The Dressmaker's Secret

Brides of Bold Street #1

by Michelle Vernal

‘Outstanding! I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down… Had me on the edge of my seat.’ Amazon Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1962. Even as she gazes at the silk bridal dresses in the window, the little girl’s eyes fill with tears. She has dreamed about gowns just like that. But now, lost and alone, she only wants to be held. Just a moment ago, she was in the arms of her mother. Now her only hope lies in Brides of Bold Street, where past and present blur…

Brides of Bold Street – a beautiful, historic bridal shop – is all Sabrina Flooks has ever known after being separated from her mother as a little girl.

But since meeting handsome Adam Taylor, the magic of the shop has changed – calling to Sabrina with the promise of answers about what really happened to her mother. And when she starts investigating, she is swept away to 1928…

A much younger Evelyn, the talented dressmaker who found and raised Sabrina, doesn’t even recognise her. And she can’t help wondering if this has happened before. Could the reason her mother never came looking be because they were parted across time?

With the help of a kind stranger, Sabrina tries to navigate an era of corsets and more horse-drawn carriages than cars as she searches for some hint to her own history. But if she can discover the truth, will she make it back to Adam in the present day or will it take Sabrina away from everything she holds dear again?

You will be totally swept away by Michelle Vernal’s beautiful tale of love, loss and family secrets spanning decades. This enchanting read is perfect for fans of Sandy Taylor, Barbara Davis and Jean Grainger.

Previously published as The Autumn Posy.

What readers are saying about The Dressmaker’s Secret:

‘I didn’t want to put it down… I just carried on reading… Best story I have read. I didn’t want it to end.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Marvellous… Loved this book. It's definitely a page-turner. I didn't want to put it down. Can't wait for the next book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A gripping read… Adore… Fabulous… Heartfelt and emotional… I loved this book and cannot wait for the next.’ Netgalley reviewer

‘A showstopper - one I would give to my friends. I would buy multiple copies of this book for people!… Captivating… Completely fall in love with this book!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Hooked from the beginning… Loved it. Read it in under 2 days.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What readers are saying about Michelle

‘LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!… Absolutely stunning!!!… I was completely swept away!!… Had me in stitches… DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL

Genres: Historical Fiction, Time Travel, Fantasy

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a bestselling author of warm, witty, and uplifting Irish fiction. Born in England to parents from Liverpool – often called “Little Ireland” – she grew up on her mum’s tales of Iocal families, music, and humour. Later, she lived, worked, got engaged, and travelled extensively in Ireland, experiences that inspire her much-loved novels, including the hilarious Guesthouse on the Green series. Her stories, filled with heart, humour, and unforgettable characters, have earned her a loyal readership worldwide.

For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her here: https://www.amazon.com/author/michell...

Reviews

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️

The Dressmaker's secret by Michelle Vernal
Publication date 18th March 2025

Plot follows Sabrina, she was abandoned by her mother as a little girl then raised and trained by Eve (Evelyn) the historical bridal shop is all she's ever known until she met handsome Adam; realising that the only for her to overcome the fear of abandonment is to investigate her past and her identity.

This book took me a bit to get into but once the ball got rolling I couldn't wait to see what happens in the end. This book was such a cosy magical read; truly heartfelt, the characters were loveable on their own just as much as the entire town warm atmospheric vibes! Throughly enjoyed it.
Apparently this is the first book in the "Brides of Bold Street" series, definitely want to come back for the next ones in the future.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the arc

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by The Dressmaker's Secret as I had no idea it was a timeslip story. I do love a time travel trope!
The pull of a mystery had me intrigued right from the prologue when a woman loses her 3 year old daughter.

Eighteen years later it's 1981 and Sabrina is living with Evelyn who had found her outside her bridalwear shop and had brought her up as her own.
The story follows Sabrina and best friend Florence as they go about their daily lives. When Sabrina meets Adam she realises she still has unresolved abandonment issues and needs to find out why her mother left her before she can have a meaningful relationship.

The story moves to 1928 when Sabrina moves through a timeslip. The 1928 timeline is narrated through Jane's point of view. Jane is a young housemaid in the manor where Sabrina finds a job. The more outspoken Sabrina helps Jane with her fledgling romance.
Vernal compares the everyday life and societal expectations of young women in each era.

The Dressmaker’s Secret is a light, easy and enjoyable read. I read it in a day! Filled with likeable and engaging characters with an intriguing mystery at the centre of the story. This is the first book in a series so the key plotline is left unresolved.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming wedding dress shop holds many trade secrets and others of different genres.
Sabrina was taken in by proprietor Evelyn at just three years old.
Sabrina has always wondered about her past and now she may have a chance to uncover the truth.
Set among fabric and thread of the wedding Industry the book is also about the fabric and thread of lives and how they connect and hold things together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I simply could not get into this story. I got to the beginning of the fourth chapter and gave up. In my opinion it's poorly written and terribly edited. and I so wanted to like it. 1 star only so it would post

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabrina was abandoned by her mother when she was a young girl. Evelyn took her in, raised her, and trained her. Evelyn was a talented dress maker and her historical bridal shop was all Sabrina knew.

Evelyn has trained Sabrina to make the most beautiful wedding dresses and Sabrina has found her value in her work. But, when she meets Adam Taylor she allows him into her heart. With her new found love Sabrina decides that she must dig through her past and find out why her mother had abandoned her all those years ago.

The Dressmaker’s Secret, written by author Michelle Vernal, is a wonderful story of family and new found love. I really enjoyed this time slip story of Sabrina and wanting to make peace with her past in order to find peace in her future.

I loved how Evelyn took in Sabrina and gave her a life that she wouldn’t normally have had. Vernal does an amazing job at pulling the reader into the story and not letting them go until the end. This heart-warming story is one that I definitely recommend.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing style was really engaging, and I liked the characters enormously. I particularly enjoyed part 2, once I’d got my head around the time slip aspect.
Two issues lead me to rate the book as 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). Firstly, the ending didn’t satisfy me. It’s obviously set up so that this book leads into the sequel, but I was left feeling let down rather than wanting more.
Secondly, I’m not sure if I was misled by the blurb or if I just didn’t get the hint that this might be historical fantasy, not historical fiction. If I’d anticipated and understood that this is a time slip before I started reading, I would have enjoyed it much more. This issue is more than likely down to the publisher’s marketing and not the author. In my view, it would be good to make this clear to avoid annoying other readers who prefer their historical fiction straight rather than with magical or fantasy elements.
I’d say this book will be loved by anyone who loves Jenni Keer or Cecilia Ahern’s stories. The story bowls along and made me feel nostalgic for the 1980s, with so much detail that brought it to life. The dialogue sparkles and I really wanted the characters to get their happy endings.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A three year old girl Sabrina left alone on the street has found a home with a dressmaker. Now she’s twenty one and looking for her mother. Can she be from another time, she has to know before she can build her future with the man she loves.
This is such a fun story with some surprises and great characters. It’s the first book in this series but luckily the release date is the same. I can’t wait to enjoy the rest of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher to read this story, this review is my own opinion.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, heartwarming read but I wish it didn't lead to a sequel. It could have been done in this one.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Michelle Vernal. I’ve seen some of her Little Irish Village series mentioned on Twitter but have never gotten around to reading them yet. It was the title and the blurb that drew me to this book, The Dressmaker’s Secret, as it sounded like the type of historical fiction book that I enjoy reading.

The book opens with a brief introduction as a young mother wheels her daughter down Bold Street. The mother closes her eyes for a minute as she felt she was having a turn. When she opens them her daughter has vanished from her pushchair and despite every effort to find her she seems to have disappeared without a trace. A mystery it seems has just occurred and it will take many twists and turns and journeys through time to solve it.

Part one takes us to Liverpool in 1981 where Sabrina and Evelyn, whom she calls her Aunt Evie, work in their shop Brides of Bold Street where they create the dresses of every brides dream. I adored the descriptions of the shop and all the wonderful fabrics and creative tools that it contained and in fact I wanted more of this but I soon came to realise that despite the potential for storylines that the shop presented that this was a different book.

Evelyn and Sabrina make a good team and Sabrina is always so grateful to her for taking her in when she found her lost on Bold Street as a three year old. Still despite having a loving home, it eats away at Sabrina that she doesn’t know who her real mother was and why she has she never come looking for her. She has long wanted to find her mother and discover her reasoning for abandoning her. Was she unlovable? Sabrina wants to make her own dreams of meeting a man, falling in love, getting married and having children become a reality but she feels this can only occur if she can find and fix herself first and locating her mother will do that for her. She believes that nobody should be expected to love her when she wasn’t even sure if her own mother had.

Flo, Sabrina’s best friend, will always back her in anything she chooses to do and I thought the two had a great friendship. Typical young women who love fashion and going to the pub and trying out the dating scene. I forgot this section was set in the 1980’s and to be honest it felt a bit weird to think of the 80’s as a period in history but that’s what it is as it’s forty years ago yet it feels like yesterday in so many respects. A chance encounter with motorbike enthusiast Adam and his friends sets the cat amongst the pigeons for Sabrina. She feels a connection to him but god she was so frustrating in that she was hell bent on finding the answers to her questions and only then would she let love in. Adam was there perfect ready and waiting and he told a story that was intriguing and for me at first a bit unbelievable but as I came to understand and appreciate what way this story was going I found myself tossing aside my incredulity and just sitting back and taking in everything that was occurring.

Part two was the best part of the book. I adored it and felt as if I was back on familiar territory in terms of historical fiction. The reader is taken back to Liverpool in 1928 and Jane Evans has just started work as a housemaid for Magnolia Muldoon who is a widow with a son named Sidney. Magnolia still believes she has the trappings of wealth that her husband’s antiques business had once afforded her and she has the attitude to match. But the number of servants has been drastically reduced and rooms closed off and she now a widow with Sidney left to run the business to the best of his ability. So now it is just Mrs. Brown the cook and Jane who longs to be back in working in the cotton factory in Wigan where she lived a far different life with her family. But times are desperate for them and the money Jane earns needs to be sent home so her family can survive. I loved Jane’s insight into what was a whole new world for her and especially when Sidney returns from travelling where he as searching for antiques for the business. Things did a u-turn then and again I did think would this really have happened in real life at the time given societal constraints but then again when the heart says one thing the majority of the time you do have to follow it.

Jane was like a fish out of water in terms of where she found herself and what begins to unfold but at the same time she does know what she wants in life and would love nothing better than for her family to rise from the poverty they find themselves in. Sidney as a character surprised me as well in that he also didn’t conform to the rules of society and he was independent and a free thinker willing to go against what his mother expected of him. A surprise visitor didn’t seem to throw Jane and I thought she was very accepting in what she was told. I have my suspicions as to why this visitor arrived and I could see links between the 1920’s time period and the 1980’s emerging but I could be way off in my guesses but I like to think that I may turn out to be correct.

There was a huge surprise at the end of part one, in that this was a time slip story with an element of fantasy. Being 100% honest I don’t think I would have read this book if I had known it was in it because time slip/fantasy books would not be my thing at all. I need to see concrete and tangible evidence of something or a solid explanation for something occurring needs to be present. I wasn’t sure was I going to get that here. I feel the blurb is misleading in a way. Yes, it says the rails of petticoats, veils and skirts hide a secret but that could have been anything and not what it turned out to be. I think a lot of readers will be expecting what I thought the book would be about and they will either love it or find it a bit farcical.

I’m split between the two points of view and given the way the book ended and the fact the there are many burning questions that still need to be answered I think I will definitely give book two, The Dressmaker’s Past a go. It also makes sense now why book two is published more or less coinciding with book one as people will want answers and also when I looked up a bit about the books I saw that they had first been published back in 2020 with a different cover and title. The new title and cover are much better and a wider audience will get to try out the story. Overall, The Dressmaker’s Secret was a good read with part two being the strongest as I have said but I think I was thrown that it was so vastly different from what I had been expecting and it took me time to settle in to it. That said, I am eager to find out what is next in store for Sabrina as the author certainly left the reader with a dramatic cliff hanger ending.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy book with a magical twist is set in a bridal shop on Bold Street. Michelle Vernal writes cozy stories set in villages and this time the village is a street with a magical secret, a time slip. Sabrina was found wandering the street searching for her mother at 3 years old. She was taken in and raised by Evelyn, the dressmaker and owner of Brides of Bold Street. As happy as she is with her life, Sabrina has always wondered about how she got to Bold Street. She wants to move forward with her life but the past is holding her back. When she learns about the time slip she hopes it will help her find answers. When she travels from 1981 to 1928 she discovers a different world. Will she discover the answers she seeks and find a way back to her life? I enjoyed this book about found family and love.The time slip was an unexpected but enjoyable part of the story. The characters were endearing and I wanted Sabrina to find the answers she needed so she could move forward in her life. This is the first book in series and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy cozy stories of family and life and love.

Thanks to Bookouture for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first first book in the Brides of Bold series was a heartfelt and emotional timetravel historical fiction story. The characters were engaging and likable. It had mystery, intrigue, loss, love, family secrets, and so many more emotional issues and twists that kept me captivated. I really enjoyed this intriguing mystery. I highly recommend reading.

[Rennette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dressmaker's Secret (Brides of Bold Street Book 1) by Michelle Vernal is not your typical historical fiction read. There are historical fiction novels that typically follow the main character - plus others - during a certain period of time. There is also historical fiction that is written with dual timelines with a main character for each timeline that leaves us to discover what the two different main characters - each from a different time in history - have to connect them. With THIS book I was really caught by surprise - and literally said out loud "WOW - I didn't see that coming!" after reading 30% of the book. I don't want to give away any surprises so I won't give a detailed description of the plot. I will say, however. that having been a young mother during the 1980's I found it humorous that life in the 1980's is now considered worthy of becoming "historical fiction". The emphasis on the routine everyday aspects - working, dieting, gossiping, admiring good looking guys - in the lives of 2 females in their twenties in 1981 for the first 30% of the book is why there's a 3 star rating instead of a 4 or 5 stars. Once the "Surprise" in the novel takes place it really became a page turner that kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning to see what would happen next. This is a good book with sweet, kind, caring, charming characters - and a good twist - that is worth reading. I received an ARC from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dressmaker's Secret was, for the most part, an enjoyable story. I like that the first part of the book is set in the 1980s. We are introduced to Sabrina, who has been brought up by Evelyn, a dressmaker who found Sabrina lost and in tears when she was just a little girl.

The second part of the book is set in 1928. Sabrina plays a large part but the story is written from the point of view of Jane who Sabrina ends up working with. Jane's story is a lovely romance. It was almost like reading two different books, but they were cleverly joined together by Jane and Sabrina's friendship.

The only thing that prevented the book from being perfect was the confusion regarding how the time slip works. There is no rhyme nor reason behind how, when and why the time slip happens. I know the author has chosen to make it a mystery for Sabrina not to easily go through time. I would just prefer it if we, the readers, knew where the portal is, even if the characters in the story don't!

Other than that I enjoyed Sabrina and Jane's stories. There was drama, romance, mystery and, of course, Sabrina's quest to find her mother. I look forward to the next book in the series and hope to finally get my questions answered about the time slip portal.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and falling in love with Michelle Vernal's 'The Little Irish Village' series, when I saw this book I wanted to read it before I even read the blurb. Then I DID read the blurb and I was even more hooked than before. I didn't realise this was a time-slip book and I adore those!

From the minute I picked it up, I loved the characters, the quirk of the 1980's Liverpudlians, the community and the romance that was yet to come. All 3 parts of the story were so well researched and written, whether it be 1928 or 1981.

I could see this book easily being a romance book if not for the time slip but since it is there, you get two romances for the price of one. It was originally published as The Autumn Posy in 2020 but has had a revamp since then and The Dressmaker's Secret is just as good a name.

I would recommend reading this if you are a fan of romance, time slips, historical mysteries or dressmaking! I would even more recommend this if you haven't been introduced to the wonderful Michelle Vernal yet!

My big thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an ARC of this. I'm off and racing to book 2 now!

[OnlyaDreamNow x Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful historical fiction book set in dual timelines (the 1920's and 1980s), with a timeslip plot. We follow Sabrina as through her journey as a bridal dressmaker after having been trained by Evelyn.

When she finds romance and love with Adam, she understands that she is not going to be able to fully accept love until she goes on a path to heal from her past, namely her abandonment issues.

In the dressmaker's secret, we find a beautifully crafted story that deals with love, developing meaningful relationships, family, abandonment, healing, and women's perceived role in society.

This was a book outside of my usual type of reading material, and while it did take me a while to get into because of the classical language phrasing, I did finish it once I got used to it. It was most definitely an enjoyable read! Four stars because it is a well written book, even if on a personal level, it took a little bit to get used to!

Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Vernal and team, for generously providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Bookouture.

This is the first book in the Brides of Bold Street series. The first part of the book takes the reader to Liverpool in the 1980s, and I found that was something that came as a surprise to me; somehow it wasn't what I expected. I enjoyed reading about that era, and found myself warming to the characters, and the bonds of friendship between them.

As I carried on reading, it was another surprise to find that part of the story takes place in the 1920s, but that was something that I could appreciate, as I really like books with a split narrative, and found that I could connect with both eras in different ways.

I found this was quite heartwarming to read, but it also tugged at my heartstrings a little bit too. I would be interested to read the next book in the series if possible.

Thank you to Bookouture, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Janet Eshenroder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actually, I only read the first fifty pages. It introduces lots of characters with careful descriptions—none of which hooked me. Gave a view of the location and dialect that was well done, somewhat charming, but not enough to hook me.
I missed a beginning that might have made me curious or vested in finding out more. There were lots of carefully crafted images that were like everyday, mundane life for almost anyone.
The writing is okay. Had I been curious about the heroine’s life challenge from the beginning (other than a desire for male companionship) this might have had a different effect.
The story takes way too long to present a reason for me to continue reading.
I usually try to finish the book, hoping a story is just slow starting and will redeem itself. But, in the midst of the holidays (and stacks of other books) I’m not in the mood.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brides of Bold Street - run by Evelyn, Aunt Evie and Sabrina Flooks; Takes place in Liverpool, 1981, to start;
Sabrina was found by Evelyn as a little girl. Evelyn looked for her mother and went to the police for help, but nothing, so she raised her and taught her how to sew.
But Sabrina has had questions all her life.
Florence Teesdale, Sabrina's best friend;
Sabrina went back in time to 1928, where to was a maid.
Jane and Sidney Muldoon. They get married despite them being of different classes;
After the wedding, Sabrina got back to 1981; Even though she was months back in 1928, it was only a week in 1981;
She got back with Adam;
At the end of the book she found Jane and her family.

[Constance M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first in the series of Brides of Bold Street.

Initially, it's what looks like the adventures of a young adult who, as a toddler, was found wandering the streets by the owner of a Bridal Shop, who brought her up as her niece.

Later, time slip/travel is introduced as more of an explanation of where the toddler may have come from, and she experiences the same phenomenon again, as she returns in time to make friends and have adventures, while trying to discover her past.

The book leaves some questions unanswered, and will likely continue to pursue those in a future edition/book/story.

A lovely little read with believable characters and adventures. I will probably pursue the purchase of the second (and possibly third) volume to discover the conclusion.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dressmaker's Secret is the first book in the Brides of Bold Street. This is also my first read of a historical time slip book by the author. The others I read were contemporary fiction. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this type of book by the author just as much as I had the others.
The book was gripping and so hard to put down. I enjoyed the historical section as much as I did the modern time period. The book is full of nostalgia and so heartwarming. I could fully picture the long-ago time I was reading about with a bit of intriguing suspense thrown in. I enjoyed this read very much!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[NATIVE TEXAN · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliffhanger, dependent on subsequent books.

Making her way between past and present, Sabrina the seamstress searches for her mom from whom she was separated in a timeslip when she was three years old. Evelyn found her wandering near her bridal shop, rescued Sabrina, and became Aunt Evie. Not much to this book, and I forced myself to finish it... only to learn that it is a cliffhanger, dependent on subsequent books to make sense. Not worth my time to read any further. Rated one star because I didn't have the option for no stars. **FREE THROUGH KINDLE UNLIMITED**

[Glenda Manus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating time-slip story.

As a three-year- old, Sabrina slipped into another time and was separated from her mother who never stopped looking for her. She was found by a dear older woman who cared deeply for her.
In 1983, at the age of 21, she visited a psychic who gave her insight into how she came to be caught up in a different time, giving her a desire to try to find he ‘mam’. Well developed characters that make you feel as if you know them well. A good clean book that I really enjoyed reading!

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story. I love Sabrina and her story. The time traveling is so awesome, I love how it works and how it is explained. Sabrinas story is such a different one I don't think I've ever read a story about a child being left in the future. The characters are very interesting both the ones from Sabrinas present and from the past that she ends up finding. I also love that you get to get an update about the friends from the past once she gets back to the future.

[Jenifer Roan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun! And the pages fly by! Looking forward to the next 3 books in the series.
I didn’t realize this book was about a time slip on a specific street in London but that surprise made my day and the book. Love the different periods of time with its specific dress, manners, morals and status, some which is specific to England others are world wide.
Looking forward to the other books in the series. Hope they are as unique and universal as this first book.

[Marsha Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love reading time-travel books? Do you love reading about friendships? Family? This book has all that and more.
Michelle Vernal writes a very believable story which involves timeslips, or time travel as it’s usually called.

I loved this book and hope to find the next one in the series. Hope you read it!

[Charline Romine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is My Mother?

I found this book to be very interesting. During the time-slip adventure the history is good. I felt sad for Sabrina, always wanting to find her Mother. But look at the life she has lived up to this time with her “Aunt”. I’m on book 2 now and think it is really good also.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was no ending!!! What did I miss? It was like a few chapters were gone and all of a sudden it was at the end! I am an intelligent reader, and I can't make sense of this.
Giving it 2 stars is generous, considering it left me hanging in mid air.
I do not recommend this book, and I won't go further into this series.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time-slip.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

it has had me gripped we were going to find out more about Sabrina hope it's not to long before the next book is released.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good lighthearted story with some interesting ideas. The characters were likeable and the descriptions had a good level of detail.