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Die bezaubernden Kleider der Miss Delany
Fran Delaney verkauft ganz besondere Brautkleider – könnte eines für sie selbst bestimmt sein?
Etwas Mutiges für die Schüchterne.
Etwas Schlichtes für die Braut, die auffallen möchte.
Und etwas Spektakuläres für das Mauerblümchen.
Der Brautladen von Fran Delaney ist einzigartig. Die junge Frau verkauft Vintage-Hochzeitskleider, die mehr sind als Stoff und Schneiderkunst: Sie bringen die Persönlichkeit der Braut zum Vorschein. Fran folgt bei ihrer Arbeit stets zwei Grundsätzen: Verliebe dich nie selbst in ein Kleid, und biete nie eines an, das eine unglückliche Geschichte hat. Beide Regeln bricht sie, als ihr eine Robe aus den Fünfzigerjahren in die Hände fällt. Fasziniert geht sie der Geschichte des Kleids nach und trifft auf Rafael Colt, den Sohn der damaligen Braut. Dabei entdeckt sie ein Geheimnis, das den Schlüssel zu einem neuen Glück bergen könnte ...
Etwas Mutiges für die Schüchterne.
Etwas Schlichtes für die Braut, die auffallen möchte.
Und etwas Spektakuläres für das Mauerblümchen.
Der Brautladen von Fran Delaney ist einzigartig. Die junge Frau verkauft Vintage-Hochzeitskleider, die mehr sind als Stoff und Schneiderkunst: Sie bringen die Persönlichkeit der Braut zum Vorschein. Fran folgt bei ihrer Arbeit stets zwei Grundsätzen: Verliebe dich nie selbst in ein Kleid, und biete nie eines an, das eine unglückliche Geschichte hat. Beide Regeln bricht sie, als ihr eine Robe aus den Fünfzigerjahren in die Hände fällt. Fasziniert geht sie der Geschichte des Kleids nach und trifft auf Rafael Colt, den Sohn der damaligen Braut. Dabei entdeckt sie ein Geheimnis, das den Schlüssel zu einem neuen Glück bergen könnte ...
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2020
247 people are currently reading
1353 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Leaman
18 books50 followersLouisa Leaman is a writer and behaviour expert based in London UK.
In 2004 she won a writing competition in the Times Educational Supplement. This led to a publishing deal with Continuum International Publishing. She has since had four books published. The latest, The Dictionary of Disruption, was published in May 2007.
They are all on the subject of behaviour management in education.
-Wikipedia
In 2004 she won a writing competition in the Times Educational Supplement. This led to a publishing deal with Continuum International Publishing. She has since had four books published. The latest, The Dictionary of Disruption, was published in May 2007.
They are all on the subject of behaviour management in education.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
October 2, 2019
This is Louisa Leaman's debut novel inspired by a V&A exhibition of wedding dresses from yesteryear. It is a celebration of vintage wedding dresses, depicted through the slightly other worldly and fey Francesca Delaney, with her atmospheric vintage shop, 'The Whispering Dress', that she runs with her assistant and close friend, the gay Mick Haigh. She offers a bespoke vintage wedding dress service to her clients, the complete antithesis of the high street wedding dress stores. She scours far and wide for the right wedding dress, including going to house clearances, going to considerable efforts to discover its history and the bride who wore it. She has a gift in being able to tune into the dress as it whispers to her about its past. She is convinced that a dress with good vibes carries its past, bestowing its energies on a future bride, and she can intuit which dress will work its magic on a particular client, even when the client is a bridezilla with preconceived ideas of what she wants.
While Fran can work wonders for brides to be, her romantic life has been an arid desert for the past 10 years, when she was left broken and emotionally distraught, let down by the man she loved. Tipped off about a house clearing in Epping Forest, Fran goes to Dryad's Hall, the family home of the cold, distant and unfeeling Rafael Colt. He expresses absolute disinterest when she unearths a one in million wedding dress worn by his mother, Alessandra, telling her to take it. Fran feels an instant affinity to the rare find, a dress, made by The House of Garrett-Alexia, famous for exquisite ballgowns made in the 1950s. She is desperate to know it's past and the bride, Alessandra, but Rafe is unwilling to reveal anything about his dysfunctional family, and has no compunction about rudely shutting down Fran. He runs the well known Colt Foundation, raising huge funds to distribute to charities. Despite apparently having little in common, Fran and Colt are drawn to each other, but are the emotional burdens they carry too much for any relationship to work out?
This is an immensely enjoyable and entertaining read, Leaman hits all the right notes in this story of wedding dresses and brides from the past, with Fran matching them to the right bride in the present. We are given a riveting picture of Fran in action as she opens the eyes of her brides to be to their perfect dress, even when it's not what her clients envisaged. Fran's heart and dreams may be in the world of brides and dressing them, but her personal life has precluded the possibility of being a bride herself. When she meets Rafe, Fran faces an obstacle strewn path in her search for personal happiness that will capture the heart of the reader. An absolutely lovely read. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
While Fran can work wonders for brides to be, her romantic life has been an arid desert for the past 10 years, when she was left broken and emotionally distraught, let down by the man she loved. Tipped off about a house clearing in Epping Forest, Fran goes to Dryad's Hall, the family home of the cold, distant and unfeeling Rafael Colt. He expresses absolute disinterest when she unearths a one in million wedding dress worn by his mother, Alessandra, telling her to take it. Fran feels an instant affinity to the rare find, a dress, made by The House of Garrett-Alexia, famous for exquisite ballgowns made in the 1950s. She is desperate to know it's past and the bride, Alessandra, but Rafe is unwilling to reveal anything about his dysfunctional family, and has no compunction about rudely shutting down Fran. He runs the well known Colt Foundation, raising huge funds to distribute to charities. Despite apparently having little in common, Fran and Colt are drawn to each other, but are the emotional burdens they carry too much for any relationship to work out?
This is an immensely enjoyable and entertaining read, Leaman hits all the right notes in this story of wedding dresses and brides from the past, with Fran matching them to the right bride in the present. We are given a riveting picture of Fran in action as she opens the eyes of her brides to be to their perfect dress, even when it's not what her clients envisaged. Fran's heart and dreams may be in the world of brides and dressing them, but her personal life has precluded the possibility of being a bride herself. When she meets Rafe, Fran faces an obstacle strewn path in her search for personal happiness that will capture the heart of the reader. An absolutely lovely read. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
January 28, 2021
This is a light, fluffy chic-lit book. Just what I was in the mood for. There are no big surprises, the characters are fairly well portrayed and the writing is OK. You know from the start how it’s going to end, but it takes you on a pleasant journey while you’re going there.
June 22, 2020
Well ... once again I read something romantic and enjoy it. I guess there's no denying that I'm coming around. Ha ha!
The Second Chance Boutique is such a gem! I had such a great wedding dress experience - and while my dress was definitely mass produced there was so much of Fran's interactions with her customers that had me reliving my own memories. I very much enjoyed this story, the characters - the magical feel. I love that each dress took us on a journey, especially the 1950s couture gown!
Overall this was a great read and one I would recommend! Great big thank you to Sweetreads Box for including this book in their May box!
The Second Chance Boutique is such a gem! I had such a great wedding dress experience - and while my dress was definitely mass produced there was so much of Fran's interactions with her customers that had me reliving my own memories. I very much enjoyed this story, the characters - the magical feel. I love that each dress took us on a journey, especially the 1950s couture gown!
Overall this was a great read and one I would recommend! Great big thank you to Sweetreads Box for including this book in their May box!
January 27, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was really excited to read this title- the cover is pretty, the summary sounded like a perfect, sweet romance. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and read it before the 10 or so I already had in my to read pile. Maybe I built up my hopes too much because this fell so flat. I found the characters to be aggressive and off-putting with actions that were hard to conceive someone actually doing. Fran was so intrusive and outspoken that I kept wanting to tell her to shut her mouth. It's fine to have opinions and to stick up for your beliefs but she kept hammering her point of view to the extent of being rude and intrusive. The love interest was thus hard to buy into- why would two people so quickly fall in love after constantly belittling and insulting one another at every meeting. It just wasn't believable and was hard to get behind- why was I cheering for either of them?
I did really like the idea of these beautiful vintage wedding gowns being given to the right bride to pass on the wisdom and insights from the previous owners. Nice idea, just wasn't enough to carry the story of Fran and Rafeal. I was so disappointed in this one. Great idea gone wrong.
I was really excited to read this title- the cover is pretty, the summary sounded like a perfect, sweet romance. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and read it before the 10 or so I already had in my to read pile. Maybe I built up my hopes too much because this fell so flat. I found the characters to be aggressive and off-putting with actions that were hard to conceive someone actually doing. Fran was so intrusive and outspoken that I kept wanting to tell her to shut her mouth. It's fine to have opinions and to stick up for your beliefs but she kept hammering her point of view to the extent of being rude and intrusive. The love interest was thus hard to buy into- why would two people so quickly fall in love after constantly belittling and insulting one another at every meeting. It just wasn't believable and was hard to get behind- why was I cheering for either of them?
I did really like the idea of these beautiful vintage wedding gowns being given to the right bride to pass on the wisdom and insights from the previous owners. Nice idea, just wasn't enough to carry the story of Fran and Rafeal. I was so disappointed in this one. Great idea gone wrong.
May 6, 2020
I’m not one for fluffy romance novels, but I totally found myself falling in love with this one within the first few pages! Isn’t that crazy!? I think I’m slowly but surely going to turn into a full blown romance novel connoisseur soon!
All jokes aside, this book has such a cute premise! A vintage wedding gown shop is probably the most romantic setting ever (besides a bookstore. Hello, bookworm over here!) But what’s even MORE romantic is Fran’s dedication to finding the absolute perfect bride for her dresses, no matter what. There is truly a unique story behind each dress, and dang. I’d love to have the level of dedication Fran has, and just general awesomeness. She was such a superstar, and I love her!
All jokes aside, this book has such a cute premise! A vintage wedding gown shop is probably the most romantic setting ever (besides a bookstore. Hello, bookworm over here!) But what’s even MORE romantic is Fran’s dedication to finding the absolute perfect bride for her dresses, no matter what. There is truly a unique story behind each dress, and dang. I’d love to have the level of dedication Fran has, and just general awesomeness. She was such a superstar, and I love her!
April 24, 2020
The Whispering Dress Shop will match you up with the perfect wedding dress. Francesca will give you a brief interview when you walk in, then have you try on the dress that will transform you and your wedding experience. What a delightful concept! My fashion merchandising background really helped me to dive into this book experience. Choosing a wedding dress is such a universal experience. The addition to the plot of the Colt family scandals and Francesca's past wedding fail added depth to the romance. Rafael was not always the most likable character (at first he seemed like your classic 80's Harlequin "hero"), but he grew on me. Includes reading group questions and an author interview If you enjoyed this title, you will also like "The Gown" by Jennifer Robson and "The Grace Kelly Dress" by Brenda Janowitz.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
A tad disgruntled... the author actually writes content for the Victoria & Albert Museum, and this book was “inspired by the ... large wedding dress collection.” So... I anticipated more dresses from the protagonist, Fran Delaney, of The Whispering Dress shop. Those written about were the “allure” of the novel, descriptive of fabric and fashionable era while whimsically matching their past wedding vibes to the hopes and potential to the new brides searching for a dress in her little shop. Unfortunately, a major “find” leads the plot off into Fran’s search for unrequited love, and the book kind of fell flat for me.
I read on to see if more dresses and more brides might emerge, along with the mystery of the discarded couture wedding gown, and a few developed but were more asides to the plot until its end.
For those who want total fluff, nothing but romance and are patient with the off again/on again trials of finding one’s hearts’ desire- The Second Chance Boutique might fit them like Cinderella’s missing shoe.
If you are looking for a boutique of second hand dresses with stories to tell - well- the ones here are mostly window dressing.
Predictable romance, fluff... 2.5 stars rounded to three because the dresses/vignettes which author Leaman DID write about were very good. I hope she broadens her next books a bit, after this debut effort.
I read on to see if more dresses and more brides might emerge, along with the mystery of the discarded couture wedding gown, and a few developed but were more asides to the plot until its end.
For those who want total fluff, nothing but romance and are patient with the off again/on again trials of finding one’s hearts’ desire- The Second Chance Boutique might fit them like Cinderella’s missing shoe.
If you are looking for a boutique of second hand dresses with stories to tell - well- the ones here are mostly window dressing.
Predictable romance, fluff... 2.5 stars rounded to three because the dresses/vignettes which author Leaman DID write about were very good. I hope she broadens her next books a bit, after this debut effort.
September 3, 2019
I really love vintage dresses, and am often found in a 1950’s style dress. Having also worn one for my wedding day. This book was completely up my alley before even reading the book. I mean what’s not to love about vintage dresses themselves picking their perfect owners. Also I love a quirky book and so everything in this lighthearted original book worked for me.
June 28, 2020
3.5 stars. I seem to like books about dress shops almost as much as I like books about book shops! I felt like this author was wavering about whether or not to make this book fit into the magical realism genre. It would have been better if she had just gone for it instead of pulling back.
October 16, 2019
The perfect Dress is a charming sweet romantic tale that will delight fans of this type of fiction. Our heroine of the hour is Fran, quirky and quite bonkers, owner of the Whispering Dresses bridal shop. This is no ordinary bridal shop however as each vintage dress is lovingly matched, by Fran, to each bride to be, taking into account their personalities etc. I think it helps if you suspend all belief in reality when you start reading this book otherwise you might find Fran slightly irksome!! She painstakingly works out the provenance of each dress, believing the fabric to tell its own story and delves into the lives of previous owners hence the idea of whispering dresses. Her possible knight in shining armour is the dark and brooding Rafe Colt, part of a wealthy aristocratic family who turned to philanthropy in later years, founding a charity he now heads. Their worlds collide when Fran first meets Rafe at a house clearance and discovers a wonderful wedding dress previously worn by his grandmother and passed onto his mother. The dress has a troubled history and is at the heart of this ‘will they won’t they fall in love and live happily ever after’ tale and it is clear both Fran and Rafe have commitment issues for very different reasons.
This was an easy,lighthearted whimsical read made more appealing by the quirky nature of Fran’s character. The author’s descriptions of the dresses transport you into Fran’s dreamy world so you can almost imagine being there with her, believing the stories woven around these beloved outfits. Suitable for die hard romantics, you know exactly what you are getting when you pick up this book. Whilst not one that will remain in my consciousness for long (which I don’t think is expected anyway!) I think it is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon read. Thank you as always to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
This was an easy,lighthearted whimsical read made more appealing by the quirky nature of Fran’s character. The author’s descriptions of the dresses transport you into Fran’s dreamy world so you can almost imagine being there with her, believing the stories woven around these beloved outfits. Suitable for die hard romantics, you know exactly what you are getting when you pick up this book. Whilst not one that will remain in my consciousness for long (which I don’t think is expected anyway!) I think it is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon read. Thank you as always to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2020
The Whispering Dress Boutique by Louisa Leaman
Source: NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark
Rating: 2½/5 stars
**MINI-REVIEW**
The Bottom Line: I’m absolutely on the fence with this book and there is nothing that is going to tip me over to one side or the other. Here’s the split for me: I really enjoyed the bits and pieces about the dress shop and the history of each of the dresses, but I had real issues with both Francesca and Rafael. While I generally enjoy a two broken souls come together story, I simply couldn’t get past both Francesca and Rafael’s generally bad attitudes. Neither were able – in a reasonable amount of time - to move beyond their respective pasts to see what was right in front of them, the possibility of a happy and fulfilling future. Outside of the terribly interesting dress information, I simply found the characters too angsty to be likeable. At the end of the day, loved the dress information, really disliked the characters which leaves me in the middle and on the fence!
Source: NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark
Rating: 2½/5 stars
**MINI-REVIEW**
The Bottom Line: I’m absolutely on the fence with this book and there is nothing that is going to tip me over to one side or the other. Here’s the split for me: I really enjoyed the bits and pieces about the dress shop and the history of each of the dresses, but I had real issues with both Francesca and Rafael. While I generally enjoy a two broken souls come together story, I simply couldn’t get past both Francesca and Rafael’s generally bad attitudes. Neither were able – in a reasonable amount of time - to move beyond their respective pasts to see what was right in front of them, the possibility of a happy and fulfilling future. Outside of the terribly interesting dress information, I simply found the characters too angsty to be likeable. At the end of the day, loved the dress information, really disliked the characters which leaves me in the middle and on the fence!
Read
January 24, 2020I started this one thinking it was a fun, mystery/fantasy kind of book but it starts as a massively cliched romance book. Think "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" except she sells bridal dresses but is perpetually single and unloved. I made it through the first utterly formulaic chapter where she encounters the dark, handsome, moody, rude, rich man with the brooding eyes and she finds the priceless antique wedding dress that is exactly the sort of thing she sells and is the dress of her dreams, tries it on in the moody man's house that he's packing up because his mother has died, gets caught (what a surprise) by said moody man who silently admires her curves and how beautiful it looks on her with a sneer, and then he is condescending and obnoxious while she is sweet and embarrassed (ooh, how sexy, in that 1950's "I really want to be dominated and infantilized" way) and he gives it to her with disdain. She hems and haws because it's so expensive and should be sentimental even though they are there because everybody is cleaning out the house and taking things for free (all businesses are invited, others have already stripped the place, we've established that the guy is rich, and everything left will go into the dumpsters) and then he finally tosses it in a dumpster and commences to get in a big argument with his sister. Our heroine then leaves the priceless dress of her dreams in the dumpster because (horrors!) there's a heated argument going on, and drives off in a hurry with her token gay male best friend. She leaves the priceless antique dress of her dreams that was handmade by a legendary designer in a dumpster because two people are yelling at each other and she doesn't feel right taking a dress the guy has told her to take and then tossed in the garbage -- even though she makes her living selling used dresses and this one is worth a fortune? Oh good grief. I just don't have time for this nonsense. :) I cannot bear reading characters who are this annoying. Sorry, DNF so I'm not giving it a rating. It'll be a great read for others, it's just not my cup of tea.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
October 17, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher.
Beautiful, heartwarming, and fascinating in every way, THE PERFECT DRESS by Louisa Leaman is a wonderful story about past and present coming together and finding hope for the future.
Fran has a gift. Through her vintage wedding shop, she brings the past alive through each special piece and matches them perfectly to each bride in turn. Fran throws herself into researching each and every piece and every time she finds the perfect match she feels like she is helping love bloom in an extra special way. She lives for her dresses but there is one dress that she has locked away because it causes her too much pain and she is just not ready to deal with it. But when a very unique dress crosses her path it also brings Fran into contact with Raf Colt, a surly workaholic who doesn't believe in love and marriage having lived through his own family heartache and tragedy. But there is something that calls each to the other but will the tragic history of this family heirloom bring more heartbreak into their world? Or can true love find a way?
Breathtaking from start to finish, I completely fell in love with the characters and the vintage fashion in this fresh and vibrant story of design and devotion. Fran is quirky, colourful, and someone to admire, following her passion and breathing happiness and positivity into this world. But when it comes to her own love life she is blocked and I enjoyed getting to unravel her past and see her move on. I know absolutely nothing about fashion but I fell under this author's spell as fabrics, designs, and the magic of the fashion world came alive on each page and captured my interest at every turn. I love the idea that vintage clothes and accessories hold memories and an essence from who came before and THE PERFECT DRESS by Louisa Leaman is truly special in this way.
THE PERFECT DRESS by Louisa Leaman is vibrant and alive like the dresses hidden inside and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
Beautiful, heartwarming, and fascinating in every way, THE PERFECT DRESS by Louisa Leaman is a wonderful story about past and present coming together and finding hope for the future.
Fran has a gift. Through her vintage wedding shop, she brings the past alive through each special piece and matches them perfectly to each bride in turn. Fran throws herself into researching each and every piece and every time she finds the perfect match she feels like she is helping love bloom in an extra special way. She lives for her dresses but there is one dress that she has locked away because it causes her too much pain and she is just not ready to deal with it. But when a very unique dress crosses her path it also brings Fran into contact with Raf Colt, a surly workaholic who doesn't believe in love and marriage having lived through his own family heartache and tragedy. But there is something that calls each to the other but will the tragic history of this family heirloom bring more heartbreak into their world? Or can true love find a way?
Breathtaking from start to finish, I completely fell in love with the characters and the vintage fashion in this fresh and vibrant story of design and devotion. Fran is quirky, colourful, and someone to admire, following her passion and breathing happiness and positivity into this world. But when it comes to her own love life she is blocked and I enjoyed getting to unravel her past and see her move on. I know absolutely nothing about fashion but I fell under this author's spell as fabrics, designs, and the magic of the fashion world came alive on each page and captured my interest at every turn. I love the idea that vintage clothes and accessories hold memories and an essence from who came before and THE PERFECT DRESS by Louisa Leaman is truly special in this way.
THE PERFECT DRESS by Louisa Leaman is vibrant and alive like the dresses hidden inside and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
October 19, 2019
I have to admit I winced when I started this book and found it was written in third person, present tense; I don’t particularly enjoy books written in the present tense no matter the narrator, but the storyline was intriguing enough I was able to set aside my prejudices to read the book. Fran, our heroine, was genuinely unique, the proprietor of a wedding dress shop who matches vintage bespoke gowns to brides. When she finds a valuable couture wedding gown at an estate clearance and clashes with the house’s owner, sparks fly.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fran, who was the main point of view character for most of the book. She was quirky and unique, sympathetic and empathetic in the way she worked to get to know each of her clients and find the perfect dress for them on their special day. She came across as judgemental and high-handed a couple of times, particularly with her last client, a reality TV starlet, but honestly she was a paragon of sweetness compared to Rafael, who came across as judgemental and high-handed all of the time, even to Fran herself. He makes it very obvious he thinks her business is basically a lot of woo-woo nonsense, even when the two of them are romantically involved, and I wanted to thump him upside the head any number of times and tell him to wise up.
This has an interesting premise even if, like me, you know absolutely nothing about fashion history and couture wedding gowns, but it came across as humourless and taking itself a bit too seriously, which not coincidentally is a description which exactly matches Rafael. The present tense really didn’t help. I’m giving it three stars because while it wasn’t bad, it just didn’t resonate with me at all.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fran, who was the main point of view character for most of the book. She was quirky and unique, sympathetic and empathetic in the way she worked to get to know each of her clients and find the perfect dress for them on their special day. She came across as judgemental and high-handed a couple of times, particularly with her last client, a reality TV starlet, but honestly she was a paragon of sweetness compared to Rafael, who came across as judgemental and high-handed all of the time, even to Fran herself. He makes it very obvious he thinks her business is basically a lot of woo-woo nonsense, even when the two of them are romantically involved, and I wanted to thump him upside the head any number of times and tell him to wise up.
This has an interesting premise even if, like me, you know absolutely nothing about fashion history and couture wedding gowns, but it came across as humourless and taking itself a bit too seriously, which not coincidentally is a description which exactly matches Rafael. The present tense really didn’t help. I’m giving it three stars because while it wasn’t bad, it just didn’t resonate with me at all.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
September 16, 2019
Thank you to netgalley.co.uk for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel, when I first started this book, I felt like this was something that I would not like at all but I'm glad to say my initial thoughts were wrong. The main reason I thought this was because the novel seemed to be all about wedding dresses and finding customers their perfect wedding dress, but the more I read this, I thought the author did a decent job with the main character Fran and how she worked with each customer. I thought the story unfolded really well and was well written, I'm glad I read this book.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel, when I first started this book, I felt like this was something that I would not like at all but I'm glad to say my initial thoughts were wrong. The main reason I thought this was because the novel seemed to be all about wedding dresses and finding customers their perfect wedding dress, but the more I read this, I thought the author did a decent job with the main character Fran and how she worked with each customer. I thought the story unfolded really well and was well written, I'm glad I read this book.
May 14, 2020
I was given a copy of this book on Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
My Interest
The blurb on Net Galley made this sound just plain fun in a Sarah Addison Allen kind of way! Who wouldn’t want to show in a store specializing in vintage bespoke wedding gowns? My intuition was right! Read on!
I’m confused though why my Net Gallery copy has The Whispering Dress Boutique, but it is for sale only as the Second Chance Boutique?? (I’ve also seen it as The Perfect Dress). Whispering dresses sound so much more interesting than washed-up clothes in a boutique? Just my two cents for the marketing crew who likely ordered the change from interesting to ho-hum title. If it was the author who ordered it, ok then–after all it’s her book and she likely has the perfect reason for it.
The Story
“The Whispering Dress is no ordinary wedding dress shop. There are no oversized PayHere signs. No mass changing rooms crammed with seminaked brides, all eyeing the same white satin fishtail while stealthily noting the merits and pitfalls of one another’s body types….At this shop, every gown sits apart. Every gown is different. Every gown has a story. After all, the most important dress of a woman’s life should surely have something distinct to say.”
Francesca Delany is the brain-child behind the Whispering Dress–London’s most interesting wedding dress retailer. All the gowns have been worn before–some even more than a century before. She lovingly brings them back to life and then, as a sort of “dress whisperer” she matches them to the bride who needs the energy of their past life.
“I believe my dresses carry their pasts within them, like archives of life, and that they pass this energy on to whomever wears them next.”
Fun? Oh yes! Who wouldn’t want to go to the altar in a bespoke vintage gown with a label like Norman Hartnell in it? Especially one that speaks to your own needs? Wow!
“A whispering dress isn’t just a yard of trimmed and stretched fabric, you see. It’s a story, a legacy, a lesson from history. You might even call it a talisman.”
At a house clearance, Fran finds a dress so rare she is speechless–at least until Rafael Colt and his Old Etonian effortless excellence vibe and posh vowels and fabulous car appears and causes the wedding gown of all gowns to land in a dumpster.
You can guess the rest, right? No worries, it’s worth reading this one through to the end.
My Thoughts
This is a delight from start-to-finish. No woke screed-speeches, no constant use of “A.S.” or “A.F.”, only a little bit of loving sex, a couple of minuscule pc-pokes at religion, and a couple to root for, hope for, and cheer on! When pools and beaches reopen this is the first book to grab! A sweet romance that’s just the right amount magical without any wands or potions–just an intuitive lady who knows her stuff. I loved it.
I can’t wait to read more from Louisa Leaman.
My Verdict
4.0
Second Chance Boutique: A Novel by Louisa Leaman
My Interest
The blurb on Net Galley made this sound just plain fun in a Sarah Addison Allen kind of way! Who wouldn’t want to show in a store specializing in vintage bespoke wedding gowns? My intuition was right! Read on!
I’m confused though why my Net Gallery copy has The Whispering Dress Boutique, but it is for sale only as the Second Chance Boutique?? (I’ve also seen it as The Perfect Dress). Whispering dresses sound so much more interesting than washed-up clothes in a boutique? Just my two cents for the marketing crew who likely ordered the change from interesting to ho-hum title. If it was the author who ordered it, ok then–after all it’s her book and she likely has the perfect reason for it.
The Story
“The Whispering Dress is no ordinary wedding dress shop. There are no oversized PayHere signs. No mass changing rooms crammed with seminaked brides, all eyeing the same white satin fishtail while stealthily noting the merits and pitfalls of one another’s body types….At this shop, every gown sits apart. Every gown is different. Every gown has a story. After all, the most important dress of a woman’s life should surely have something distinct to say.”
Francesca Delany is the brain-child behind the Whispering Dress–London’s most interesting wedding dress retailer. All the gowns have been worn before–some even more than a century before. She lovingly brings them back to life and then, as a sort of “dress whisperer” she matches them to the bride who needs the energy of their past life.
“I believe my dresses carry their pasts within them, like archives of life, and that they pass this energy on to whomever wears them next.”
Fun? Oh yes! Who wouldn’t want to go to the altar in a bespoke vintage gown with a label like Norman Hartnell in it? Especially one that speaks to your own needs? Wow!
“A whispering dress isn’t just a yard of trimmed and stretched fabric, you see. It’s a story, a legacy, a lesson from history. You might even call it a talisman.”
At a house clearance, Fran finds a dress so rare she is speechless–at least until Rafael Colt and his Old Etonian effortless excellence vibe and posh vowels and fabulous car appears and causes the wedding gown of all gowns to land in a dumpster.
You can guess the rest, right? No worries, it’s worth reading this one through to the end.
My Thoughts
This is a delight from start-to-finish. No woke screed-speeches, no constant use of “A.S.” or “A.F.”, only a little bit of loving sex, a couple of minuscule pc-pokes at religion, and a couple to root for, hope for, and cheer on! When pools and beaches reopen this is the first book to grab! A sweet romance that’s just the right amount magical without any wands or potions–just an intuitive lady who knows her stuff. I loved it.
I can’t wait to read more from Louisa Leaman.
My Verdict
4.0
Second Chance Boutique: A Novel by Louisa Leaman
March 15, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying that I really have no idea why I requested this book. The older I get, the less I seem to be into your average romance novel...but I guess I loved the cover enough to ask for it. I didn't even know it had anything to do with Paris, which for some reason I am insanely infatuated with, so that was a bonus. Anyway, this is actually NOT your average love story so it worked out well for me all the way around. Fran owns the Whispering Dress Boutique, which is not your ordinary wedding dress shop. Fran has talent that enables her to match the perfect dress to each bride. She "feels something" from each dress, almost like it wants her to understand the journey it has been on and who it is meant for next. She puts a lot of time into researching each dress and she wants to know everything about it. She meets Raphael at an estate sale where she finds a very rare dress. The dress belonged to his mother and has so many bad memories associated with it that when she tells him what it is worth, he still wants no part of it. And they really do not get along at first so, of course, you know that they will end up together in the end. I personally loved everything about this book but I know many people will be put off by the clichés or the craziness or what have you. But the back stories I loved, the wedding dresses themselves I loved, the parts in Paris, I loved...I almost want to sell everything I own and start my own thing somewhere even though I know Jack about what a wedding dress might be worth. This one touched me.
Let me start by saying that I really have no idea why I requested this book. The older I get, the less I seem to be into your average romance novel...but I guess I loved the cover enough to ask for it. I didn't even know it had anything to do with Paris, which for some reason I am insanely infatuated with, so that was a bonus. Anyway, this is actually NOT your average love story so it worked out well for me all the way around. Fran owns the Whispering Dress Boutique, which is not your ordinary wedding dress shop. Fran has talent that enables her to match the perfect dress to each bride. She "feels something" from each dress, almost like it wants her to understand the journey it has been on and who it is meant for next. She puts a lot of time into researching each dress and she wants to know everything about it. She meets Raphael at an estate sale where she finds a very rare dress. The dress belonged to his mother and has so many bad memories associated with it that when she tells him what it is worth, he still wants no part of it. And they really do not get along at first so, of course, you know that they will end up together in the end. I personally loved everything about this book but I know many people will be put off by the clichés or the craziness or what have you. But the back stories I loved, the wedding dresses themselves I loved, the parts in Paris, I loved...I almost want to sell everything I own and start my own thing somewhere even though I know Jack about what a wedding dress might be worth. This one touched me.
November 23, 2022
Such a cute plot!
Two complete opposites come together. From a wedding lover to someone that has complete negativity about the entire thing.
Vintage wedding gown shop + expert Fran, runs the Whispering Dress shop. This is no ordinary shop. Fran will match you with the perfect wedding dress as she gives you a little interview to see what you are needing to change. How a dress can help you and your future marriage.
On the side lines, there is the Colt family. How Rafael and Fran come from two completely different worlds and ended up being together more or less throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed the detail Fran goes into. This novel wasn’t too long and it was very enjoyable.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/11/29/book-re...
Two complete opposites come together. From a wedding lover to someone that has complete negativity about the entire thing.
Vintage wedding gown shop + expert Fran, runs the Whispering Dress shop. This is no ordinary shop. Fran will match you with the perfect wedding dress as she gives you a little interview to see what you are needing to change. How a dress can help you and your future marriage.
On the side lines, there is the Colt family. How Rafael and Fran come from two completely different worlds and ended up being together more or less throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed the detail Fran goes into. This novel wasn’t too long and it was very enjoyable.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/11/29/book-re...
August 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
May 3, 2022
Such a cute book!
I loved the theme, the characters and the story line. The whole idea of dresses that speaks to you are interesting and makes for a nice book.
Only reason why I don't give it 5* is because some of the story seemed rushed.
If you like romantic chik-lits I can recommend this one :)
I loved the theme, the characters and the story line. The whole idea of dresses that speaks to you are interesting and makes for a nice book.
Only reason why I don't give it 5* is because some of the story seemed rushed.
If you like romantic chik-lits I can recommend this one :)
October 25, 2019
Fran Delaney owns a bespoke wedding dress shop called The Whispering Dress. Fran loves clothes especially vintage wedding dresses and scours house clearances to find these preloved wedding dresses from every decade so she can match them to the brides that come in her shop. She learns the history of the dress and about the bride who wore it and her groom, through conversations, letters and research.
At a house clearance at Dryad’s Hall, a 6 bedroom stately home in Epping Forest, she finds a stunning dress but the owner of the property Rafael Colt is rude to Fran and has little interest in the dress, refusing to give her any details about the dress apart from that it was worn by both his grandmother and his mother. By taking the dress, Fran and Rafael’s lives become intertwined and Fran has the opportunity to find out his family history so the dress can be matched to the right bride.
I really enjoyed this lovely romantic story – I realise I don’t read much romance and it was a welcome breather to read this charming book. I loved the idea of the Whispering Dress wedding shop – I could clearly picture what it might look like and I loved the idea of brides coming in to find their perfect dress – often not one they were expecting to find! The descriptions of the dresses were just divine and I loved the different eras they came from and the stories behind them. I’m not interested in clothes particularly but this made me want to visit the V&A museum which apparently has a large wedding dress collection.
Rafael at first is distant and a bit stuck up but Fran is able to use her charms and as they get to know each other, romance blossoms, but as is often the case, things don’t run smoothly. Fran seems to be able to sense feelings from some of the dresses she finds and the Colt one in particular, which was designed by a famous French fashion designer seems to speak to her and she soon gets the impression that the women that wore it were not happy.
I really enjoyed this story – it ignited an interest in clothes and wedding dresses I didn’t know I had and it was lovely to read a romantic feel-good story! I loved the touch of magic that ran through the book – a really uplifting and enjoyable read.
At a house clearance at Dryad’s Hall, a 6 bedroom stately home in Epping Forest, she finds a stunning dress but the owner of the property Rafael Colt is rude to Fran and has little interest in the dress, refusing to give her any details about the dress apart from that it was worn by both his grandmother and his mother. By taking the dress, Fran and Rafael’s lives become intertwined and Fran has the opportunity to find out his family history so the dress can be matched to the right bride.
I really enjoyed this lovely romantic story – I realise I don’t read much romance and it was a welcome breather to read this charming book. I loved the idea of the Whispering Dress wedding shop – I could clearly picture what it might look like and I loved the idea of brides coming in to find their perfect dress – often not one they were expecting to find! The descriptions of the dresses were just divine and I loved the different eras they came from and the stories behind them. I’m not interested in clothes particularly but this made me want to visit the V&A museum which apparently has a large wedding dress collection.
Rafael at first is distant and a bit stuck up but Fran is able to use her charms and as they get to know each other, romance blossoms, but as is often the case, things don’t run smoothly. Fran seems to be able to sense feelings from some of the dresses she finds and the Colt one in particular, which was designed by a famous French fashion designer seems to speak to her and she soon gets the impression that the women that wore it were not happy.
I really enjoyed this story – it ignited an interest in clothes and wedding dresses I didn’t know I had and it was lovely to read a romantic feel-good story! I loved the touch of magic that ran through the book – a really uplifting and enjoyable read.
November 14, 2019
The Perfect Dress is set around a vintage wedding shop called The Whispering Dress. Shop owner Fran seeks wedding dresses for her clients and she will literally do anything to get the perfect dress. However, it isn’t just the exquisite dressmaking that appeals to Fran but the story that comes with it. Fran believes that the dresses whisper their stories to her, giving off energy which reveals the true feelings of the original bride.
The ladies who visit the wedding shop don’t leave with the dress they imagined would be right for them. Often they leave with a dress which is the complete opposite of their personality. However, once they try on the dress and hear the stories of it’s past, something magical happens. Fran has an amazing talent for reminding her clients that it “is not the wedding that matters, it is the marriage.”
When Fran comes across a couture dress in a house clearance she knows she has found a very special gown. The dress belongs to Rafael, who is wealthy, handsome but extremely brusque. Fran becomes obsessed with finding out the history of the dress but Raf is unwilling to share and feels only contempt for the wedding gown.
The intricate details of the dresses with the historical references behind each one make the imagery leap from the page. The romance element intrigued me because the two main characters were both broken emotionally, from completely different backgrounds and with opposing beliefs. However, if a couple are inexplicably drawn to each other and help each other heal, how can that be anything but wonderful?
This is an enjoyable debut…especially if you love weddings, romance and history. The author has used intensive research from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s wedding dress exhibition and it gave the story an authentic feel. I loved all the references to historical weddings, the imagery of the dresses and the mystery element which kept me captivated throughout.
The ladies who visit the wedding shop don’t leave with the dress they imagined would be right for them. Often they leave with a dress which is the complete opposite of their personality. However, once they try on the dress and hear the stories of it’s past, something magical happens. Fran has an amazing talent for reminding her clients that it “is not the wedding that matters, it is the marriage.”
When Fran comes across a couture dress in a house clearance she knows she has found a very special gown. The dress belongs to Rafael, who is wealthy, handsome but extremely brusque. Fran becomes obsessed with finding out the history of the dress but Raf is unwilling to share and feels only contempt for the wedding gown.
The intricate details of the dresses with the historical references behind each one make the imagery leap from the page. The romance element intrigued me because the two main characters were both broken emotionally, from completely different backgrounds and with opposing beliefs. However, if a couple are inexplicably drawn to each other and help each other heal, how can that be anything but wonderful?
This is an enjoyable debut…especially if you love weddings, romance and history. The author has used intensive research from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s wedding dress exhibition and it gave the story an authentic feel. I loved all the references to historical weddings, the imagery of the dresses and the mystery element which kept me captivated throughout.
April 10, 2020
qui la mia recensione https://booksdreamer.blogspot.com/202...
July 12, 2025
This is a delightful story centered around a rather ethereal wedding dress that was worn by a wealthy society woman and her daughter in law. I always so love stories about vintage clothing shops and this was no exception. The store is located in London and specializes in wedding dresses and accessories. Perhaps a bit too much drama concerning Fran, the central character and shop owner. By the way, it was quite pleasurable to read a large print edition. All books should really use larger fonts! XOXOXOs to the author, Louisa Leaman, for creating this somewhat mysterious tale:)
April 30, 2021
Assuming you're willing to suspend reality for the 268 pages of this book, this is cute albeit predictable. It's exactly what you'd expect (though I'd have liked a bit more of the secondary characters, particularly Mick) which made it great reading for when your province is in a crippling third wave of a pandemic.
May 15, 2020
The Second Chance Boutique by Louise Leaman
4 wedding gowns out of 5
*
💕💍
The Second Chance Boutique by @louiseleaman is the May 2020 @sweetreadsbox book selection and was an unexpected book full of charm and whimsy.
*
💕💍
The Second Chance Boutique offers readers moments of fancy interspersed with just enough realism to keep readers engaged and present for the two interconnected plot lines. The first includes Fran who is the wedding boutique owner of the whispering dress where vintage dresses with providence are curated by Fran who divines information form the dresses energy. Fran then matches the dress to brides with a bit of astral influence and bit of matching. Brides come to her when they have exhausted all the commercial shops and are looking for something with an extra special penance of high fashion, timelessness and kismet. I loved the sense of playfulness and juxtaposition that the author used from the bride to the dresses. Matches are never what you thought they might be and are magical if not transcendent.
*
💕💍
Mixed in this tale is the relationship of Fran and Rafael. An unlikely and surprising paring much like her dresses to brides. Their relationship is fiery, rocky, passionate and surprising. I like how this book created the sense of travelling down a family path only to be veered into a different direction.
*
💕💍
While not my typical genre of late, I must admit it was a nice change of pace for me and my thriller-oriented mind. I may have appreciated this tale more so because of the divergence and ought to remember to do so again in the future. If you are looking for a fresh change of pace that is light, enchanting and surprising read – then I suggest you say “yes” to the dress … and the Second Chance Boutique!
*
💕💍
4 wedding gowns out of 5
*
💕💍
The Second Chance Boutique by @louiseleaman is the May 2020 @sweetreadsbox book selection and was an unexpected book full of charm and whimsy.
*
💕💍
The Second Chance Boutique offers readers moments of fancy interspersed with just enough realism to keep readers engaged and present for the two interconnected plot lines. The first includes Fran who is the wedding boutique owner of the whispering dress where vintage dresses with providence are curated by Fran who divines information form the dresses energy. Fran then matches the dress to brides with a bit of astral influence and bit of matching. Brides come to her when they have exhausted all the commercial shops and are looking for something with an extra special penance of high fashion, timelessness and kismet. I loved the sense of playfulness and juxtaposition that the author used from the bride to the dresses. Matches are never what you thought they might be and are magical if not transcendent.
*
💕💍
Mixed in this tale is the relationship of Fran and Rafael. An unlikely and surprising paring much like her dresses to brides. Their relationship is fiery, rocky, passionate and surprising. I like how this book created the sense of travelling down a family path only to be veered into a different direction.
*
💕💍
While not my typical genre of late, I must admit it was a nice change of pace for me and my thriller-oriented mind. I may have appreciated this tale more so because of the divergence and ought to remember to do so again in the future. If you are looking for a fresh change of pace that is light, enchanting and surprising read – then I suggest you say “yes” to the dress … and the Second Chance Boutique!
*
💕💍
August 18, 2023
Spoiler frei:
Das Buch war echt toll und ich hatte richtig Spaß es zu lesen und das Vintage Brautmodengeschäft von Fran wurde so schön beschrieben sowie die ganzen Brautkleider. Fran‘s Charakter habe ich geliebt. Und Rafael auch bis auf das Ende:
Achtung Spoiler ⚠️
Auf der letzten Seiten finden sie im letzten Satz wieder zueinander und Fran erzählt ihm etwas schweres aus ihrer Vergangenheit was ihr handeln erklärt und er reagiert quasi gar nicht drauf. Mir ging das Ende dann einfach viel zu schnell.
Spoiler frei:
Trotzdem fand ich die beiden zusammen einfach zu süß und es gab auch ein paar richtig kitschige Szenen dennoch war es einfach so schön
4/5 ⭐️
Das Buch war echt toll und ich hatte richtig Spaß es zu lesen und das Vintage Brautmodengeschäft von Fran wurde so schön beschrieben sowie die ganzen Brautkleider. Fran‘s Charakter habe ich geliebt. Und Rafael auch bis auf das Ende:
Achtung Spoiler ⚠️
Auf der letzten Seiten finden sie im letzten Satz wieder zueinander und Fran erzählt ihm etwas schweres aus ihrer Vergangenheit was ihr handeln erklärt und er reagiert quasi gar nicht drauf. Mir ging das Ende dann einfach viel zu schnell.
Spoiler frei:
Trotzdem fand ich die beiden zusammen einfach zu süß und es gab auch ein paar richtig kitschige Szenen dennoch war es einfach so schön
4/5 ⭐️
April 23, 2020
I enjoyed this story, one because I love wedding gowns and two this is a sweet chick lit. Francesca owns a wedding gown boutique and has a knack for matching a dress to the bride. She knows the history of each gown except one in her store and finds its secrets. It’s an easy, entertaining read. A won a printed ARC from Sourcebooks Landmark but due to shipping delays was offered an ebook copy. Thank you Sourcebook Landmark, NetGalley. This is my honest review.
June 18, 2020
So lovely! Almost made it to a 5 stars review but was, in my opinion, a bit anti climactic...so a solid 4 stars it is. While definitely chic-lit, it has much substance and is a lovely read. Slightly less predictable than I anticipated, which probably had a lot to do with how much of a page turner it was for me.
May 7, 2020
The Second Chance Boutique is a fun little piece of British chick lit.
Fran owns a second-hand wedding dress boutique in London where she has a knack for matching brides to the perfect dress for their personalities, even while she herself wants nothing to do with marriage. Rafael is a wealthy philanthropist with a well-funded family foundation, an alcoholic sister, a chip on his shoulder, and no time for the frivolity of love and marriage. Since this is British chick lit, we all know what happens.
My favorite parts of the book surrounded the dresses themselves and the history Fran was able to find out about each one to do a better job matching them to her brides. I really enjoyed the wall of dead grooms, and I wish more had been said about them and their connections to the dresses and the brides who wore them. The elements of magical realism were fun, but, again, I wanted more of it, and not just with one dress that was connected to Rafael's family.
I liked the idea of the story, but often, the stakes didn't seem high enough to match the characters' reactions to events. Without giving anything away, based on Fran's reaction to something that happened ten years prior to this story, I thought it was going to be a much bigger thing than it was. Same with Rafael. He obviously hated his father and was afraid of turning into him, but, okay, what else? Even his big reveal has been very overdone and was not unexpected from very early on.
This is a cute book and a light read, and if you don't overthink it and just take it for what it is, it's a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. It has not influenced my opinion.
Fran owns a second-hand wedding dress boutique in London where she has a knack for matching brides to the perfect dress for their personalities, even while she herself wants nothing to do with marriage. Rafael is a wealthy philanthropist with a well-funded family foundation, an alcoholic sister, a chip on his shoulder, and no time for the frivolity of love and marriage. Since this is British chick lit, we all know what happens.
My favorite parts of the book surrounded the dresses themselves and the history Fran was able to find out about each one to do a better job matching them to her brides. I really enjoyed the wall of dead grooms, and I wish more had been said about them and their connections to the dresses and the brides who wore them. The elements of magical realism were fun, but, again, I wanted more of it, and not just with one dress that was connected to Rafael's family.
I liked the idea of the story, but often, the stakes didn't seem high enough to match the characters' reactions to events. Without giving anything away, based on Fran's reaction to something that happened ten years prior to this story, I thought it was going to be a much bigger thing than it was. Same with Rafael. He obviously hated his father and was afraid of turning into him, but, okay, what else? Even his big reveal has been very overdone and was not unexpected from very early on.
This is a cute book and a light read, and if you don't overthink it and just take it for what it is, it's a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. It has not influenced my opinion.
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