The Dressmaker's Chance

Brides of Bold Street #4

by Michelle Vernal

Her hands shake as she picks up the velvet box containing her engagement ring – she’s never been able to throw it away. But could unearthing the beautiful jewel bring more heartbreak, or is it a chance to heal decades-old wounds?

When she found a lost little girl in front of her shop, dressmaker Evelyn Flooks decided to raise Sabrina as her own daughter. So, when Sabrina announces her engagement, Evelyn gifts her the ring she herself was given, to truly show Sabrina that she is Evelyn’s family.

Though the precious ring has many happy memories, it also reminds Evelyn of the heartbreak she once suffered. And the secret she’s kept buried for decades. But Evelyn reels in shock when she meets Sabrina’s future father-in-law. It’s the man she once loved more than anything.

Evelyn knows this is her only chance to right to wrongs of the past, before it is too late. But seeing Sabrina glow with delight at becoming a bride-to-be, she can’t bring herself to destroy her girl’s happiness by sharing her own secret… about how Adam’s father broke her heart, how she came to own the bridal shop, and how her family was torn apart.

Will finally opening up be as terrible as she fears? Or will it give Evelyn the chance to heal, in time to watch the girl she loves like a daughter walk down the aisle?

You will not be able to put down this absolutely gorgeous and tear-jerking historical fiction novel. Perfect for fans of Barbara Davis, Sandy Taylor and Jean Grainger.

What readers are saying about The Dressmaker's Chance:

‘Absolutely amazing… Awesome… Fantastic… I want to read again.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful… Such a wonderful ending… 10/10 as always.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliant… I didn't want to put the book down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Delighted me. Devoured.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved it!… Couldn't put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliant… Absolutely loved.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Deliciously good!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliant… Didn’t want it to end.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What readers are saying about Michelle

‘LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!… Absolutely stunning!!!… I was completely swept away!!… DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!!… I absolutely LOVED… Perfect read to lift your spirits and keep you hooked… Absolutely gorgeous… Will keep you up late at night.

Genres: Historical Fiction

276 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 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

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This is the cover for The Dressmaker's Chance but not the correct title. Michelle Vernal did write The Summer Posy but it was part of a different series.

Not having read books one through three in the Brides of Bold Street series I felt at a slight disadvantage on parts of the storyline. Some of the background info on some characters, some of the previous events, etc. However, enough info was included in The Dressmaker's Chance by Michelle Vernal that I felt it was okay as a standalone.

Aunt Evie was a strong female character who overcame much in her past to be a successful businesswoman. Sabrina, her 'niece' showed her love of Aunt Evie when the past roars its head and threatens to break apart Sabrina and her fiancé Adam. So many secrets come to light. Will they tear everyone apart or will love overcome all the challenges?

Releases May 13th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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

As the war raged across Europe, Evelyn, a dressmaker, found a little girl in front of her bridal shop. She decided to raise Sabrina as her own daughter, and Sabrina grew up seeing Evelyn as her mother and was incredibly grateful for everything Evelyn had done for her. One day, Sabrina told Evelyn that Adam had proposed. Evelyn loved Sabrina like a daughter and was so happy to be involved in her special day.

Evelyn was the only family Sabrina had ever known, so when she met Sabrina’s soon-to-be father-in-law, she couldn’t believe her eyes. He was the only man she had ever loved, and she couldn’t bring herself to tell Sabrina the secrets she held in her heart. Sabrina had dreamed of this day her whole life, and Evelyn wouldn’t take that away from her.

“The Dressmaker’s Chance,” an amazing novel by Michelle Vernal, is full of hope and a second chance at true love. I was hooked from the first page to the last and loved how the story unfolded.

This is the final installment of a wonderful series that I will never forget. This time slip novel was a masterful blend of the past meeting the present and forming the future. I loved everything about this book. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the entire lovely series. You won’t be disappointed.

[heather bowyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series of books

In my top five series of books read; and there have been thousands. Travelling through time presented in a believable way made immerse myself in the stories of this fabulous author.
The characters were well rounded and I found it easy to relate to each one of them finding the era irrelevant though the varying backdrops made every chapter more interesting. The scenarios were skilfully written making for a fluent reading experience which meant I had many late nights unable to wait to see how Sabrina’s latest journey through time would unfold. Cliché unputdownable set of books which I would highly recommend. I don’t typically reread books however I would gladly do so with these. I have already started Michelle Vernal’s next set of novels on the Irish Adoption Agency and find her style of composition suits me comfortably.
Enjoy!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dressmaker’s Chance by Michelle Vernal is the fourth book in the Brides of Bold Street series. While I was able to read it as a standalone, I believe I would have benefited from reading the series in order. There is background information on characters that I did not have as well as knowledge of events that are referenced. I liked that the main character, Aunt Evie was a strong female. She has overcome so much to become a successful businesswoman. Like all individuals, Aunt Evie has some personal matters that she prefers to keep private. I was curious to see how the story would play out and if everyone would get their happily ever after. The book had a satisfying ending. Now, I need to go back and read the first three books in the Brides of Bold Street series.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabrina is ready to get married to Adam but her aunt has some secrets that can change everything.
This story is a great conclusion of the series, it ties everything together, I loved the whole series.
This is not a stand alone, just start at the first story, I was hooked immediately.

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

[Glenda Manus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

I can’t say enough good things about this series. The character development was outstanding and I feel kind of lost knowing I won’t be reading about my favorite characters- Sabrina, Evie, Adam, Florence and Ray again, unless I reread them as I plan to do. I will be reading more from this author and highly recommend her books to anyone!

[Theresa Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable

Amazing story, characters with twists & turns. Couldn't wait to get to the end, but didn't want it to finish either. Emotional rollercoaster, which had me laughing one moment and ugly crying the next.

[sheila felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

I read all 4 of these (Brides of Bold Street)
Each book told a different story and I was captivated ,
I didn't want it to end ,I recommend to all who like timeslip in the books they read ,they are beautifully written and stand out in my mind .

[Laura Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

It’s rare I can’t put a book down but this was one. Thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t feel it was rushed to the end like many books but finished properly with all the ends sewn up

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dressmaker’s Chance

I love everyone in the book, Sabrina, Aunt Edith, Ray, Florence, Mr. & Mrs. Teesdale, Flo’s little sisters, Adam, Tony, Micky, Alfred, Ida, All the ladies of the Bootle Tootler’s and Bossy Bev.

[Charline Romine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabrina ❤️ Adam

This series was so good! Sabrina and Adam. Ray. Aunt Evie. Fred. Flo. Tony. What a story. “The letter” was unbelievable to tell the story of a life with an ending that brought healing and forgiveness.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this series of books, very interesting and the characters were really fun and believable. However, as the series progressed, I felt that the plots got a little predictable. The stories were delightful. Very entertaining and entertaining. I found them good bedtime reading.

[SHERRE E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dressmakers Chance

Enjoyed another of your reads in the four books It’s saddens me to be finishing them.
Thank you for your stories,

[ClaireBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous ending to a beautiful set of stories tying up loose ends.

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

As the war raged across Europe, Evelyn, a dressmaker, found a little girl in front of her bridal shop. She decided to raise Sabrina as her own daughter, and Sabrina grew up seeing Evelyn as her mother and was incredibly grateful for everything Evelyn had done for her. One day, Sabrina told Evelyn that Adam had proposed. Evelyn loved Sabrina like a daughter and was so happy to be involved in her special day.

Evelyn was the only family Sabrina had ever known, so when she met Sabrina’s soon-to-be father-in-law, she couldn’t believe her eyes. He was the only man she had ever loved, and she couldn’t bring herself to tell Sabrina the secrets she held in her heart. Sabrina had dreamed of this day her whole life, and Evelyn wouldn’t take that away from her.

“The Dressmaker’s Chance,” an amazing novel by Michelle Vernal, is full of hope and a second chance at true love. I was hooked from the first page to the last and loved how the story unfolded.

This is the final installment of a wonderful series that I will never forget. This time slip novel was a masterful blend of the past meeting the present and forming the future. I loved everything about this book. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the entire lovely series. You won’t be disappointed.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the last Brides of Bold Street i was highly interested in this one, however i wasnt in love with it, the only storyline i was interested in was what had happened to fred.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dressmaker’s Chance by Michelle Vernal is the fourth book in the Brides of Bold Street series. While I was able to read it as a standalone, I believe I would have benefited from reading the series in order. There is background information on characters that I did not have as well as knowledge of events that are referenced. I liked that the main character, Aunt Evie was a strong female. She has overcome so much to become a successful businesswoman. Like all individuals, Aunt Evie has some personal matters that she prefers to keep private. I was curious to see how the story would play out and if everyone would get their happily ever after. The book had a satisfying ending. Now, I need to go back and read the first three books in the Brides of Bold Street series.