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If The Dress Fits

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A heartwarming romantic comedy guaranteed to sweep you off your feet, If the Dress Fits is one story you don’t want miss in 2016!

She might be the most famous person in the country…but no one knows her name!

Celebrity actress Lilac Verbois is holding a competition to design her dress for the Wedding of the Year…and Callie’s exquisite, glittering silk gown has been shortlisted. But just as all her dreams are coming true, disaster strikes and she rushes home – forgetting to submit the forms!

Years ago, when Callie left sleepy Althorpe for the bright lights of London, she never expected to return. And there’s one man in particular she’d hoped never to see again, Theo, the childhood-sweetheart-turned-rock-God who turned her life upside down. But now she’s back, she realises it’s finally time to stop running…and face her past.

Yet, little does Callie know, Lilac Verbois has begun a Cinderella-like hunt for that perfect, pearl-embroidered wedding dress, mysteriously submitted without a name…

What readers have been saying about Daisy James:

‘In The Runaway Bridesmaid, Daisy James delivers a stunning debut novel, with beautifully constructed sentences, swift-flowing plotlines, oodles of love and dollops of delights that were masterfully stirred with engaging characters.’ ― The Nest of Books

The Runaway Bridesmaid is a great novel that any true romantic will love. A woman torn between two men, romance on the cards and mouth-watering food! What more could a girl ask for!’ ―By The Letter Book Reviews

One of the finest written romances I have ever read…I will certainly be looking out for any future stories by this exceptionally talented author!’ ― Splashes Into Books

‘Sweet and romantic…just the thing when you want a feel-good read to leave you with a smile on your face!’ ― Portybelle

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2016

51 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Daisy James

37 books165 followers
Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plot-lines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations - the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence - so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
242 reviews325 followers
June 9, 2016
If The Dress Fits is one of those feel-good romantic comedies that I can't help but enjoy. It's got royal weddings, stories of lost love, and, in this case, a group of women working to keep their favorite home town craft store's doors open. Seriously, what's not to love if you're into this sort of thing?!

I do, however, feel that the "comedy" aspect fell a bit short. Honestly, if it hadn't included it in the title description, I don't think I would feel so disappointed. But since I was fully prepared for a laugh, I was left to just enjoy the simple love story instead. Hard life, right?

The particular edition I read was an ARC and my guess is that it'll still be cleaned up a bit. With characters named Martha and Marcia...needless to say I struggled at times to remember who was who and where they fit into the story. Small details, but some greater differentiation would have made things a lot more clear, and I'm uncertain of whether this might be changed in finalized editions.

What did I think?: I thought that for an easy read, it was quite enjoyable. It held my attention well enough, although I didn't find myself itching to pick it up at night. It's endearing and light, which is exactly what I was in the mood for.

Who should read it?: With beach season upon us, this one would be perfect for the girl who is either relaxing in the sun or wishing for their own wedding extravaganza.



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Profile Image for Liina.
308 reviews120 followers
May 12, 2016
Callie is a successful wedding dress designer, who also owns a boutique. She moved from Yorkshire to London about three years ago, after she broke up with her boyfriend, who was and still is a famous rock star. She decided to pursue her dreams and work instead of finding a new love. A famous actress Lilac Verbois, who is getting married and to find a wedding dress she started to competition. Callie's dress is shortlisted in the competition and she hopes to win it. When a family emergency occurs, Callie goes back to Yorkshire. Due to a misfortune, Callie's dress goes out without properly filled paperwork and while she is dealing with family issues, there's a hunt for the owner of the competition winner, who is Callie! Back her hometown, Callie meets her old friends, acquaintances and also her first love Theo. She really likes being back at home, but also misses her new life in London. She has to make a decision where her heart really is and if her and Theo's love can have another chance.
It was a pleasant and sweet romance, where the plot revolved around crafting and also baking a little bit. I was easily able to imagine the beautiful things the women made and also the delicious sweets that were an important part of the ladies' evenings and the wedding of the year.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up.
2,894 reviews433 followers
September 16, 2016


I thought I would do a bit of light reading and give my brain a moment to mellow.

The previous book by this author "The runaway bridesmaid" made for excellent reading. That one thoroughly entertained me and so did this one.

There were some laugh out loud moments, you know, when you are sat there and people stare at you like you are going nuts.....well, that was me.

This definitely is a feel good romance, light, airy and full of fun.

Callie is a respected wedding designer in her own right.

She is shortlisted for or Yorkshires wedding of the year but tragedy comes and it seems everything is going wrong.

Its a beautiful love story with cupcakes and everything.

Loved it.

My thanks to Carina UK via Net Galley for my copy
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
July 11, 2016
Having thoroughly enjoyed 'The Runaway Bridesmaid', I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read and review the author's next published novel and I'm so glad that I did! The author is a highly skilled writer, encapsulating her scenes, characters and events, bringing them to life in the imagination of her readers. This is another light hearted, laugh out loud, romance, with plenty of dramatic twists to keep the reader thoroughly entertained, hoping for the characters to reach their much sought after HEAs.

In this story, the main stars live in a small Yorkshire village of Althorpe, where local businesses are struggling to compete with the big supermarkets and shopping complexes. One by one it seems to village stores are being sold to developers who are transforming them into weekend homes for rich city dwellers, with serious implications for the village community and spirit. Callie grew up in the village, spending much of her time either with her childhood sweetheart, who became the lead singer with The Razorclaws, Theo, or at her Aunt's shop, Gingerberry Yarns, where she learnt her love of material and yarns. After finding Theo in the arms of someone else, Callie left the village and went to work in London where she now owns her own successful fashion designing business.

She's participating in a prestigious competition to design the wedding dress for celebrity actress, Lilac Verbois. Unfortunately, just as she's putting the finishing touches to her entry she gets a life changing phone call informing her that her Aunt is seriously ill. Leaving her colleagues to complete the entry, she dashes up to Althorpe in an effort to get to see her again. This is the start of a catalogue of changes for Callie. As she returns to her childhood community, rekindles old friendships, reconnects with the community and has some drastic potentially life changing decisions to make. Will her previous romance with Theo be rekindled, too, or will their time apart prove a chasm too large for them to reconnect?

The sharp contrast between her work focussed existence in London and village life, the people, events, attitudes and life are fundamental to reviving Callie. Believing she's lost the competition, grief for her Aunt, reconnecting with school friends, memories and seeing Theo again all play significant roles in changing her attitude, outlook and life. As usual, nothing is straightforward and there is plenty of angst and turmoil before she can achieve her HEA.

I loved the great mix of secondary characters in this story, especially the villagers and the people involved with Callie's Pimlico business. The search for the designer of the winning gown is, at times, hilarious - definitely reminiscent of the Prince's search for Cinderella, though this time it isn't a shoe that has to fit but a designer of the dress that is sought! Reading descriptions of the delicious sounding cakes crafted by Tom will have your mouth watering, I'd love to try some of them! This is a great second chance romance packed with angst, turmoil and giggles until it reaches a heart warming conclusion. Again, I will certainly be looking out for any future stories by this exceptionally talented author.

Thanks to the author and publishers for gifting me an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,120 reviews64 followers
May 12, 2016
I loved Daisy James previous book The Runaway bridesmaid and her new book If the Dress fits is written in the same lovely style. You are drawn in by heartwarming characters, lost love rekindled romantic dresses and a sense of community.
Callie left Yorkshire years ago to work in London and was a successful wedding dress designer. Before she is called home she had submitted a dress into a celebrity wedding call-but her assistant fails to send her details with the dress which means a nationwide search for the mus
On her return she finds herself owning a run down wool shop called Gingerberry Yarns. What a great name for a shop! The shop provides the venue for meeting the cast of characters and learning more about them.
It’s the perfect book for curling up with in the summer sunshine with a tasty drink by your side.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Loz.
767 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2017
This was a little muddled and meandering for me, I found it hard to connect to the characters.
99 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2016
If the dress fits was written in that lovely style that you expect when reading a Chic Lit novel. The characters were all lovable and the whole story was down right enjoyable. A sweet read perfect for a day at the beach or lazing around in your pj's!

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review which I am more then happy to give.
Profile Image for Hari.
141 reviews10 followers
February 20, 2023
Oh the adjectives! Did Not Finish
194 reviews36 followers
August 13, 2016
If the Dress Fits by Daisy James was a book I was eager to read after seeing the lovely cover and reading the blurb, I’m drawn to anything wedding related, especially at this time of year so this was the perfect read for me.
Callie left her hometown village of Althorpe in Yorkshire years ago after catching boyfriend Theo in the arms of another woman. Since then Callie has poured herself into her work and built up a successful wedding dress design boutique and now she’s at the pinnacle of her career as she’s a finalist in a competition to design a dress for famous actress Lilac Verbois. On the day Callie’s entry is due to be sent for judging she gets a phone-call which devastates her. Leaving her assistants in charge of the paperwork for the competition Callie heads back to Yorkshire where her life has been turned upside-down.
On returning to Yorkshire Callie has a few shocks. Firstly she is now the owner of her aunts shop Gingerberry Yarns and secondly her old boyfriend Theo, the famous rock star just keeps popping up where ever she is. She’s also trying to hide her disappointment at not winning the dress competition, but unbeknown to Callie Lilac’s wedding team are desperately trying to find the owner of the winning dress, which was submitted with no name…
Despite longing to get back to her studio and her work Callie remains in Yorkshire and begins to give Gingerberry Yarns a make-over in order to make it more saleable, but slowly happy memories of the place come flooding back and Callie begins to be won over by the shops charm, which is helped along by some lovely and loyal customers.
What will happen to Gingerberry Yarns? Will Callie return to London? Will she give Theo another chance and who won the dress competition? This books is full of drama as Callie works out where her heart lies.
This was a lovely read which I really enjoyed. Daisy James has created such a magical place with Gingerberry Yarns that I couldn’t help wishing I could go there myself and join in the Cupcakes and Couture group, despite the fact I’m useless with needles! It was such a warm and comforting place, made even better by the delicious sounding cakes which baker Tom keeps dropping by.
I also loved all of the characters, both in Yorkshire and back in London. They have each been given there own distinct personalities and dreams. One of my favourite characters was Tish, Lilac’s slightly ditzy wedding planner. She was such a hopeless romantic getting swept away with others peoples big days while she waited for her Prince Charming to come and she her off her feet. I loved how Nikki, Lilac’s PA has to step in more than once to help her organise things she’d completely forgotten.
If the Dress Fits was a really enjoyable read, it’s a light-hearted easy read which is perfect for reading in the sunshine. It left me with a warm glow inside and is sure to be a book I reach for when I need cheering up. I��m so looking forward to Daisy’s next book When Only Cupcakes Will do, as I know Daisy is one of those writers that will deliver something I will enjoy.
Thank you to the publishers for this review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.


Profile Image for Jody.
341 reviews115 followers
September 4, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

Callie Henshaw doesn't regret making the decision to leave her hometown of Althorpe in Yorkshire to start her own wedding boutique in London. Especially not now she's in the running of designing an exclusive wedding dress for famous actress Lilac Verbois, who is marrying her true love in a few months' time. But Callie's life is slightly shook up when she receives some bad news from the home front, requiring her to go back to Althorpe to deal with some things. Due to circumstances she forgets to add the required paperwork to her wedding dress, but there is no time for Callie to even notice as she has more than enough to deal with, including her gorgeous ex-boyfriend-turned-rockstar Theo, who seems to have not forgotten about Callie and the love they once had for one another...

'If the Dress Fits' is Daisy James' second novel, after her 2015 debut 'The Runaway Bridesmaid.' I was really curious to check out one of her works and am really glad I did because I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy novel from start to finish. I love a good read about weddings, but next to a fun main topic the book also has a captivating storyline, a lovely dose of romance and a great collection of characters. Protagonist Callie is a wedding dress designer taking part in an important competition to design the wedding dress for a famous actress; I loved this part of the storyline, but also really enjoyed the fact that there was so much more to focus on, such as Callie's aunt's shop Gingerberry Yarns and the romance between Theo and Callie.

Theo really is a wonderful male lead and I'm sure many readers will fall for him and his charms, just like I did. I actually think the village of Althorpe is filled with interesting and promising characters, so I'd definitely be up for more stories set in this town and learn more about the different personalities. One point of critique; the novel is described as a funny read, but I personally didn't really feel that while reading it. It's a great read, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't describe it as a really funny one. Daisy James has definitely managed to catch my attention, though, and I already look forward to picking up her next release, 'When Only Cupcakes Will Do', which will be out this August. On the whole, 'If the Dress Fits' is a charming and simply lovely read that I really enjoyed and definitely recommend to any chick lit/wedding lit readers looking for their next read!
Profile Image for Artemiz.
933 reviews33 followers
September 27, 2016
If the Dress Fits by Daisy James was like roller coaster ride, but not the kind you would expect. If somebody says "Read it, it's a good easy comedy" you expect a good easy comedy - so you start your ride, smooth ride up, then down, couple of loops, laughing, love, misunderstandings, all the usual. But this story, well, you start with going down, then up, then you are thrown to the left, then right, then up, then down, you experience so many whiplashes that it's miracle you still know what book are you reading ... well not so bad, but Callie's mood swings are really annoying.

So the story is about an bridal dresses designer, who has lost her boyfriend four years ago, has been buried in her work all this time and now she is submitting her creation to a celebrity wedding dress competition. Just minutes before she can send the dress off, she gets a phone call that lets her know, her aunt has rushed to a hospital. Which is more important aunt or dress - Callie leaves her coworkers to send off the dress and rushed to the aunts side.

When she arrives, all is left is to arrange a funeral. She is devastated. Her aunt left her in her will a yarn shop, a shop where Callie has grown up, learn to sew, knit, embroider ... anything to to with fashion. Her first thought - sell the shop, go back to London, there is nothing for her left. Her second - Run, your old boyfriend still comes here to visit his family. Her third - I can't just sell, I got to polish the place before she can sell, and she has to think about the people that depend on the shop for job for social gathering. She is needed back in London, they did not win the competition, locals tel her to stay, to go, her ex wants to talk to her, she can not trust him, then she loves him, then she sees him with his fans again (he's a up and coming humble rock star), the celebrity wedding consultant is looking for her, since she actually won, she starts the knitting club again, she meets the movie star bride, she kisses her ex, she flees back to London again, back to home village again, she starts a new branch for her business, she's angry with her ex again, everybody around her is pairing up, she wants to flee right after she has put the dress on the movie star, she stays till the end. Its up and down, right an left, forward and backward.

Yes, the story is easy and somewhat entertaining, but mostly it was annoying for me.
Profile Image for Joanne Robertson.
1,407 reviews646 followers
July 12, 2016
What an absolutely adorable book this was! I just loved it from the first moment I saw that gorgeously simplistic cover until I read the final beautifully hopeful last line. If you want a feelgood romance full of colourful and likeable characters then this book is a must buy. I feel all soft and fluffy and sweet now I've finished it, rather like one of Tom's delectable cupcakes!

The plot for this was based around Callie who is a well respected wedding dress designer. She has made the shortlist to design a dress for Yorkshires wedding of the year but after tragedy strikes, the dress is left unlabelled and so the hunt is on "Cinderella style" to find the lucky anonymous winner.

The wedding dress design and the wedding of the year is only a small.part of this lovely story. Callie is still longing for her first love Theo, now a famous rock star and a trip away from London back to her home town brings them together again. But for me the love affair was with the village of Allthorpe and the fascinating local people we meet there. I LOVED Gingerberry Yarns and the Cupcakes and Couture crew. I found it very touching in a personal way as well. I also like in a small village where the High Street has changed so much due to the out of town shopping experiences that have put so many small local shops out of business. So I  was cheering out loud for all the talented local craftspeople and traders to triumph.

The first thing I did when I finished this book was to pre-order When only Cupcakes Will Do by Daisy James that is due out next month as I just love her style of writing, it makes me smile....A LOT!

Thank you to Carina UK for providing my advanced copy in return for an unbiased review. 
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,962 reviews231 followers
September 14, 2016
If The Dress Fits is the second novel I have read by this author and she certainly knows how to tell a story that totally engages it’s readers. The fact that a lot of it is set in Yorkshire raised it’s appeal to me and made me fall in love with it that little bit more.

Callie has left her home town in Yorkshire and is making her mark in London as a wedding dress designer. She loves her life in London and is very settled. That all changes when after a death in the family she has to return to Yorkshire where she finds she has been left a haberdashery shop.

Being back in her home town relights her love of the place where she grew up as well as the man who was her first love.

I have to say I was so envious of Callie. She really has it all. Her business is booming in London and then to be left a quaint shop in the heart of Yorkshire surrounded by some wonderful friends, oh and of course a hot and famous love interest, well come on, who wouldn’t be a tad jealous.

Even though this is a romance novel, I was actually more in love with Callie’s shops and friends. I loved her ideas for the haberdashery shop and how it involved so many of her friends as well as creating more work and jobs for the people in the area. It is very much a feel good, girl done good kind of read.

If The Dress Fits is without a doubt a wonderful read. A story line that includes wedding dresses, cakes, lingerie, friendship and romance, what is there not to love? It is such a feel good read that left me feeling all warm and snug inside.
Profile Image for Victoria.
Author 10 books14 followers
May 13, 2016
Ms. James has once again woven a delightful tale constructed from the very thread of human experience. While the story follows Callie Henshaw’s struggle as a young fashion designer, the entire novel is set against the backdrop of the elaborate wedding of Lilac and Finn, two celebratory actors who have invited the entire country to their nuptials.

The wedding food, the cake, the flowers, the vocalists, and the band, have individual competitions and Callie’s own creation, an exquisite gown, begs to be entered. Each participant knows if chosen, their career path is set.

Callie claims she’s too busy to date, but her friends think differently. When Callie receives the blow of her aunt’s death and learns the dire situation of her aunt’s shop, Gingerberry Yarns, Callie wonders if she should sell. She meets others along the way who were important to her aunt and the small community invested in Allthorpe High Street and its entrepreneurs.

Callie discovers the importance of life in a small community and she learns to forgive the love she thought she’d lost.

From the description of the sugary delights from the bakery to the exquisite gowns designed by Callie and even the peppermint green paint that graced the walls of Gingerberry’s, Ms. James draws the reader in with vivid descriptions and beautifully executed words.
Profile Image for Fiona.
559 reviews
May 20, 2016
With my daughter's upcoming nuptials this was a very appropriate read for me . Callie is a fashioner designer specialising in bridal wear and owns her own salon in London . Excited to be in with a chance to win a prestigious contract to design and dress a major celebs wedding gown she has worked non stop but the failure of her assistant to complete the appropriate paperwork puts a spanner in the works . She flees home after the death of her aunt to seek solace in the countryside and realising her aunt has left her a quaint little haberdashery shop ponders what to do with it . Add in the once love of her life Theo making an appearance and Callie's life takes on a complicated sequence of events.
I loved this book , felt at home in the village Callie was brought up in , loved the wedding descriptions and did not want to put it down . Cosy , feel good read from an author I will certainly look out for again .
Profile Image for Petra Quelch.
Author 1 book8 followers
June 2, 2016
If The Dress Fits the second book by Daisy James I've read and oh boy what a fabulous story! Daisy has such a mesmerising way with words that managed to pull me inside her stories and keep me so entertained and happy right to the end. I so loved the main character in this story; Callie is such a vigorous and dynamic leading lady, who battled through some tragic circumstances in her young life but luckily Callie has a group of fantastic friends who are only happy to support her through tough times.
I adored every single character in this story! But I was so taken with the chemistry and deep love between Callie and Theo Drake, the famous musician who is so level-headed, warm and charismatic.
Daisy James wrote a wonderful story of love, deep connections not just to the other person but also the place Callie and Theo hold dear in their hearts.​
Profile Image for Georgiann Hennelly.
1,960 reviews26 followers
November 24, 2016
Callie is a Dress Designer in London. Years ago she left sleepy little Althorpe after she ended her romance with her famous Rock Star Boyfriend. Now a famous Actress is getting married and has started a competition to find the perfect Wedding Dress. Callie enters the competition but due to a Family emergency her dress goes out with out the paperwork properly filled out. While Callie is dealing with Family issues the hunt is on to find her as she has won the competition. Back at home Callie reconnects with old friends and Theo her first love. Now she needs to decide where her heart lies in London or back home? And if Theo and her can have another chance to try to make a relationship work. A sweet romance story. I received a free advance copy from Net galley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,049 reviews
May 12, 2016
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this advance copy.

Fabulous! Some books you just know you are going to love. The title is perfect, the cover is fantastic - how could you not be drawn in!

Callie is a dress designer in London. She's in the running to create a wedding dress for the wedding of the year, when her aunt becomes ill and she has to return to Yorkshire. Childhood memories come flooding back when she revisits her aunt's sewing shop. It could do with an overhaul, but Callie wants to return to her life in London. Does she stay and make a go of it? Does her dress get picked for the wedding of the year? You get pulled into the story right away!

Would definitely recommend this, and will be looking out for other books by this author!
Profile Image for Tracey.
417 reviews9 followers
November 14, 2016
A feel good romantic comedy that pucked me up when I felt down
Profile Image for Helena.
2 reviews
December 13, 2022
This was predictable and quite boring. I couldn't connect with the main character as she comes across as rather cold to me. Also, the dialouge between the characters are often times not realistic, no one speaks like that.

There were often unnecessary details added, both in descriptions as well as in dialouge, that did not add anything to the story or overall atmosphere. To the point that it became a little annoying. Like when Lilac's lips are swollen, and apparently it looks like "she's indulged in a course of extreme botox". (Why would anyone have Botox in their lips, and why would they get swollen from it?)

The descriptions of some characters physical appearance was also not my cup of tea. I take it Delia is overweight and have stubby fingers but still looks a little nice, despite that..? While the main character is 180cm tall and lives on pizza? And Tom is unattractive because of his red face and red hair? The descriptions just felt old to me. We're not redefining any beauty standards here, but then again I suppose not everyone are set out to do that either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Roberta.
1,217 reviews18 followers
July 19, 2019
A well written romance, but not quite my cup of tea. I prefer reading books where the characters haven’t had all their relatives die - and I especially dislike reading books where they actually die within the book. I also found Callie’s constant shilly-shallying on whether she wants to be with Theo or not a little hard to understand - particularly the last decision. I think just a little more explanation/narrative on why she suddenly changed her mind with no extra input would have made this more believable.
Profile Image for Andrea (mrsaubergine).
1,584 reviews92 followers
November 4, 2019
The cover drew me in, and I was looking forward to a fun, easy read, especially since there was a wool shop involved, but I didn't really connect with the characters - and there were so many of them! Callie was a true Mary Sue and her behaviour toward Theo was hugely over the top considering his supposed indiscretion. This is my second Daisy James book, and I was lukewarm about the other one also. Sadly, this may be the last I read of this author.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***
Profile Image for Isabella May.
Author 22 books129 followers
September 2, 2018
Another wonderful read!

I'm beginning to wonder if there is any subject Daisy James can't write about with inimitable zest and creativity! I've read a number of the author's titles with a foodie and perfumed thread, and, once again in If The Dress Fits, she delivers the perfect contemporary romance... this time with a fashion theme. A believable cast and eloquent language make this another un-put-downable book.
454 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2022
Brilliant

Daisy has done it again her books just keep on getting better.
I couldn't put it down. I recommend it
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,540 reviews46 followers
May 11, 2016
Callie-Louise is a wedding dress designer with high ambitions. She moved to London from Yorkshire after the break up of her relationship with rockstar boyfriend Theo and has established herself as one of the leading bridal wear designers. Her boutique has provided dresses for the big day of celebrities and minor royalty. In fact, she has been short-listed in the competition to design a wedding dress for Lilac Verbois at the celebrity wedding of the year. A family emergency sees her dashing off to Yorkshire, leaving one of her assistants to dispatch the wedding dress at the last minute. Unfortunately, the assistant forgets to complete the paperwork leaving Lilac’s staff the job of tracking down the designer without revealing the dress – very Cinderella!

Callie finds she is now unexpectedly also the owner of Gingerberry Yarns a rather dilapidated wool shop. I so loved the setting of the shop. Even though it was run down, Daisy James really conveyed the warmth of the place and its importance to the people who came to it. It was a perfect setting for the people who came not just to buy, but to meet with friends, to chat and to support one another. Callie is really torn as she doesn’t want to leave her London life but can see how devastating it would be for the town and community if she closes the shop. She decides to at least revamp it in the hope of selling it as a going concern and as she does this, she begins to warm to the idea of keeping it going herself.

Daisy James has created a fabulous set of characters for this book. Callie herself is just lovely and someone you could see would be a true, loyal friend. The customers of the Gingerberry Yarns and her friends from home such as Nessa seemed a great bunch of people, people you’d want to get to know yourself. The bride-to-be Lilac was not at all stand-offish and it was a delight to read about the genuine love she had for her groom Finn. One character who really changed as the novel went on was quiet Marcie, rather dull and frumpy at the start but really encouraged by Callie and the ‘Stitch and Bitch’ group. She grew in confidence and I’ll bet the ladies would never have suspected what her short stories were about!

And then of course there is Theo, the gorgeous Theo. Theo and Callie had been together since they were teenagers, really in love, but split up when she couldn’t cope with all the attention he was getting as lead singer with rock band The Razorclaws. That’s when Callie fled to London and would not speak to Theo despite his attempts to contact her. Of course, they meet again when she comes back to Yorkshire and let’s just say the old attraction is still there! Theo sounded such a lovely person, not just in his physical looks but being genuinely caring too. A scene involving a song he sings was just so romantic. I was willing Callie to somehow find a way to make things works between them.

Daisy James has written another completely engaging romantic tale. It is warm and funny and although there are some sad moments there are plenty feel-good moments too. As I said in my review of Daisy’s previous novel, The Runaway Bridesmaid, if you are looking for a heartwarming book to put a smile on your face, look no further.
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,851 reviews57 followers
May 12, 2016
If The Dress Fits,  Daisy James

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance,
 
I really looked forward to reading this, the description drew me in with its mix of events and second chance love. Sadly though it didn’t cut it for me.
 
Its a well written story, its simply Callie that really lets it down for me, and the way she is with Theo, her intransigent attitude. 
I loved the events in the village and what happened to Gingerberry Yarns, loved the characters from Callie’s friends, both London and local, the baker Tom, and florist Jules (I think?) Of course I also adore the film star/rock star characters in a romance novel and Callie’s ex was lead singer for a top rock band. With all that its a story I ought to have been lost in, ought to have felt saddened when it finally ended, but ultimately satisfied. Instead though I just felt a bit detached from the story, and found myself rushing through parts to search for the romance.
To begin its all Callie’s London shop and The Dress, then back to Yorkshire and the events there. There isn’t really any mention of Theo til well into the book, and for me the romance never really takes off. I understood why Callie was upset at past events but given what both Theo and his and her friends explained her reaction was just over the top for me, and she was kind of dog in the manger about sticking to it.
Poor Theo, all those years they’ve been together, since they were so young, and he’s never given her any cause to doubt him. Then she drops him like a hot brick over what she thinks she saw, and throws everything away. I was just so cross with her and her constant pushing him away, refusing to talk, it just felt like she was blowing events up out of all proportion.

 I didn’t really take to Lilac’s wedding planner and PA either – they seemed too ditzy and weird to have held such important and difficult positions and I couldn’t imagine anyone professional employing them. . 
The humour was a little off the wall for me – and I’m an off the wall person...Added to that the lack of romance, plus Callie’s determination to believe the worst of Theo, even though he gave her no cause sadly made this book was a fail for me.
I’m sure others will love it, adore it, rave about it – that’s how reading goes, its very subjective, and what one of us loves others hate and vice versa. It doesn't mean the book is good or bad, just that some readers enjoy this type of story while I don’t.

Stars:Two, just not one for me

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher 
Profile Image for Mel.
24 reviews
June 10, 2016
I will have to be sure to leave a review on Amazon as soon as it allows me to.
If you knew me, you'd know it's not often that I really fall in love with a book. Don't get me wrong... I enjoy reading and many of the books I read. It's just tough for me to really connect with one on an "oh my gosh, this is amazing" level. This book reminded me of what it's like to immerse myself in another world utterly and completely. Being from a small town myself, I understood Callie's desire for something... more. It wasn't about not loving home and family. It was about wanting something bigger. It was wonderful to get lost in Callie's world. To feel her struggle and pain, her triumphs and confusion. I was able to actually experience the emotions she did and celebrate along with her as well as laugh and cry. It was truly a pleasure.
I'm from the US and have never had the privilege of traveling, but with this book I feel like I actually visited Yorkshire and fell in love with Althorpe and all the characters that came with it. I also adored Callie's friends and partners from London as well. I could read so much more about all of these beautiful, fun, sweet people and not get bored. And trust me that is something I NEVER say. Lol My only real complaint, the reason I didn't rate it 5 stars, is that I wanted more with Callie and Theo. I feel like their romance wasn't focused on enough. I didn't feel like nearly enough was resolved. Throughout the book, Callie was very back and forth with her thoughts on being with him. The fact that she loved him was clear, which made things much more bearable, but she was really hot and cold. She would decide one thing and then change. After all that it seemed to wrap up a bit too easily. His indiscretion wasn't really discussed enough, the fact that he would still have women throwing themselves at him didn't change, Callie was still going to have to deal with that and suddenly it seemed like she was fine with everything... including pushing aside everything she had worked so hard for. It just didn't sit right with me and I wish we had seen more remorse from Theo, maybe just heard more discussion or something... I just needed more. And I really wish we would have had more of an ending. It was nice and a definite HEA, but I would have liked a look further down the road... maybe a few years.
Still, overall I really loved this book and Callie and enjoyed going on her journey with her and watching her discover her purpose and her heart.
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