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The Dressmaker's Dowry
For readers of Lucinda Riley, Sarah Jio, or Susan Meissner, this gripping historical debut novel tells the story of two women: one, an immigrant seamstress who disappears from San Francisco’s gritty streets in 1876, and the other, a young woman in present day who must delve into the secrets of her husband’s wealthy family only to discover that she and the missing dressmaker might be connected in unexpected ways.
An exquisite ring, passed down through generations, connects two women who learn that love is a choice, and forgiveness is the key to freedom...
San Francisco: 1876
Immigrant dressmakers Hannelore Schaeffer and Margaret O'Brien struggle to provide food for their siblings, while mending delicate clothing for the city's most affluent ladies. When wealthy Lucas Havensworth enters the shop, Hanna's future is altered forever. With Margaret's encouragement and the power of a borrowed green dress, Hanna dares to see herself as worthy of him. Then Margaret disappears, and Hanna turns to Lucas. Braving the gritty streets of the Barbary Coast and daring to enter the mansions of Nob Hill, Hanna stumbles upon Margaret’s fate, forcing her to make a devastating decision...one that will echo through the generations.
San Francisco: Present Day
In her elegant Marina apartment overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, Sarah Havensworth struggles to complete the novel she quit her job for. Afraid to tell her husband of her writer’s block, Sarah is also hiding a darker secret—one that has haunted her for 14 years. Then a news headline from 1876 sparks inspiration: Missing Dressmakers Believed to be Murdered. Compelled to discover what happened to Hannelore and Margaret, Sarah returns to her roots as a journalist. Will her beautiful heirloom engagement ring uncover a connection to Hanna Schaeffer?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2017
533 people are currently reading
4186 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Jaeger
4 books339 followersMeredith Jaeger is the USA Today bestselling author of four dual-timeline historical novels: THE INCORRIGIBLES, THE PILOT'S DAUGHTER, BOARDWALK SUMMER and THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY. She's a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was raised by a Swiss father and an American mother.
THE INCORRIGIBLES is a Historical Novel Society's editor's choice in Historical Novel's Review magazine. Editor Kathryn Bashaar writes, "I found the book hard to put down and read all 354 pages in just two days. Highly recommended."
Publishers Weekly called it, "moving and well-researched" while NYT bestselling author Katy Hayes says, "Jaeger is a master storyteller" and NYT bestselling author Lori Nelson Spielman says, "One of those rare books that both captivates and elucidates. I savored every page."
Meredith lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two young children and neurotic Chihuahua-mix rescue. Follow her on Instagram @meredithjaegerauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
December 11, 2016
4.5 stars
The Dressmaker’s Dowry is a highly entertaining read. The story takes place in San Francisco, one of my favorite places to visit, in two different time periods, the mid-1870’s and present day. Sarah Havensworth is working on her thesis and struggling to find a topic that spurs her to write. She stumbles upon an article about two missing dressmakers in the 1870’s who were believed to be murdered, decides to pursue the story for her thesis, and begins researching and visiting places from that era. Back in 1876, The Dressmaker’s Dowry follows two women dressmakers, Hannelore and Margaret, through the dirty streets of the Barbary Coast. Margaret vanishes, and Hannelore is determined to find her. As the book progresses, the two stories converge in an entertaining and surprising manner.
Meredith Jaeger clearly exhaustively researched her subject matter and presents 1876 San Francisco vividly. I felt like I could envision the streets Hannelore traveled down, the decrepit bars she had to scour, and the beautiful Nob Hill mansion she stayed in briefly. I learned so much about that era, including the existence of Long Bridge and the various immigrant areas that are long gone now. She also portrays places in present day San Francisco that I was unaware of and now plan to visit on my next trip there.
I highly recommend this engrossing and engaging novel. I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Dressmaker’s Dowry is a highly entertaining read. The story takes place in San Francisco, one of my favorite places to visit, in two different time periods, the mid-1870’s and present day. Sarah Havensworth is working on her thesis and struggling to find a topic that spurs her to write. She stumbles upon an article about two missing dressmakers in the 1870’s who were believed to be murdered, decides to pursue the story for her thesis, and begins researching and visiting places from that era. Back in 1876, The Dressmaker’s Dowry follows two women dressmakers, Hannelore and Margaret, through the dirty streets of the Barbary Coast. Margaret vanishes, and Hannelore is determined to find her. As the book progresses, the two stories converge in an entertaining and surprising manner.
Meredith Jaeger clearly exhaustively researched her subject matter and presents 1876 San Francisco vividly. I felt like I could envision the streets Hannelore traveled down, the decrepit bars she had to scour, and the beautiful Nob Hill mansion she stayed in briefly. I learned so much about that era, including the existence of Long Bridge and the various immigrant areas that are long gone now. She also portrays places in present day San Francisco that I was unaware of and now plan to visit on my next trip there.
I highly recommend this engrossing and engaging novel. I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
From San Francisco 1876 to present day, we learn of the plight of the poor, the privilege of the wealthy, and secrets of a family that connect both eras.
Sarah married into a wealthy family and brought a secret with her that she never revealed to her husband. Her husband's family had a secret too, but he was unaware of it. Or was he?
Sarah was writing her thesis and came across two dressmakers, Hannalore and Margaret, who lived in1876 and who fascinated her because of the story of their lives.
As Sarah researches, she finds connections between the dressmakers and her husband's family.
THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY moved us back and forth in time with Hannalore's life story being much more interesting than Sarah's story about her life as the wife of a wealthy man and a journalist.
Hannalore's story tells of her hardships as well as her resilience as she takes care of herself and her three siblings after her mother dies and they escape from their drunken, abusive father.
The characters definitely were authentic especially the wealthy with their fancy clothing and privileges. The destitute were equally well described, and you could feel their pain and suffering through the excellent writing style and descriptions of Ms. Jaeger.
I enjoyed THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction, switching back and forth in time, and finding items from from past to present turning up for a mystery that includes a bit of love. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
A popular theme in historical fiction is dual storylines. Typically one is told in the present day and the other in the past.
In my latest novel up for review, The Dressmaker’s Dowry, this same theme makes an appearance.
I often find that the dual storylines approach to historical fiction novels tend to work well and in this novel I think it was interesting and helped move the story along nicely. It gives the reader kind of the best of both worlds and often appeals to a wider audience and those who aren’t ‘all in’ when it comes to historical fiction.
For me though, there was something less polished about this novel and I can’t write put my finger on what it is. While it was a fast paced novel that I felt invested in, for some reason it fell a little flat. I think the modern story was what I struggled with the most.
I think the historical storyline was well researched and believable, but Sarah’s story just seemed too fictional and fabricated for me so I found myself less interested in what was happening with her and move invested in the historical story.
Could it be because I am a huge fan of historical fiction and would really just rather read pure historical fiction stories…..maybe. This novel had the potential to be very very good with a little refinement on the modern plot.
Now that said, it wasn’t a disappointing or unfavorable read by any means. It was well researched and the historical elements were engaging and interesting not to mention I loved Hanna and I wanted to know all about her and her love story etc. but when it came to Sarah, I just felt like her story wasn’t cut from the same cloth which made me lose interest in what was happening with her. It was clear to me that the author was much more invested in Hanna’s story and the historical parts of the novel, it felt like Sarah’s part was just added in for larger audience appeal and it just didn’t work for me.
I think this is a great start for the debate author, with a few tweaks and character development this author could be a shining star in the historical fiction world!
See my full review here
In my latest novel up for review, The Dressmaker’s Dowry, this same theme makes an appearance.
I often find that the dual storylines approach to historical fiction novels tend to work well and in this novel I think it was interesting and helped move the story along nicely. It gives the reader kind of the best of both worlds and often appeals to a wider audience and those who aren’t ‘all in’ when it comes to historical fiction.
For me though, there was something less polished about this novel and I can’t write put my finger on what it is. While it was a fast paced novel that I felt invested in, for some reason it fell a little flat. I think the modern story was what I struggled with the most.
I think the historical storyline was well researched and believable, but Sarah’s story just seemed too fictional and fabricated for me so I found myself less interested in what was happening with her and move invested in the historical story.
Could it be because I am a huge fan of historical fiction and would really just rather read pure historical fiction stories…..maybe. This novel had the potential to be very very good with a little refinement on the modern plot.
Now that said, it wasn’t a disappointing or unfavorable read by any means. It was well researched and the historical elements were engaging and interesting not to mention I loved Hanna and I wanted to know all about her and her love story etc. but when it came to Sarah, I just felt like her story wasn’t cut from the same cloth which made me lose interest in what was happening with her. It was clear to me that the author was much more invested in Hanna’s story and the historical parts of the novel, it felt like Sarah’s part was just added in for larger audience appeal and it just didn’t work for me.
I think this is a great start for the debate author, with a few tweaks and character development this author could be a shining star in the historical fiction world!
See my full review here
September 1, 2017
I really wanted to like this. I don't. I'm sure it has an audience. I think what it really comes down to is I genuinely dislike Sarah, and she's the main character.
There is zero communication in the marriage of Sarah and Hunter. He's supporting her while she writes her novel. Only, not only is she not writing that novel, but when she decides she's going to do something else she doesn't tell him at all. I'm not saying she needs to ask permission, but in front of his parents might not be the time to inform him of the change. Honestly she comes across as a gold digger. Yes, she pays for things for others...but she isn't holding up her side of the arrangement she has with her husband that finances her interests. Sarah find out someone knows about her past. She hopes she can tell Hunter before someone else does....but first she needs to go to the library, and the museum, and oh, a bar.
When she finally tells her in laws the truth about her book she's defensive, why is everyone so interested in her thesis all of a sudden?! Maybe...because it's the only thing in your life right now? You literally just said you weren't having kids because of your career. I think it's a pretty natural progression myself.
Sarah comes across paranoid. 'I saw an old lock earlier, here's an old key. They must go together!!' She finds a painting in a wardrobe and immediately starts thinking her family must have something to do with the disappearance of a couple women. She finds out a child may have died in the old mansion her in laws lived in, says that must be the reason it always gave her the creeps. Why? Any home that's of reasonable age has held a dead person. People didn't go to hospital to die. They stayed home. So I fail to see how this is a big deal. Shes's sensitive her in laws don't like her, but she's judgmental of them. For example. They can afford a maid. They choose to have a maid. I'm not sure what Sarah's problem is with that. There's nothing morally wrong with paying someone to clean your house. She complains they try to control her husband. By being dishonest with your husband, even not telling him you're not having kids, aren't you controlling him too?
Hanna is our second sort of main character. We're supposed to read her as a hardworking angel. I don't. Partly because she's a bit overdone. For example. She comes to stay with some wealthy people and they're told she's going to be finding work. The next day to get out of socializing, instead of simply saying she was going to go job hunting, she performs a dramatic fake faint. Later when it's offered for her brother and sister to stay in the school room and learn she's all embarrassed they don't know how to read or do math. Katja is two. What a lazy child she must be to not be an accomplished reader and mathematician. Later she's looking for abortion doctors who may have seen her friend. Why on earth is it necessary to act like she needs their services? Especially when she acknowledges her friend could never have a afforded the place and likely hadn't been there.
There's other things. Two year old Katja's speech is weird. I have a two year old niece. Never ever would she say, "My name is Katja. I am two. You very pretty." of "When I take a bath I stand in the cooking pot and Hanna washes me with the dishcloth. It's cold and scratchy." Especially a child who's first language is German.
And Lucas. He literally covers his mouth with his hand when Hanna finally takes a bath. He's written like...well like a woman author doesn't know how to write male characters. His reactions, his conversation. "It is I", "your hair, I am utterly enchanted", 'his blue eyes glistened'. With tears. Tears. And then Hunter. He says; "I'll have a bourbon, but just one, because I'm driving." Who talks like that? You just turn down the next drink.
In the end, Hanna is a coward. She flees without a word to Lucas. I understand she feels Robert won't come to justice, but he's killed multiple times now. The family doesn't know. Even if they don't believe you, they could keep and eye out. Instead she just disappears. As for Sarah, well every thing seems to go well. Her father in law has to turn his for profit into a non profit. Not sure that's much of a sacrifice. I know many many people who make good livings working at 'non profits'.
The author is OBSESSED with demonstrating local knowledge. It's really annoying. For example. Upon seeing some beautiful varieties of wood, Hanna exclaims it reminds her of the local fish, rainbow trout. Really? It reminds you of a fish. A White, green and red fish with speckles? Not like an actually rainbow or anything. And when talking to her friends about different articles, instead of saying, hey how's that teacher article going, she describes the article. To the person writing it. Just strange.
There is zero communication in the marriage of Sarah and Hunter. He's supporting her while she writes her novel. Only, not only is she not writing that novel, but when she decides she's going to do something else she doesn't tell him at all. I'm not saying she needs to ask permission, but in front of his parents might not be the time to inform him of the change. Honestly she comes across as a gold digger. Yes, she pays for things for others...but she isn't holding up her side of the arrangement she has with her husband that finances her interests. Sarah find out someone knows about her past. She hopes she can tell Hunter before someone else does....but first she needs to go to the library, and the museum, and oh, a bar.
When she finally tells her in laws the truth about her book she's defensive, why is everyone so interested in her thesis all of a sudden?! Maybe...because it's the only thing in your life right now? You literally just said you weren't having kids because of your career. I think it's a pretty natural progression myself.
Sarah comes across paranoid. 'I saw an old lock earlier, here's an old key. They must go together!!' She finds a painting in a wardrobe and immediately starts thinking her family must have something to do with the disappearance of a couple women. She finds out a child may have died in the old mansion her in laws lived in, says that must be the reason it always gave her the creeps. Why? Any home that's of reasonable age has held a dead person. People didn't go to hospital to die. They stayed home. So I fail to see how this is a big deal. Shes's sensitive her in laws don't like her, but she's judgmental of them. For example. They can afford a maid. They choose to have a maid. I'm not sure what Sarah's problem is with that. There's nothing morally wrong with paying someone to clean your house. She complains they try to control her husband. By being dishonest with your husband, even not telling him you're not having kids, aren't you controlling him too?
Hanna is our second sort of main character. We're supposed to read her as a hardworking angel. I don't. Partly because she's a bit overdone. For example. She comes to stay with some wealthy people and they're told she's going to be finding work. The next day to get out of socializing, instead of simply saying she was going to go job hunting, she performs a dramatic fake faint. Later when it's offered for her brother and sister to stay in the school room and learn she's all embarrassed they don't know how to read or do math. Katja is two. What a lazy child she must be to not be an accomplished reader and mathematician. Later she's looking for abortion doctors who may have seen her friend. Why on earth is it necessary to act like she needs their services? Especially when she acknowledges her friend could never have a afforded the place and likely hadn't been there.
There's other things. Two year old Katja's speech is weird. I have a two year old niece. Never ever would she say, "My name is Katja. I am two. You very pretty." of "When I take a bath I stand in the cooking pot and Hanna washes me with the dishcloth. It's cold and scratchy." Especially a child who's first language is German.
And Lucas. He literally covers his mouth with his hand when Hanna finally takes a bath. He's written like...well like a woman author doesn't know how to write male characters. His reactions, his conversation. "It is I", "your hair, I am utterly enchanted", 'his blue eyes glistened'. With tears. Tears. And then Hunter. He says; "I'll have a bourbon, but just one, because I'm driving." Who talks like that? You just turn down the next drink.
In the end, Hanna is a coward. She flees without a word to Lucas. I understand she feels Robert won't come to justice, but he's killed multiple times now. The family doesn't know. Even if they don't believe you, they could keep and eye out. Instead she just disappears. As for Sarah, well every thing seems to go well. Her father in law has to turn his for profit into a non profit. Not sure that's much of a sacrifice. I know many many people who make good livings working at 'non profits'.
The author is OBSESSED with demonstrating local knowledge. It's really annoying. For example. Upon seeing some beautiful varieties of wood, Hanna exclaims it reminds her of the local fish, rainbow trout. Really? It reminds you of a fish. A White, green and red fish with speckles? Not like an actually rainbow or anything. And when talking to her friends about different articles, instead of saying, hey how's that teacher article going, she describes the article. To the person writing it. Just strange.
February 10, 2017
I was pretty excited for this book because I love parallel narratives and I enjoy historical fiction that takes place in San Fransisco, for some reason. And I did enjoy reading about the immigrant experience of Hannelore and Margaret, even if it seemed a little whitewashed and generally of the"historical fiction lite" variety. On the other hand, I just couldn't get invested in Sarah's modern story at all because her whole life just seemed, well, fictional. I don't really know how to explain it, or that fact that I just didn't like her character. So I already wasn't enjoying that half of the novel very much, and the emotional, melodramatic ending was just a bit too much for me. Not horrible, and I'm just majorly critical, so I know there are plenty of people who will enjoy this book way more than me.
The fine print: received ARC from Edelweiss.
The fine print: received ARC from Edelweiss.
April 21, 2020
I was excited to read a story set in San Francisco 1876 because of it's dark history from the Gold Rush to strict immigration methods and poverty but, alas, this story didn't do it for me. The back and forth timeline between Sarah, present day, to Hanna 1876 was at times too coincidental to make the plot believable.
The part that really just annoyed me was Sarah's rich father-in-law. His family history included a bad family member and instead of having to apologize and solve any cold case files of the past all Sarah did was make him turn the for-profit art school back to a non-profit. It made me think Sarah was more shallow than what the author showed her to be. The relationship between Sarah and her husband was weird too. I liked Hanna's story at first but then I was put off by it. The closeness of her friendship with Margaret didn't feel as close as the author intended it to be.
The plot and its connections felt too weak.
The part that really just annoyed me was Sarah's rich father-in-law. His family history included a bad family member and instead of having to apologize and solve any cold case files of the past all Sarah did was make him turn the for-profit art school back to a non-profit. It made me think Sarah was more shallow than what the author showed her to be. The relationship between Sarah and her husband was weird too. I liked Hanna's story at first but then I was put off by it. The closeness of her friendship with Margaret didn't feel as close as the author intended it to be.
The plot and its connections felt too weak.
November 10, 2016
This was only okay for me. If it wasn't a quick read, I probably wouldn't have finished it. The two stories in 2 different time periods didn't mesh well and the storyline ended rather abruptly and a bit too neatly.
February 9, 2017
This indeed is a gripping read from page 1 until the end. The story takes place in San Francisco in two different timelines, 1876 and the present. Very detailed description of events during the 1876 timeline that I found it to be my favorite part of the book. I felt I was time traveling to an era I did not know much about. This was a fast-paced book for me and it was so engaging that I really found it difficult to put down. Thankfully the Christmas holiday was over so I was able to forget other things and just sit and read.
This historical fiction book is a wonderful debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This historical fiction book is a wonderful debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2017
This is my first novel, and I loved the process of writing it. Thank you for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it!
February 6, 2017
Intriguing, thought-provoking and heartwarming!
This story is told from two different perspectives. One is that of Sarah, a young woman who stumbles upon an unsolved mystery from the 1870s while working on her thesis. And the other is Hanna, a young woman struggling to survive and raise her siblings in a time when women had no rights and few options.
It is, ultimately, a story about loneliness, loss, injustice, determination, strength, tragedy, guilt, and love.
The writing is smooth. The characters are strong, multi-layered, and fascinating. And the multiple plots quickly unravel into a engrossing mystery that not only manages to intertwine all the subplots, but also ends with a little surprise.
Overall this is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more from Jaeger in the future.
Thank you to Edelweiss, especially William Morrow, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This story is told from two different perspectives. One is that of Sarah, a young woman who stumbles upon an unsolved mystery from the 1870s while working on her thesis. And the other is Hanna, a young woman struggling to survive and raise her siblings in a time when women had no rights and few options.
It is, ultimately, a story about loneliness, loss, injustice, determination, strength, tragedy, guilt, and love.
The writing is smooth. The characters are strong, multi-layered, and fascinating. And the multiple plots quickly unravel into a engrossing mystery that not only manages to intertwine all the subplots, but also ends with a little surprise.
Overall this is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more from Jaeger in the future.
Thank you to Edelweiss, especially William Morrow, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
August 19, 2016
A modern woman, faced with her MFA thesis deadline, finds herself drawn to a 140-year old newspaper headline about two missing young women in San Francisco. Rather than complete her previous project, Sarah changes course and decides to pursue a new one, about the two missing seamstresses. Little does she realize that the story will ultimately circle around and touch her in-laws today, a family of wealth that has resided in San Francisco for more than 150 years. The story occurs across two timelines, the San Francisco of today and that of 1876. The author does a good job of describing San Francisco of 1876, I felt as though I was there and could imagine what it felt like in that wildness. She also brings more to San Francisco today than a simple list of well-known locations. Her characters are engaging enough that I wondered what they would do next; not always easy to create, especially for historical fiction. The book is imaginative and fast; for lovers of historical fiction and San Francisco, this is a delight. I received my copy from the publisher through Edelweiss.
April 21, 2017
Had I not bought this book, I well might not have finished it. The plot synopsis sounds promising: A woman in modern day San Francisco starts researching and finds unexpected connections to a girl in 1876 San Francisco.
Dealing with the 1876 storyline, it is a rather facile look into the lives of the working class in the 19th century. The dialogue is ridiculous and the vocabulary stilted and artificial. My son and I are both voracious readers and despise repeated phrases that are used to invoke a sense of time into the prose. Mine is "Come, now" and his is "countenance." This book had both in within a few paragraphs. Having both Irish and German immigrants in my family tree from this era, I found the characters of Hannalore and Margaret to be sterotypes and rather flat.
Jumping to the present day, I take issue with the research done by Sarah and their results. I have done research on my family tree for 19 years now. How I wish I could simply type in the name of the photographer on a cabinet card and find dates, names and other pictures. And turning up a boarding house register 140 years later and being able to trace a false name? Come, now.
There are many very positive reviews of this book. If you would like a simplistic study of class and working poor and how it compares to present day economic class structure, this book would meet your needs.
Dealing with the 1876 storyline, it is a rather facile look into the lives of the working class in the 19th century. The dialogue is ridiculous and the vocabulary stilted and artificial. My son and I are both voracious readers and despise repeated phrases that are used to invoke a sense of time into the prose. Mine is "Come, now" and his is "countenance." This book had both in within a few paragraphs. Having both Irish and German immigrants in my family tree from this era, I found the characters of Hannalore and Margaret to be sterotypes and rather flat.
Jumping to the present day, I take issue with the research done by Sarah and their results. I have done research on my family tree for 19 years now. How I wish I could simply type in the name of the photographer on a cabinet card and find dates, names and other pictures. And turning up a boarding house register 140 years later and being able to trace a false name? Come, now.
There are many very positive reviews of this book. If you would like a simplistic study of class and working poor and how it compares to present day economic class structure, this book would meet your needs.
February 6, 2017
This is an excellent debut historical novel from Meredith Jaeger. The novel is well written and extremely interesting and once I started it, I had trouble putting it down again. The novel takes place in San Francisco and is the story of Hanna, a German immigrant working as a dressmaker in 1876 and Sarah in present day trying to complete her thesis. She originally planned to write a novel but when she finds a story about two missing dressmakers from 1876, her interest was sparked and she decided to try to find out what happened to them and then write a story about it. Little did she know that the story of the two missing women from 1876 would circle around and connect back to her family.
I thought that the author did a magnificent job of describing San Francisco both modern day and life in 1876. The immigrants of this time were definitely treated as second class citizens and were often forced to work and live in terrible conditions. It was very apparent that the author did significant research into the city both past and present.
This is a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to future books from this author. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
I thought that the author did a magnificent job of describing San Francisco both modern day and life in 1876. The immigrants of this time were definitely treated as second class citizens and were often forced to work and live in terrible conditions. It was very apparent that the author did significant research into the city both past and present.
This is a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to future books from this author. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 15, 2017
I gave this book a 3 because parts of it were interesting in a historical way but the characters were flat and some were not interesting.
February 9, 2017
Review to follow.
April 17, 2018
A compelling dual-timeline story with a mystery at its heart that will keep you turning the pages until its conclusion. San Francisco, past and present, came alive for me with Jaeger's vivid descriptions. Looking forward to more from this author!
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October 6, 2017What did i think? it was a good idea for a story that was written badly with a lot of errors.
I started keeping notes after i noticed a few of them. (not that i don't make errors-i just think if you write a book you should keep it to a minimum)
p.5 it's modern day, yet her husband "let" her quit her day job. really? is this 1950?
p.6 she is "pretty enough for WI" but not California? really? what is that supposed to mean?
p.27 the dressmakers in the past would know what women wear to the opera? they are dirt poor. how would they know about costumes and bustle cages women wore? yes, they mended clothes, but it's a stretch to me.
p.69 Although there are a lot of campgrounds in WI, and many around Lake Winnebago, you don't just say "i spread her ashes to rest in Lake Winnebago, Mom's favorite camping spot." Two things wrong there. The lake is huge. You can probably see it from space. It's not a "spot", and the state has requirements about ashes spread in public waterways or on public land.
p.84 suddenly they can read? what happened that i missed?
p.153 I find it hard to believe that someone who is abused would easily tell who the abuser is. Everything i have read or have been told points the other way.
p. 157 the naivete (sorry i can't do accents) is too much to believe. they're in a bar/dive and they don't expect the response?
p.162 A naive and sheltered woman says scheisse? and not just once.
p. 247 There is no Bott's ice cream in Eagle River. There is a DQ. Also no Wood Blvd. And no Eagle River News. It's the Vilas County News Review.
p.258 a knitting needle. Well, sure. in a book about women getting illegal and deadly abortions.
p.285 She takes a picture of a news article in an old newspaper with her phone. Many times it's damaging to do so. It's like handling old books, you need special gloves. (i know, i'm picky:))
p.286 you can't remove an article or anything! from the Internet. It's there forever even if it's in the ether.
The whole book irritated me. A good plot idea that was ruined by the mistakes and silly dialogue.
And what exactly is the dowry? it's never discussed as a real thing or a metaphorical thing.
I started keeping notes after i noticed a few of them. (not that i don't make errors-i just think if you write a book you should keep it to a minimum)
p.5 it's modern day, yet her husband "let" her quit her day job. really? is this 1950?
p.6 she is "pretty enough for WI" but not California? really? what is that supposed to mean?
p.27 the dressmakers in the past would know what women wear to the opera? they are dirt poor. how would they know about costumes and bustle cages women wore? yes, they mended clothes, but it's a stretch to me.
p.69 Although there are a lot of campgrounds in WI, and many around Lake Winnebago, you don't just say "i spread her ashes to rest in Lake Winnebago, Mom's favorite camping spot." Two things wrong there. The lake is huge. You can probably see it from space. It's not a "spot", and the state has requirements about ashes spread in public waterways or on public land.
p.84 suddenly they can read? what happened that i missed?
p.153 I find it hard to believe that someone who is abused would easily tell who the abuser is. Everything i have read or have been told points the other way.
p. 157 the naivete (sorry i can't do accents) is too much to believe. they're in a bar/dive and they don't expect the response?
p.162 A naive and sheltered woman says scheisse? and not just once.
p. 247 There is no Bott's ice cream in Eagle River. There is a DQ. Also no Wood Blvd. And no Eagle River News. It's the Vilas County News Review.
p.258 a knitting needle. Well, sure. in a book about women getting illegal and deadly abortions.
p.285 She takes a picture of a news article in an old newspaper with her phone. Many times it's damaging to do so. It's like handling old books, you need special gloves. (i know, i'm picky:))
p.286 you can't remove an article or anything! from the Internet. It's there forever even if it's in the ether.
The whole book irritated me. A good plot idea that was ruined by the mistakes and silly dialogue.
And what exactly is the dowry? it's never discussed as a real thing or a metaphorical thing.
Read
June 1, 2017This is a lovely historical novel that follows the lives of two women; Hannelore Schaeffer and Sarah Havensworth. Both live in San Francisco; one in 1876, the other in present day. Hannelore is an immigrant working as a seamstress in the grimy, poverty-stricken Barbary Coast in 1876. With her mother dead, three siblings to look after, and a drunk and abusive father. Hannelore only has her best friend Margaret O’Brien to confide in. Then Margaret goes missing and Hannelore vows to find out what happened to her.
Sarah is a young woman, living in present day and married to a wealthy Heavensworth. The Havensworth’s are the upper echelon of San Francisco and the family goes back generations - as far back as 1876. While working on her thesis, she stumbles upon an article about two dressmakers missing in 1876. Her journalistic nature soon kicks in and what she discovers is both frightening and awe inspiring. However, not everyone is happy with her digging up the past. She must tread lightly in order to determine who her friends are, and more importantly, who is following her. What do Sarah and Hannelore have in common?
This novel kept me engrossed the entire time and I found the historical content intriguing. It provided a great backdrop for the story, and left me searching for additional resources about that time period. -Pam B.
Sarah is a young woman, living in present day and married to a wealthy Heavensworth. The Havensworth’s are the upper echelon of San Francisco and the family goes back generations - as far back as 1876. While working on her thesis, she stumbles upon an article about two dressmakers missing in 1876. Her journalistic nature soon kicks in and what she discovers is both frightening and awe inspiring. However, not everyone is happy with her digging up the past. She must tread lightly in order to determine who her friends are, and more importantly, who is following her. What do Sarah and Hannelore have in common?
This novel kept me engrossed the entire time and I found the historical content intriguing. It provided a great backdrop for the story, and left me searching for additional resources about that time period. -Pam B.
October 4, 2016
Meredith Jaeger's The Dressmaker's Dowry is a riveting story that leaves the reader mesmerized with each turn of the page. Set in 1876 San Francisco and the present day in the same city, the story entails the disappearance of two immigrant dressmakers and the difficulties living with drunken fathers and caring for younger siblings with a modern day writer working on her thesis. The wealthy Havensworth family is part of the fabric of each time period. Ms. Jaeger has woven a story where Hannelore Schaeffer and Margaret O'Brien's disappearance affects the life of Sarah Havensworth who stumbles upon a newspaper article concerning the possible death of Margaret. Sarah finds that her life becomes a search for answers involving the lives of the two young girls. The Barbary Coast, saloons, houses of ill-repute in 1876 and locked closets, hidden secrets and power in the present day are linked together with over two-hundred years between them. A read that will leave the reader so engrossed in the story that the last page arrives too soon!
July 30, 2017
This was one of those books I had to force myself to finish reading. It basically has two stories going. The present day main character, Sarah is researching the disappearance of two dressmakers in 1870 San Francisco. Sarah's story is shallow and terribly cliche. Her relationship with her husband sounds like it was written by a 12 year old.
The secondary story, of the two missing dressmakers, is much more interesting, but also not well developed. Had the author concentrated on the historical story, it might have been a better read. The characters at least might have had more depth. All in all I would not recommend this book to anyone.
The secondary story, of the two missing dressmakers, is much more interesting, but also not well developed. Had the author concentrated on the historical story, it might have been a better read. The characters at least might have had more depth. All in all I would not recommend this book to anyone.
February 17, 2017
I thought this book was going to be much better. Two stories one set in present day San Francisco and one set in San Francisco of 1876. Both were ok. I only read it to get a feel of San Francisco as I go there soon so it served it propose.
January 9, 2017
An Outstanding Debut Novel!
Set in San Francisco, “The Dressmaker’s Dowry” takes place in 1876 and also in present day. Meredith Jaeger does an excellent job weaving both time periods together to tell a story of love, betrayal, tragedy, and triumph. This is the author’s first novel and I found it to be an outstanding read!
Sarah Havensworth is married to the son of wealthy parents whose family has played a major role in San Francisco society for generations. She is working on her MFA thesis, but has lost interest in the novel she has chosen to write. While randomly searching the internet for inspiration, she stumbles across a headline from 1876…”Missing Dressmakers Believed to be Murdered.” It immediately captures her attention, so Sarah begins to investigate the unsolved crime. It will be her new thesis.
The dressmakers are two immigrants who met while working together at a dress shop. Margaret is a young Irish girl, and Hannelore is German. They became close friends, bonding because they share the experience of caring for their younger siblings, and they both live with the horror of abusive fathers. One day, they meet two wealthy young men from San Francisco’s elite society and their lives are forever changed.
Sarah, the present day character, is drawn into their story, unaware that she has a personal connection to both of the woman who lived generations before her. As the story progresses, all of the characters are touched by love and by tragic events. The plot thickens when murder is committed. As Sarah begins to uncover the details of the murder, the wealthy Havensworth family (Sarah’s own in-laws) attempts to cover up a crime committed more than one hundred years ago.
Meredith Jaeger has written a page-turning thriller in her debut novel. She tells the story in a riveting way, and the book is spellbinding. I couldn’t wait to discover what would happen to each character and how the story would end. I was not disappointed! If you enjoy history and intrigue, you will love this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Library Thing's Early Reviewers group, in exchange for my honest review.
Set in San Francisco, “The Dressmaker’s Dowry” takes place in 1876 and also in present day. Meredith Jaeger does an excellent job weaving both time periods together to tell a story of love, betrayal, tragedy, and triumph. This is the author’s first novel and I found it to be an outstanding read!
Sarah Havensworth is married to the son of wealthy parents whose family has played a major role in San Francisco society for generations. She is working on her MFA thesis, but has lost interest in the novel she has chosen to write. While randomly searching the internet for inspiration, she stumbles across a headline from 1876…”Missing Dressmakers Believed to be Murdered.” It immediately captures her attention, so Sarah begins to investigate the unsolved crime. It will be her new thesis.
The dressmakers are two immigrants who met while working together at a dress shop. Margaret is a young Irish girl, and Hannelore is German. They became close friends, bonding because they share the experience of caring for their younger siblings, and they both live with the horror of abusive fathers. One day, they meet two wealthy young men from San Francisco’s elite society and their lives are forever changed.
Sarah, the present day character, is drawn into their story, unaware that she has a personal connection to both of the woman who lived generations before her. As the story progresses, all of the characters are touched by love and by tragic events. The plot thickens when murder is committed. As Sarah begins to uncover the details of the murder, the wealthy Havensworth family (Sarah’s own in-laws) attempts to cover up a crime committed more than one hundred years ago.
Meredith Jaeger has written a page-turning thriller in her debut novel. She tells the story in a riveting way, and the book is spellbinding. I couldn’t wait to discover what would happen to each character and how the story would end. I was not disappointed! If you enjoy history and intrigue, you will love this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Library Thing's Early Reviewers group, in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2017
Full review on my blog: http://www.thebookwhisperer.org/2017/...
June 6, 2024
Interesting time period to read about. However I found the book too spicy/borderline vulgar and a bit too unbelievable. I did like the characters though!
February 7, 2017
THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY,
by Meredith Jaeger, is an appealing and unique story of love, survival, and secrets. Set in San Francisco, it alternates between modern times and 1876.
The story begins in the present day and is told in first person, past tense. Sarah Havensworth is a grad student trying to write a novel for her MFA thesis. She's stuck with her story about life in the late 19th century's Barbary Coast and hasn't written anything in several weeks. Not only does she feel like a fraud because she can't finish her book, she's reluctant to let her husband Hunter Havensworth know. He's from a wealthy San Francisco family and has been her greatest supporter, both monetarily and emotionally, while she's been writing. They've been drifting apart, and she's afraid he'll think she's a big disappointment.
While researching her novel, Sarah discovers an article in an 1876 local newspaper referring to the disappearance of two dressmakers. The story intrigues Sarah because a serial killer was in the area at the same time, and she wonders if there's any way to tell if the dressmakers were his victims. So she abandons her soulless novel to write the more compelling dressmakers' story. This portion is set in 1876 and told in the third person, past tense by Hannelore "Hanna" Schaeffer. She's an immigrant from Bavaria, speaks German and English fluently, and is the oldest of four children of a fat, alcoholic, and abusive father. He takes the money she makes from her dressmaking job to drink and eat at taverns, while she and the other children barely scrape by. She and her Irish immigrant friend, Margaret O'Brien, spend long hours sewing for an unpleasant woman and her wealthy customers. One night Margaret is supposed to watch Hanna's siblings but never arrives. Hanna vows to find Margaret and enlists her friend, real estate mogul Lucas Havensworth, to help her.
Both Sarah and Hanna are survivors. They've lived through horrible situations and experienced bullying, deprivation and self-doubt. Though they each find love, they feel they don't deserve it and try to distance themselves from their partners. Sarah and Hanna have secrets too. Deep ones, that if discovered, could make their lives miserable.
As a history and preservation professional, I'm drawn to the research Sarah conducts to gather information for her story. The author uses this info to capture the disparity in living conditions between the wealthy citizens of late 19th century San Francisco and the poor immigrant populations living in unsafe and squalid areas of the city. And her portrayal of how the upper classes treated the other levels of society is reflected in both Sara's time and in 1876.
Pros: The story is definitely unique and well thought out. The plot and subplots interweave fairly well, and the characters are multidimensional and extremely interesting.
Cons: The novel could have been shorter--some passages are a little too long without adding to the story. In many places, the length of the sentences are similar, resulting in a somewhat stilted reading rhythm.
Final Thoughts: THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY is a good book for readers who like mysteries and character-driven stories and for people who like a bit of history sprinkled through their fiction. Though it's in the contemporary women genre, it's something I would have wanted to read even in the fifth grade (when I read GONE WITH THE WIND ), so it's suitable for teenagers too.
If You Like This, You Might Like: THE LIFE SHE WAS GIVEN and WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND by Ellen Marie Wiseman, INTO THE WATER by Paula Hawkins, HER EVERY FEAR by Peter Swanson, THE ISLAND HOUSE by Nancy Thayer, INHERITING EDITH by Zoe Fishman
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog.
** A e-galley was provided by William Morrow/HarpersCollin and Edelweiss for an honest review.
The story begins in the present day and is told in first person, past tense. Sarah Havensworth is a grad student trying to write a novel for her MFA thesis. She's stuck with her story about life in the late 19th century's Barbary Coast and hasn't written anything in several weeks. Not only does she feel like a fraud because she can't finish her book, she's reluctant to let her husband Hunter Havensworth know. He's from a wealthy San Francisco family and has been her greatest supporter, both monetarily and emotionally, while she's been writing. They've been drifting apart, and she's afraid he'll think she's a big disappointment.
While researching her novel, Sarah discovers an article in an 1876 local newspaper referring to the disappearance of two dressmakers. The story intrigues Sarah because a serial killer was in the area at the same time, and she wonders if there's any way to tell if the dressmakers were his victims. So she abandons her soulless novel to write the more compelling dressmakers' story. This portion is set in 1876 and told in the third person, past tense by Hannelore "Hanna" Schaeffer. She's an immigrant from Bavaria, speaks German and English fluently, and is the oldest of four children of a fat, alcoholic, and abusive father. He takes the money she makes from her dressmaking job to drink and eat at taverns, while she and the other children barely scrape by. She and her Irish immigrant friend, Margaret O'Brien, spend long hours sewing for an unpleasant woman and her wealthy customers. One night Margaret is supposed to watch Hanna's siblings but never arrives. Hanna vows to find Margaret and enlists her friend, real estate mogul Lucas Havensworth, to help her.
Both Sarah and Hanna are survivors. They've lived through horrible situations and experienced bullying, deprivation and self-doubt. Though they each find love, they feel they don't deserve it and try to distance themselves from their partners. Sarah and Hanna have secrets too. Deep ones, that if discovered, could make their lives miserable.
As a history and preservation professional, I'm drawn to the research Sarah conducts to gather information for her story. The author uses this info to capture the disparity in living conditions between the wealthy citizens of late 19th century San Francisco and the poor immigrant populations living in unsafe and squalid areas of the city. And her portrayal of how the upper classes treated the other levels of society is reflected in both Sara's time and in 1876.
Pros: The story is definitely unique and well thought out. The plot and subplots interweave fairly well, and the characters are multidimensional and extremely interesting.
Cons: The novel could have been shorter--some passages are a little too long without adding to the story. In many places, the length of the sentences are similar, resulting in a somewhat stilted reading rhythm.
Final Thoughts: THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY is a good book for readers who like mysteries and character-driven stories and for people who like a bit of history sprinkled through their fiction. Though it's in the contemporary women genre, it's something I would have wanted to read even in the fifth grade (when I read GONE WITH THE WIND ), so it's suitable for teenagers too.
If You Like This, You Might Like: THE LIFE SHE WAS GIVEN and WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND by Ellen Marie Wiseman, INTO THE WATER by Paula Hawkins, HER EVERY FEAR by Peter Swanson, THE ISLAND HOUSE by Nancy Thayer, INHERITING EDITH by Zoe Fishman
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog.
** A e-galley was provided by William Morrow/HarpersCollin and Edelweiss for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
Two women, two storylines, and two different era’s. Hanna, 1876, and Sarah, present time, are entirely different women with entirely different lives. Hanna is poor, working to feed and clothe her siblings and keep her drunk father from abusing them. Sarah has married well and is working on her thesis. The thesis is what pulls these two stories together. Sarah’s thesis is the story of Hanna and Margaret, Hanna’s friend who goes missing.
There were times that I wondered exactly how these two stories would come together, what would bind them. I kept reading, not able to stop with the need to find out what happen to Hanna and Sarah. I found the 1876 story line more intriguing to me. I was interested in how Hanna would be able to take care of her siblings in a time when the only job women could do is sew or whore themselves. Sarah was a character that I struggled to connect with. I knew there was more to her, something that was keeping her from being honest, but I couldn’t figure out what it was until it was revealed.
San Francisco is described in great detail, especially in the 1876 timeframe. I could picture the stores, the markets, the whorehouses, and the ragged homes Hanna and Margaret were growing up in. The details were perfectly shared so that I could see exactly what the characters were seeing. I felt like I was walking the streets with them, the fear of being mugged, the drunks approaching, and the history of the era were real to me.
The Dressmakers Dowry is a quick read. The words flow, the story moves along. I recommend picking up your own copy.
There were times that I wondered exactly how these two stories would come together, what would bind them. I kept reading, not able to stop with the need to find out what happen to Hanna and Sarah. I found the 1876 story line more intriguing to me. I was interested in how Hanna would be able to take care of her siblings in a time when the only job women could do is sew or whore themselves. Sarah was a character that I struggled to connect with. I knew there was more to her, something that was keeping her from being honest, but I couldn’t figure out what it was until it was revealed.
San Francisco is described in great detail, especially in the 1876 timeframe. I could picture the stores, the markets, the whorehouses, and the ragged homes Hanna and Margaret were growing up in. The details were perfectly shared so that I could see exactly what the characters were seeing. I felt like I was walking the streets with them, the fear of being mugged, the drunks approaching, and the history of the era were real to me.
The Dressmakers Dowry is a quick read. The words flow, the story moves along. I recommend picking up your own copy.
May 23, 2017
What a disappointment. This book is constructed with chapters alternating between the disappearance of two immigrant dressmakers in 1876 San Francisco and the contemporary story of the woman burdened with a secret who is trying to ferret out the secret of the dressmakers' disappearance.
The historic chapters were better.
The tale was hampered by rapid-fire emotions and an unbelievable set of circumstances and conjecture that allowed our modern-day sleuth to solve the 140-year-old mystery. The plot twists were unbelievable and too coincidental.
Basically, this book represents hours of my life that I will never get back.
The historic chapters were better.
The tale was hampered by rapid-fire emotions and an unbelievable set of circumstances and conjecture that allowed our modern-day sleuth to solve the 140-year-old mystery. The plot twists were unbelievable and too coincidental.
Basically, this book represents hours of my life that I will never get back.
September 13, 2017
should have made he past the whole story. written past to present instead of skipping back and forth
March 19, 2017
3.5
For more reviews visit www.goodbookfairy.com
The Dressmaker’s Dowry is a fast paced historical mystery and romance wrapped up in chick lit. I flew through this novel and learned quite a bit about San Francisco’s early history. That was an unexpected treat.
The author’s own engagement ring from 1903 was the inspiration for this parallel time period novel. I’ll start by saying that I was more connected to the historical aspect of this story. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m a big fan of historical fiction or because the current day story fell short. I really liked the main the protagonist in the current day storyline, but I found it contrived that such a big secret in her life wouldn’t be shared with her adoring (read as too good to be true) husband. All other aspects of her life were relatable, so perhaps that was it. I found her journalist’s sprit, arduous investigation skills and often-fruitless leads to unearth the truth quite fascinating. I appreciated the details that went into her search for information.
The squalor and hard times that befell the two dressmakers was unbearable at times. It felt hopeless and the author’s descriptions brought the sounds and smells to life. The responsibility that these young girls had to bear was reprehensible. I’m glad we saw at least one of them get out and flourish.
There was a good amount of old fashioned romance, which was a welcome rarity. I’m looking forward to reading more of Meredith Jaeger’s books.
Quotes I liked:
So long as my mouth was full, I wouldn’t say something rude that I’d regret later.”
-“Perhaps this was customary, as every proper woman believed herself to be merely an extension of her husband, silent and passive.”
For more reviews visit www.goodbookfairy.com
The Dressmaker’s Dowry is a fast paced historical mystery and romance wrapped up in chick lit. I flew through this novel and learned quite a bit about San Francisco’s early history. That was an unexpected treat.
The author’s own engagement ring from 1903 was the inspiration for this parallel time period novel. I’ll start by saying that I was more connected to the historical aspect of this story. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m a big fan of historical fiction or because the current day story fell short. I really liked the main the protagonist in the current day storyline, but I found it contrived that such a big secret in her life wouldn’t be shared with her adoring (read as too good to be true) husband. All other aspects of her life were relatable, so perhaps that was it. I found her journalist’s sprit, arduous investigation skills and often-fruitless leads to unearth the truth quite fascinating. I appreciated the details that went into her search for information.
The squalor and hard times that befell the two dressmakers was unbearable at times. It felt hopeless and the author’s descriptions brought the sounds and smells to life. The responsibility that these young girls had to bear was reprehensible. I’m glad we saw at least one of them get out and flourish.
There was a good amount of old fashioned romance, which was a welcome rarity. I’m looking forward to reading more of Meredith Jaeger’s books.
Quotes I liked:
So long as my mouth was full, I wouldn’t say something rude that I’d regret later.”
-“Perhaps this was customary, as every proper woman believed herself to be merely an extension of her husband, silent and passive.”
February 11, 2017
This book is not bad for a first novel! Jaeger's well-researched vision of Victorian San Francisco is compelling and inspiring. I appreciate well-researched historical fiction, and I often put down the book and Googled several locations mentioned in the story both from the past and in the present. Hanna's story is much more interesting, and Hanna is a more fully developed character than Sarah. There are several mysteries and questions between both storylines, and there is plenty of suspense to keep the reader thoroughly engaged. Lucas and Hanna make a great team as they solve Margaret's disappearance. Unfortunately the mystery's true resolution is so insidious it frightens Hanna enough to flee Nob Hill.
Sarah has a tragic secret she's kept from everyone, especially her husband Hunter. I find it almost incredible that someone of Hunter's stature would marry a girl he knows nothing about. He never visits Sarah's hometown, has never met anyone she knew as a young girl. Although her secret is a tragic one, I don't think it's enough to cause her anxiety. I also find it highly unlikely that a character who truly loves his wife wouldn't take a more proactive approach to help her cope. But Sarah isn't the only one with a secret: Hunter's family has skeletons in the closet and they're dancing! The best part about Sarah's storyline is while working on her thesis for her MFA in writing, Sarah walks away from a terrible novel she's half-heartedly written and instead decides to research Hanna and Margaret's story.
I find the connection between both stories interesting, but I would have been happy if it had just been a historical romance. If you enjoy historical fiction and are interested in reading a story with a San Francisco setting, then I recommend The Dressmaker's Dowry.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the novel from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sarah has a tragic secret she's kept from everyone, especially her husband Hunter. I find it almost incredible that someone of Hunter's stature would marry a girl he knows nothing about. He never visits Sarah's hometown, has never met anyone she knew as a young girl. Although her secret is a tragic one, I don't think it's enough to cause her anxiety. I also find it highly unlikely that a character who truly loves his wife wouldn't take a more proactive approach to help her cope. But Sarah isn't the only one with a secret: Hunter's family has skeletons in the closet and they're dancing! The best part about Sarah's storyline is while working on her thesis for her MFA in writing, Sarah walks away from a terrible novel she's half-heartedly written and instead decides to research Hanna and Margaret's story.
I find the connection between both stories interesting, but I would have been happy if it had just been a historical romance. If you enjoy historical fiction and are interested in reading a story with a San Francisco setting, then I recommend The Dressmaker's Dowry.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the novel from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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