The Cotton Blossom: A Novel

by Dawn Gardner

In 1951, Lillie Mae Parker works for a department store in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s an aspiring, young seamstress who is enchanted by a charming new suitor. His worldly ways and grandeur captivate her—until secrets, lies and unsavory behaviors bring her harm.

Uncovering more than she ever imagined, Lillie is pushed to make decisions that she never expected. With the help of a close family friend and her brother Frank, Lillie tries to leave behind her mistakes.

The discovery of a 1951 convertible dragged out of its watery grave leads reporters to the doorstep of Lillie Mae. The Cotton Blossom is a spellbinding journey about finding your power, learning from your mistakes and trusting your heart.

Genres: Fiction

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2020

Reviews

[Miranda Reads]

Fair warning - I'm hella biased when it comes to this book!

I had the absolute honor of beta reading this wonderful book. And I am so happy and proud to see it in its published form.

I absolutely adored the story of Lillie - how she started as a flighty, shallow girl and grew into such a gorgeous woman.

I absolutely loved the attention to detail given to the setting and world-building of this story.

Lillie's obsession for fashion truly endeared me to her story and taught me a surprising amount about historical fashion.

I'm so excited about this book and I'm so happy it's been published!!

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[Laurean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short book, lots of action, likeable main character, and a structured plot are the pluses of The Cotton Blossom. The cliches and predictability are the minuses. Dawn Gardner creates an absorbing story, but it could have been so much better. The writing is amateurish and the grammatical errors are difficult to ignore. Editors!? Some details show research, as descriptions of the Atlanta and Richmond downtown areas. The department stores, I remember Rich's in Atlanta, are described in detail, and these were truly wonderful environments in the 1950-1960s, but more accurate research into the attitudes and the strict social restrictions of women in the 1950s would have enriched and expanded this lightweight novel. Most women, even professionals, were fired or laid off from jobs once they were visibly pregnant. Unwed motherhood was beyond unacceptable in that era with no handsome, rich men clamoring to marry you and father your illegitimate child. Lillie Mae had it made with her employers falling for her lies and all her friends and family giving her buildings, apartments, child care, and then -- fighting and committing murder for her! I liked the idea of the vintage fashion aspects of this book, although as written, it's not especially compelling, more like Fashion Design 101.

[Dianne McMahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Seamless Story

Lillie was a young girl who got mixed up with Henry,a rich married man.He treated her terribly,but she stayed, eventually becaming pregnant and running away.

She was a talented seamstress and after working as a sales clerk in a dept.store,she met some women who would become her family and her backers to start her own clothing business.
There was one problem,Henry, he found out about his son and came to get him,to give to his barren wife.
He didn't succeed and disappeared forever.

Lillie becomes very successful and is married to the love of her life for 60 yrs.
This story actually takes place in the 50's,but Lillie is telling her life story to a young reporter,as her 37 yr.old son looks on.

The story has a lot of ups and downs,but actually shows that as early as the 50's,women were becoming more independent and less dependent on men and could make their own way.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this story in a day, which is very unusual for me. And, yes, I still managed to get my kids from school on time, do some laundry and cook dinner. 😊

Lillie’s character drew me in right away and I absolutely fell in love with her story. It was heartbreaking yet beautiful and also gave me a few chuckles along the way. I loved being transported back in time to the 1950’s...the clothing, the music, everything. Lillie’s story is one of survival and, ultimately, hope. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a historical novel with a cast of wonderful characters who remind you that our past mistakes don’t define us and women are just as strong as they are beautiful!

I was selected to be an early reader for Dawn’s novel and received a digital copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Here's to secrets, struggles and cotton."
Historical romance with a southern accent! Seriously one of my favorite all time novels. I loved Lillie from the beginning and as the story developed I couldn't put it down! Several strong women characters and a few standout southern gentleman, it was easy to get caught up in this story.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing book

When I started this book I didn't like it, but as the story developed I became intrigued. The story took a few twists that I found surprising and I did not guess the ending! I loved Lillie's fashion sense and her ability to create those fashions. I also liked her spunk!

[Ji · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
An interesting story that had different elements. The characters were likable (most at least) and well written. I did notice a few spelling mistakes but nothing too fatal. The story took a quick turn which made the pace pick up better while reading. I’m happy to have read this book and gotten a signed copy.

[Michelle Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survivor

Shows how women can succeed especially when we band together and can recover from trusting the wrong person. Was a little too flowery how everything always seemed to work out, but a good book so in all.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the storyline.

I really enjoyed the storyline and I loved the characters. I liked the historical aspect intertwined with the story of Lilli. She never gave up no matter what she went thtough.

[S Buhite · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just Wasn't a fan

I don't know why exactly but I just wasn't a huge fan of this story. I did like the fashion aspect and Lillie's story related to that but the rest seemed like a bunch of cliches strung together. It was a quick read but I expected more based on the other reviews.

[Rachel Dugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful and empowering

I loved this story, it was exciting and a great story about overcoming toxic relationships. I would highly recommend it!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dont put it down! No one will have to tell you that from the first page. I loved this book. Not what I usually read but will be looking for another by Dawn Gardner

[Emily Hartung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

This book had me spellbound! The author weaves this story so the characters feel like freinds. I absolutely loved this book and all the connections to real places!

[Bonnie McKie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

Enjoyed the book and found it to be a fast read. Hard to put down! Will look for more from this author.

[Pat Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

This is a mesmerizing story with a number of characters and threads that all combine into a great read. I highly recommend.

[Joanne Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

[wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Read this in 2 days. It was a nice read, liked the characters and story. Might look for more of her books to try.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cotton Blossom

The Cotton Blossom was entertaining. I enjoy novels from that time period. The way the story ended was awesome. Bravo Dawn Gardner!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fun, suspenseful read.
I had not read this author until now.
My sister lent me the book, so I gave it a try.
I’ll be picking up another book of hers soon.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I absolutely loved this book, it had some great twists in it and I found myself with tears in my eyes at times. I will definitely be reading more books by Dawn Gardner!