Divine Vintage

Romance, mystery, family reputation, and intrigue, what else could you ask for in a book? Highly recommend this book to historical and mystery book fans.

This debut novel from Sandra has so many elements that I enjoy. It has a history mystery, a past and present romance, and the supernatural. I got the bonus of the setting of a beautiful old home with a tragic past and the use of a diary to help tell the story of an ill fated couple in 1913.

My favorite part of the book was the beautiful use and descriptions of vintage clothing. I love the way that clothing is portrayed as art and that clothing holds its own memories. I felt like this was such a great message that we don’t think about as we are throwing on a dress for work.

The characters are all well written and I really enjoyed the secondary characters such as Tess’s shop assistant Marcy, Trey’s grandmother, Esther and his cousin, Jake.

I could see some of the characters from this book getting their own stories and I would be thrilled with that because these characters did come to life for me!

This is a very well written romantic mystery. Both the characters and plot were entertaining and kept my interest. It’s a nice read that is very easy to follow. I would recommend to all mystery book lovers who like a touch of romance!

This is a sweet and imaginative romance that can also be considered a mystery. In addition, it features a strong paranormal element. Tess Burton has just broken up with an unsupportive partner and moved to Michigan City, Indiana to start her dream business, Divine Vintage. A fortuitous encounter on the shop's first day open leads to an invitation to model an antique gown at an event at a local mansion, setting in motion a surprising set of psychic experiences for both Tess and the attractive Trey, whose family owns the mansion. While Tess is accustomed to getting mild psychic intuitions from the garments she collects and sells, being transported to scenes relating to a hundred-year-old murder-suicide is new and startling for her, and certainly hardly what Trey bargained on when he reluctantly agreed to model his deceased relative's clothes. However, both are drawn to learn more about the sad history and to perhaps exonerate Trey's relative from the charge of having murdered his bride.
This is a tale that will appeal particularly to fans of romance, especially romances set in the present but that evoke a strong sense of the past.
Sandra L. Young's writing is confident and not only effectively conveys Tess's (and the author's) love of vintage fashion, but vividly evokes the flavor of certain aspects of the eastern Midwest. As a person with Midwestern roots myself (but who has lived most of my life elsewhere), I found this a bit like getting a whiff of lilac, a scent that while not exactly unique to the Midwest is one I strongly associate with that part of the US.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nicely written, sweet story.
It was a bit too fantasy driven for me. The psychic thoughts and happenings were a bit much also.
The romantic storyline was very well thought out and the relationship grew sweetly.
I appreciated the timeline and cozy feel to this book though.

I received this book as a eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

"I can't resist a garment when its history speaks to me..." A chiffon prom dress, circa 1950, conjured up a nervous teen with a beehive hairdo-for a few pulsing seconds, 'an unexplainable empathy'. A heartfelt feeling, visions of a 1920s debutante, dressed in a flapper gown of beaded aqua. Tess almost became these women.

"You sure can't beat shopping in the name of business." Tess Burton attended auctions and estate sales to amass inventory for Divine Vintage, her first business venture, a boutique, set to open in Michigan City, Indiana. As she readied for the initial opening, seventy year old Esther DeLeon, accompanied by her cousin's son, Trey Dunmore, entered the shop armed with flyers announcing a special Tea and Style Show to celebrate the Centennial of Carver House, Esther's ancestral home. Might Tess be willing to model the trousseau gown? All models would be adorned in vintage garments worn by former inhabitants of Carver House. Meeting and greeting Esther's guests could help create a loyal customer base for the fledgling business.

At the style show Tess, dressed in the satin trousseau gown, accompanied by Trey, wearing the groom's wedding tux, created the image of Phoebe and Edward Carver as they entered their newly built home one hundred years ago. Despite holding Trey's arm, "...a wave of unsteadiness swept her...immerging from a filmy veil of unconsciousness Tess cries out, 'My husband didn't kill me!' "
"[Tess's] emotional reactions to some vintage garments had hinted of a greater capacity reaching beyond the physical realm."

Carver House was tainted by a century-old tragedy. Newly married, Edward and Phoebe's trunks were packed for an extended honeymoon to Paris. An argument...Edward strangled Phoebe...turned the gun on himself. Why? Perhaps Phoebe's diary contained clues. Tess had been "having flashes...of people who I think are Edward and Phoebe...kind of like...we've slipped away. And they're here instead."

"Divine Vintage" by debut author Sandra L. Young was a foray into the world of vintage clothing, crossing between dream and reality, to rewrite the narrative of a family tragedy. Neither Tess nor Trey was looking for romance. A handshake sizzled with energy, soon followed by a steamy, magnetic undercurrent of longing. Was it real or a "charged energy" created, in part, by visions of the Sweetheart Ball of February 14, 1913? Attempts would be made by Tess and Trey to clear Edward of any wrongdoing and set him free from the murder of his beloved. A unique, captivating read I highly recommend.

Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What an outstanding debut novel by Sandra L. Young! This story really kept me interested and reading late into the night to see how it ended.

Present day - Tess has moved to Michigan City, Indiana and opened a vintage clothing boutique. She has had visions in the past from touching or wearing the clothing - but it wasn't much until, at a fashion show in a local mansion, she tries on a vintage dress from Phoebe's trousseau and is transported back to the early 1900s. Local lore is Phoebe's new husband, Edward, murdered her before taking his own life. Tess meets Trey, one of Edward's descendants, at the fashion show as he's wearing clothing of Edward's. Tess has a vision of Phoebe's murder, but it wasn't her husband.

Tess and Trey and a handful of other colorful characters are on a mission to see if their visions, as Trey starts having them, too, will lead them to the real murderer.

The descriptions are so vivid, the characters are fully fleshed out and its such an intriguing storyline!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This enjoyable story should have a broad appeal. Whether you are a fan of contemporary women’s fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery or paranormal tales, there’s something for you in Sandra Young’s engaging debut novel.

Fleeing from a controlling boyfriend and in possession of money left to her following the death of her beloved grandmother, Tess decides to change her life. She moves to Michigan City, where she purchases property and opens a vintage clothing shop: Divine Vintage.

Early on, Tess meets Esther, the owner of an old Victorian house in town. Town gossip knows the spectacular home was witness to the tragic murder in 1913 of a beautiful newlywed, Phoebe, who died at the hands of her wealthy, adoring husband, Edward. But was the murder-suicide as clear cut as it seemed at the time?

Tess becomes obsessed with the old case when it becomes evident that Phoebe’s clothing holds memories that only Tess can divine. Likewise, Esther’s handsome, architect nephew, Trey, appears to serve as a conduit for Edward. Together, Tess and Trey piece together the complex and emotional story leading up to that fateful night, while simultaneously navigating their own burgeoning romantic feelings.

This was a fun novel right from the outset. The author, herself a collector of vintage clothing, is skillful in describing the beautiful early twentieth-century fashions, while simultaneously imbuing them with faded memories that crescendo throughout the novel. I was fully invested in both the modern and historical stories, and in the parallel romances of Phoebe and Edward and modern-day Tess and Trey. I highly recommend this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.

Divine Vintage is as charming and cozy as your favorite vintage cardigan. I came for the murder mystery and stayed for the romance. Sandra Young has elegantly blended genres to create a unique and fun book that has something for everyone. Historical timeline? Yes. Contemporary romance? Check. Murder? On her honeymoon eve. Ghosts? Yup. Gorgeous vintage clothes? A closet full. Young's real life passion for vintage clothes shines through in her rich and vivid descriptions of pieces from turn of the century wedding gowns to miniskirts. I'm a yoga pants and hoodie girl myself, but Young's defense of clothing as art through her passionate protagonist Tess made me Google the nearest vintage clothing shop. True story. Divine Vintage is a delightful and captivating debut filled with characters who will charm you, a mystery that keeps you turning the pages and just enough steam to make you wish you were reading some place other than the parking lot at swim practice. I've heard this is the start of a series, and if that's true I'll definitely want more of Tess' paranormal adventures and her fabulous clothes.

When Tess Burton opens up her Divine Vintage clothing boutique, little does she realise that her love of vintage clothing, will draw her into a century-old murder. When she models a gown from an Edwardian trousseau, she sees the crime through the eyes of the murdered bride. Soon Tess in entangled with Trey Dunmore’s mother and great aunt, who are desperate to clear their family’s tainted legacy. Together Trey and Tess, begin to piece together the events leading up to the murder, whilst trying to establish their own relationship.
This was a fascinating story that changes the dual timeline, into a second story told through the images that Tess and Trey see upon wearing the clothing and jewellery of Phoebe and Edward. I enjoyed the characters of Trey and Tess. Tess has a determined nature but cares for everyone who is important to her. Both Trey and Tess are determined and strong characters yet, their attraction was not superficial and tender and caring.
This was such a great read, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was Sandra Young’s first novel. I so look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tess Burton is the owner of a vintage clothing shop where she can indulge in her love for beautiful garments of the past. She is delighted to be invited to Carver House, a mansion dating back to 1913, where she agrees to model a vintage wedding gown for a style show. The owner’s handsome grandson, Trey, will wear the groom’s tuxedo. Tess feels a strange connection to Trey and she tries to hide it. Tess learns that the mansion was the scene of a 1913 murder-suicide where a groom murdered his bride and then killed himself.

On the day of the style show, Tess keeps getting glimpses of the past. She has a gift for feeling vintage clothing and grasping a sense of the previous owner. As she models the bridal gown she suddenly faints and when she wakes, up, she declares that her husband did not kill her!

Tess and Trey speculate that she is channeling the ghost of Phoebe, the original owner of the wedding gown. Trey begins getting glimpses of the past as well and together they set out to solve this century old mystery. As a romance kindles between the two they can’t help but wonder if their feelings are real, or if they belong to a ghostly couple!

𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨: I love a story with a dual timeline and I enjoyed this romance mystery with just a hint of the paranormal. The author does a good job switching back and forth between past and present, and her love for vintage clothing shows in her vivid descriptions. You can see some of the pieces that inspired the garments described in the book by visiting www.sandrayoungauthor.com.

My thanks to NetGalley and the author for my gifted copy and to @KateRockBookTours for my spot on the book tour. My thoughts are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersed in Sandra L Young’s Divine Vintage world! The characters are well-written and appealing, the storyline is intriguing, and paranormal links between the past and present storylines were so engaging that I could hardly put the book down. Paranormal isn’t usually my cup of proverbial tea, but dual timelines and mysteries are, and I found myself enjoying all three aspects of Divine Vintage equally. Well done, Sandra - I’ll happily read whatever you write next! Thank you Wild Rose Press, Sandra L Young, and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting read with engaging characters. I loved all the descriptions of the vintage clothes. Tess and Trey, both have a troubled background where romance is concerned and are understandable wary about a new relationship. Added to this is the solving of a century old murder mystery. Both Tess and Trey experienced visions of the past when touching various items from the past. In addition to this is the present day problems that face the homeless and how to help them. There are a number of interesting secondary characters as well. This story moved along at a good pace and kept my interest until the end and the mystery is solved. I will look out for more books by this author. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Net Galley and The Wild Rose Press, Inc. for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own. First off, the title really caught my interest because I like stories about vintage items. The cover is also beautiful! Tess Burton has opened a vintage clothing boutique called Devine Vintage. One day Tess is modeling a vintage wedding gown, and the mystery begins. I really liked this story. There's mystery, romance and lots of descriptions of the vintage clothing. Great debut story!

This tale straddles slow-burn romance and suspense incredibly well. I loved that not everyone was on board like 'oh yeah, ghosts' and Tess had to coax them into believing and helping her. The descriptions of the clothes were fantastic - detailed without being overly so or detracting from the story. And the parallel love story made my day. Looking forward to more from this author!

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. Nothing has influenced my rating or opinion of this book.

Divine Vintage is a well written novel involving characters from the past and present. The heroine has recently opened a vintage clothing shop. Esther DeLeon and her cousin’s son come into the shop because she is hosting an anniversary tea and style show at Carver House, her home, to benefit the local homeless shelter. That starts off this enjoyable story.

Ms. Young brings the Edwardian era to life through vivid descriptions of the clothing and style of that time. She weaves a fantastical tale by using a woman’s clothing and her diary to smoothly transition from the present to the past. The pacing is decent, but it does pick up a great deal in the second half of the novel. I’m not a huge fan of paranormal novels, but I enjoyed this one.

Tess Burton is the heroine of this story, and I liked her character. She’s the typical 21st century heroine who is independent, intelligent, and driven to succeed, but she also has a softer side that comes through as she explores the romantic possibilities that come her way.

Trey Dunmore is the hero, and he exhibits great characteristics from the start as he squires around Esther and does her bidding by modeling for the style show. While he’s attracted to Tess, he behaves as a perfect gentleman which is in tune with the past, making his character fit into the story extremely well.

While this is definitely a romance centered around Tess and Trey, it has more substance than one typically finds in contemporary romance because of the paranormal aspect and the mystery the pair go about solving to remove the blemish on Trey’s ancestors. I enjoyed them as a couple and wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with a twist of paranormal involving events from the past, then you will love Divine Vintage as much as I did. I believe this is Ms. Young’s debut novel, and she’s written a lovely romance with delightful character and an intriguing plot. Happy reading!

This book was very refreshing! Very different then what I have read recently. I enjoyed the mix of the present and the past. It had a wonderful steamy romance. The storyline had a great mystery that kept you curious.

A sweet romance in which a modern-day couple puts the spirits of two long-dead lovers at ease, Divine Vintage will be a good choice for readers interested in history, fashion, and the supernatural. It's not quite a cozy mystery with ghosts, but it comes close, with the victims of a long-ago murder showing their story to those who wear--or even touch--their clothes. There's a Happily Ever After for everyone in the story.

This is a refreshing romance, a wonderful read featuring a bit of nostalgia and a paranormal influence. The main characters, Tess and Trey, come together over a winding tale that takes them from the present to the past and back again.
Their romance is poignant and while it develops slowly, it’s steamy. Ms. Young writes natural dialogue, and the plot moves forward, keeping the reader turning to the next page. I liked the historic home and lovely vintage clothing. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, too. I would recommend this book to friends and fellow readers.
Thank you to NetGalley, The Wild Rose Press, and Sandra Young for the DRC!

Vintage clothing has always fascinated me, but not the way it has author Sandra L. Young, whose debut novel, Divine Vintage, was inspired by it! In the story, main character Tess Burton opens a boutique—Divine Vintage—and finds an Edwardian trousseau gown that “opens her mind to channel the prelude to a century-old murder.” If that’s not an intriguing hook, I don’t know what is! I appreciated all the details this book had to offer as well as the unique premise. Well done!

Tess Burton is living her dream running a vintage clothing shop. When asked to wear a gown for a charity event, she jumps at the opportunity. Arriving to the house for the event, Tess finds she’s in for more than she bargained for. Touching certain items whisks her away to a time many years ago when a murder occurred in the house. Her attraction to Trey, a descendant of the man accused of murdering his wife, becomes complicated when he, too, begins to see visions of his own. What really happened that fateful night?

I loved both main characters, Tess and Trey, and thought their development through the book was well done. I enjoyed learning about them and their backstory. The story itself flowed along nice—I never wanted to put the book down!

This book truly has something for everyone: mystery, romance, paranormal elements, historical fiction. Sandra L. Young’s debut novel, Divine Vintage, tells a unique story. This isn’t your typical mystery/romance book and for that reason alone, I highly recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Backlit PC and am leaving an honest review.

Divine Vintage is a romance with paranormal elements as visits from ghosts inhabit our main protagonists and a historical mystery as to whether Edmund really killed his wife back in the early 1900s? The writing is descriptive, and I loved the evocative descriptions of the clothing. And I learned some fascinating facts about vintage clothing and the origin of the yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz!