has a lot of family drama and conflict. Mrs. Shelton is the owner of a dress shop working along side her youngest daughter, Izzie. The store is struggling. The mother hasn't been quite right. Mrs. Shelton and Izzie have many issues. Think mommy knows best.

Mrs. Shelton definitely thinks she knows best. Nothing says it better than her will when she brings her estranged daughter, Sylvia, back to the shop. Her decision leaves Izzie speechless and beyond upset. The last thing Sylvia wants to deal with is is the little shop that doesn't fit into her social circle, a group of high society that she married into.

Drama fills the pages as the sisters try to solve the problem of the shop. When Izzie is called up to the WAAFs life get more complicated. She needs someone to run the shop while she serves. She will have to rely on a sister she hasn't talked to in many years.

The story takes the reader on a journey with Izzie as she experience basic training and training. The reader xperiences the challenges of so many different personalities in one hut. Watch as Izzie begins to come out of her shell all while trying to deal with a sister that seems to create one conflict after another. It was thrill to watch the sisters try to work through their issues.

Sylvia takes the reader into the world of high society. She has worked hard to fit in. She thinks she has succeeded. Then her world comes crashing down. She soon discovers the truth about her marriage.She soon discovers who are her true friends. Sylvia shows just how strong she is when she organizes a fashion show to raise funds for War Widows Fund. Sylvia works with other London shops to create clothing fitting the new rationing guide lines. She lets her sister, Izzie, and her designs shine.

Taking place during Workd War 2, this story followsTwo sisters Sylvia and Isabella who were left their mother’s dress shop. The two sisters had a strained relationship prior to this. As the war goes on, one of the sisters joins the military while the other stays behind and runs the dress shop. The relationship changes throughout the story. Excellent book.

Julia Kelly has become my new favorite historical author. She weaves historical events with engaging and likable characters dealing with challenging times. Will always pick up her books.

I enjoyed reading about Mrs. Shelton's Fashions (the dress shop) and the Shelton family. Sylvia, the oldest daughter, who marries Hugh, a doctor, a escapes the shop. Isabelle who stays and works with her mother in the shop until the unexpected death of her mother. The shop is left to both girls and Sylvia wants to help out but Isabelle is resentful of the sister who left. Isabelle is conscripted to the WAAF during the war and asked Sylvia to run the shop while she is gone. Read this wonderful book to find out if the shop survives? What happens to the relationship between the sisters? Does Isabelle find love herself? What happens to Sylvia's relationship with Hugh? Read for yourself in February 2025.

This is an interesting historical fiction story and was enjoyable to read. I appreciate the relationship of the sisters and their strength to work together to save a family legacy.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

A very good WWII story. A wonderful cast of interesting characters. It has interesting information about clothing rationing in England. A must read for historical fiction fans.

Title:   The Dressmakers of London
Author:  Julia Kelly        
Genre:  Historical fiction   
Rating:  4.5 out of 5

In 1940s Great Britain, plain and awkward Izzie finds comfort in retreating into the safety of the backroom of her mother’s dressmaking shop. The predictable world of stitches, patterns, and fabric has been a sanctuary from the cruel, chaotic world that took her father in a tragic accident years ago.

Her beautiful sister Sylvia was old enough to watch her father’s tragic death force her mother to give up their respectable middle-class home and open a shop to support their family. That’s why, when she meets the sophisticated, wealthy Martin Pearsall, Sylvia isn’t surprised at her mother’s encouragement to seize her chance for a better life, even if it means distancing herself from her family at Martin’s insistence.

When their mother unexpectedly dies, the two sisters are surprised to discover that her will stipulates that they both inherit the dress shop, stirring up old resentments and hurt feelings. However, when conscription forces Izzie to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service in another part of the country, she realizes that Sylvia is the only person who can save the shop from closure. As the sisters begin an ongoing correspondence, they must confront old emotions to forge new beginnings.

I really enjoyed this read! I didn’t have a favorite POV character like I usually do. I loved both Izzie and Sylvia’s storylines and voices. It was so much fun to watch how they both changed and grew into themselves in the course of the story, and as always, Julia Kelly’s writing is lovely and evocative, and her storytelling is engrossing.

Julia Kelly is a bestselling author. The Dressmakers of London is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 2/20).

Alright, I’m going to be honest. Not much happened in this one. Despite that, I really enjoyed the undying themes of the bonds of sisterhood and strong, powerful women during a time when men thought we were meant to solely stay home to cook, clean, and rear children. This is about as honest a review as you’ll see from me!

The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly is so much more than a wartime story of two sisters. It is a story of two sisters finding themselves and each other again. The book begins with their mother’s death, a hardworking widow who opened a dress shop when the girls were young. One married, left the area but is needed. The world is in the middle of WWII, with Great Britian in the mist of military call ups and rationing. I had no idea how this story was going to play out but certainly not the captivating way that it did.

This is a unique look at civilian life in London during the war. It was a fascinating read with intense emotions between sisters, the world of fashion and life in general. It is not to be missed.

I have read several books in this sub-genre: stories about women civilians in Britain during World War II and what life was like with all the challenges. They are interesting reads and give some insight into daily life in the war years.

This story involves two sisters, Izzie and Sylvia, who were once close but drifted apart when Sylvia left to become the wife of an upper class toff. They had both worked in their mother's dress design shop but Izzie had the eye for it and Sylvia was more of a businessperson. They are shocked upon their mother's death to find out that she left the shop to them jointly, even though Sylvia left long ago and Izzie stayed to run things. Both women assumed Izzie would inherit.

It's wartime Britain and Izzie gets conscripted so must grudgingly ask her sister for help. Sylvia, whose marriage to a philanderer is falling apart, steps in and tries to apologize to her sister for her long absence. Izzie is bitter and close-minded. To the reader, it's obvious early on that together the artistic designer Izzie and the marketing and financial organizer Sylvia together have the perfect skills to run the business but it takes a while for them to figure it out.

Along the way they each learn something about their family, their own strengths, friendship, loyalty and what is important. Much of the book is letters between the sisters which start out icily polite but eventually become a real honest exchange. An enjoyable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Izzie loves design and working with her mother in the family dress shop. Sylvia is the older sister who married young to wealth and turned her back on her family. Sylvia and Izzie have to navigate the war years dealing with clothing rations at their dress shop and learning to like each other again as Izzy is conscripted in the WAAFs. Their mother started the dress shop when she had to find a way to take care of all three of them when her husband died in an accident. When she passes away, the sisters have to find ways to make the shop relevant and sustainable during the lean years. How they accomplish this is through determination, creativity, and friendship.
I love how they learn about each other through letters when Izzy is away doing her duty while Sylvia tries to adjust to new rationing rules with innovation and inspiration. The sisters have a lot of baggage to wade through from the death of their parents and Sylvia's escape into marriage years ago leaving her younger sister to grow up without her. I enjoyed meeting many of the secondary characters as well from Mrs. Reid, store seamstress, to Alexandria, Izzy's friend in the WAAFs, to William, the family solicitor. Even though this is set in London during the war years, it is a story more about family, sisters, and reconciliation. This book makes you feel content by the end and I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy stories of sisters, WW2, and historical fiction.
#TheDressmakersofLondon #netgalley #historicalfiction
Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.