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Ein Traum in Weiß: Drei Liebesgeschichten. Ein Kleid.
Ein Hochzeitskleid – drei Frauen – drei wunderschöne Liebesgeschichten
In »Ein Traum in Weiß« erzählt Bestseller-Autorin Dani Atkins in drei romantischen Kurzromanen von drei Schicksalen, die ein Hochzeitskleid locker miteinander verbindet.
Im Brautmodenladen »Fleurs« wartet ein ganz besonderes Hochzeitskleid darauf, den »schönsten Tag im Leben« perfekt zu
Kurz vor ihrer Hochzeit wird Suzanne von einem seltsamen Bauchgefühl geplagt; daran kann auch der perfekte Traum in Weiß nichts ändern, den sie im Brautmodenladen »Fleurs« gefunden hat. Ist der charmante, aber verschlossen Darell wirklich der Richtige?
Bei einem furchtbaren Unfall auf einer Achterbahn wird Bella mit einem Fremden im Wagen eingeklemmt. Als die beiden Stunden später gerettet werden, weiß sie, dass Will ihr Leben verändert hat. Doch Bella wird vielleicht nie wieder gehen können – und sie ist seit vielen Jahren mit Aaron zusammen …
Als einzige in ihrer Familie freut sich die 17-jährige Mandy von Herzen, als Oma Amanda eröffnet, sie habe sich verliebt wie nie zuvor – in eine Frau. Kann Mandy ihren konservativen Vater milde stimmen und Amanda einen Traum erfüllen?
Zum Träumen schön und mit genau der richtigen Dosis Drama und unerwarteten Wendungen sind die drei Liebesgeschichten der britischen Autorin Dani Atkins ein sommerlich-romantischer Lesegenuss für alle Frauen, die noch von ihrer Hochzeit träumen – oder in wunderschönen Erinnerungen schwelgen möchten.
In »Ein Traum in Weiß« erzählt Bestseller-Autorin Dani Atkins in drei romantischen Kurzromanen von drei Schicksalen, die ein Hochzeitskleid locker miteinander verbindet.
Im Brautmodenladen »Fleurs« wartet ein ganz besonderes Hochzeitskleid darauf, den »schönsten Tag im Leben« perfekt zu
Kurz vor ihrer Hochzeit wird Suzanne von einem seltsamen Bauchgefühl geplagt; daran kann auch der perfekte Traum in Weiß nichts ändern, den sie im Brautmodenladen »Fleurs« gefunden hat. Ist der charmante, aber verschlossen Darell wirklich der Richtige?
Bei einem furchtbaren Unfall auf einer Achterbahn wird Bella mit einem Fremden im Wagen eingeklemmt. Als die beiden Stunden später gerettet werden, weiß sie, dass Will ihr Leben verändert hat. Doch Bella wird vielleicht nie wieder gehen können – und sie ist seit vielen Jahren mit Aaron zusammen …
Als einzige in ihrer Familie freut sich die 17-jährige Mandy von Herzen, als Oma Amanda eröffnet, sie habe sich verliebt wie nie zuvor – in eine Frau. Kann Mandy ihren konservativen Vater milde stimmen und Amanda einen Traum erfüllen?
Zum Träumen schön und mit genau der richtigen Dosis Drama und unerwarteten Wendungen sind die drei Liebesgeschichten der britischen Autorin Dani Atkins ein sommerlich-romantischer Lesegenuss für alle Frauen, die noch von ihrer Hochzeit träumen – oder in wunderschönen Erinnerungen schwelgen möchten.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
110 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Dani Atkins
25 books1,157 followersDani was born and brought up in Cockfosters- a small London suburb at the end of the Piccadilly Tube Line.
This served her well for commuting into the city, where from the age of 18 she worked in a succession of secretarial positions in companies as diverse as a BMW car dealership to the BBC. Dani spent her two hour commute avidly reading and dreamed that one day she would become an author herself.
When her two children grew up and left home, Dani set about turning this dream into reality and devoted her time to writing. She now lives in a rural Hertfordshire cottage with her husband, a soppy border collie dog and a haughty Siamese cat.
Her first novels FRACTURED (called THEN AND ALWAYS in the US) and THE STORY OF US published in 2014. In January 2016, her third novel, OUR SONG was published.
This served her well for commuting into the city, where from the age of 18 she worked in a succession of secretarial positions in companies as diverse as a BMW car dealership to the BBC. Dani spent her two hour commute avidly reading and dreamed that one day she would become an author herself.
When her two children grew up and left home, Dani set about turning this dream into reality and devoted her time to writing. She now lives in a rural Hertfordshire cottage with her husband, a soppy border collie dog and a haughty Siamese cat.
Her first novels FRACTURED (called THEN AND ALWAYS in the US) and THE STORY OF US published in 2014. In January 2016, her third novel, OUR SONG was published.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 13, 2021
Three women with three very different love stories, linked together by one special wedding dress.
Is this book predictable? Yes.
Is this book cheesy? Yes.
Does any of that matter? No.
I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked in by its easy-to-read style pretty immediately, and drawn into the stories of the three main characters.
Suzanne is engaged to the supposed man of her dreams, but the build-up to her wedding is casting doubts on who he really is. Bella is attending her best friend's hen party when disaster strikes, and an accident changes her life dramatically. Mandy's grandmother has confided in her about her new love, but the rest of her family aren't supportive.
An easy, heartfelt read that was really enjoyable and tugged on the heartstrings.
Is this book predictable? Yes.
Is this book cheesy? Yes.
Does any of that matter? No.
I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked in by its easy-to-read style pretty immediately, and drawn into the stories of the three main characters.
Suzanne is engaged to the supposed man of her dreams, but the build-up to her wedding is casting doubts on who he really is. Bella is attending her best friend's hen party when disaster strikes, and an accident changes her life dramatically. Mandy's grandmother has confided in her about her new love, but the rest of her family aren't supportive.
An easy, heartfelt read that was really enjoyable and tugged on the heartstrings.
February 15, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
Tall and as thin as a crochet hook, she was dressed from head to toe in black. Even her hair was ebony, the kind of shade that nature doesn’t do on Caucasian women. It was pulled back into the sort of topknot that surely had to hurt, and was neat enough to look as though it had been superglued into place. Absolutely no hairpins required.
…my mother would have been far easier to win over if I wasn’t forcing her to play happy families with the man she once claimed she never wanted to see again– well, at least not until Hell had begun offering ice-skating sessions.
Sasha smelled of sunshine and Tresemmé shampoo, mixed with an indefinable sweet aroma, which I swear exuded from her pores like a pheromone.
He believes your gran is delusional. Weirdly, he’d rather accept she has Alzheimer’s than consider she’s fallen in love with someone.’
A shiver ran through me. It was the same every time a Sunnymede resident passed away. It felt like death was a predator on the Serengeti, picking off the weakest of the elderly one by one. And every time it happened I felt as though I was one dreadful step closer to losing my grandmother.
My Review:
This was a trifecta of tales, each one skillfully crafted while equally heart-squeezing and an amusing delight. The storylines were crisply written with endearing characters, witty exchanges, and sneakily observant and emotive insights with an eye-stinging poignancy. The main characters were lovely people I’d enjoy knowing and spending time with, who all stumbled upon the perfect bridal gown in a time of need. The mystical wedding dress was cleverly slipped into each story as if by magic, I suspect it may have contained a bit of fairy dust sewn into the hem. This was my initial exposure to Dani Atkin’s agile word skills and I believe I may have become her most avid acolyte somewhere around page two.
Tall and as thin as a crochet hook, she was dressed from head to toe in black. Even her hair was ebony, the kind of shade that nature doesn’t do on Caucasian women. It was pulled back into the sort of topknot that surely had to hurt, and was neat enough to look as though it had been superglued into place. Absolutely no hairpins required.
…my mother would have been far easier to win over if I wasn’t forcing her to play happy families with the man she once claimed she never wanted to see again– well, at least not until Hell had begun offering ice-skating sessions.
Sasha smelled of sunshine and Tresemmé shampoo, mixed with an indefinable sweet aroma, which I swear exuded from her pores like a pheromone.
He believes your gran is delusional. Weirdly, he’d rather accept she has Alzheimer’s than consider she’s fallen in love with someone.’
A shiver ran through me. It was the same every time a Sunnymede resident passed away. It felt like death was a predator on the Serengeti, picking off the weakest of the elderly one by one. And every time it happened I felt as though I was one dreadful step closer to losing my grandmother.
My Review:
This was a trifecta of tales, each one skillfully crafted while equally heart-squeezing and an amusing delight. The storylines were crisply written with endearing characters, witty exchanges, and sneakily observant and emotive insights with an eye-stinging poignancy. The main characters were lovely people I’d enjoy knowing and spending time with, who all stumbled upon the perfect bridal gown in a time of need. The mystical wedding dress was cleverly slipped into each story as if by magic, I suspect it may have contained a bit of fairy dust sewn into the hem. This was my initial exposure to Dani Atkin’s agile word skills and I believe I may have become her most avid acolyte somewhere around page two.
February 27, 2022
This book promised so much, and I enjoyed the first two 'episodes' of the dress and its two wearers, Suzanne and Bella. Sadly the third part, about Mandy and her grandmother, left me cold and I really wished it hadn't been included.
Three stars for the first two stories. Would I read it again? No.
Three stars for the first two stories. Would I read it again? No.
November 29, 2022
Disclaimer: I receive a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Thank you, @definitelyboks, for this copy! #pansing
"Life is much like a roller coaster, twisting and turning, spiralling out of control just when you think you know where it's going. And the pivotal moments, when everything is about to change, come with no warning sign or klaxon. They just creep silently up on you."
I didn't expect to enjoy this read, but I love this book!
Contemporary romance is always on the fence for me.
However, The Wedding Dress was a cosy read, perfect for Christmas or the holidays!
It's cheesy and sometimes predictable, but it didn't make me bored. I was so addicted and wanted more.
The unexpected plot twist and vibe each story gave was such a unique personality that shows of Dani's amazing writing.
The first story on Suzzane felt like a thriller for a second. I got so confused but so caught up in the moment that I wanted to explore more. The ending gets me shouting WHAT.
The second story, though, made me bawl like a baby. I couldn't stop. It's my favourite read out of all three, I love them all, but the second one made my heart flutter and emotional. I just want to reread it and relive the whole moment.
Now all I want to do is read more of Dani Atkins's work.
I love her writing, and the flutter butterflies her plotline gives me and the cheesy romance.
"I wrote this book for you, and because of you, but not about you. Does that make any sense? But if you say you don't want it to be published, then it won't be. This book is my gift to you."
Thank you, @definitelyboks, for this copy! #pansing
"Life is much like a roller coaster, twisting and turning, spiralling out of control just when you think you know where it's going. And the pivotal moments, when everything is about to change, come with no warning sign or klaxon. They just creep silently up on you."
I didn't expect to enjoy this read, but I love this book!
Contemporary romance is always on the fence for me.
However, The Wedding Dress was a cosy read, perfect for Christmas or the holidays!
It's cheesy and sometimes predictable, but it didn't make me bored. I was so addicted and wanted more.
The unexpected plot twist and vibe each story gave was such a unique personality that shows of Dani's amazing writing.
The first story on Suzzane felt like a thriller for a second. I got so confused but so caught up in the moment that I wanted to explore more. The ending gets me shouting WHAT.
The second story, though, made me bawl like a baby. I couldn't stop. It's my favourite read out of all three, I love them all, but the second one made my heart flutter and emotional. I just want to reread it and relive the whole moment.
Now all I want to do is read more of Dani Atkins's work.
I love her writing, and the flutter butterflies her plotline gives me and the cheesy romance.
"I wrote this book for you, and because of you, but not about you. Does that make any sense? But if you say you don't want it to be published, then it won't be. This book is my gift to you."
September 3, 2023
Dani Atkins laat normaal gesproken mijn hart uit elkaar breken in een miljoen stukken. Daar wapen ik mezelf inmiddels een beetje tegen. Dit boek deed dat niet - maar mijn hart zwol wel drie keer enorm op.
De titel en ze opzet van het boek voelt ergens wel als een spoiler voor de drie verhalen, en dat voelt wel jammer.
Ik had echt helemaal niets met het eerste verhaal. Het tweede en het derde verhaal lagen me al meer. Vooral het tweede verhaal vind ik heel erg passen bij de verhalen van Dani Atkins die ik zo mooi vind.
Maar wat dit boek me ook heeft gebracht: weer lekker van een boek genoten dat ik helemaal voor mezelf lees en niet deels voor/vanwege mijn werk of aanwezigheid op sociale media of whatever, gewoon volledig omdat ik zin had in dit boek. Ook bijzonder fijn weer, dan weet je ineens weer hoe het ooit was als 100% hobby, dat lezen.
De titel en ze opzet van het boek voelt ergens wel als een spoiler voor de drie verhalen, en dat voelt wel jammer.
Ik had echt helemaal niets met het eerste verhaal. Het tweede en het derde verhaal lagen me al meer. Vooral het tweede verhaal vind ik heel erg passen bij de verhalen van Dani Atkins die ik zo mooi vind.
Maar wat dit boek me ook heeft gebracht: weer lekker van een boek genoten dat ik helemaal voor mezelf lees en niet deels voor/vanwege mijn werk of aanwezigheid op sociale media of whatever, gewoon volledig omdat ik zin had in dit boek. Ook bijzonder fijn weer, dan weet je ineens weer hoe het ooit was als 100% hobby, dat lezen.
September 11, 2021
I found part one and part three of this novel ok - touching in places, but felt a bit flat and predictable. I loved the second part though, and wished the whole novel could have followed this story.
I did like the way the stories linked together so subtly until the very end.
I did like the way the stories linked together so subtly until the very end.
July 25, 2023
Another fantastic book from Dani Atkins. This one was very cleverly done. Following the story of a dress. Written in three parts with each part being about a different bride. So much depth to the characters. A wonderful, emotional in places, read.
September 17, 2022
Complete escapism. Finished listening to the third story whilst having a marathon cooking session. Whilst all the plots were relatively predictable there were enough unexpected revelations to keep it interesting. Of course all 3 tales had happy endings but that’s what romantic fiction is all about.
August 2, 2021
A beautiful story which took me through all the emotions. I loved how we learnt about the three different women and how the one dress tied their dreams together. Al very different stories but beautifully written and full of love and warmth.
August 11, 2021
“The Wedding Dress” follows three women, Suzanne, Bella and Mandy who don’t know each other but they’re connected through the same wedding dress.
I feel that if the author has turned each of the short stories into separate books, I would love them. Because in this book they felt rushed and too forced, not emotional, just like I was expecting from Dani Atkins. It was not a bad book, as the author is a great story teller and she can beautifully write, but I simply felt underwhelmed at the end, somehow cheated. However, it was a thought – provoking book, perfect for book clubs, as there are for sure some topics that need to be discussed with more people! And standing ovation to the author for touching upon some complex and difficult issues and treating them with respect, gentleness, warmth and sensitivity.
I liked Bella’s story best, she was the most likeable character in the book, a character that felt genuine. The first one is about Suzanne and Darrell, happily engaged and about to get married, but then Suzanne starts to get some mysterious notes about her fiance. I’m truly sorry, but I never felt tension and the characters were so wooden that I couldn’t care less what’s going to happen with them. The conclusion was also far from perfect, I mean – I don’t want to spoil the reading for you! – you could easily find another way to contact the bride, right? And the last one was so obvious and the characters there so stereotyped that I simply couldn’t read it.
It didn’t feel like a Dani Atkins book. I was disappointed with this read, it didn’t keep my interest and I found the stories too much overdone, on every level, too exaggerated and they didn’t feel natural. The last of the stories was so politically correct that I couldn’t take any more and simply skim – read it and the bits that I’ve read only annoyed me. The other disappointment was the dress itself, I was really hoping for a brilliant, funny and captivating story with a dress at its centre, connecting the characters somehow, but sadly, nothing of this sort appeared in the book. Those were three short stories that featured the same wedding dress and that was all. Maybe I was not in the right mood for this book, but I couldn’t connect with the characters as well, they felt unrealistic and overdrawn and it was Bella and her story that saved the book – though it was also so predictable that it made me hurt. Sadly, not my favourite read by this author.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
I feel that if the author has turned each of the short stories into separate books, I would love them. Because in this book they felt rushed and too forced, not emotional, just like I was expecting from Dani Atkins. It was not a bad book, as the author is a great story teller and she can beautifully write, but I simply felt underwhelmed at the end, somehow cheated. However, it was a thought – provoking book, perfect for book clubs, as there are for sure some topics that need to be discussed with more people! And standing ovation to the author for touching upon some complex and difficult issues and treating them with respect, gentleness, warmth and sensitivity.
I liked Bella’s story best, she was the most likeable character in the book, a character that felt genuine. The first one is about Suzanne and Darrell, happily engaged and about to get married, but then Suzanne starts to get some mysterious notes about her fiance. I’m truly sorry, but I never felt tension and the characters were so wooden that I couldn’t care less what’s going to happen with them. The conclusion was also far from perfect, I mean – I don’t want to spoil the reading for you! – you could easily find another way to contact the bride, right? And the last one was so obvious and the characters there so stereotyped that I simply couldn’t read it.
It didn’t feel like a Dani Atkins book. I was disappointed with this read, it didn’t keep my interest and I found the stories too much overdone, on every level, too exaggerated and they didn’t feel natural. The last of the stories was so politically correct that I couldn’t take any more and simply skim – read it and the bits that I’ve read only annoyed me. The other disappointment was the dress itself, I was really hoping for a brilliant, funny and captivating story with a dress at its centre, connecting the characters somehow, but sadly, nothing of this sort appeared in the book. Those were three short stories that featured the same wedding dress and that was all. Maybe I was not in the right mood for this book, but I couldn’t connect with the characters as well, they felt unrealistic and overdrawn and it was Bella and her story that saved the book – though it was also so predictable that it made me hurt. Sadly, not my favourite read by this author.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 16, 2021
This was a different book to what I expected, but it was so cleverly done! It follows the story of one wedding dress which ties together three different women. Each woman has their own story and the book tells these stories in three separate parts. The women don't know each other and their stories are all so different. The one constant however is obviously the dress and the bridal shop owner, Gwendoline Flowers. I loved Gwendoline's character, and despite coming across as a little scary and formidable, she certainly has a magical air around her!
The three women we meet are Suzanne, Bella and Mandy. Suzanne is marrying the man of her dreams but as the big day gets closer she begins to wonder if she really knows him at all. Bella"s life changes forever when tragedy strikes while she is on her friend's hen party. Mandy loves her grandmother and does everything she can to help her dreams come true when she wants to marry the love of her life. All completely different stories but each one as original and captivating as the others. They are all stories of love in different shapes and forms, written with warmth, emotion and sensitivity. I loved how the three parts take you on separate journeys, and it felt like I was getting three books for the price of one.
I've read many of this author's books and have loved them all. This book was no different and once started I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. Beautifully written with strong themes of love, family and friendships, I would definitely recommend it!
The three women we meet are Suzanne, Bella and Mandy. Suzanne is marrying the man of her dreams but as the big day gets closer she begins to wonder if she really knows him at all. Bella"s life changes forever when tragedy strikes while she is on her friend's hen party. Mandy loves her grandmother and does everything she can to help her dreams come true when she wants to marry the love of her life. All completely different stories but each one as original and captivating as the others. They are all stories of love in different shapes and forms, written with warmth, emotion and sensitivity. I loved how the three parts take you on separate journeys, and it felt like I was getting three books for the price of one.
I've read many of this author's books and have loved them all. This book was no different and once started I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. Beautifully written with strong themes of love, family and friendships, I would definitely recommend it!
June 15, 2021
Being a huge Dani Atkins fan and having read all of her previous books, I was very eager to read her latest book The Wedding Dress.
However, I was actually quite disappointed with this book and felt that it didn’t quite have the same feel as all of her previous books and found it to be a little underwhelming.
I did like the general story line and how the wedding dress tied three seperate lives together. I also found the characters to be real and relatable.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zues for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#theweddingdress #netgalley
However, I was actually quite disappointed with this book and felt that it didn’t quite have the same feel as all of her previous books and found it to be a little underwhelming.
I did like the general story line and how the wedding dress tied three seperate lives together. I also found the characters to be real and relatable.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zues for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#theweddingdress #netgalley
February 22, 2023
This is (I think) my fourth Dani Atkins book now, and I definitely felt that it strayed from her usual style of writing. Not in a bad way, but it was definitely different. I usually go into a Dani Atkins book fully prepared to ugly cry as they are often SO emotional, and this one, whilst it still had depth, just wasn’t on the same scale.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy it. It wasn’t quite what expected, as the three stories are written separately as individual parts, rather than interweaved throughout the story. It felt to me more like I was reading three short stories rather than one book. All that really linked them together was obviously the dress and very fleeting, blink and you’ll miss them, references or appearances in each other’s stories. I found it to be a shame that they didn’t appear more in each part, because I ended each of the stories wanting more. So I would have liked to have seen more of them.
I think that this book really shines a light on kindness and the importance of family and friends. Whilst each story has its own love story, I felt that it wasn’t necessarily the main focus, and that all kinds of relationships were explored and the importance of them highlighted.
I enjoyed each of the stories. Bella’s was my favourite and also the plot that I was most captivated by. The rollercoaster scenes had my heart in my mouth. I remember watching news footage of The Smiler crash at Alton Towers years back and Bella’s story really reminded me of how awful and heart wrenching it was. I loved Bella and Will, they were my favourite couple in the story! I enjoyed Mandy and her Gran’s relationship. Mandy was one very emotionally intelligent 17 year old!! And Amanda’s relationship with Josie was so endearing.
Overall, a strong read with great characters and plots. Just not my favourite from the author! 😊
Nevertheless, I did enjoy it. It wasn’t quite what expected, as the three stories are written separately as individual parts, rather than interweaved throughout the story. It felt to me more like I was reading three short stories rather than one book. All that really linked them together was obviously the dress and very fleeting, blink and you’ll miss them, references or appearances in each other’s stories. I found it to be a shame that they didn’t appear more in each part, because I ended each of the stories wanting more. So I would have liked to have seen more of them.
I think that this book really shines a light on kindness and the importance of family and friends. Whilst each story has its own love story, I felt that it wasn’t necessarily the main focus, and that all kinds of relationships were explored and the importance of them highlighted.
I enjoyed each of the stories. Bella’s was my favourite and also the plot that I was most captivated by. The rollercoaster scenes had my heart in my mouth. I remember watching news footage of The Smiler crash at Alton Towers years back and Bella’s story really reminded me of how awful and heart wrenching it was. I loved Bella and Will, they were my favourite couple in the story! I enjoyed Mandy and her Gran’s relationship. Mandy was one very emotionally intelligent 17 year old!! And Amanda’s relationship with Josie was so endearing.
Overall, a strong read with great characters and plots. Just not my favourite from the author! 😊
August 13, 2021
Review can be found on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
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Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book via NetGalley.
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I am a huge fan of Dani Atkins books. She is a powerful writer who has a way with words. Some of her books have made me laugh out loud, cheer, cry, the whole emotional bundle. And this book was no different. It is such a beautifully written book that takes place over time and intertwines the lives of three different women. Three women and one wedding dress.
I enjoyed reading about the lives of the three different women as they embark on their lives and the days leading up to their wedding. They all have such different lives from one another, some full of joy, some full of loss or sadness, and it all centers around one key thing: their perfect wedding dress.
A uniquely written novel that I would recommend.
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Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book via NetGalley.
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I am a huge fan of Dani Atkins books. She is a powerful writer who has a way with words. Some of her books have made me laugh out loud, cheer, cry, the whole emotional bundle. And this book was no different. It is such a beautifully written book that takes place over time and intertwines the lives of three different women. Three women and one wedding dress.
I enjoyed reading about the lives of the three different women as they embark on their lives and the days leading up to their wedding. They all have such different lives from one another, some full of joy, some full of loss or sadness, and it all centers around one key thing: their perfect wedding dress.
A uniquely written novel that I would recommend.
August 4, 2021
4 stars
This felt very different from anything that I'd read by Dani Atkins before but very much her usual style as the same time.
The book was about a wedding dress and the journey it went on. It was split into 3 separate stories, 3 very different stories, about 3 brides who each wore the dress.
I loved each brides story and even though they were technically novellas I also loved the way they together made a whole novel.
This was a very sweet and charming book and made for a very addictive read.
This felt very different from anything that I'd read by Dani Atkins before but very much her usual style as the same time.
The book was about a wedding dress and the journey it went on. It was split into 3 separate stories, 3 very different stories, about 3 brides who each wore the dress.
I loved each brides story and even though they were technically novellas I also loved the way they together made a whole novel.
This was a very sweet and charming book and made for a very addictive read.
May 3, 2022
Three women with three different love stories somehow linked with one wedding dress.
Suzanne is engaged to the man of her dreams, but the build-up to her wedding is making her having doubts on who he really is. Bella is attending her best friend's hen party when disaster strikes, and an accident changes her life dramatically. Mandy's grandmother has fallen in love again but her family don't approve.
I enjoyed the Suzanne and Bella's love stories and think it's good enough to just stop there. Mandy's story is alright but don't feel it's necessary to make the length. Overall it's an easy and heartfelt read.
Thank you Pansing for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
Suzanne is engaged to the man of her dreams, but the build-up to her wedding is making her having doubts on who he really is. Bella is attending her best friend's hen party when disaster strikes, and an accident changes her life dramatically. Mandy's grandmother has fallen in love again but her family don't approve.
I enjoyed the Suzanne and Bella's love stories and think it's good enough to just stop there. Mandy's story is alright but don't feel it's necessary to make the length. Overall it's an easy and heartfelt read.
Thank you Pansing for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
April 14, 2024
4.5 stars
This author always writes books that make me cry and yes this did exactly that. It’s effectively three short stories connected by one wedding dress and they link so perfectly. My favourite is the second story but that’s for personal reasons. All three are exquisite.
This author always writes books that make me cry and yes this did exactly that. It’s effectively three short stories connected by one wedding dress and they link so perfectly. My favourite is the second story but that’s for personal reasons. All three are exquisite.
August 7, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this, took me a while to settle into it but then couldn’t put it down.
October 23, 2025
Never judge a book by its cover! Such a phenomenal read 🤍
July 13, 2024
This was the longest slog of a book. It has genuinely taken me months to finish this, just could not get into it. It’s fine and cutsie. That’s all.
February 16, 2022
If you’re used, as I am to being an emotional wreck after reading one of Dani’s books, then you can rest assured that your tissues probably won’t be needed for this one. It’s a bit of a departure from her usual style in that not only do we we have three separate stories, they are probably best described as novellas, but they are all centred around one thing. The same wedding dress.
The three women Suzanne, Bella and Mandy have very different circumstances surrounding their story but each part is complete and contains to varying degrees suspense, drama and romance. There is one constant throughout, Gwendoline Flowers, the formidable owner of Fleurs boutique. Despite her rather frightening persona, she proved that she did have a soft heart with those that she thought deserving.
I enjoyed each one with its well drawn characters and emotive plotlines, but if I had to choose a favourite it would be Bella’s. She was such a sympathetic character who with humour and realism, tried to make the best of her situation and with a teasing storyline, I was kept guessing as to how her story would conclude.
Three love stories, all very different but each written with the author’s trademark warmth and humour. I very much enjoyed this collection.
The three women Suzanne, Bella and Mandy have very different circumstances surrounding their story but each part is complete and contains to varying degrees suspense, drama and romance. There is one constant throughout, Gwendoline Flowers, the formidable owner of Fleurs boutique. Despite her rather frightening persona, she proved that she did have a soft heart with those that she thought deserving.
I enjoyed each one with its well drawn characters and emotive plotlines, but if I had to choose a favourite it would be Bella’s. She was such a sympathetic character who with humour and realism, tried to make the best of her situation and with a teasing storyline, I was kept guessing as to how her story would conclude.
Three love stories, all very different but each written with the author’s trademark warmth and humour. I very much enjoyed this collection.
July 16, 2021
I've only read the first two of the three stories so far, but based on that my views are very positive.
As we hear more and more of Suzanne's story (#1) the reader just knows that something isn't right. So whilst the actual "secret" comes as no surprise, there is much entertainment to be found in how the author leads us to that point and how the reveal pans out is both unexpected and rather satisfying.
My only issue was why the person who revealed the secret didn't just speak face-to-face with Suzanne a little sooner. I did have to suspend my disbelief more than a little with the manner they originally chose to act. However without that delay we wouldn't have had a story.
Bella's story was spell-binding and even had me shedding the odd tear. There is almost a love triangle in this one, though definitely no cheating, in fact Bella is unaware of the true feelings of both men. I loved how the author spun the ending to this one, right until the last moment I wasn't sure who it would be, though of course it was the man who had always shown his love towards Bella. The man who had quietly shown his loyalty and devotion.
I would love this to be made into a full length book, though it would be difficult to maintain the suspense and secret of who won Bella's heart. However after the Wedding scene I would love the story to have gone back in time so we could see how and why things played out the way they did. The book deserves five stars for this short story/novella alone!
As we hear more and more of Suzanne's story (#1) the reader just knows that something isn't right. So whilst the actual "secret" comes as no surprise, there is much entertainment to be found in how the author leads us to that point and how the reveal pans out is both unexpected and rather satisfying.
My only issue was why the person who revealed the secret didn't just speak face-to-face with Suzanne a little sooner. I did have to suspend my disbelief more than a little with the manner they originally chose to act. However without that delay we wouldn't have had a story.
Bella's story was spell-binding and even had me shedding the odd tear. There is almost a love triangle in this one, though definitely no cheating, in fact Bella is unaware of the true feelings of both men. I loved how the author spun the ending to this one, right until the last moment I wasn't sure who it would be, though of course it was the man who had always shown his love towards Bella. The man who had quietly shown his loyalty and devotion.
I would love this to be made into a full length book, though it would be difficult to maintain the suspense and secret of who won Bella's heart. However after the Wedding scene I would love the story to have gone back in time so we could see how and why things played out the way they did. The book deserves five stars for this short story/novella alone!
February 6, 2022
The Wedding Dress is a story of three parts with the wedding dress being the linking theme throughout the three stories. We meet the ladies in different scenarios and get know them and their relationships in the course of the story.
I found Bella's story the one that held my attention from the get go as it was so dramatic. Although as a roller coaster lover I'm not sure that I enjoyed the actual horror of the story but I loved the friendship she formed with Will during his horrifying time. This one was my favourite love story, out of the 3 although all 3 had a Jose do great host characters
I found Bella's story the one that held my attention from the get go as it was so dramatic. Although as a roller coaster lover I'm not sure that I enjoyed the actual horror of the story but I loved the friendship she formed with Will during his horrifying time. This one was my favourite love story, out of the 3 although all 3 had a Jose do great host characters
July 19, 2021
Very easy reading as there are three stories, linked by the same wedding dress.
Suzanne, Bella and Mandy are the three main characters in each story.
Suzanne is the first bride and probably rushing a bit into getting married to someone that she definitely has a few doubts about, even if she's trying to ignore them. Until of course the 'crazy ex-girlfriend' supposedly starts leaving notes about how she shouldn't be marrying him. Is there more than just jealousy to the notes? I did think Suzanne was far too trusting of him, when he was obviously hiding things, but she figured it out in the end.
Bella's story was linked in through the accident on the roller coaster that we hear about in the news during the first story. Bella is out on a friend's hen-do and tragedy strikes on the roller-coaster, changing Bella's life forever, but also bringing a new person into it that brings her eventual happiness.
Mandy is the granddaughter of the last bride, a quite different story, but so lovely! Her grandmother is getting married again, but her son doesn't approve, so Mandy helps her organise it, and again the wedding dress, bought this time from a charity shop, features.
Very cleverly linked stories and each story was very enjoyable.
Suzanne, Bella and Mandy are the three main characters in each story.
Suzanne is the first bride and probably rushing a bit into getting married to someone that she definitely has a few doubts about, even if she's trying to ignore them. Until of course the 'crazy ex-girlfriend' supposedly starts leaving notes about how she shouldn't be marrying him. Is there more than just jealousy to the notes? I did think Suzanne was far too trusting of him, when he was obviously hiding things, but she figured it out in the end.
Bella's story was linked in through the accident on the roller coaster that we hear about in the news during the first story. Bella is out on a friend's hen-do and tragedy strikes on the roller-coaster, changing Bella's life forever, but also bringing a new person into it that brings her eventual happiness.
Mandy is the granddaughter of the last bride, a quite different story, but so lovely! Her grandmother is getting married again, but her son doesn't approve, so Mandy helps her organise it, and again the wedding dress, bought this time from a charity shop, features.
Very cleverly linked stories and each story was very enjoyable.
July 13, 2021
I usually love a book by Dani Atkins, but not this one. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but it didn't hold me captivated like her other work has. I didn't realise this is essentially a book of three different stories. There is a tenuous link - that of the wedding dress - but it's really three separate stories. Just as you get into one, it ends, and you start all over again. The middle story was the strongest. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
'The Wedding Dress' by Dani Atkins was really a series of three shorter stories with the wedding dress in common, owned first by Suzanne, then Bella and finally by Mandy's gran, Amanda. It's interesting how the three part division, labelled clearly as part one, part two and part three, interferes somewhat with my ability to rate it out of five stars. For me, there was clearly one story that stood out far in front of the others, and another that I really didn't enjoy nearly so much. Therefore I will offer my thoughts on each individual tale.
Part One - Suzanne. I must admit to being rather irritated by Suzanne's story, and her wedding to the apparently 'perfect' groom, Darrell - who is very obviously 'not perfect'. To the other characters and readers alike it is clear that something is very 'off' about this wedding: even Suzanne isn't oblivious to the discrepancies in her engagement to Darrell, that are virtually yelling out to be noticed! It was somewhat of a relief to me when Darrell was finally called out at the end of part one, fortunately before the wedding to Suzanne. This, for me, was a 3 star story.
Part Two - Bella. In contrast, the opening passages of Bella's story gripped me from the first few lines. The Hen party, the visit to the theme park, the rollercoaster ride and the ensuing crash were all related with a keen eye for detail, to the point that I almost felt like I was there! The unexpected romance that develops between Will and Bella as a result of the carnage is beautiful...and of course there's the dress. This, for me, was a 5 star story.
Part Three - Mandy. The third and final story is a sweet and sentimental tale of second chances and finally finding love in old age...with a twist. Mandy's adores her gran, Amanda, after who she is named and visits her often at the nursing home where she now resides. What Mandy wasn't expecting, was for her gran to share a secret with her; a secret that could tear her family apart, but which must ultimately come out if her gran is at last to find the true love and happiness she deserves! This was just about a 4 star story for me.
The concept around which the book revolves, of the wedding dress being passed on from bride to bride, is an interesting one and makes for a good read. As a complete package, I rate 'The Wedding Dress' a 3 and a half stars.
Part One - Suzanne. I must admit to being rather irritated by Suzanne's story, and her wedding to the apparently 'perfect' groom, Darrell - who is very obviously 'not perfect'. To the other characters and readers alike it is clear that something is very 'off' about this wedding: even Suzanne isn't oblivious to the discrepancies in her engagement to Darrell, that are virtually yelling out to be noticed! It was somewhat of a relief to me when Darrell was finally called out at the end of part one, fortunately before the wedding to Suzanne. This, for me, was a 3 star story.
Part Two - Bella. In contrast, the opening passages of Bella's story gripped me from the first few lines. The Hen party, the visit to the theme park, the rollercoaster ride and the ensuing crash were all related with a keen eye for detail, to the point that I almost felt like I was there! The unexpected romance that develops between Will and Bella as a result of the carnage is beautiful...and of course there's the dress. This, for me, was a 5 star story.
Part Three - Mandy. The third and final story is a sweet and sentimental tale of second chances and finally finding love in old age...with a twist. Mandy's adores her gran, Amanda, after who she is named and visits her often at the nursing home where she now resides. What Mandy wasn't expecting, was for her gran to share a secret with her; a secret that could tear her family apart, but which must ultimately come out if her gran is at last to find the true love and happiness she deserves! This was just about a 4 star story for me.
The concept around which the book revolves, of the wedding dress being passed on from bride to bride, is an interesting one and makes for a good read. As a complete package, I rate 'The Wedding Dress' a 3 and a half stars.
April 24, 2022
An emotional, intelligent and enjoyable romantic read, readers will love Dani Atkins’ latest novel, The Wedding Dress.
Suzanne is engaged to her Prince Charming and is busy planning their nuptials. Unfortunately though, Suzanne soon realises that the path to true love is anything but smooth. As she lurches from one crisis to another, Suzanne’s dream wedding becomes a nightmare of epic proportions. Will Suzanne get her happy ending? Can she uncover the truth about her fiancé in time? Or is she about to make the biggest mistake of her life?
Bella thought that she had life figured out. She thought she had everything she had always wanted – until her hen party makes her realise that her entire future was going to be built on a lie. With everything having been turned on its head, will Bella have the courage to let go of the past and build a new life for herself where she is the one calling the shots? Is happiness ever going to be possible for Bella? Or is romance simply not on the cards for her?
Mandy’s grandmother has fallen in love, but rather than being happy about this wonderful turn of events, her family are absolutely aghast – except for her granddaughter who is determined that her gran will have a wedding she will never forget. As she begins to plan this wedding in secret, Mandy is adamant that she will pull out all the stops for her grandmother – starting with finding a fabulous wedding dress.
Suzanne, Bella and Mandy’s lives are all about to be changed – thanks to a beautiful garment that will make them see that the possibilities for happiness are endless…
Dani Atkins’ The Wedding Dress is lighter in tone than many of her previous novels, but it’s certainly not missing any of the magic, intensity and heart that have become this talented writer’s hallmarks. A wonderful tale about hope, second chances and life’s unexpected blessings, The Wedding Dress is full of terrific characters readers cannot help but warm to and cheer for.
A delightful read that will brighten up every reader’s day, Dani Atkins’ The Wedding is charming treat not to be missed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Suzanne is engaged to her Prince Charming and is busy planning their nuptials. Unfortunately though, Suzanne soon realises that the path to true love is anything but smooth. As she lurches from one crisis to another, Suzanne’s dream wedding becomes a nightmare of epic proportions. Will Suzanne get her happy ending? Can she uncover the truth about her fiancé in time? Or is she about to make the biggest mistake of her life?
Bella thought that she had life figured out. She thought she had everything she had always wanted – until her hen party makes her realise that her entire future was going to be built on a lie. With everything having been turned on its head, will Bella have the courage to let go of the past and build a new life for herself where she is the one calling the shots? Is happiness ever going to be possible for Bella? Or is romance simply not on the cards for her?
Mandy’s grandmother has fallen in love, but rather than being happy about this wonderful turn of events, her family are absolutely aghast – except for her granddaughter who is determined that her gran will have a wedding she will never forget. As she begins to plan this wedding in secret, Mandy is adamant that she will pull out all the stops for her grandmother – starting with finding a fabulous wedding dress.
Suzanne, Bella and Mandy’s lives are all about to be changed – thanks to a beautiful garment that will make them see that the possibilities for happiness are endless…
Dani Atkins’ The Wedding Dress is lighter in tone than many of her previous novels, but it’s certainly not missing any of the magic, intensity and heart that have become this talented writer’s hallmarks. A wonderful tale about hope, second chances and life’s unexpected blessings, The Wedding Dress is full of terrific characters readers cannot help but warm to and cheer for.
A delightful read that will brighten up every reader’s day, Dani Atkins’ The Wedding is charming treat not to be missed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 6, 2021
Suzanne is engaged to be married to the man of her dreams – except the lead up to her wedding is beginning to feel more like a nightmare. Can Suzanne uncover the truth about her fiancé ahead of her big day? Bella’s life was on track until the day of the hen party when everything changed. Now she must find the strength to rebuild her future – and decide who she wants to spend it with. Mandy’s grandmother has fallen in love but her family don’t approve. For her grandmother’s dreams to come true, Mandy has a secret wedding to plan, and a very special dress to find. These are the three strangers whose stories are about to be woven together by one perfect wedding dress.
Without spoiling it for anyone this is different to Atkins usual style and I have to say it is lacking emotional oomph. This is still a beautiful heart-warming read but it was definitely missing her usual dramatic style.
Atkins tells this story in three parts, each part focusing on one character and their story. I loved one above all the others and that was the middle part, Bella’s story. Bella’s story is gorgeous and could easily have been a whole book on its own. The other two parts are enjoyable but are just nice to read, I did not connect with them massively and did not find them as interesting. Atkins does bring all the threads together well and overall the book is an enjoyable read and easy to get lost in.
Of course, a book like this relies on its characters and the connection the reader develops towards them. I think it is clear from above that Bella is again, my favourite character. Bella is so realistic and has an incredible story to tell, I could not help but connect to her. The other two central characters, Suzanne and Mandy are likeable and have a nice story but I just lacked a connection to them. My head was completely immersed in Bella and her world.
‘The Wedding Dress’ is a beautiful book about a stunning dress, it is just lacking a bit of oomph. Overall I did enjoy this very readable book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an advance copy.
Without spoiling it for anyone this is different to Atkins usual style and I have to say it is lacking emotional oomph. This is still a beautiful heart-warming read but it was definitely missing her usual dramatic style.
Atkins tells this story in three parts, each part focusing on one character and their story. I loved one above all the others and that was the middle part, Bella’s story. Bella’s story is gorgeous and could easily have been a whole book on its own. The other two parts are enjoyable but are just nice to read, I did not connect with them massively and did not find them as interesting. Atkins does bring all the threads together well and overall the book is an enjoyable read and easy to get lost in.
Of course, a book like this relies on its characters and the connection the reader develops towards them. I think it is clear from above that Bella is again, my favourite character. Bella is so realistic and has an incredible story to tell, I could not help but connect to her. The other two central characters, Suzanne and Mandy are likeable and have a nice story but I just lacked a connection to them. My head was completely immersed in Bella and her world.
‘The Wedding Dress’ is a beautiful book about a stunning dress, it is just lacking a bit of oomph. Overall I did enjoy this very readable book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an advance copy.
August 1, 2021
What a beautifully told story this is which absolutely shows yet again what a creative and emotive author Dani Atkins is.
The wedding dress is the story of one perfect dress, originally from an upmarket boutique which is told by the families of three brides who get to wear it, all with their own stories to tell. Firstly we meet Suzanne who is about to marry the man of her dreams. We soon find out that he is not what he seems to be and sadly the wedding dress is not needed. Next we meet bridesmaid Bella, who is celebrating her best friends hen party at a theme park when an accident on a roller coaster changes her life. She may not get to wear her bridesmaids dress but the wedding dress will be used unexpectedly and to a tearful audience. Lastly we meet Mandy, granddaughter of our final bride Amanda, who has found someone special again late in life and the dress brings the family together despite initial reactions.
The characters in all three stories are loosely bound together as they meet in opportune fashion, just as it seems that they or the dress is needed. The stories and characters are brought to life and I was laughing, cheering and crying through all, hoping for the happy ending that they all richly deserved.
The book focuses on heartbreak, love, deception, life changing injury and even same sex relationships. All are dealt with very carefully and with great passion and understanding. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and will be very pleased to add it to my collection of books by this amazing author as one of the best she has written.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The wedding dress is the story of one perfect dress, originally from an upmarket boutique which is told by the families of three brides who get to wear it, all with their own stories to tell. Firstly we meet Suzanne who is about to marry the man of her dreams. We soon find out that he is not what he seems to be and sadly the wedding dress is not needed. Next we meet bridesmaid Bella, who is celebrating her best friends hen party at a theme park when an accident on a roller coaster changes her life. She may not get to wear her bridesmaids dress but the wedding dress will be used unexpectedly and to a tearful audience. Lastly we meet Mandy, granddaughter of our final bride Amanda, who has found someone special again late in life and the dress brings the family together despite initial reactions.
The characters in all three stories are loosely bound together as they meet in opportune fashion, just as it seems that they or the dress is needed. The stories and characters are brought to life and I was laughing, cheering and crying through all, hoping for the happy ending that they all richly deserved.
The book focuses on heartbreak, love, deception, life changing injury and even same sex relationships. All are dealt with very carefully and with great passion and understanding. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and will be very pleased to add it to my collection of books by this amazing author as one of the best she has written.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2021
The Wedding Dress by Dani Atkins is the story of a beautiful wedding dress, that has an extraordinary life for 3 different brides whose lives have changed in the most unusual ways.
We start with our journey with Suzanne, who finds the dress that makes her feel wonderful at Fleurs Wedding Gowns, and she is planning her wedding to the man she loves, but with an anti-men mother and a father who is coming in from another country for the wedding, and who are bother going to meet her fiancé. But then things start going wrong, and she needs to get to the bottom of it, even if it causes her pain.
Then there is Bella, whose life was sort of going how she wants it, even if she has the biggest commitment-phobe boyfriend in the world! But that didn't matter as today wasn't about her, but about her best friend and bride Sasha. But then a horrific accident happens and Bella's life completely changes. But when life seems to go on without her and her own loved ones are struggling, Bella is grateful for new friends.
Lastly, there is Maddie, who after a very frank conversation with her grandmother, is determined to give her grandmother the wedding of her dreams! Even if she is doing it without her father's approval.
This book was amazing, well written, and with modern and thought-provoking storylines, and with characters that you will never forget and it flowed perfectly from one story to the next.
We start with our journey with Suzanne, who finds the dress that makes her feel wonderful at Fleurs Wedding Gowns, and she is planning her wedding to the man she loves, but with an anti-men mother and a father who is coming in from another country for the wedding, and who are bother going to meet her fiancé. But then things start going wrong, and she needs to get to the bottom of it, even if it causes her pain.
Then there is Bella, whose life was sort of going how she wants it, even if she has the biggest commitment-phobe boyfriend in the world! But that didn't matter as today wasn't about her, but about her best friend and bride Sasha. But then a horrific accident happens and Bella's life completely changes. But when life seems to go on without her and her own loved ones are struggling, Bella is grateful for new friends.
Lastly, there is Maddie, who after a very frank conversation with her grandmother, is determined to give her grandmother the wedding of her dreams! Even if she is doing it without her father's approval.
This book was amazing, well written, and with modern and thought-provoking storylines, and with characters that you will never forget and it flowed perfectly from one story to the next.
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