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The Vintage Dress Shop #6
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop: Curl up by the fire with this uplifting, cozy and hilarious winter read
'This cozy, heartwarming story is the literary equivalent of your favorite festive sweater - snug, sparkling, and just what you need for a feel-good escape' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A beautifully written story with twists and turns that makes for a book difficult to put down. A real page turner' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
❄️ 🧵Falling in love is never seamless...🧵❄️
Phoebe Baker has two passions in vintage dresses, and her French Bulldog, Coco Chanel. As the fierce and sassy manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, it's not only her job, but her calling to make sure everyone leaves her shop with their dream outfit. She doesn't need anyone or anything when she's in her frock heaven.
When an incident between Phoebe and a customer goes viral and risks damaging the reputation of the shop, Phoebe's job is suddenly on the line.
But Phoebe risks losing more than just her beloved shop; there's also Freddy, the shop's business advisor, who's had enough of being second best to a bunch of second-hand dresses.
As Christmas approaches, can Phoebe stitch everything back together again, and open up her heart?
❄️☕ Grab a blanket and cup of hot cocoa, and curl up with Wrapped Up at The Vintage Dress Shop, a delightfully cozy and uplifting romance, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Cressida McLaughlin ☕ ❄️
EVERYONE ADORES ANNIE
'The sweetest, most delicious book . . . Such a gorgeous love story' Marian Keyes
'A great holiday read' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The most uplifting, sumptuously indulgent, romantic joy of a book . . . It tugged all my heartstrings and held me captive until the last, perfect page' Cressida McLaughlin
'Delicious storytelling' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Love everything Annie Darling writes' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Absolutely gorgeous, swoon worthy romance' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A beautifully written story with twists and turns that makes for a book difficult to put down. A real page turner' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
❄️ 🧵Falling in love is never seamless...🧵❄️
Phoebe Baker has two passions in vintage dresses, and her French Bulldog, Coco Chanel. As the fierce and sassy manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, it's not only her job, but her calling to make sure everyone leaves her shop with their dream outfit. She doesn't need anyone or anything when she's in her frock heaven.
When an incident between Phoebe and a customer goes viral and risks damaging the reputation of the shop, Phoebe's job is suddenly on the line.
But Phoebe risks losing more than just her beloved shop; there's also Freddy, the shop's business advisor, who's had enough of being second best to a bunch of second-hand dresses.
As Christmas approaches, can Phoebe stitch everything back together again, and open up her heart?
❄️☕ Grab a blanket and cup of hot cocoa, and curl up with Wrapped Up at The Vintage Dress Shop, a delightfully cozy and uplifting romance, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Cressida McLaughlin ☕ ❄️
EVERYONE ADORES ANNIE
'The sweetest, most delicious book . . . Such a gorgeous love story' Marian Keyes
'A great holiday read' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The most uplifting, sumptuously indulgent, romantic joy of a book . . . It tugged all my heartstrings and held me captive until the last, perfect page' Cressida McLaughlin
'Delicious storytelling' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Love everything Annie Darling writes' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Absolutely gorgeous, swoon worthy romance' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
155 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 21, 2025
I received a free copy of, Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop, by Annie Darling, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Phoebe Baker loves vintage, especially clothes, she has a store, for all her vintage clothing, but she has a very unpleasant experience with a customer goes viral, will she lose her job? This was a good read, I enjoyed all the vintage clothes.
September 26, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed Annie Darling’s earlier books about the Vintage Dress Shop, so it was lovely to return to this world, and this time through Phoebe’s eyes. It felt refreshing to get to know her properly and see things from her perspective.
Phoebe is the manager of the shop and absolutely devoted to vintage fashion. She has a real passion for making women feel glamorous and special, and the descriptions of the dresses (plus Coco Chanel the French bulldog trotting around) make the shop feel like a little treasure trove.
I loved the cozy setting: there’s something so charming about Annie Darling’s mix of friendship, romance, and community, and she always makes her shops feel like places you’d want to step inside yourself. The festive backdrop also adds a nice sparkle; it’s very much a comfort read for curling up with on a winter evening.
If you’ve read the earlier ones, it’s a treat to finally hear Phoebe’s story; if you’re new, it still works as a standalone cozy romance. Full of warmth, frocks, and festive spirit, exactly what I was hoping for.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Phoebe is the manager of the shop and absolutely devoted to vintage fashion. She has a real passion for making women feel glamorous and special, and the descriptions of the dresses (plus Coco Chanel the French bulldog trotting around) make the shop feel like a little treasure trove.
I loved the cozy setting: there’s something so charming about Annie Darling’s mix of friendship, romance, and community, and she always makes her shops feel like places you’d want to step inside yourself. The festive backdrop also adds a nice sparkle; it’s very much a comfort read for curling up with on a winter evening.
If you’ve read the earlier ones, it’s a treat to finally hear Phoebe’s story; if you’re new, it still works as a standalone cozy romance. Full of warmth, frocks, and festive spirit, exactly what I was hoping for.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2025
What a frustrating book to review! I really enjoyed the story but my word, what a horrific main character! I actually nearly couldn't get past Phoebe and her bad attitude and almost DNF'd it at around 25%, but I'm glad I pushed through. I honestly could not understand why Freddy put up with her for so long after being given so little and so much hassle. A rough childhood doesn't excuse a shitty adult. Having said that, I did enjoy the actual story and the vintage vibes.
I read this as a standalone and went in blind - I don't think I particularly missed out having not read the others in the series, but I'll definitely be going back to read those in future.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read this as a standalone and went in blind - I don't think I particularly missed out having not read the others in the series, but I'll definitely be going back to read those in future.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2025
I love the world of The Vintage Dress Shop. Even though I know nothing about fashion, I enjoy reading about the beautiful dresses in the shop, how they transform the wearer, and also about the staff who work there. Phoebe, the store’s manager, has been a vibrant yet incredibly grumpy and exacting character on the sidelines of the first two books in the series (The Vintage Dress Shop In Primrose Hill and A Change Of Heart at the Vintage Dress Shop), and I was looking forward to reading her story and finding out more about her.
Mild spoiler - in A Change Of Heart At The Vintage Dress Shop, we learned that Phoebe and Freddy’s antagonistic relationship wasn’t all that it appeared to be. As this book starts, the two of them are already in a long-term situationship, although Freddy appears to be wearying of Phoebe’s prickly ways and insistence that she doesn’t know how to let people in. Everything in Phoebe’s life shifts out of kilter when she gets on the wrong side of a very unlikeable influencer, and she has to reassess what truly matters to her - is it really just impeccable vintage dresses, or more?
Although I predicted some of the steps the book took, this is not a bad thing! The side characters are fun - I enjoyed Birdy, an influencer on the side of good, and wish I had known the indomitable Mildred - and it was great to see Nina, Noah, Marianne and Claude from the author’s other series make a few cameo appearances. Going on Phoebe’s journey and learning more about her as she softens (only somewhat, don’t worry) was the main objective of the book, and it succeeds in that, although it did mean that I struggled to get to know Freddy as the focus was very much on Phoebe letting go of some insecurities. However, I loved the book, am sorry it’s the conclusion to the series, and will read anything that Annie Darling writes in the future!
With thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and to NetGalley for providing a copy for me to review
Mild spoiler - in A Change Of Heart At The Vintage Dress Shop, we learned that Phoebe and Freddy’s antagonistic relationship wasn’t all that it appeared to be. As this book starts, the two of them are already in a long-term situationship, although Freddy appears to be wearying of Phoebe’s prickly ways and insistence that she doesn’t know how to let people in. Everything in Phoebe’s life shifts out of kilter when she gets on the wrong side of a very unlikeable influencer, and she has to reassess what truly matters to her - is it really just impeccable vintage dresses, or more?
Although I predicted some of the steps the book took, this is not a bad thing! The side characters are fun - I enjoyed Birdy, an influencer on the side of good, and wish I had known the indomitable Mildred - and it was great to see Nina, Noah, Marianne and Claude from the author’s other series make a few cameo appearances. Going on Phoebe’s journey and learning more about her as she softens (only somewhat, don’t worry) was the main objective of the book, and it succeeds in that, although it did mean that I struggled to get to know Freddy as the focus was very much on Phoebe letting go of some insecurities. However, I loved the book, am sorry it’s the conclusion to the series, and will read anything that Annie Darling writes in the future!
With thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and to NetGalley for providing a copy for me to review
September 19, 2025
I had not realised that this was the third in a series until I read the authors notes. This was my first book by Annie Darling.
It’s perfectly possible to read this a stand-alone book and enjoy it though.
This centres around Phoebe and her totally spoilt dog - Coco Chanel. Phoebe has an enormous chip on her shoulder - maybe understandably- given her upbringing. Not sure if her last foster carer did more harm than good.
I think credit has to be given to Annie Darling that she managed to write a totally unlikeable character with lots of traits that made one gasp - but in the end you wanted Phoebe to see the error of her ways and reignite her relationship with Freddy.
And she did -not sure she will ever be completely likeable but she does show some redeeming features.
We also learn of her dynamics with her work colleagues, Cress, Sophy, Bea and Anita .She definitely needed some PR and HR skills.
I loved the descriptions of the vintage dresses and the care and in some ways control - that was needed to ensure the dresses always looked their best. I also hadn’t realised that a vintage dress shop would have their own Cress - doing running repairs and alterations. The idea of vintage wedding dresses appealed to me as well.
Altogether a well written book. Not my usual - I am getting old and some of the stuff around the social media and going viral went slightly over my head. If my ‘to be read’ pile wasn’t so high I would definitely go back and read the rest of the series.
It’s perfectly possible to read this a stand-alone book and enjoy it though.
This centres around Phoebe and her totally spoilt dog - Coco Chanel. Phoebe has an enormous chip on her shoulder - maybe understandably- given her upbringing. Not sure if her last foster carer did more harm than good.
I think credit has to be given to Annie Darling that she managed to write a totally unlikeable character with lots of traits that made one gasp - but in the end you wanted Phoebe to see the error of her ways and reignite her relationship with Freddy.
And she did -not sure she will ever be completely likeable but she does show some redeeming features.
We also learn of her dynamics with her work colleagues, Cress, Sophy, Bea and Anita .She definitely needed some PR and HR skills.
I loved the descriptions of the vintage dresses and the care and in some ways control - that was needed to ensure the dresses always looked their best. I also hadn’t realised that a vintage dress shop would have their own Cress - doing running repairs and alterations. The idea of vintage wedding dresses appealed to me as well.
Altogether a well written book. Not my usual - I am getting old and some of the stuff around the social media and going viral went slightly over my head. If my ‘to be read’ pile wasn’t so high I would definitely go back and read the rest of the series.
October 12, 2025
This was a brave choice of main character from the author, the rather terrifying Phoebe.
She is not the easiest character to get to know or to like, which adds a different dimension to this book.
Phoebe is the manager of the The Vintage Dress Shop and she has rather exacting standards. But then she ends up viral on the internet and essentially cancelled, and that's when you start to see just how many sides there are to Phoebe.
The incident the led to the viral video, amused me, and I was leaning towards Phoebe's side even if her reaction was a ginormous overreaction to a situation.
It was great to catch up with the rest girls in the shop, who I remembered from the previous book, and seeing more of their stories was also great.
When as a reader we are let into Phoebe's background a lot more of her personality starts to be come at least a bit more understandable and makes her really multi faceted. This is certainly a story that has big character development, and I really enjoyed seeing her butting heads with Freddy and Sophy and Cress and well everyone.
I was sorry to hear this was the last book in the series, as I am really enjoying it and would love to see more from all of the girls and the dresses. It was a really enjoyable story to read and I look forward to seeing what the author will release next.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
She is not the easiest character to get to know or to like, which adds a different dimension to this book.
Phoebe is the manager of the The Vintage Dress Shop and she has rather exacting standards. But then she ends up viral on the internet and essentially cancelled, and that's when you start to see just how many sides there are to Phoebe.
The incident the led to the viral video, amused me, and I was leaning towards Phoebe's side even if her reaction was a ginormous overreaction to a situation.
It was great to catch up with the rest girls in the shop, who I remembered from the previous book, and seeing more of their stories was also great.
When as a reader we are let into Phoebe's background a lot more of her personality starts to be come at least a bit more understandable and makes her really multi faceted. This is certainly a story that has big character development, and I really enjoyed seeing her butting heads with Freddy and Sophy and Cress and well everyone.
I was sorry to hear this was the last book in the series, as I am really enjoying it and would love to see more from all of the girls and the dresses. It was a really enjoyable story to read and I look forward to seeing what the author will release next.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
Phoebe is a delight and the book is such a cosy, feel-good gem. I love how different Phoebe is from Freddy, the description of Phoebe's world, the pragmatic clash of Freddy's world, and how these two bring out great traits in each other. Their romance develops in a natural, slow-burn way that makes every small moment between them feel earned, and the festive backdrop adds just the right touch of sparkle. With its mix of vintage fashion, witty banter, and a heroine determined to fight for her dreams, this is a heart-warming story about second chances in both business and love, wrapped up in holiday magic. Gorgeous cover too! I did not know this was a part of a series, but I am going to read the previous books to discover more about all the characters. I also loved the way the author describes the setting and fully immerses you into the story, which forgives the occasional slow pace. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for review purposes.
September 20, 2025
This is the third book in the Vintage Dress Shop series, but works well as a standalone.
This book tells Phoebe's story. Phoebe is the manager of the Vintage Dress Shop, and although she has a huge love of vintage fashion and is perfect for the role, she is very controlling. After a run in with a social media influencer goes viral, Phoebe begins to lose her hold on her life. Can she find a way back into control of events?
I really found Phoebe to be a very hot and cold character - one minute I really felt for her, the next I was utterly exasperated by her! I really loved the characters of Freddie, Coco and Birdy, they always made me smile, and the three of them (two humans and a dog!) seemed to be the ones who really understood and accepted Phoebe. The book contains some wonderful descriptions of fashion, and the flashbacks to Phoebe's youth were well written and enlightening. An enjoyable cosy series.
This book tells Phoebe's story. Phoebe is the manager of the Vintage Dress Shop, and although she has a huge love of vintage fashion and is perfect for the role, she is very controlling. After a run in with a social media influencer goes viral, Phoebe begins to lose her hold on her life. Can she find a way back into control of events?
I really found Phoebe to be a very hot and cold character - one minute I really felt for her, the next I was utterly exasperated by her! I really loved the characters of Freddie, Coco and Birdy, they always made me smile, and the three of them (two humans and a dog!) seemed to be the ones who really understood and accepted Phoebe. The book contains some wonderful descriptions of fashion, and the flashbacks to Phoebe's youth were well written and enlightening. An enjoyable cosy series.
September 24, 2025
What a terrific romance between very prickly Phoebe - let's face it, she's a bitch – and easy going, rather fabulous Freddy. Book three in the Vintage Dress Shop series, Phoebe is the store manager and in books one and two she is obsessed with the dresses, difficult and demanding, hard on the staff and not easy to like. I've been waiting to find out her story! Turns out all of her awfulness is explained - though not excused. She lives on a houseboat that belongs to Johnny (who owns the shop) with her French bulldog Coco Chanel, and pours all her affection and caretaking into the dog, hiding her loneliness. She's in a situationship with Freddy, but she keeps him at a distance with the excuse that she doesn't want the shop staff to know because it will undermine her position. Poor Freddy! He's a honey, in love with Phoebe, taking what he can get from her, but he's not a doormat. Freddy is a lawyer with lots going on, but he's loyal to Johnny and keeps an eye on the shop. He talks Phoebe down from her rages, until of course, he doesn't.
I love that we can see how Phoebe adores Freddy, even if she can't see it herself As with Annie Darling's previous books, it's sharply observed. From the millennial banter to the vintage dresses, drinks at the pub, fashion choices, life on the Thames, the detail is delicious!
My only quibble is the very twee cover which does nothing to show all the ways this romance is perceptive and nuanced.
Thank you Annie Darling and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
I love that we can see how Phoebe adores Freddy, even if she can't see it herself As with Annie Darling's previous books, it's sharply observed. From the millennial banter to the vintage dresses, drinks at the pub, fashion choices, life on the Thames, the detail is delicious!
My only quibble is the very twee cover which does nothing to show all the ways this romance is perceptive and nuanced.
Thank you Annie Darling and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
October 21, 2025
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop follows fashionista and vintage couture loving Phoebe, deep diving into her choldhood throughout. A rather straight talking manageress, Phoebe finds herself causing a stir in a viral video portraying her bitchy side as she tries to save a beloved vintage dress from an influencer.
Will she and her assistants manage to prevent the shop from going under? Can she salvage her rather tricky relationship with Freddie?
I loved the notion of the story, and perhaps if I'd read the other books in the series I may have been more invested in the novel. Disappointingly, I found this quite a slow paced story, which in my opinion, lacked a gripping storyline. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Wrapped Up at the Vintage Shop.
Will she and her assistants manage to prevent the shop from going under? Can she salvage her rather tricky relationship with Freddie?
I loved the notion of the story, and perhaps if I'd read the other books in the series I may have been more invested in the novel. Disappointingly, I found this quite a slow paced story, which in my opinion, lacked a gripping storyline. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Wrapped Up at the Vintage Shop.
September 3, 2025
Such an adorable book! I loved being immersed in Phoebe's world!
She is such a unique character, very guarded and prickly, but wonderfully kind, caring and loving (even if she doesn't know it)
I enjoyed all the details of the vintage clothes, and I didn't know that this was the last book in the series, so now I need to read the rest.
I was hooked on Phoebe's relationship with Freddy, Johnno, and the girls in her shop, and the saga with the influencers who didn't understand her and her clothes kept me reading to find out what happened next.
The ending was absolutely perfect, and I am excited to read more of this series.
She is such a unique character, very guarded and prickly, but wonderfully kind, caring and loving (even if she doesn't know it)
I enjoyed all the details of the vintage clothes, and I didn't know that this was the last book in the series, so now I need to read the rest.
I was hooked on Phoebe's relationship with Freddy, Johnno, and the girls in her shop, and the saga with the influencers who didn't understand her and her clothes kept me reading to find out what happened next.
The ending was absolutely perfect, and I am excited to read more of this series.
September 17, 2025
I hadn’t read the earlier books in this series, but it honestly didn’t matter—I could jump right in and follow along without any trouble. That said, I enjoyed this one so much that now I want to go back and read the others!
Phoebe gets caught up in a blow-up with a customer that goes viral on social media, and suddenly she’s sidelined at the dress shop she manages. With her job hanging in the balance and her love life falling apart too, things start spiraling fast.
I really liked watching Phoebe try to pick herself up and deal with the fallout. The mix of drama, personal growth, and a bit of romance kept me hooked.
Phoebe gets caught up in a blow-up with a customer that goes viral on social media, and suddenly she’s sidelined at the dress shop she manages. With her job hanging in the balance and her love life falling apart too, things start spiraling fast.
I really liked watching Phoebe try to pick herself up and deal with the fallout. The mix of drama, personal growth, and a bit of romance kept me hooked.
September 15, 2025
It took me a little while to get going with this one, I initially felt it read quite young. However, I grew to enjoy Phoebe’s character - I couldn’t decide whether she was autistic (she’s basically described that way), or if the writer intended her to be the way she was because of her past. Having finished the book, I think it’s the latter. There was a lot of repetition throughout but it had nice characters, the story was different and by the end I realised I was enjoying it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 30, 2025
A Vintage Romance at the Vintage Dress Shop.
The main character, Phoebe, was so unlikable I wasn’t sure I liked the book at first. But as her life story was revealed, I couldn’t help but root for her and Freddie. The women who worked at the shop (and were true friends to Phoebe, despite her prickliness), Johnno, Freddie, and the ghost of Mildred were all well drawn, but it was “CC”, our Coco Chanel, who reached the real Phoebe in her hour of need. I will be ordering the first volume of The Vintage Dress Shoppe now.
The main character, Phoebe, was so unlikable I wasn’t sure I liked the book at first. But as her life story was revealed, I couldn’t help but root for her and Freddie. The women who worked at the shop (and were true friends to Phoebe, despite her prickliness), Johnno, Freddie, and the ghost of Mildred were all well drawn, but it was “CC”, our Coco Chanel, who reached the real Phoebe in her hour of need. I will be ordering the first volume of The Vintage Dress Shoppe now.
November 5, 2025
Phoebe has two great loves, Coco Chanel, her dog, and vintage dresses. As the manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, where she can bring Coco every day, she wants for nothing else. When I started this book, I found it very difficult to like anything about Phoebe. However, the further I got into the book and learned more about her, I did find myself empathising with her. A lighthearted, easy to read book, that changed my opinion of the main character over the course of it.
November 3, 2025
Bizarre and outrageous
Over the top love story with a character that was never taught how to show love, but through female instincts did it anyway. Cute exaggerated tale with a feel good end. Of course they all lived happily ever after!
O
Over the top love story with a character that was never taught how to show love, but through female instincts did it anyway. Cute exaggerated tale with a feel good end. Of course they all lived happily ever after!
O
November 4, 2025
Dress to impress!
Who doesn't love a gorgeous dress? If it has its own history, then even better. Some dresses are made to last forever and at the Vintage Dress Shop they continue their story with every new wearer. Fabulous!
Who doesn't love a gorgeous dress? If it has its own history, then even better. Some dresses are made to last forever and at the Vintage Dress Shop they continue their story with every new wearer. Fabulous!
October 23, 2025
Cute romance
November 19, 2025
A beautiful story
This is such a beautiful story. I loved the characters and the story. I think I have a new appreciation of vintage dresses and really anything from past times.
This is such a beautiful story. I loved the characters and the story. I think I have a new appreciation of vintage dresses and really anything from past times.
November 30, 2025
DNF @ 20%
December 14, 2025
2.5 Almost DNF. I absolutely hated the main character in the beginning. I’m not sure why I continued, but I did. It turned out ok in the end, but not sure I’d recommend this one.
December 15, 2025
Enjoyed this although Phoebe is hard work
October 27, 2025
I found this less engaging than the previous 2. This one was a bit of a chore.
October 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop was such a cute romance book! The atmosphere of the store was so warm and cozy I desperately wanted to crawl in to the book and visit. The employees all had fun quirky personalities that added to the fun setting. I would love to call this book a cozy romance but there was nothing cozy about Phoebe's personality, honestly I think she was my least favorite character.
Phoebe was strict and unforgiving and she didn't seen to warm up that much at the end, she was kind of just accepted. I have not read the first two books but I think I would connect with those characters better. As much as Phoebe got on my nerves she definitely had a good reason to be that harsh and unwavering, but I definitely think she would be better suited for a job where she is not in charge of a team and shop morale. Seeing Phoebe with Coco definitely helped soften her a little bit but I feel like the other characters still never got to see much of that side until the very end.
Freddy has the patience of a saint. I know Phoebe is softer towards him but I still feel like he put up with way too much of her attitude before calling a break. Just from their interactions at work it seemed like Phoebe never respected him or actually listened to what he had to say.
Would love to start this series over to see the love stories of the other couples. This book was well written and kept my interest, Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop was a fun read despite but loving the main character.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop was such a cute romance book! The atmosphere of the store was so warm and cozy I desperately wanted to crawl in to the book and visit. The employees all had fun quirky personalities that added to the fun setting. I would love to call this book a cozy romance but there was nothing cozy about Phoebe's personality, honestly I think she was my least favorite character.
Phoebe was strict and unforgiving and she didn't seen to warm up that much at the end, she was kind of just accepted. I have not read the first two books but I think I would connect with those characters better. As much as Phoebe got on my nerves she definitely had a good reason to be that harsh and unwavering, but I definitely think she would be better suited for a job where she is not in charge of a team and shop morale. Seeing Phoebe with Coco definitely helped soften her a little bit but I feel like the other characters still never got to see much of that side until the very end.
Freddy has the patience of a saint. I know Phoebe is softer towards him but I still feel like he put up with way too much of her attitude before calling a break. Just from their interactions at work it seemed like Phoebe never respected him or actually listened to what he had to say.
Would love to start this series over to see the love stories of the other couples. This book was well written and kept my interest, Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop was a fun read despite but loving the main character.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read and review this book!
September 5, 2025
NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton kindly provided this eCopy for review.
Some books feel like stepping into a warm shop on a cold day and Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop is exactly that. Annie Darling blends festive sparkle, vintage fashion, and emotional depth into a story that’s both stylish and sincere.
🧣 Plot Summary
Phoebe Baker is the proud manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, where every outfit tells a story and her French Bulldog, Coco Chanel, is practically royalty. But when a customer confrontation goes viral, Phoebe’s beloved shop and her job are suddenly in jeopardy.
Enter Freddy, the shop’s business advisor, who’s determined to help Phoebe save the store, even if she’d rather face a fashion emergency than a romantic one. As Christmas approaches, Phoebe must decide whether she’s ready to let someone in not just into her heart, but into her carefully curated world.
This is the third book in the Vintage Dress Shop Romances series, but it works beautifully as a standalone.
💗 What I Loved
Phoebe’s Spark: She’s witty, independent, and emotionally guarded in a way that feels real. Watching her soften is a joy.
The Shop: It’s a character in its own right full of charm, nostalgia, and the kind of magic only vintage fashion can conjure.
Seasonal Vibes: Darling captures the festive spirit with warmth and restraint. It’s cosy without being sugary.
Romantic Tension: The slow-burn between Phoebe and Freddy is well-paced and satisfying.
🧵 Final Thoughts
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop is a charming holiday romance perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Trisha Ashley, or anyone who believes in the transformative power of a great outfit. If you’re looking for a story that’s equal parts heart and hemline, this one’s worth slipping into.
Some books feel like stepping into a warm shop on a cold day and Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop is exactly that. Annie Darling blends festive sparkle, vintage fashion, and emotional depth into a story that’s both stylish and sincere.
🧣 Plot Summary
Phoebe Baker is the proud manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, where every outfit tells a story and her French Bulldog, Coco Chanel, is practically royalty. But when a customer confrontation goes viral, Phoebe’s beloved shop and her job are suddenly in jeopardy.
Enter Freddy, the shop’s business advisor, who’s determined to help Phoebe save the store, even if she’d rather face a fashion emergency than a romantic one. As Christmas approaches, Phoebe must decide whether she’s ready to let someone in not just into her heart, but into her carefully curated world.
This is the third book in the Vintage Dress Shop Romances series, but it works beautifully as a standalone.
💗 What I Loved
Phoebe’s Spark: She’s witty, independent, and emotionally guarded in a way that feels real. Watching her soften is a joy.
The Shop: It’s a character in its own right full of charm, nostalgia, and the kind of magic only vintage fashion can conjure.
Seasonal Vibes: Darling captures the festive spirit with warmth and restraint. It’s cosy without being sugary.
Romantic Tension: The slow-burn between Phoebe and Freddy is well-paced and satisfying.
🧵 Final Thoughts
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop is a charming holiday romance perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Trisha Ashley, or anyone who believes in the transformative power of a great outfit. If you’re looking for a story that’s equal parts heart and hemline, this one’s worth slipping into.
August 20, 2025
Anne Darling wraps up the third book in her series with Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop. You do have to read the first two books to appreciate this book. If you like reading about vintage dresses and romance, this book is for you. The main character loves her job as the manager of the vintage dress shop and her dog more than anything else. She feels a connection to each item and a responsibility – should she sell to just anyone?!
This book is filled with charm, romance, and character growth.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is filled with charm, romance, and character growth.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2025
Having not read the previous books in the series I was going in blind. But I loved this story and will definitely be reading the previous books in the series.
Phoebe is involved in an incident with a customer that then goes viral on socials and she has to take a back seat in the dress shop that she manages and with the threat of losing her job she needs to turn things around in her work life and her love life also takes a hit as well.
When disaster strikes, what will happen and will she be able to fix what she has done recently ?
Received from Netgally.
Phoebe is involved in an incident with a customer that then goes viral on socials and she has to take a back seat in the dress shop that she manages and with the threat of losing her job she needs to turn things around in her work life and her love life also takes a hit as well.
When disaster strikes, what will happen and will she be able to fix what she has done recently ?
Received from Netgally.
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