The Dressmaker’s Past

Brides of Bold Street #2

by Michelle Vernal

Years ago, Sabrina was found alone, staring at the white satin gowns. Unable to find her mother, the beautiful dresses were all that slowed the tears streaming down her cheeks. Now, the enchanting shop holds the key to discovering what happened that fateful day. But is she ready to give up her future for a chance to find out the truth?

Since she was found and raised by Evelyn, the kindly owner of Brides of Bold Street, Sabrina’s been training to turn swathes of silk and satin into the dress of any bride’s dream. But the talent of the gifted dressmakers isn’t the only magic at work at the bridal shop…

Because here, among lengths of ribbon and lace trim, the past truly comes to life.

And when a blushing bride-to-be comes to the store, asking for Sabrina by name, it seems another adventure through time is waiting. The mother of the bride gave her daughter strict instruction to find because they’ve somehow, impossibly met before. And need to meet again.

Sabrina wonders if this time, using the shop’s links to the past, she can finally find the mother she’s never known. But with things getting serious with her handsome beau, Adam Taylor, Sabrina is torn…

The power of the bridal shop is unpredictable, and Sabrina could risk everything for answers. Will she choose those she loves in the present? Or the chance to uncover the truth of what happened all those years ago?

This absolutely gripping and emotional historical fiction novel will sweep you away on a journey through the past, and is perfect for fans of Barbara Davis, Sandy Taylor and Jean Grainger.

Previously published as The Winter Posy.

What readers are saying about The Dressmaker’s Past:

‘Wonderful… I was completely taken with this charming and heart-warming story… magical and so engrossing. I couldn’t put it down… I was hooked and I truly enjoyed every moment… Fabulous… I highly recommend.’ PageTurners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow, just wow… Brilliant book, can't wait for the next... You can't do better.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘You will not be able to put this one down. I hope there will be a third one soon!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Amazing… Love… Couldn't put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic… I couldn't put it down… Didn't want it to finish.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fabulous… Love love loved it!… I was there with the characters… Cannot wait for the next one!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful… Got all caught up in it and couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Time Travel

288 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

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

Sabrina has found joy in her life working in the bridal shop she grew up in.  She was trained by Evelyn, the shop owner and also the one who selflessly took her in and raised her when Sabrina was abandoned by her mother as a young girl.  

Sabrina is working in the shop when a bride-to-be walks in and request Sabrina by name.  She has information about Sabrina’s mother and Sabrina is hesitant to leave.  She loves her life in the shop and with her boyfriend Adam, but she wants to continue to uncover the mystery of her past.  

The Dressmaker’s Past, written by author Michelle Vernal, is a wonderful story where the present reunites with the past.  I really enjoyed the story of Sabrina and also Evelyn.  They worked well together not just in the bridal shop but also as Evelyn raising Sabrina.  Evelyn supported Sabrina and did everything possible to give her the life she deserved.

I was completely taken with this charming and heart-warming story.  It was magical and so engrossing.  I couldn’t put it down once I began reading.  I was hooked and I truly enjoyed every moment of this story.  This was a wonderful continuation to a fabulous series.  I highly recommend this lovely read.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the story continues, Sabrina is back home but the longing to find her mother is strong but if she goes to find her will she ever find her way to the love of her life?
This sweet time travel story is really entertaining. It’s fun to follow the lives of the people Sabrina meets.
Can’t wait for the conclusion.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Brides of Bold series is an intense and emotional timetravel historical fiction novel. It is heartwarming and charming. I enjoyed how captivating and magical it was. I also enjoyed the plot twists and thought it was a fabulous continuation to this wonderful series, and I look forward to the character's continued adventures. I highly recommend reading!

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series and while it could be read as a stand-alone, it would be helpful to read the first story. It's a time-traveling historical fictional story. Sabrina is still working at her Aunt Eve's bridal shop when a girl preparing for her wedding, comes in asking for her. She's getting closer to Adam and is torn about finding her mom which involves time traveling.

I enjoyed this story's sequel and look forward to her continued adventures. I enjoyed the main characters in the present-day '80s and enjoyed the twists and turns in the time-traveling part of the story.

Thanks @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next chapter in the story set on a quiet street about a dress shop.
Most of this story is set in the early 1960s and it’s always interesting to read about a different decade.
I preferred the 1981 setting because it was such a pivotal time for British couture due to the royal wedding.
It’s an interesting read highlighted by time travel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Brides of Bold Street series and I am reading it in the same day that I finished the first book. I loved the premise and the writing and couldn't wait to see what happened to the characters.

It is amazing the way that Michelle Vernal weaves so much actual history into her books. There were multiple times that I took to asking my mate, Google, about people or events in the story and 9 times out of 10, they were actual occurrences and not just parts of her fictional characters tales. I did not know what Strawberry Fields actually was or why the song was written for example and I love learning new facts.

This book touched on a couple of new couples and I really loved the pairing that was Patty and Bernie. Both friend sisters and sharing so much love for each other when life had let them down. I loved learning about Liverpool in the 60's and the life people had there. I'm currently in Australia and I'm well aware of the atrocities that happened to young orphans that were sent here. It's not widely written about and I'm glad that this was touched on to bring those facts to the surface too. The only thing that wasn't correct was the spelling of Fremantle! (Freemantle)

All in all, a lovely addition to the series and I am keen as mustard to read the rest.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me an ARC!

[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.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dressmaker’s Past

I’m enjoying reading this series, finding out what year who Sabrina will meet in her travels through the time split, let see what adventures she gets into with book 3.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, easy reading for the summer holidays. A good plot with historical events that I remembered. The cast of characters are likeable and well written. I’ll be going on to read rte next one in the series.

[Karen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't want to put it down once you start reading

Love this the second in the series. Every bit as good as the first one. You won't want to put it down.

[danny mullins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drags out too long.

[Patricia Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

I enjoyed this book. It’s even better than the first one. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

[SRQ Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Immediately downloaded Book 3.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could NOT get "into" this book. Didn't hold my attention at all. But maybe it's me, not the book.

[Norma]

Lived all the books in this series

[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.