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The Friday Night Date Dress
Product Description
She sews runway masterpieces... but who will mend her damaged heart?
Tragic loss has made Melinda Myers invisible. She hides as a nondescript waitress at an average diner during the day. But each night, she sews runway masterpieces that she wears only once before putting them into a box forever.
Peter Surati, an aspiring Asian Indian photographer, can't help but notice beautiful, sad Melinda. He makes it his mission to help her find her smile again. But can he find a way to mend her damaged heart?
The Friday Night Date Dress is an inspirational novella about hope, healing, and love.
About the Author
Talena Winters loves tea, travel, music, whole food, sewing, knitting, reading, and chocolate. Besides fiction, she also writes a blog, knitting patterns, and musical theatre (among other genres of music). She currently resides on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with her husband, four boys, a Golden Retriever named Sunshine, and an assortment of farm cats and chickens. She would love to be a mermaid when she grows up. You can find her on the web at www.talenawinters.com.
She sews runway masterpieces... but who will mend her damaged heart?
Tragic loss has made Melinda Myers invisible. She hides as a nondescript waitress at an average diner during the day. But each night, she sews runway masterpieces that she wears only once before putting them into a box forever.
Peter Surati, an aspiring Asian Indian photographer, can't help but notice beautiful, sad Melinda. He makes it his mission to help her find her smile again. But can he find a way to mend her damaged heart?
The Friday Night Date Dress is an inspirational novella about hope, healing, and love.
About the Author
Talena Winters loves tea, travel, music, whole food, sewing, knitting, reading, and chocolate. Besides fiction, she also writes a blog, knitting patterns, and musical theatre (among other genres of music). She currently resides on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with her husband, four boys, a Golden Retriever named Sunshine, and an assortment of farm cats and chickens. She would love to be a mermaid when she grows up. You can find her on the web at www.talenawinters.com.
134 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2015
239 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Talena Winters
9 books113 followersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talenawinters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talenawinter...
Talena Winters writes page-turning fantasy, romance, and adventure stories of sacrifice, redemption, and hope against all odds. She’s an editor, copywriter, and award-winning songwriter, and she also designs knitting patterns under her label My Secret Wish. She currently resides on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with her husband, three surviving boys, two Husky dogs, and two neurotic orange cats. Her writing is fueled by an insatiable love of stories, dark chocolate, and the desire to make the world a better place. And she would really like to know why the tea is always gone.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talenawinter...
Talena Winters writes page-turning fantasy, romance, and adventure stories of sacrifice, redemption, and hope against all odds. She’s an editor, copywriter, and award-winning songwriter, and she also designs knitting patterns under her label My Secret Wish. She currently resides on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with her husband, three surviving boys, two Husky dogs, and two neurotic orange cats. Her writing is fueled by an insatiable love of stories, dark chocolate, and the desire to make the world a better place. And she would really like to know why the tea is always gone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 1, 2020
This book has a reasonably good storyline but I feel like it was mostly written to promote God and Christianity. I've only given it two stars because the character development could definitely have been stronger and I found the attempts at spiritual guidance distracting ⭐⭐
January 27, 2024
“𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹. 𝗔𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴.“
2.5/5 ⭐
friends to lovers! miscommunication (cry me a river i hate it).
first, this gave me an immense waitress vibe from the very beginning. melissa is a waitress who has been to hell and back with her life. due to her past, she has pretty much given up on any chance of happiness. for years she has lived her life pushing people away and putting walls up in the fear of letting someone in and losing them, which is totally valid and relatable.
when it comes to her talents, she is immensely talented as a seamstress, enough that she could make it into the fashion world as a designer with all her ideas, but again, due to her past, she denies any idea of moving forward in life or even trying again.
between grieving and loss, there is a lot that this book shares that people can relate too. it shows the good and the bad. how easily we can give up on moving forward under the impression that we are no longer able to enjoy happiness or even deserve it. it made me realize, on my own, that maybe sometimes putting those barriers up is the very reason why you are not allowing yourself to move forward and enjoy what is still unwritten, what is to come ahead.
i wish the plot was a little more developed because sometimes it felt very rushed and i wasn’t fully able to dive into what either of them were feeling at certain points. the character development was also explored way too little for my own liking. nonetheless, what a beautiful story!
2.5/5 ⭐
friends to lovers! miscommunication (cry me a river i hate it).
first, this gave me an immense waitress vibe from the very beginning. melissa is a waitress who has been to hell and back with her life. due to her past, she has pretty much given up on any chance of happiness. for years she has lived her life pushing people away and putting walls up in the fear of letting someone in and losing them, which is totally valid and relatable.
when it comes to her talents, she is immensely talented as a seamstress, enough that she could make it into the fashion world as a designer with all her ideas, but again, due to her past, she denies any idea of moving forward in life or even trying again.
between grieving and loss, there is a lot that this book shares that people can relate too. it shows the good and the bad. how easily we can give up on moving forward under the impression that we are no longer able to enjoy happiness or even deserve it. it made me realize, on my own, that maybe sometimes putting those barriers up is the very reason why you are not allowing yourself to move forward and enjoy what is still unwritten, what is to come ahead.
i wish the plot was a little more developed because sometimes it felt very rushed and i wasn’t fully able to dive into what either of them were feeling at certain points. the character development was also explored way too little for my own liking. nonetheless, what a beautiful story!
October 14, 2015
Melinda Myers works as a waitress by day and a secret dress designer by night. Her dresses are runway worthy. She has had some devastating things happen in her life, and making exquisite dresses is her way of coping. One of her regulars at the diner, Peter Surati, notices her sadness and makes it his mission to brighten her life.
October 31, 2021
Such a sad romance. But the ending was cute. Her fiancé died in a plane crash and she pretends he’s not dead so she can’t hurt anyone, including herself. Then she meets a guy and he won’t let her go. And they get married.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
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May 7, 2022Dnf
November 18, 2020
A really quick, easy read, light and lovely. Melinda is stuck in her grief and guilt and Peter with his honest kindness opens her mind to life. Loved the idea of her secretly designing dresses and being talent spotted.
July 25, 2020
4.5 stars.
Just a lovely read. Although it had what seems like an unrealistic plot, the author managed to grab my attention and keep me engaged until the end.
I read a portion in the story that indicated the young woman (main character) was a believer, while nothing was noted about the man she was falling in love with. However, before the end of the book, the readers were made quite clear about where BOTH of the main characters stood spiritually.
May not have been reality-based, but then aren't most novels?
It was beautiful and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys "impossibilities."
Just a lovely read. Although it had what seems like an unrealistic plot, the author managed to grab my attention and keep me engaged until the end.
I read a portion in the story that indicated the young woman (main character) was a believer, while nothing was noted about the man she was falling in love with. However, before the end of the book, the readers were made quite clear about where BOTH of the main characters stood spiritually.
May not have been reality-based, but then aren't most novels?
It was beautiful and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys "impossibilities."
July 17, 2020
Breathtaking
I finished this book with tears leaking from my eyes and a smile on my face. What a beautiful story! Melinda was withdrawn and Peter was the friend she needed. Her amazing talent exposed by his talents, and in spite of difficulties, his friendship made everything turn out the best way possible! Lovely book.
I finished this book with tears leaking from my eyes and a smile on my face. What a beautiful story! Melinda was withdrawn and Peter was the friend she needed. Her amazing talent exposed by his talents, and in spite of difficulties, his friendship made everything turn out the best way possible! Lovely book.
August 23, 2020
An unexpected story
For some reason, I was expecting a romantic comedy. But instead found myself interestingly caught up in the tale of love lost and love and life found. I was surprised at how much sadness pulled at me in this story. I appreciated the intercultural aspect and the inspirational/faith without any preachyness. Very good short story. You will enjoy it.
For some reason, I was expecting a romantic comedy. But instead found myself interestingly caught up in the tale of love lost and love and life found. I was surprised at how much sadness pulled at me in this story. I appreciated the intercultural aspect and the inspirational/faith without any preachyness. Very good short story. You will enjoy it.
November 16, 2022
What a wonderful, unique and enjoyable story! Totally out of the usual plots! It started a little slow which made me wonder -"Sounds like she is in a coma or something and is thinking what is going on, but can't speak for some reason"...which made me think it was going to be the style where for the first chapter or two, the author tells the ending first, then the next chapter is "Current time" or "20 years ago" kind of thing. And I like that style so I was interested.
But, no that wasn't it! Turns out the actual personality of the girl, Melanie, was just on the boring side and Peter tried to bring her out of her self-inflicted shell (that we learn about much later in the story!). I thought the author gave each character a really interesting and functional personality which made each character independent and pivotal to making the story very impactful and emotional for the reader.
It was good, fun, and interesting and then it turns out Melanie is a home sewer and creates amazing dresses - and just hangs them in the closet and wears one every Friday Night when she goes on a "date" with her boyfriend, Robert - who turns out to have died 3 years ago. But Peter likes her a lot so he keeps at her to be friends and, well, it goes on from there and no spoilers here but it was a really good, sweet, wonderful, heartfelt story. I enjoyed it a lot and being a home sewer myself, nice to read about a fellow sewer!
I listened to the audio version of this book. The only bad thing was - the narration was auto-generated. It wasn't a "real" person speaking. Which made it a little cumbersome. There wasn't much in the way of emotion or feeling in the voices most of the time. It was sometimes hard to determine where the dialog stopped and the narrative started and also which voice was who's. If a live person did the narration - this book would get a 6-star rating from me.
But, no that wasn't it! Turns out the actual personality of the girl, Melanie, was just on the boring side and Peter tried to bring her out of her self-inflicted shell (that we learn about much later in the story!). I thought the author gave each character a really interesting and functional personality which made each character independent and pivotal to making the story very impactful and emotional for the reader.
It was good, fun, and interesting and then it turns out Melanie is a home sewer and creates amazing dresses - and just hangs them in the closet and wears one every Friday Night when she goes on a "date" with her boyfriend, Robert - who turns out to have died 3 years ago. But Peter likes her a lot so he keeps at her to be friends and, well, it goes on from there and no spoilers here but it was a really good, sweet, wonderful, heartfelt story. I enjoyed it a lot and being a home sewer myself, nice to read about a fellow sewer!
I listened to the audio version of this book. The only bad thing was - the narration was auto-generated. It wasn't a "real" person speaking. Which made it a little cumbersome. There wasn't much in the way of emotion or feeling in the voices most of the time. It was sometimes hard to determine where the dialog stopped and the narrative started and also which voice was who's. If a live person did the narration - this book would get a 6-star rating from me.
February 4, 2024
3 1/2 stars
I enjoyed the 1st section of the book more than the latter. the ending was not favourable to me.
Not that it's impossible, but, for someone who has been depressed and hiding for years because of her past losses, I find their move hasty. Melinda lost her mom, dad (her only family members) and her fiancé who she should've wed in 5 weeks if he hadn't passed away and those persons were her whole life.
My highlight was the fact that use used the loss of Robert, her fiancé, to hound a craft that her mom introduced to before her passing (she died when Melinda was about 5 or 6). I also loved the fact that her talent was spotted, even if the way it was done was not necessarily in her best interest.
It is jarring for me to see the two all up and married so quickly after just meeting because there was no real build up for the romance between Melinda and Peter.
I enjoyed the 1st section of the book more than the latter. the ending was not favourable to me.
Not that it's impossible, but, for someone who has been depressed and hiding for years because of her past losses, I find their move hasty. Melinda lost her mom, dad (her only family members) and her fiancé who she should've wed in 5 weeks if he hadn't passed away and those persons were her whole life.
My highlight was the fact that use used the loss of Robert, her fiancé, to hound a craft that her mom introduced to before her passing (she died when Melinda was about 5 or 6). I also loved the fact that her talent was spotted, even if the way it was done was not necessarily in her best interest.
It is jarring for me to see the two all up and married so quickly after just meeting because there was no real build up for the romance between Melinda and Peter.
January 16, 2022
This book starts off great, sad no doubt, but still read worthy. The main character is interesting and clearly has a promising back story, the antagonist has a great plot, seemingly, and the writing is great. At about the 40% mark though this all starts to fall flat and the book just bulldozes from that point on.
While I did like the comfortable friendship between the two main characters but as for them falling in love? There are some essence to a realistic relationship that just did not fit here. Also, I wasn't feeling the abrupt religious throw in. I'm a religious person and I understand falling out with your divine faith but this came from left field. Had the characters been delved into a little more, it would have been even better.
While I did like the comfortable friendship between the two main characters but as for them falling in love? There are some essence to a realistic relationship that just did not fit here. Also, I wasn't feeling the abrupt religious throw in. I'm a religious person and I understand falling out with your divine faith but this came from left field. Had the characters been delved into a little more, it would have been even better.
November 29, 2021
Surprise religious message
I don't always look carefully on books I buy or borrow, so it might be my fault, but I didn't realize this was a Christian book until I was most of the why through it. I don't have an issue with Christian or other religion characters in books, but I'm not a fan of preachy. Unfortunately this one went there.
Additionally, there was very little spark between the main characters do the quick love wasn't very believable. Also, seriously? Peter's family is part of the 1% of Mumbai's residents that are Christian? I find that doubtful.
So, it wasn't a bad read but was still disappointing. I'm not interested in reading other works by this author.
I don't always look carefully on books I buy or borrow, so it might be my fault, but I didn't realize this was a Christian book until I was most of the why through it. I don't have an issue with Christian or other religion characters in books, but I'm not a fan of preachy. Unfortunately this one went there.
Additionally, there was very little spark between the main characters do the quick love wasn't very believable. Also, seriously? Peter's family is part of the 1% of Mumbai's residents that are Christian? I find that doubtful.
So, it wasn't a bad read but was still disappointing. I'm not interested in reading other works by this author.
July 7, 2024
Free from author.
A rare 5 stars. I hate it, and love it, when a book makes me cry. Talena Winters has written a sweet, sad, moving, interesting story. It's clean and Christian in the sense that people are religious, and God is mentioned, no worries it's not mainly about faith. Melinda's unhappiness is relatable and I've been there myself. If the world would stop long enough for you to catch your breath it would be a blessing. Her love interest comes out of nowhere and he's a keeper from the start. A man who doesn't give up on you is a great romance book hero. I read it straight through in one evening, I liked it that much.
A rare 5 stars. I hate it, and love it, when a book makes me cry. Talena Winters has written a sweet, sad, moving, interesting story. It's clean and Christian in the sense that people are religious, and God is mentioned, no worries it's not mainly about faith. Melinda's unhappiness is relatable and I've been there myself. If the world would stop long enough for you to catch your breath it would be a blessing. Her love interest comes out of nowhere and he's a keeper from the start. A man who doesn't give up on you is a great romance book hero. I read it straight through in one evening, I liked it that much.
August 7, 2024
I love to support indie books but this book just was not it for me. I got it from the stuff your Kindle prime day and didn’t read much into the premise other than it being a romance book. The main character Melinda is really suspicious at first and it gives a boarderline horror escape feeling. Shes really secretive and we don’t get many insights into her life. Then the book wraps up so quickly in the last like 4 chapters basically explaining her behavior, making her fall in love and have a new career. Overall, this book is a different story in the romance genre but is not well developed enough for it to make a recommendation list at this stage.
August 12, 2020
Interesting story
This story is different from run of the mill HEA. Melinda is using design and fashion creation as a way to survive emotionally. And she is barely surviving. It is difficult to understand how Peter is attracted to with her incredibly sad demeanor, but he sees her beauty from the beginning. Grief is crazy and I think maybe we go a little crazy as we muddle through it. I will read another by this author.
This story is different from run of the mill HEA. Melinda is using design and fashion creation as a way to survive emotionally. And she is barely surviving. It is difficult to understand how Peter is attracted to with her incredibly sad demeanor, but he sees her beauty from the beginning. Grief is crazy and I think maybe we go a little crazy as we muddle through it. I will read another by this author.
March 29, 2023
After reading "The Friday Night Date Dress" I am amazed Talena Winters produced such a grammatically correct and readable book. Compared to other successful authors I have read, I think she can be one of those writers who will reach that level. It is my first encounter with her writing.
I read about a book a day, and seldom find such a unique set of characters and engaging plot, told with such good grammar.
I read about a book a day, and seldom find such a unique set of characters and engaging plot, told with such good grammar.
April 17, 2019
A living on of a lost love in the pursuit of a dream leads to new love and the fulfillment of the dream. This story will have you crying and laughing as you go on the emotional journey within. Talena's writing style gives the reader very detailed description and imaginability, resulting in virtual experience of the story. A very enjoyable read.
July 23, 2020
Uplifting!
This book was engaging and light, yet surprisingly real as the reason for the main character's strange off-putting behavior is revealed. It was entertaining without being a heavy drama; just what I needed today! An unexpected surprise was the hope and healing described at the end. Very refreshing!
This book was engaging and light, yet surprisingly real as the reason for the main character's strange off-putting behavior is revealed. It was entertaining without being a heavy drama; just what I needed today! An unexpected surprise was the hope and healing described at the end. Very refreshing!
February 22, 2021
Melinda is a waitress that designs her own dresses every night as a kind of therapy to face a huge amount of loss. Peter is a wanna be photographer that is intrigued by Melinda when his sister pushed them to work together. A slow-burn clean romance where two people no strangers to pain and lost find redemption in each other.
October 12, 2022
This novella packed a punch with fear, loss, love, grief, friendship, new beginnings and some religion in the end. The religion is kind of out of no where, but didn’t really bother me because if a person is avoiding their faith…well, why would it be throughout the book. I guess it could have been mentioned earlier that she walked away from it, but it’s not a big deal for me. Overall, it was a good read to see how one person may deal with their grief and overcome that which hurts us most.
January 4, 2024
A grieving young woman works in a diner and in her time off, designs and sews dresses for herself.
She meets a new set of customers one day, and soon becomes quasi friendly with them, but she must resolve some issues first.
A cute story about fear, loss, redemption, love, and the sometimes rocky road to romance.
She meets a new set of customers one day, and soon becomes quasi friendly with them, but she must resolve some issues first.
A cute story about fear, loss, redemption, love, and the sometimes rocky road to romance.
May 26, 2024
A feel good inspirational story that reads quickly. A feel good book that is light reading and is something that enables you to take a break and escape for a little while. A fresh storyline with compelling characters, Peter and Melinda. Follow their relationship to see is Peter is able to overcome Melinda's past.
August 29, 2024
Really good story that held my interest. Melinda is a tragic character. Each week she creates a new dress for her Friday Night Date with her fiancé Robert. Then she carefully packs them away. There are hints from the beginning that Robert is deceased. I love how Peter draws Melly out of her self imposed emotional isolation. Very interesting characters and storyline.
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October 2, 2025Powerfully emotional
I was expecting sweet and sappy, but was an emotional wreck reading this.
I'm not sure how long it's been in my kindle, waiting for me to notice it, but once I started, I was HOOKED.
Honestly, it's not my usual fare, so I can't express enough how good it is, without giving spoilers. I'll have to check this author's portfolio out, as I'm impressed.
I was expecting sweet and sappy, but was an emotional wreck reading this.
I'm not sure how long it's been in my kindle, waiting for me to notice it, but once I started, I was HOOKED.
Honestly, it's not my usual fare, so I can't express enough how good it is, without giving spoilers. I'll have to check this author's portfolio out, as I'm impressed.
July 21, 2020
Enjoyable romance with a solid plot
This is definitely an enjoyable romance with just enough romance and characters that are genuine plus a solid plot. Would absolutely read more from this author!
This is definitely an enjoyable romance with just enough romance and characters that are genuine plus a solid plot. Would absolutely read more from this author!
July 22, 2020
Excellent writing with depth of character
I loved this book!! It is rare for a love story to have such depth. You can see the relationships develop and it gives an adaquete explanation of grief.
I loved this book!! It is rare for a love story to have such depth. You can see the relationships develop and it gives an adaquete explanation of grief.
July 30, 2020
Great read!
I loved this book. Considered a short story to me it was a very inspiring book about love and perseverance. I’m anxious to read her book, Finding Heaven which I’ve just purchased. Definitely recommend!
I loved this book. Considered a short story to me it was a very inspiring book about love and perseverance. I’m anxious to read her book, Finding Heaven which I’ve just purchased. Definitely recommend!
September 2, 2020
Heartfelt and challenging romantic read
I loved this book. It was a short but emotional read. I loved how real the author made her characters. You could see and feel their emotions. The author dealt with real emotions of loss, letting go, and learning to live again.
I loved this book. It was a short but emotional read. I loved how real the author made her characters. You could see and feel their emotions. The author dealt with real emotions of loss, letting go, and learning to live again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews