The Dressmaker's Secret

Author: Kellyn Roth
Genre: Historical Fiction/Young Adult

She needs to keep her past a secret, but how can she when her daughter insists on asking questions?

London, 1870

Miss Chattoway has built her business from a one-woman operation to a successful dress shop catering to the upper class. By keeping her twin daughters a secret and telling no one about their father, she ensures that her reputation remains spotless and ladies of London continue returning for her services.

Eight-year-old Alice wants one thing—to make her mother happy. She’s sure that her mother wouldn’t cry anymore if their family became whole ... but that means finding out who her father is and forcing him to return to them.

While Miss Chattoway struggles to balance the roles of mother and provider with her emotional turmoil, Alice investigates her mother’s past. However, she is unprepared for what she discovers.

The first novel in The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, a Christian historical family saga.

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Reviewer: Susan Poll

An intriguing tale with a unique perspective of the child Alice who only wants to be a whole family. A well-written mix of childish desires and feelings with adult realities in an era where secrets like these are not talked about. The emotions are telegraphed across each page as you discover the truths and Alice’s world changes forever!

​Growing up is never easy and when you want to have a complete family and see your mother happy, and your sister, then you will go to great lengths. Some great page turning twists, details that help spin the tale and a wonderful happy ever after!

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Reviewer: Kandace Perry

The Dressmaker's Secret written by Kellyn Roth is an endearing and relatable tale of the complexities of life, love and loss. 

It is so easy to get caught up in the triumphs and tragedies of a character, but when you take a moment to reflect on them, there is so much truth in their experiences.  Through the ups and downs of life we have to keep re-directing our path, but that can leave us confused and searching.

Roth reminds us that when our hearts are right with the Lord, we can embrace each moment with peace and confidence. When we embrace life with family and friends as our authentic selves, the way God created us to be and we remain faithful, there will always be a Light guiding us down our path. 

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Reviewer: Sandra Burson

I found this to be a interesting book. For the most part, I liked the characters, some more than others. My favorite characters of course were Alice and her sister Ivy, their mother not so much. Maybe I just didn't get Claire Chattoway.  Sometimes, I did feel sorry for her, for all she had been through. But the majority of the time I just wanted to shake her and say Wake Up. I could not send my young child away to school, although many did in that time period. Also Claire did not spend much time with the girls. She was very fortunate to have great dependable people around her. I truly loved Mrs. Knight, what a wonderful Christian character. I saw what was coming, but still cried.

I liked the way the author handled the different sensitive subjects. But that was another reason I did not like Claire. Up until Alice reached a certain age, she never realized everyone had a father, but her. I feel if Alice was old enough to start asking questions about her dad, it was time for Claire to start giving some honest answers, age appropriate of course. I liked this story and was happy with the way it ended.

I received a copy from the author through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Reviewer: Jessica G.

The Dressmaker's Secret was an enjoyable story. There was always something happening, which kept me reading and wondering what was going to happen next. While it was intriguing, there was an overall feeling of unhurriedness, and it was easy to follow.

I liked the charm of the era it was set in; the big houses, maids and drivers, and the standard of etiquette. It was a nice glimpse into the past, and I appreciated the simplicity of the way the time period was portrayed. I didn't have to try to keep up with figures of speech that are no longer used today, etc. It was easy to read.

The characters were all so good and deep. I liked how they each had their story which slowly came out. It was real and didn't shy from tougher topics, but kept them almost light, as seen through a young girl's eyes. It was good to see how complex things are often simpler than we think, and it would be ideal for younger readers.

There was nothing I really disliked about The Dressmaker's Secret. I wouldn't read it for the writing, but it was perfectly adequate for the story, and I look forward to seeing the author mature in her writing style. Overall, I enjoyed it so much I had to read it in two sittings and I intend to read the rest of the series when I can.

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