Karalienės siuvėjos paslaptis

by Charlotte Betts, Džilda Jansonaitė (Translator)

Įspūdinga meilės, neapykantos, intrigų ir pavojų kupina istorija.

Italija, 1819-ieji. Emilija Barton ir jos mama Sara, bėgdamos nuo praeities, klajoja iš miesto į miestą kaip keliaujančios siuvėjos. Joms apsistojus idiliškame pajūrio mieste Pezare, Emilija visa širdimi tikisi, kad šįkart rado tikruosius namus. Bet čia Sara, tapusi žiauraus paslaptingo užpuoliko auka, mirties patale išpažįsta tiesą, apverčiančią Emilijos gyvenimą aukštyn kojom.

Suradusi prieglobstį kunigaikštienės Karolinos Braunšveigietės namuose kaip šios aukštuomenės damos siuvėja, Emilija įsimyli žavingąjį mokytoją Alesandrą, bet ramybės jai neduoda mintys apie paslapties gaubiamą praeitį. Ar ji, kukli siuvėjos duktė, gali būti aristokratiškos kilmės? Todėl, kunigaikštienės siunčiama su pavedimu į Londoną, Emilija nusprendžia nepraleisti galimybės išsiaiškinti tiesą.

Pakliuvusi į apgaulės ir tamsių paslapčių sūkurį, Emilija ryžtasi žūtbūt rasti atsakymus į ją kamuojančius klausimus...

Paslapčių gaubiama jaunos moters gyvenimo istorija XIX a. Anglijoje ir Italijoje. Įtraukiantis romanas, kuriame istorinės detalės, aukštuomenės gyvenimo užkulisiai, to meto gyvenimo būdas sužavės nuo pat pirmųjų puslapių.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Audiobook

392 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2017

About the author

Charlotte Betts discovered a passion for writing after her five children had grown up and left her in peace. Demanding careers in hotel design and property force her to be inventive in finding time to write but she has achieved seven novels in eight years. One of her short stories was published in Scribble and others short-listed by Writers’ News and Real Writers’. She has won first prize in five short story competitions and wrote a regular column on interior design for The Maidenhead Advertiser for two years. She is a member of WordWatchers http://www.wordwatchers.net/ and the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1819 Emilia Barton and her mother, Sarah, lead a nomadic life moving from town to town in Italy as itinerant dressmakers. Emilia would love to stay in one place but Sarah is adamant they must keep moving because they are in danger from the past. When they arrive in the coastal town of Pesaro, Emilia hopes this time they will be able to stay. But then Sarah is attacked by an unknown assailant and Emilia’s world is turned upside down by Sarah’s deathbed confession. At this time Emilia finds work as a dressmaker in the household of the unorthodox Princess Caroline of Brunswick. But she longs to know about her past so when an opportunity to travel to London, comes up Emilia takes it, even though it means leaving Allesandro, the man she loves. Will he wait for her? And what will Emilia find about her past that will impact her life?
I had never heard of Caroline of Brunswick before so from a historical perspective this was interesting. As Emilia goes along in life more information about her background is revealed. This makes for interesting reading though it does tend to get far-fetched towards the end as secrets and treachery are uncovered. In a way it felt like the story went on too long before getting to the climax, but maybe that’s just me. At times it was hard to relate to Emilia in some of the decisions she makes.
An entertaining read but nothing that captured my imagination and compelled me to pick it back up in a hurry. At the back of the book is the historical information about Caroline of Brunswick, so it appears to be well researched. From that point of view it was interesting to learn more of someone I had not heard of before. A story of secrets, treachery, family and romance that will appeal to many readers.

[Clare Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this – my first book by Charlotte Betts. I almost never read books set during the Regency and knew virtually nothing about Caroline of Brunswick. This book has made me want to know more about her. Beautifully written and researched, full of fascinating period detail, it was also a page-turner with a very sympathetic heroine. I will be reading more from Charlotte Betts.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that educate you certain eras in history and make you curious enough to research more about the people. I'd never heard of Caroline of Brunswick before and love to hear about Royal relationships and how tricky some of them have been.
Emelia has travelled widely with her mother picking up dressmaking jobs along the way. Her mother has always fled in fear when she thought she saw her ex husband in certain areas and Emelia is tired of a nomadic life.
When they settle in Pesaro , a lovely Italian village and find work in the Royal household she thinks they will finally be able to settle down and start to enjoy life. She finds romance and thinks life is finally looking up.
We find her in London searching for long lost family and her life takes an unexpected turn and we see a privileged lifestyle with connections to Royalty.
I really loved the characters and the descriptions of life in both backgrounds. I will definately look out for Charlottes next book

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reread to start the year off with a visit to Italy and a royal house...






A lovely immersive read with just the right dose of historical intrigue, real life mixed with fiction, human interest, romance and lots of family secrets.

I’ve read all of Charlotte’s novels now and I’ve loved every one and the way she draws the reader in early on and never lets go. There’s a lot going on in this novel and the characters are all very interesting. That Caroline is aright one though! she had my sympathy on some pages but then she acted up on others so I can’t imagine what she was like in real life. The dressmaker of the title was an interesting addition though she was green at times. Yet I enjoyed seeing the world of her poor life in Italy, then her arrival into the Royal household and beyond.

Charlotte does write some wonderfully evocative and immersive novels and I was enthralled with this Italian story!

[Živilė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dar viena puiku knyga, kurioje atrasite istorinių faktų, stiprių veikėjų, intrigos, tikroviško veiksmo pavaizdavimo bei tikros meilės.

[Ruby H · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book I would’ve picked off the library shelf at thirteen and devoured in one sitting, feeling that whimsical spirit with me tn

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley

I was gripped within a couple of pages. I liked the feel of the book and was instantly engaged and eager to find out the secrets. After about 25% of the way in I did find the writing style felt a bit simple and the feelings of the heroine were, from my perspective, a bit unbelievable. When Emilia’s mother, Sarah, has been seriously injured, Emilia coaxes out of her the truth that has long evaded her. Sarah admits that she stole Emilia as a child in order to save her from a cruel father. Instead of being grateful that she was saved from being raised in a loveless household, Emilia immediately blames Sarah and runs away, leaving Sarah to die alone. As soon as she learns about her past it’s as though Emilia has completely cut Sarah off. I’m not adopted, but I find it hard to believe you could so quickly cut the bonds with the woman who raised you. Emilia gets the chance to travel to London where she learns more about her early life and family. The book follows her reuniting with her family and taking up her rightful place in society whilst also learning the truth about what happened to her biological mother.
I thought the way the book drip fed information about Emilia’s mother and how her diary started to reveal the truth about the past was fantastic, and it was only towards the end of the book that the secret’s mystery finally started to unravel. This kept the book very interested as I was constantly left wanting to know more.
It was clever how the book introduced the reader to Caroline of Brunswick and gave some historical details without her actually seeming to be a main character in the book.
I sensed Dolly was gay from quite early on so assumed the marriage wouldn’t happen. It was confirmed when he commented to Emilia that she looked like a Grecian Apollo.
Overall it was a very enjoyable book. A bit more easy reading that I usually go for but I enjoyed the writing style, the suspense, and the characters.

[19ParsonsS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started ‘The Dressmaker’s Secret’ a couple of days ago and I found myself unable to put it down. The book was about this girl who had spent her life for as long as she could remember with her mum, Sarah. They travelled a lot as Sarah lived in a constant state of worry she was being followed. The book is Emilia Barton finding out the secret Sarah spent her life hiding, Emilia discovering who she really is and meanwhile experiencing falling in love with the charming Alessandro. The Dressmaker’s secret hooked you to its pages - leaving you just wanting to find out one more detail the whole time. I would defiantly recommend to older ages but it is not unsuitable to younger people.

[Linda Louch · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable easy fictional read with references to the history of Princess Caroline of Brunswick and her exile in Italy. Emilia Barton spends her early life traveling with her mother as dressmakers in Italy. But then her mother makes a confession which opens up the truth of who she is. She travels to England to discover the mystery.

[Angelika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it to laugh and not be serious. Found it at a random thirty store. It's fun

[Bree Verity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely light reading, perhaps a little too much melodrama added in at the end, but a nice, satisfying story. Well researched, Caroline of Brunswick is one of the more interesting princesses, and the author really brought her to life.
While the main character was well drawn, I felt as if the others were a little one dimensional eg: I guessed early on that Dolly was gay, that the father was the art thief, and that the pair of them were the baddies, Alessandro’s personality jumped all over the place, the Aunt was, frankly, boring, however I didn’t put it all together properly until the end, so there was still a little bit of intrigue.
Great for a summer read under a huge tree in a hammock.

[Natalie Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually didn't read this one this month, but at the beginning of the year and ghave just realised I didn't let you know what I thought.  This one gripped me withnin a few pages and had me hooked.  I am a big fan of historical fiction and enjoy all the nods to actual events that happened during the time the book was set.

Emilia was a likeable lead, and this helped immensely as you read on to find out what happens to her.  It was also great to read about Caroline of Brunswick and I always love a book which inspires you to find out more about a character, as I have been with her.

A great read which combines history and mystery with a dash of romance.  

[Mini Marce · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me “The Dressmaker’s Secret” proved to be a real page-turner & easy read. A stirring, evocative, romance set with regency Italy & London as a backdrop.
As a history lover I was interested in the intertwined plot line of Princess Caroline of Brunswick. I had never known about her rather short & sad tale in history before & I appreciated the historical note at the end.
Whilst maybe predictable in some areas there were quite a few twists & turns from start to finish which kept you guessing.
Likeable characters mixed in with a few rogues.
Overall an enjoyable escapism of a book. Oh how I want to be in Italy!
My first read from Charlotte Betts & I don’t think it will be my last.

[MetLineReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides insights into the life of Caroline of Brunswick, a rarely mentioned Queen of England.
Well written and thought-provoking, this fictional story of a dressmaker is intertwined with that of Princess Caroline. Some of the twists are unexpected and this creates a pacy and absorbing read.
I enjoyed this book and wiill look out for more from this author.
4.5*

[Camille · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 40%. I don't care for a perfect heroine who looks like a Boticelli angel and gets everything without trying. The way Caroline of Brunswick is represented is also almost farcical.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Elysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my other review on my blog: www.lightofthebookworm.com

The story begins with Caroline of Brunswick quite literally crashing into Emilia`s life, from this moment a friendship between the pair is sparked. Emilia’s mother Sarah is attacked in her home resulting in her death, providing Emilia and Caroline the common ground of grief upon which they bond. After finding work in Caroline of Brunswick’s household Emilia ends up in England in the hopes of finding her family. When she comes to England she also leaves behind Alessandro with whom she has entered a romantic courtship. In England, new relationships form whilst old ones are tested, and we see a web of secrets and lies unfurl before our eyes.

I was initially a little tentative with this book as I didn’t really connect in the first few chapters. I was almost glad when Sarah was killed off because I hated how Emilia referred to her as Ma, this probably relates to my disdain for goats (please don’t take me too seriously). But seriously I don’t like goats. Anyway, back to the review. I was also not very connected to Emilia’s Romance with Alessandro; despite their relationship seeming to be one of the end goals of the book. I don’t think Alessandro’s character was well developed enough for me to care what happened to him.

My absolute favorite parts of the book were the mysteries: i.e. discovering the identity of the art thief and what happened to Emilia`s presumed dead relative. I also really enjoyed watching the development of Emilia’s father as I definitely think he was one of the best developed and most interesting characters. Another massive plus for this book is the historically accurate depiction of Caroline of Brunswick. She was portrayed in the book as closely to the historical accounts as can be achieved.

In terms of the length of the book, I think it may have been a little too short as some of the key characters were not developed to their full potential. I don’t think any further plots should have been added rather the ones in existence could have benefited from some development.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://clavie.co/2020/07/08/book-rev...


This young girl at 21, in 1819, along with her mother travel around Italy as they are dressmakers. On the go constantly. Which we see is quite infuriating for Emilia the daughter. They are in a coastal town called Pesaro. I loved the fact this novel was based in Italy. You get a feel for the main character as she’s had to leave places where she has made a best friend and suddenly had to leave and you just want her to get her happily ever after of settling somewhere more than a few months at least. The mother’s views and her paranoia really annoys me from Emilia’s point of view.

As the novel progresses there’s a good amount of lies being told to the main character however, as the reader I began to realise this due to how the novel was written however the main character was a bit naive and at times I wondered how she could blindly follow peoples stories just because they told her instead of thinking outside of the box and actually question everything she is told.

Her father shows very controlling and greedy behaviour – the constant putting people down, twisting stories, things having to be his way otherwise he snaps very quickly. Poor Maude, the aunt that has a very close relationship with both the mother and the daughter.

I loved how gripping this read was, it was quite engaging and interesting to watch how it unfolded. Who knew a human (her father) could be so very cruel?

By the end of the novel, there was a lot of plot twists added some of which you would question and then it was mentioned and you are like the author went there! I found this to be an intriguing and gripping read

[Sharon Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read, a real page turner. A beautifully written story set during the Regency. Set in 1819 Italy the story follows Emilia Barton and her mother Sarah as they travel around making a living as dressmakers. They have never stayed anywhere very long when Sarah becomes unsettled and in fear of discovery they move on and start again, with Emilia never being sure of why. So they have never stayed anywhere long enough for Emilia to truly settle and make friends. When they reach Pesaro, Italy Emilia hopes this time will be different as she craves a more settled life. After a chance encounter on the way to Pesaro, Emilia becomes dressmaker to the exiled Princess Caroline of Brunswick. Emilia starts to feel more settled especially after she meets and falls in love with Alessandro Fiorelli, tutor to Victorine the daughter of Princess Caroline. Everything is going well and Emilia is hopeful that they might actually have a chance to settle down this time. But all is not as its seems and when Emilia's mother Sarah is brutally attacked, Sarah confesses a long hidden secret to Emilia on her death bed and everything Emilia thought she knew changes and turns her life upside down. She travels to England on a mission for Princess Caroline and whilst there tries to unravel the mystery of who she really is. Can she unravel all the information and find the happiness she craves?

[Zoey Cortese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Queen Caroline wasn’t the main character, I had never heard of her so it was nice to get a glimpse into her life. I’m really enjoying reading about the royal family’s of the 1800’s so it helped me discover another Queen I never knew existed. I like a book I can learn from and I found myself ‘googling’ her to find out more!

Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish and the twists and turns at the end had me breathless and desperately wanting to know how it all ends...I can almost taste the water in the moat...yuck!

Yet another wonderful book written by Charlotte Betts and I can’t wait for her next book release!


An interesting little fact...exactly 223 years ago, in April 1795, Princess Caroline first met King George...fast forward 223 years, to April of 2018, I just happen to be reading about her life on the exact same dates they met & were married!!

[Eileen Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Pesaro, Italy and London, this story mixes fact with fiction, in the shape of Princess Caroline of Brunswick, prior to her marriage to English King George 1st.,and Emilia a dressmaker, who was trying to settle down with her mother after a life of moving from town to town looking for work.
After a brutal attack Emilia runs away and eventually finds employment with the Princess.

Caroline sends Emilia on a secret assignment to London and whilst there she uncovers some troubling news about who she really is.
This is an intelligent writing which flows very well and the characters are well described.
Caroline comes across
Recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Little, Brown Book Company via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dressmaker’s Secret is historical fiction. It opens in 1819 Italy, with Sarah and Emilia Barton who are dressmakers. We first meet them when as they move location, in what has been a lifetime of travelling. Emilia cannot understand her mother’s nervousness and insistence that they leave every home secretly and run to yet another destination.

On the way to Pesaro they are involved in a coaching accident, which results in them becoming friends with Princess Caroline Of Brunswick. Luckily, the Princess is able to offer Emilia a home when an unexpected event leaves her alone. Later Emilia travels to London on behalf of Caroline, and it gives her an opportunity to investigate recently revealed details of her own past. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bOQ

[Joanne Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical romance and chilling mystery rolled into one!

Having read Charlotte Betts before I knew to expect a page turner!
This one did not disappoint, as it kept some of it's best secrets to the final reveal. The reader did have lots of clues along the way for most of the treachery done by her Father.
I was at a loss to know how Alessandro and Emilia would end up happily ever after; but with such a love between them it was inevitable. And Aunt Maud had a happy end too.
All in all a pleasant read with some chilling scenes thrown in and the baddie getting his just desserts. Very mid-Victorian/ Georgette Heyer! Which I grew up reading!

[Sally Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emilia and her mother Sarah are nomadic travellers making a living with their dressmaking skills but when Sarah is brutally attacked she tells Emilia a secret that could change her life forever.

Getting a job as dressmaker to Caroline of Brunswick Emilia embarks on a new life but when she is sent to London will she discover her true heritage?

A very enjoyable book, I especially liked the history aspect of it as Caroline of Brunswick is someone that I previously knew little about,. This is the first book thatI have read by this author but will be looking for others

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Betts' last work was definitely one of my favorites. Charming surroundings, romance, secrets, danger... They all mingle together keeping the reader amused and tensed up in anticipation, in particular towards the end.
I enjoyed getting to know the eccentric Princess Caroline of Brunswick and the sweet and resilient Emilia. I loved the art always present in the background and the mysteries presented throughout the story.
My kind of book! :-)

[Mummalovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a little longer to finish than usual. The beginning and end were good the middle lost my interest a little bit but I’m glad I kept going because the end was so good.
I loved how the fictional story was entwined with the factual story of princess Caroline of Brunswick one of my favourite historical royals.
Very well and cleverly written. I loved the character Great Aunt Maud so glad I kept reading.

[Hélène · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has been reading historical fiction for many years, I am finding it increasingly harder to really enjoy a new find.

The ‘Dressmaker’s Secret’ was certainly an easy read. There were lost opportunities to build stronger characters and some of the scenes were far-fetched.

I thought that the writing style lacked charisma and wit. Overall I enjoyed the book and read it over a weekend.

[Carol Beckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old fashioned romantic novel that carries you along beautifully

Without the connection to Caroline if Brunswick this would be a rather ordinary melodrama although well written. However set in the context of actual events it gives extra life to the characters who we well drawn. I couldn't put it down!

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually enjoy a good historical romance but I found the writing style overly simplistic with far too little character development and far too much melodrama, to the point of utter ridiculousness at points. I'm pretty disappointed as the book tries to explore a lesser known era of history and could have been a real breath of fresh air.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good light read, set in Europe in the mid 19th century. While the story line was a bit predictable, I found the inclusion of the unfortunate Princess Catherine an interesting addition to the story. Beach reading.

[Lesley Kasimatis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and illuminating story

This is the way to relearn history! This beautifully written story, based on fact , is truly fascinating and will tie the reader to the book right to the last page.