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The Memory Dress
A missing husband and a dress once owned by Princess Diana set two very different women on paths of discovery that will change both their lives forever in this dazzling new novel from the author of The Last Dress from Paris.
England, 2018: Jayne is quiet. She keeps to herself and has no grand expectations for her days. But after a chance encounter with her elderly neighbor, Meredith, Jayne is forced to reevaluate her determination to keep the world at a distance. Meredith's dust-covered home is chaotic and neglected. And slowly, Jayne starts to grasp that Meredith herself is quite lost. She can't seem to remember what she last ate, when she last went out or saw her daughter, or even Jayne's name, despite what are becoming frequent visits.
But most alarmingly, Meredith can't remember where her husband is.
Unable to sit by and watch Meredith hurting, Jayne promises she'll find William. But how can she when the biggest clue Jayne has is a mystery a stunning couture gown with a note declaring it a personal gift to Meredith...from Princess Diana.
England, 1988: Meredith is always calm. You have to be when working for one of the most iconic women in the world. Just as the stitches she uses to create Princess Diana’s wardrobe are steady and stable, so is Meredith. Until she finds herself feeling off-kilter and untethered by an unexpected connection with someone in the workshop. As Meredith finds herself swept up in life and love for the first time, everything she’s ever dreamed about seems in reach…if only she can be brave enough to take it.
England, 2018: Jayne is quiet. She keeps to herself and has no grand expectations for her days. But after a chance encounter with her elderly neighbor, Meredith, Jayne is forced to reevaluate her determination to keep the world at a distance. Meredith's dust-covered home is chaotic and neglected. And slowly, Jayne starts to grasp that Meredith herself is quite lost. She can't seem to remember what she last ate, when she last went out or saw her daughter, or even Jayne's name, despite what are becoming frequent visits.
But most alarmingly, Meredith can't remember where her husband is.
Unable to sit by and watch Meredith hurting, Jayne promises she'll find William. But how can she when the biggest clue Jayne has is a mystery a stunning couture gown with a note declaring it a personal gift to Meredith...from Princess Diana.
England, 1988: Meredith is always calm. You have to be when working for one of the most iconic women in the world. Just as the stitches she uses to create Princess Diana’s wardrobe are steady and stable, so is Meredith. Until she finds herself feeling off-kilter and untethered by an unexpected connection with someone in the workshop. As Meredith finds herself swept up in life and love for the first time, everything she’s ever dreamed about seems in reach…if only she can be brave enough to take it.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2024
258 people are currently reading
12254 people want to read
About the author
Jade Beer
4 books179 followersHello, The Palace Dressmaker (or The Memory Dress as it is known in the USA) may be my most glamorous novel yet. Its opening scene takes place at Christie’s auction house in New York in 1997 during the sale of Princess Diana’s dresses. Eighty dresses were listed to sell that evening but only 79 did. One of them is missing and it is what happened to this missing dress that is the central mystery of my novel and the love story that unfolds over thirty years across its pages. I hope you will enjoy the tour through some of the most famous dresses in Diana’s wardrobe. I certainly enjoyed retracing where some of these incredible gowns were worn in order to write this story.
As for me, after decades working in glossy magazines in London, I now live in the beautiful English town of Cheltenham with my two daughters and my husband. It’s where we used to spend romantic weekends plotting our future together, long before the girls came along, and is now where I write my books.
Women have always fascinated me. I think it comes from seeing first-hand how truly brilliant we can be and how wonderfully flawed. I've been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented women throughout my career as a journalist and editor - ones who juggle the most all-encompassing careers with family and friendships and everything else that life throws at them. It’s why women of all ages and the friendships they form always feature largely in my books.
The need to present one version of yourself to the world, while keeping the grittier, less polished reality under wraps, is a thread that runs strongly through my novels too. In my former job as the editor of Conde Nast Brides, I shared my working life with editors of some of the glossiest magazines in the world - Vogue, Tatler, Glamour - and I had the enormous privilege of travelling the world and sitting front row at beautiful fashion shows and working with the world's leading florists, cake makers and stylists. But I also took a daily peek into the lives of young women who were experiencing one of the most intense times of their lives - planning their wedding days. This, above everything else, was the fascinating bit. Hearing their thoughts, fears, worries and ambitions for the future. This really powerful cocktail of glamour and reality is there, I hope, on the pages of all my books.
Take a peek inside my life on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jadebeerbri... or at https://jadebeer.com/
As for me, after decades working in glossy magazines in London, I now live in the beautiful English town of Cheltenham with my two daughters and my husband. It’s where we used to spend romantic weekends plotting our future together, long before the girls came along, and is now where I write my books.
Women have always fascinated me. I think it comes from seeing first-hand how truly brilliant we can be and how wonderfully flawed. I've been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented women throughout my career as a journalist and editor - ones who juggle the most all-encompassing careers with family and friendships and everything else that life throws at them. It’s why women of all ages and the friendships they form always feature largely in my books.
The need to present one version of yourself to the world, while keeping the grittier, less polished reality under wraps, is a thread that runs strongly through my novels too. In my former job as the editor of Conde Nast Brides, I shared my working life with editors of some of the glossiest magazines in the world - Vogue, Tatler, Glamour - and I had the enormous privilege of travelling the world and sitting front row at beautiful fashion shows and working with the world's leading florists, cake makers and stylists. But I also took a daily peek into the lives of young women who were experiencing one of the most intense times of their lives - planning their wedding days. This, above everything else, was the fascinating bit. Hearing their thoughts, fears, worries and ambitions for the future. This really powerful cocktail of glamour and reality is there, I hope, on the pages of all my books.
Take a peek inside my life on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jadebeerbri... or at https://jadebeer.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
October 20, 2024
I have a lot of feelings about this book. It seems like it took me forever to get through this one as it crosses a few decades and sets up the plot through multiple characters. The crossover is in today's world, but the story starts in 1988.
There are a lot of aspects to this story that may seem innocuous but end up being an important key down the road. This story is a blend of quiet neighbors getting to know each other, a touch of romance, and the hunt for missing people from an older neighbor who is worried about her missing her husband, but has little to no memory remaining while living on her own.
The plot in the concept of the story is really interesting and amazing. The way it is written takes a lot of brain power and deals with the reality of dementia. There are so many positive points, but in some areas, this is a heavy story.
Who is helping our older generation? How hard is it to help and become a part of their lives? What will you gain or lose in your own life?
As we traverse England for clues to Meredith's past, tidbits of information trickle in. Friendships develop, romance blossoms, and lives are changed forever. Deep dedication and hard truths are on display and the author's imagination is steeped in the history of a Princess.
The Memory Dress is a story interwoven with threads that come together to create some beautiful memories and some best left unsaid. A warm, endearing story that will make a wonderful memory for you.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-memory-d...
There are a lot of aspects to this story that may seem innocuous but end up being an important key down the road. This story is a blend of quiet neighbors getting to know each other, a touch of romance, and the hunt for missing people from an older neighbor who is worried about her missing her husband, but has little to no memory remaining while living on her own.
The plot in the concept of the story is really interesting and amazing. The way it is written takes a lot of brain power and deals with the reality of dementia. There are so many positive points, but in some areas, this is a heavy story.
Who is helping our older generation? How hard is it to help and become a part of their lives? What will you gain or lose in your own life?
As we traverse England for clues to Meredith's past, tidbits of information trickle in. Friendships develop, romance blossoms, and lives are changed forever. Deep dedication and hard truths are on display and the author's imagination is steeped in the history of a Princess.
The Memory Dress is a story interwoven with threads that come together to create some beautiful memories and some best left unsaid. A warm, endearing story that will make a wonderful memory for you.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-memory-d...
November 5, 2024
A 2024 FAVORITE!!
We meet Madeline both past and present.
In the past, we meet Madeline as she starts work at her dream job of being a dressmaker. William, who also works there, figures out that she is very talented.
Present day, we see Madeline living in an apartment where no one pays attention to any of the residents, but one day Jayne notices Madeline’s apartment is in horrible condition. There is no food. It’s dirty. It’s messy. It smells.
She has to help this sweet woman who apparently has dementia and keeps repeating that she is looking for her husband William and waiting for him to come home.
A surprising thing is that Jayne found a room in Madeline’s apartment called the memory room where there are dresses with a note pinned on each dress explaining some event in Madeline’s life. The most amazing dress is one that belonged to Princess Diana and one that Madeline designed and made.
Jayne must find out what all this means and how she and her neighbors can help Madeline with her memory. She has no family that the neighbors know of to help.
THE MEMORY DRESS is a sweet, but heartbreaking read with a look at how dementia robs a person of their life and one that you will not want to put down as you follow Madeline and Jayne and as Jayne unravels the life of Madeline.
Each one of the characters is so lovely and ones you would hope to encounter in your life.
Historical fiction fans, fans of Princess Diana, and fans of fashion as well as those who enjoy some twists and turns in a character’s life will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed another book by Ms. Beer, THE LAST DRESS FROM PARIS. Be sure THE MEMORY DRESS is in your want to read list along with some tissues. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
We meet Madeline both past and present.
In the past, we meet Madeline as she starts work at her dream job of being a dressmaker. William, who also works there, figures out that she is very talented.
Present day, we see Madeline living in an apartment where no one pays attention to any of the residents, but one day Jayne notices Madeline’s apartment is in horrible condition. There is no food. It’s dirty. It’s messy. It smells.
She has to help this sweet woman who apparently has dementia and keeps repeating that she is looking for her husband William and waiting for him to come home.
A surprising thing is that Jayne found a room in Madeline’s apartment called the memory room where there are dresses with a note pinned on each dress explaining some event in Madeline’s life. The most amazing dress is one that belonged to Princess Diana and one that Madeline designed and made.
Jayne must find out what all this means and how she and her neighbors can help Madeline with her memory. She has no family that the neighbors know of to help.
THE MEMORY DRESS is a sweet, but heartbreaking read with a look at how dementia robs a person of their life and one that you will not want to put down as you follow Madeline and Jayne and as Jayne unravels the life of Madeline.
Each one of the characters is so lovely and ones you would hope to encounter in your life.
Historical fiction fans, fans of Princess Diana, and fans of fashion as well as those who enjoy some twists and turns in a character’s life will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed another book by Ms. Beer, THE LAST DRESS FROM PARIS. Be sure THE MEMORY DRESS is in your want to read list along with some tissues. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2024
4.5⭐️ Jayne discovers her elderly neighbor Meredith is struggling with dementia and confused about where her husband has gone. As Jayne sets out to find him, she also begins to unravel the mystery of the Princess Diana dress and what happened in Meredith’s life and career all those years before.
I was craving a historical fiction novel, as I often do this time of year, and this was all I hoped for and more. Beyond the obvious historical elements, this book includes a beautiful love story, quite a bit of mystery, and found family at its best.
I loved the dual timeline format here, and how the author slowly, bit by bit, peels back the layers of Meredith’s story. As Jayne learns more, so do we. And simultaneously, we see the forging of a beautiful friendship, from the moment Jayne discovers Meredith is suffering from dementia, through her numerous visits and interactions with Meredith, and her determination to find Meredith’s husband William.
🎧 It is still unclear as to which element I loved most, but needless to say, this is a book that will appeal even to those who don’t typically love historical fiction. And the audiobook, narrated by a full cast, was fantastic. Because each character had their own narrator, it was both easy to follow and easy to become completely immersed in each of their stories.
Read if you like:
▪️dual timelines
▪️found family
▪️the world of fashion
▪️mystery subplots
▪️love stories
▪️Princess Diana
Thank you Berkley Pub and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
I was craving a historical fiction novel, as I often do this time of year, and this was all I hoped for and more. Beyond the obvious historical elements, this book includes a beautiful love story, quite a bit of mystery, and found family at its best.
I loved the dual timeline format here, and how the author slowly, bit by bit, peels back the layers of Meredith’s story. As Jayne learns more, so do we. And simultaneously, we see the forging of a beautiful friendship, from the moment Jayne discovers Meredith is suffering from dementia, through her numerous visits and interactions with Meredith, and her determination to find Meredith’s husband William.
🎧 It is still unclear as to which element I loved most, but needless to say, this is a book that will appeal even to those who don’t typically love historical fiction. And the audiobook, narrated by a full cast, was fantastic. Because each character had their own narrator, it was both easy to follow and easy to become completely immersed in each of their stories.
Read if you like:
▪️dual timelines
▪️found family
▪️the world of fashion
▪️mystery subplots
▪️love stories
▪️Princess Diana
Thank you Berkley Pub and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
July 31, 2024
This was such a lovely and heartfelt read. This story revolves around an elderly woman, Meredith, who lives in a building where none of the others living in the building seem to have much, if any, interaction with her. When Jayne crosses path with her one day, she senses that this woman could use some help - not that Meredith sees anything wrong with the way she lives, and soon Jayne is asking the others in the building about her, and if they would be willing to help this woman organize her things. Jayne takes a lot of it on, herself, and soon she is learning more about Meredith, things she never expected, including Meredith’s missing husband. She’s looked for him everywhere, and can’t seem to find him.
This is also about Meredith’s past, when she was younger and was a seamstress and the dresses she created, including at least one for Princess Diana.
There are twists and turns throughout this, while moments of the past creep in there, as well, along with concern about Meredith’s missing husband. Journeys that Jayne takes with her in order to get to the heart of the mysterious disappearance of Jayne’s husband.
Pub Date: 05 Nov 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Berkley Publishing Group / Berkley
December 1, 2024
Interesting concept, but there were things I could not overlook. The dialogue was stilted, the relationships lacked depth, and the central love story felt undeveloped. I didn't connect with any character and while it was almost poignant, it didn't quite make it.
November 6, 2024
The Memory Dress is a compelling story of fashion design, community activism, friendship, found family, and dementia.
Jayne works part-time at a floral shop and is a dog walker. She is a private person and keeps to herself. During one of her dog-walking duties, she meets Madeline, an older woman who lives below her in the apartment community. It’s quickly apparent to Jayne that all is not OK with Madeline. she appears confused and her apartment is dusty, messy, and neglected. Jayne begins to worry about whether Madeline is eating enough and about the whereabouts of her often-mentioned husband, William. As Jayne becomes more concerned, she reaches out to her neighbors for advice and help. As the neighbors develop a plan, we are immersed into a past timeline that reveals Madeline’s past and explains the gorgeous blue gown that Madeline has thrown over a chair in the bedroom.
In The Memory Dress, we have two timelines that explain Madeline’s past (1988) as the neighbors develop an intervention plan in the present. These timelines come together dramatically in the end. Both timelines are interesting and compelling. Some readers categorize this as historical fiction; however, forty years ago is debatable. It might barely qualify as hisfic.
I enjoy a multi-layered story which leads to the consideration of many different themes:
* Neighbors helping neighbors
* Taking the initiative even if it’s out of your comfort zone
* Compassion for strangers
* Work-life balance
* Demanding careers
* Forgiveness/Reconciliation
* Dementia/Alzheimer’s
* Long-term care for the elderly
* Friendship
* Found family
* Character growth (present day)
At first glance, you might think this book is a romance or about fashion. Surprisingly, dementia is the focus of the story in the present-day timeline. The title, the blub on the cover, and the cover photo didn’t prepare me for this heavy and important topic. Many older people suffer from some form of dementia and often they do not have adequate support. In The Memory Dress, a small community rallies around Madeline to ensure her safety and organize a support system.
Fans of fashion, dress design, and Princess Diana will enjoy these aspects of the story. Understanding the demands, skills, dedication, and rigor involved is informative and interesting.
Content Consideration: Dementia/Alzheimer’s, parent/child estrangement
Fans of well-written, engaging, and multi-layered women’s fiction with thoughtful themes might enjoy The Memory Dress.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary e ARC of #TheMemoryDress upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
Jayne works part-time at a floral shop and is a dog walker. She is a private person and keeps to herself. During one of her dog-walking duties, she meets Madeline, an older woman who lives below her in the apartment community. It’s quickly apparent to Jayne that all is not OK with Madeline. she appears confused and her apartment is dusty, messy, and neglected. Jayne begins to worry about whether Madeline is eating enough and about the whereabouts of her often-mentioned husband, William. As Jayne becomes more concerned, she reaches out to her neighbors for advice and help. As the neighbors develop a plan, we are immersed into a past timeline that reveals Madeline’s past and explains the gorgeous blue gown that Madeline has thrown over a chair in the bedroom.
In The Memory Dress, we have two timelines that explain Madeline’s past (1988) as the neighbors develop an intervention plan in the present. These timelines come together dramatically in the end. Both timelines are interesting and compelling. Some readers categorize this as historical fiction; however, forty years ago is debatable. It might barely qualify as hisfic.
I enjoy a multi-layered story which leads to the consideration of many different themes:
* Neighbors helping neighbors
* Taking the initiative even if it’s out of your comfort zone
* Compassion for strangers
* Work-life balance
* Demanding careers
* Forgiveness/Reconciliation
* Dementia/Alzheimer’s
* Long-term care for the elderly
* Friendship
* Found family
* Character growth (present day)
At first glance, you might think this book is a romance or about fashion. Surprisingly, dementia is the focus of the story in the present-day timeline. The title, the blub on the cover, and the cover photo didn’t prepare me for this heavy and important topic. Many older people suffer from some form of dementia and often they do not have adequate support. In The Memory Dress, a small community rallies around Madeline to ensure her safety and organize a support system.
Fans of fashion, dress design, and Princess Diana will enjoy these aspects of the story. Understanding the demands, skills, dedication, and rigor involved is informative and interesting.
Content Consideration: Dementia/Alzheimer’s, parent/child estrangement
Fans of well-written, engaging, and multi-layered women’s fiction with thoughtful themes might enjoy The Memory Dress.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary e ARC of #TheMemoryDress upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
October 27, 2024
The Memory Dress is such a special book. It's a beautiful story with characters who I will remember forever.
Found families, forgiveness and love. So much love.
I absolutely loved it.
Found families, forgiveness and love. So much love.
I absolutely loved it.
August 3, 2024
Jayne has lived a sheltered life. She meets her neighbor who is losing her memory. Jayne decides to help her neighbor find her husband. With very little to go on, Jayne goes on a quest to get some answers. A great book
December 24, 2024
Thank you @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free book.
👗 Gorgeous cover here depicting the dual timelines that are connected by dresses made for Princess Diana. I picked up this book because I enjoy reading about the fashion industry and celebrity gossip but you won’t find much of that here — this is a more serious book that centers around love, relationships, and mental illness.
In the present timeline Meredith is suffering from dementia and her husband William has gone missing. Neighborly Jayne, a single 20s-something professional dog walker decides to take up Meredith’s plight and corals all the neighbors to pitch in to help locate William. We flash from the late 1980s to present day to unravel the clues while learning more about Meredith, William, and the other tailors/seamstresses who created these beautiful gowns.
This was a heartfelt and genuine novel. The pacing was slower than I usually care for, and I struggled with feeling like certain parts were realistic, although I’ll recommend The Memory Dress if you have interest in a feel good novel with a love story and a sensitive treatment of the tough topic of dementia.
👗 Gorgeous cover here depicting the dual timelines that are connected by dresses made for Princess Diana. I picked up this book because I enjoy reading about the fashion industry and celebrity gossip but you won’t find much of that here — this is a more serious book that centers around love, relationships, and mental illness.
In the present timeline Meredith is suffering from dementia and her husband William has gone missing. Neighborly Jayne, a single 20s-something professional dog walker decides to take up Meredith’s plight and corals all the neighbors to pitch in to help locate William. We flash from the late 1980s to present day to unravel the clues while learning more about Meredith, William, and the other tailors/seamstresses who created these beautiful gowns.
This was a heartfelt and genuine novel. The pacing was slower than I usually care for, and I struggled with feeling like certain parts were realistic, although I’ll recommend The Memory Dress if you have interest in a feel good novel with a love story and a sensitive treatment of the tough topic of dementia.
November 5, 2024
Based loosely on real events, this is a heartbreakingly beautiful story about two women, told over 30 decades and two timelines as their lives intertwine due to one of Princess Diana's missing dresses and an elderly woman with dementia who can't find her husband.
With the help of a group of strangers, Jayne works to discover the mystery of her neighbor Meredith's connection to the dress and what happened to her missing husband. I really enjoyed the two love stories (Meredith's in the 1980s and Jayne's in the present). The mental health (dementia rep) was excellently done and the the heavy emotional family trauma from both women's lives was incredibly moving.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of other historical fiction fashion authors like Natasha Lester and Christine Wells. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
With the help of a group of strangers, Jayne works to discover the mystery of her neighbor Meredith's connection to the dress and what happened to her missing husband. I really enjoyed the two love stories (Meredith's in the 1980s and Jayne's in the present). The mental health (dementia rep) was excellently done and the the heavy emotional family trauma from both women's lives was incredibly moving.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of other historical fiction fashion authors like Natasha Lester and Christine Wells. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
May 17, 2025
In the opening pages of The Memory Dress, there is a chance meeting between an upstairs neighbor with a wayward dog and Meredith, a septuagenarian, who is clearly suffering from advanced dementia—though no one seems to recognize the obvious. The elderly woman has no support to manage her affairs or a caregiver to tend to her daily needs, which begs the question: how did she survive on her own for months on end?
The main focus of the story is her neighbors, including —an introverted but beautiful young woman and a dreamy, gregarious baker— who come together to care for Meredith and search for her relatives.
I suppose the purpose of this novel is to both bring awareness to this debilitating disease and to remember to treat those afflicted with respect and kindness. It takes a community to care for each other and a central theme could be the importance of building strong relationships and friendships.
However, the scenario of a dementia patient living alone for so long felt implausible. Because I had trouble accepting this unrealistic situation, I abandoned the novel.
The main focus of the story is her neighbors, including —an introverted but beautiful young woman and a dreamy, gregarious baker— who come together to care for Meredith and search for her relatives.
I suppose the purpose of this novel is to both bring awareness to this debilitating disease and to remember to treat those afflicted with respect and kindness. It takes a community to care for each other and a central theme could be the importance of building strong relationships and friendships.
However, the scenario of a dementia patient living alone for so long felt implausible. Because I had trouble accepting this unrealistic situation, I abandoned the novel.
December 21, 2024
I found myself rushing through the book just wanting to know what happened to William… Which I actually guessed at the very beginning, so I was disappointed. I was not invested into the characters lives, and didn’t really get emotional about any of the parts that should have been emotional. I had a high hopes, as I absolutely love anything to do with Princess Diana. But this book definitely fell short. 
November 5, 2024
Historical Fiction • Fashion • Dementia
Pub Date • 5 November 2024
Thank you @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free finished copy and ALC!
👗 Gorgeous cover here depicting the dual timelines that are connected by dresses made for Princess Diana. I picked up this book because I enjoy reading about the fashion industry and celebrity gossip but you won’t find much of that here — this is a more serious book that centers around love, relationships, and mental illness.
In the present timeline Meredith is suffering from dementia and her husband William has gone missing. Neighborly Jayne, a single 20s-something professional dog walker decides to take up Meredith’s plight and corals all the neighbors to pitch in to help locate William. We flash from the late 1980s to present day to unravel the clues while learning more about Meredith, William, and the other tailors/seamstresses who created these beautiful gowns.
This was a heartfelt and genuine novel. The pacing was slower than I usually care for, and I struggled with feeling like certain parts were realistic, although I’ll recommend The Memory Dress if you have interest in a feel good novel with a love story and a sensitive treatment of the tough topic of dementia.
Pub Date • 5 November 2024
Thank you @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free finished copy and ALC!
👗 Gorgeous cover here depicting the dual timelines that are connected by dresses made for Princess Diana. I picked up this book because I enjoy reading about the fashion industry and celebrity gossip but you won’t find much of that here — this is a more serious book that centers around love, relationships, and mental illness.
In the present timeline Meredith is suffering from dementia and her husband William has gone missing. Neighborly Jayne, a single 20s-something professional dog walker decides to take up Meredith’s plight and corals all the neighbors to pitch in to help locate William. We flash from the late 1980s to present day to unravel the clues while learning more about Meredith, William, and the other tailors/seamstresses who created these beautiful gowns.
This was a heartfelt and genuine novel. The pacing was slower than I usually care for, and I struggled with feeling like certain parts were realistic, although I’ll recommend The Memory Dress if you have interest in a feel good novel with a love story and a sensitive treatment of the tough topic of dementia.
October 24, 2024
WHAT A BOOK! 😍 All the feels for this beautiful, poignant and heartwarming/heartbreaking book.
When the story began, I knew the synopsis but worried that it would simply be cold and efficient. Luckily for us all, it was anything but. There is love, fashion, royalty, care and growth throughout the story and it’s anything but cold and efficient.
Jayne is confined her small, in the shadows life. But when she meets Meredith, the whole world changes. This is for the better, even though she resists. Her life grows and is enriched in such breathtaking ways, and Meredith’s life is transformed, as well.
The audio version of this book is great, and I loved all the narration. (Except Jake. He wasn’t my fave!)
Advance reader copy provided by Berkley, Penguin Random House Audio and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
When the story began, I knew the synopsis but worried that it would simply be cold and efficient. Luckily for us all, it was anything but. There is love, fashion, royalty, care and growth throughout the story and it’s anything but cold and efficient.
Jayne is confined her small, in the shadows life. But when she meets Meredith, the whole world changes. This is for the better, even though she resists. Her life grows and is enriched in such breathtaking ways, and Meredith’s life is transformed, as well.
The audio version of this book is great, and I loved all the narration. (Except Jake. He wasn’t my fave!)
Advance reader copy provided by Berkley, Penguin Random House Audio and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
June 6, 2024
Thank you Berkley for the ARC via NetGalley
My first read by Jane Beer, it was a lovely story
This was a great story brining somewhat strangers together. I say that because they all lived in the same building but really didn't know each other well.
It was lovely seeing how Meredith helped create dresses with her William for Princess Diana. I was in my early 20's when she passed away.
It was also sad to see how a disease can take away one's most cherished memories. I am happy that Meredith had Jayne and the crew to bring those memories back even though it was quite often.
This book did take you back to the past, as well at the present. Meredith had family and friends close by even though she didn't know. She brought the whole building together as one big family as well.
My first read by Jane Beer, it was a lovely story
This was a great story brining somewhat strangers together. I say that because they all lived in the same building but really didn't know each other well.
It was lovely seeing how Meredith helped create dresses with her William for Princess Diana. I was in my early 20's when she passed away.
It was also sad to see how a disease can take away one's most cherished memories. I am happy that Meredith had Jayne and the crew to bring those memories back even though it was quite often.
This book did take you back to the past, as well at the present. Meredith had family and friends close by even though she didn't know. She brought the whole building together as one big family as well.
May 24, 2024
An intriguing story about Meredith--with a missing husband and a gown given her by Princess Diana--and Jayne, who wants to get to the bottom of Meredith's unraveling life. Unputdownable.
January 17, 2025
3.5 it was an interesting plot with good characters. It just seemed to move a bit slower than I like books to move.
November 5, 2024
The prologue set in 1997 at Christie’s Auction House in New York had me intrigued. Why were there only 79 dresses shown instead of the 80 listed. Where was the missing dress and who was the woman sitting at the back?
In 1998, Meredith begins her new job. It is for designer Catherine Walker, a favourite designer of Diana, Princess of Wales. I remember the Diana years so well and from the vivid descriptions remembered some of the dresses and occasions.
In 2018 and with its Bath setting, part time florist and dog walker Jayne is living in an apartment where she comes across neighbour Meredith Chalis, now in her 60s. Meredith seems very confused. Her own apartment is in rather a desperate state and she constantly refers to her husband William as if he has just popped to the shops. However there is no physical presence of William. Where is he and why is he not with Meredith?
I enjoyed this story so much, it is captivating, heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures. It is told mainly from Jayne’s POV but also from the occasional perspectives of others. There is a smidgen of mystery involved with regard to the absent William. I had my own suspicions but eagerly waited for the layers to slowly reveal more of Meredith’s background. Meredith has her own personal challenges (I loved the concept of the memory room) and I took her to my heart. Her moments of wisdom and clarity between the confusion were authentic and lovely to see. This is not just a story about a dress, it is also about the kindness of strangers and coming to terms with personal tragedies. All the neighbours had their own private difficulties however it was Jayne who led the way here. Her concern for Meredith was genuine and she was instrumental in trying to help Meredith to find not just her memories but also her husband. Kindhearted she was also guarded about her own personal life and I was so hoping that she could find a way to overcome her own heartache.
With its background themes to please fans of royalty and fashion, this is a super story of love and loss, friendship and cherished memories. I very much enjoyed Jade’s writing and after reading this realised I have a previous book by her on my TBR (The Last Dress from Paris) which I am now looking forward to.
In 1998, Meredith begins her new job. It is for designer Catherine Walker, a favourite designer of Diana, Princess of Wales. I remember the Diana years so well and from the vivid descriptions remembered some of the dresses and occasions.
In 2018 and with its Bath setting, part time florist and dog walker Jayne is living in an apartment where she comes across neighbour Meredith Chalis, now in her 60s. Meredith seems very confused. Her own apartment is in rather a desperate state and she constantly refers to her husband William as if he has just popped to the shops. However there is no physical presence of William. Where is he and why is he not with Meredith?
I enjoyed this story so much, it is captivating, heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures. It is told mainly from Jayne’s POV but also from the occasional perspectives of others. There is a smidgen of mystery involved with regard to the absent William. I had my own suspicions but eagerly waited for the layers to slowly reveal more of Meredith’s background. Meredith has her own personal challenges (I loved the concept of the memory room) and I took her to my heart. Her moments of wisdom and clarity between the confusion were authentic and lovely to see. This is not just a story about a dress, it is also about the kindness of strangers and coming to terms with personal tragedies. All the neighbours had their own private difficulties however it was Jayne who led the way here. Her concern for Meredith was genuine and she was instrumental in trying to help Meredith to find not just her memories but also her husband. Kindhearted she was also guarded about her own personal life and I was so hoping that she could find a way to overcome her own heartache.
With its background themes to please fans of royalty and fashion, this is a super story of love and loss, friendship and cherished memories. I very much enjoyed Jade’s writing and after reading this realised I have a previous book by her on my TBR (The Last Dress from Paris) which I am now looking forward to.
October 25, 2024
This reader has never been adept with a needle and thread, but the fascination for those who have this ability has always interested me; I know that’s why I chose this title to preview. The Memory Dress was filled with so much more than Princess Diana’s beautiful gowns and the talented team that created them. It was a story of friendship and mystery and loss. It was neighbors helping each other, and learning to deal with the challenges of caring for anyone suffering from dementia. A devastation that so many of us can understand.
The addition of a memory room in the story and an amazing neighbor named Jayne who used the clues on these walls to help unravel the mystery of Meredith, was definitely a friendship that any of us would be fortunate to have in life.
I’m so happy to have had the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy of The Memory Dress by Jade Beer; thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group!
The addition of a memory room in the story and an amazing neighbor named Jayne who used the clues on these walls to help unravel the mystery of Meredith, was definitely a friendship that any of us would be fortunate to have in life.
I’m so happy to have had the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy of The Memory Dress by Jade Beer; thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group!
November 20, 2024
4.5 Stars
Such an original storyline! The book kept me captivated the whole way through. If you’re a Princess Diana aficionado you’ll definitely enjoy this story.
Such an original storyline! The book kept me captivated the whole way through. If you’re a Princess Diana aficionado you’ll definitely enjoy this story.
January 10, 2025
It was cute but not a book for me.
November 7, 2024
This is the most beautiful, yet sad at times, love story involving alzheimers that I have ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cried a few times, which I rarely have done in my 20+ years of reading.
November 11, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Multifaceted and endearing, the story embraces a missing gown, those who created it, and its history. Interwoven are the lives, hopes, loves, loneliness, and loss, of the residents of a house in Bath, brought together by a dressmaker in need of help. The resolutions are heartwarming and make one wish for similar neighbours for everyone.
September 27, 2024
I absolutely adored this book from the first page. The sense of caring from the neighbours in the house. The love story of Meredith and William. The individual stories of the more minor characters which all feed into their care of Meredith. I wasn't a great Diana fan so that part of the book wasn't a pull for me but the effort put into her dresses, usually only worn once or twice was incredible! The author manages to convey the effect that creating these dresses had on the lives of the amazingly talented people who made them so well. It really was their life work. She also manages to document dementia brilliantly. As someone who went through dementia with both parents I was in tears at the kindness, patience and consideration the neighbours, Jayne especially, showed Meredith. A wonderful book that I recommend everyone to read and enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
November 16, 2024
I really loved The Last Dress From Paris and was excited to see a new book by Jade Beer. This book, for me, wasn't as enjoyable. I skimmed much of the cheery neighbor interaction and some of the weak romance. Jayne held no interest to me. This thread seemed quite the young adult genre. The character of Meredith was well-drawn, and I especially liked her life story; it's connection to the fashion world, and the aspects of her very specific talent, as well as, her husband's; their devotion to each other seemed real. The true to life connection to designer, Catherine Walker, and Princess Diana was fascinating, and I had fun researching the dresses referred to in the text. I'd have really liked more details about her profession and the atelier where she worked in this creative storyline.
December 28, 2024
It’s so obvious that the woman has dementia and it took like 17 chapters to acknowledge it. One of those tiring characters that would say seemingly profound things that the main character would take to heart. When she was looking for her husband and there was no sign of a man living in the house my thought was: he might’ve died? Kept reading to the end cause i expected a twist but my first thought was confirmed. Such a long dragged out story, the whole time i was thinking get this woman professional help, someone with dementia cannot live alone it’s unsafe! For the sake of a plot, it kept on going…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
I had high hopes for The Memory Dress, but it fell flat. While the concept of a dress that reveals memories is intriguing, the execution felt rushed and underdeveloped. The characters lacked depth, making it hard to connect with their journeys, and the plot often felt repetitive. What could have been a magical and emotional story ended up feeling predictable and uninspired. It’s a unique idea, but it needed more polish to truly shine.
November 20, 2024
In her latest novel, The Memory Dress, Jade Beer weaves an intricate tapestry of relationships, memories, and haute couture against the backdrop of Princess Diana's iconic fashion legacy. This dual-timeline narrative skillfully intertwines the stories of two women: Jayne, a present-day dog walker seeking connection, and Meredith, a talented seamstress whose life becomes entwined with royal fashion history in the late 1980s.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story unfolds in parallel timelines, each compelling in its own right. In 2018, we follow Jayne, a deliberately solitary woman who finds herself drawn into the mysterious world of her elderly neighbor, Meredith. The latter's increasingly confused state and missing husband create the central mystery that drives the contemporary narrative. Meanwhile, in 1988, we witness young Meredith's journey working at Catherine Walker's atelier, crafting Princess Diana's memorable gowns while falling deeply in love with her colleague William.
Beer's narrative structure is masterful, though occasionally the transitions between timelines could be smoother. The way she gradually reveals the connection between past and present events keeps readers engaged, even if some plot developments feel slightly predictable to seasoned readers of the genre.
Character Development
Strengths:
- Meredith's character arc is particularly well-crafted, showing her evolution from a confident young seamstress to an elderly woman grappling with dementia
- Jayne's transformation from isolated observer to active participant in life is beautifully rendered
- The supporting cast, especially Davina and her daughters, adds depth and warmth to the narrative
Areas for Improvement:
- William's character, while pivotal to the story, sometimes feels more plot device than fully realized person
- Some secondary characters could benefit from deeper development
- Fiona's late introduction to the story, while dramatic, might have been more impactful with earlier foreshadowing
Themes and Symbolism
Beer expertly explores several profound themes:
- Memory and Identity
- Love and Loss
- Community and Connection
- The Power of Creativity
- Family Bonds and Forgiveness
The titular memory dress serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel, representing both the tangible legacy of Diana's fashion influence and the intangible connections that bind people across time.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Beer's prose is elegant and accessible, though occasionally veering toward the sentimental. Her description of couture techniques and fashion history demonstrates impressive research and adds authenticity to the narrative. The author's background as former editor-in-chief of Condé Nast's Brides magazine shines through in her detailed descriptions of fabrics, construction techniques, and the world of high fashion.
Historical Context and Accuracy
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its meticulous attention to historical detail, particularly regarding:
- Princess Diana's fashion choices
- The workings of a haute couture atelier
- Late 1980s London fashion scene
- The 1997 Christie's auction of Diana's dresses
- Social Commentary and Contemporary Relevance
The novel tackles several timely issues:
- The challenges of caring for aging parents
- Living with dementia
- The importance of community support
- The balance between career and personal life
- The impact of loss on family dynamics
Critical Analysis
Notable Achievements
Beer successfully creates a moving exploration of memory, love, and connection. The parallel storylines complement each other well, and the mystery elements keep readers engaged. The author's handling of dementia is particularly sensitive and well-researched.
Areas for Development
The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections, and some plot resolutions feel slightly too neat. The connection between Jayne's personal trauma and Meredith's situation, while thematically relevant, could be more subtly developed.
Conclusion
The Memory Dress is a touching and well-crafted novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate detailed historical fiction with emotional depth. Despite minor flaws, it stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring influence of both personal and public history on our lives. Beer has created a work that honors both the glamour of haute couture and the quiet dignity of everyday love and loss.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story unfolds in parallel timelines, each compelling in its own right. In 2018, we follow Jayne, a deliberately solitary woman who finds herself drawn into the mysterious world of her elderly neighbor, Meredith. The latter's increasingly confused state and missing husband create the central mystery that drives the contemporary narrative. Meanwhile, in 1988, we witness young Meredith's journey working at Catherine Walker's atelier, crafting Princess Diana's memorable gowns while falling deeply in love with her colleague William.
Beer's narrative structure is masterful, though occasionally the transitions between timelines could be smoother. The way she gradually reveals the connection between past and present events keeps readers engaged, even if some plot developments feel slightly predictable to seasoned readers of the genre.
Character Development
Strengths:
- Meredith's character arc is particularly well-crafted, showing her evolution from a confident young seamstress to an elderly woman grappling with dementia
- Jayne's transformation from isolated observer to active participant in life is beautifully rendered
- The supporting cast, especially Davina and her daughters, adds depth and warmth to the narrative
Areas for Improvement:
- William's character, while pivotal to the story, sometimes feels more plot device than fully realized person
- Some secondary characters could benefit from deeper development
- Fiona's late introduction to the story, while dramatic, might have been more impactful with earlier foreshadowing
Themes and Symbolism
Beer expertly explores several profound themes:
- Memory and Identity
- Love and Loss
- Community and Connection
- The Power of Creativity
- Family Bonds and Forgiveness
The titular memory dress serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel, representing both the tangible legacy of Diana's fashion influence and the intangible connections that bind people across time.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Beer's prose is elegant and accessible, though occasionally veering toward the sentimental. Her description of couture techniques and fashion history demonstrates impressive research and adds authenticity to the narrative. The author's background as former editor-in-chief of Condé Nast's Brides magazine shines through in her detailed descriptions of fabrics, construction techniques, and the world of high fashion.
Historical Context and Accuracy
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its meticulous attention to historical detail, particularly regarding:
- Princess Diana's fashion choices
- The workings of a haute couture atelier
- Late 1980s London fashion scene
- The 1997 Christie's auction of Diana's dresses
- Social Commentary and Contemporary Relevance
The novel tackles several timely issues:
- The challenges of caring for aging parents
- Living with dementia
- The importance of community support
- The balance between career and personal life
- The impact of loss on family dynamics
Critical Analysis
Notable Achievements
Beer successfully creates a moving exploration of memory, love, and connection. The parallel storylines complement each other well, and the mystery elements keep readers engaged. The author's handling of dementia is particularly sensitive and well-researched.
Areas for Development
The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections, and some plot resolutions feel slightly too neat. The connection between Jayne's personal trauma and Meredith's situation, while thematically relevant, could be more subtly developed.
Conclusion
The Memory Dress is a touching and well-crafted novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate detailed historical fiction with emotional depth. Despite minor flaws, it stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring influence of both personal and public history on our lives. Beer has created a work that honors both the glamour of haute couture and the quiet dignity of everyday love and loss.
December 20, 2024
I thank my sister, Diana, for recommending this book to me. Jade Beer's The Last Dress from Paris made a big impression on us both and when Diana let me know that she was reading this one, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. It did not disappoint! I am an emotional basket case right now. This book undid me!
England 2018 Jayne is a bit of a loner. She's a dogwalker now and she's content with dogs. They don't ask anything of you other than walking and feeding them. She lives in a building and walks the dogs of some of her neighbours. She doesn't really get involved with anyone.
Until a chance encounter with her neighbour downstairs. Meredith's apartment is a disaster and she seems distraught and confused. Her husband is missing. She doesn't know where he is. She doesn't know when she last ate, there is no food in her fridge but milk left out that has soured.
Jayne offers to help find William and starts sorting through the apartment looking for clues. And finds a beautiful gown with a personal note from Princess Diana.
England 1988 - Meredith is starting a new position working for the designer that designs the dresses for Princess Diana. Her skills as a seamstress bring William's designs to life. They are Yin and Yang. Two sides of the same coin.
Jayne must unravel what has happened to Meredith and William. With the help of Meredith's Memory room and her neighbours can she help bring Meredith the answers that she's been looking for? And Meredith ... can she help Jayne find what's been missing in her life?
An excellent read... Now....I have to go get a tissue. I am still undone!
England 2018 Jayne is a bit of a loner. She's a dogwalker now and she's content with dogs. They don't ask anything of you other than walking and feeding them. She lives in a building and walks the dogs of some of her neighbours. She doesn't really get involved with anyone.
Until a chance encounter with her neighbour downstairs. Meredith's apartment is a disaster and she seems distraught and confused. Her husband is missing. She doesn't know where he is. She doesn't know when she last ate, there is no food in her fridge but milk left out that has soured.
Jayne offers to help find William and starts sorting through the apartment looking for clues. And finds a beautiful gown with a personal note from Princess Diana.
England 1988 - Meredith is starting a new position working for the designer that designs the dresses for Princess Diana. Her skills as a seamstress bring William's designs to life. They are Yin and Yang. Two sides of the same coin.
Jayne must unravel what has happened to Meredith and William. With the help of Meredith's Memory room and her neighbours can she help bring Meredith the answers that she's been looking for? And Meredith ... can she help Jayne find what's been missing in her life?
An excellent read... Now....I have to go get a tissue. I am still undone!
November 4, 2024
The Memory Dress opens in 1997 with an auction of Princess Diana's gowns at Christies in New York. Eighty dresses were listed to sell that evening but only 79 were sold. One of them is missing. What happened to that missing dress is the central mystery of the story as it unfolds over thirty years across the pages.
The dual timeline narrative weaves a tale beginning in 1988 as Meredith begins working at a famed London design house, eventually becoming the premier seamstress of Princess Diana's gowns. In 2018, we meet Jayne, living a quiet life in Bath, England, piecing together a life as a dog walker and part time florist.
I always enjoy a dual timeline story, but the present resonated a bit more with me as a whole. I am not much of a Royal follower and recall little of Diana’s various trips and certainly not the dresses. But I enjoyed watching Meredith and William as they fall in love and begin a family in spite of the pressures and stress of bringing exceedingly complex designs to life for one of the most admired and photographed women of the time.
Jayne feels like the black sheep of her family thanks to a breakup with her fiancé shortly before their wedding and her lack of more "gainful" employment. When one of Jayne's charges accidently runs through an open door and into a neighbor's apartment, she meets the elderly occupant Meredith whose husband is missing. Or at least she can't remember where he is.
Jayne's concern and compassion are evident as she begins to call on her neighbors to help solve Meredith's problem and provide much needed support. As the tiny group pieces together the puzzle of Meredith's life, they develop friendships and maybe love is in the air for Jayne herself.
The Memory Dress (titled the Palace Dressmaker in the UK) is a heartfelt story of love and loss as well as friendship and found family. It asks what becomes of us when our memories fade and how much do those memories make us who we are. This is an interesting and well-researched historical fiction novel for readers who enjoy dual timeline stories, the Royal Family - Princess Diana in particular, fashion and found family.
Many thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book.
The dual timeline narrative weaves a tale beginning in 1988 as Meredith begins working at a famed London design house, eventually becoming the premier seamstress of Princess Diana's gowns. In 2018, we meet Jayne, living a quiet life in Bath, England, piecing together a life as a dog walker and part time florist.
I always enjoy a dual timeline story, but the present resonated a bit more with me as a whole. I am not much of a Royal follower and recall little of Diana’s various trips and certainly not the dresses. But I enjoyed watching Meredith and William as they fall in love and begin a family in spite of the pressures and stress of bringing exceedingly complex designs to life for one of the most admired and photographed women of the time.
Jayne feels like the black sheep of her family thanks to a breakup with her fiancé shortly before their wedding and her lack of more "gainful" employment. When one of Jayne's charges accidently runs through an open door and into a neighbor's apartment, she meets the elderly occupant Meredith whose husband is missing. Or at least she can't remember where he is.
Jayne's concern and compassion are evident as she begins to call on her neighbors to help solve Meredith's problem and provide much needed support. As the tiny group pieces together the puzzle of Meredith's life, they develop friendships and maybe love is in the air for Jayne herself.
The Memory Dress (titled the Palace Dressmaker in the UK) is a heartfelt story of love and loss as well as friendship and found family. It asks what becomes of us when our memories fade and how much do those memories make us who we are. This is an interesting and well-researched historical fiction novel for readers who enjoy dual timeline stories, the Royal Family - Princess Diana in particular, fashion and found family.
Many thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book.
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