What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Dress
An enchanted Christmas dress brings two generations of women together for the magic of the season in this delightful holiday story from author Courtney Cole.
One Dress. Two Women. The Magic of the Holiday Season.
When hopeful fashionista Meg Julliard must return to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father’s apartment building, she thinks her dreams of making it in the fashion business are over. Add in her father’s eclectic roster of tenants who all need Meg’s attention (ASAP!), a host of building related disasters, and a handsome handyman she keeps embarrassing herself in front of, and this has all the makings for the worst Christmas she’s ever had.
Ellie Wade, one of the building’s longtime residents, is also not feeling the Christmas Joy this year. She is preparing to move into a nursing home (reluctantly), and is in the process of sorting through her belongings to downsize. Every corner of her apartment holds memories, some good, some bad. But there’s one dress she hesitates to pack up as it represents both the best and worst night of her life.
Ellie and Meg strike up an unlikely friendship and the story of Ellie’s dress comes out. Ellie gifts the gorgeous dress to Meg, hoping that it will bring her more luck, on the condition that she wear it to the building’s Christmas party.
The dress magically fits, and while it eventually leads to the best night of Meg’s life, it also acts as inspiration for Meg to follow a life-long dream of her own, a dream that will help save the crumbling Parkview West, and restore it to its former glory, and keep it as a safe home for all of the current tenants.
The dress and the magic of the holiday season helps both Meg and Ellie find their own happy endings.
One Dress. Two Women. The Magic of the Holiday Season.
When hopeful fashionista Meg Julliard must return to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father’s apartment building, she thinks her dreams of making it in the fashion business are over. Add in her father’s eclectic roster of tenants who all need Meg’s attention (ASAP!), a host of building related disasters, and a handsome handyman she keeps embarrassing herself in front of, and this has all the makings for the worst Christmas she’s ever had.
Ellie Wade, one of the building’s longtime residents, is also not feeling the Christmas Joy this year. She is preparing to move into a nursing home (reluctantly), and is in the process of sorting through her belongings to downsize. Every corner of her apartment holds memories, some good, some bad. But there’s one dress she hesitates to pack up as it represents both the best and worst night of her life.
Ellie and Meg strike up an unlikely friendship and the story of Ellie’s dress comes out. Ellie gifts the gorgeous dress to Meg, hoping that it will bring her more luck, on the condition that she wear it to the building’s Christmas party.
The dress magically fits, and while it eventually leads to the best night of Meg’s life, it also acts as inspiration for Meg to follow a life-long dream of her own, a dream that will help save the crumbling Parkview West, and restore it to its former glory, and keep it as a safe home for all of the current tenants.
The dress and the magic of the holiday season helps both Meg and Ellie find their own happy endings.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
655 people are currently reading
11819 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Cole
44 books4,548 followersCourtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who loves to eat your emotions for breakfast.
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,234 reviews
December 7, 2022
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
My Blog | Twitter | Amazon | BRC Blog | StoryGraph
Oh boy, this book left me with all the feels. Poor Meg has lost all of her family and goes back home to Chicago to become the owner/manager of her father's apartment building. Along the way, she meets the wonderful tenants, her dad's hunky handyman, and her father's unpaid assistant. Of course, along the way humour ensues, the building is old and falling apart, not to mention Meg is dead broke. The building has a unique and interesting history and Meg sees it as a way to save the building and its tenants. The book is also romantic and I loved Logan, he made my heart swoon.
Now about that dress. Meg is a fashion guru, styles her own outfits, and even worked for a magazine with an Anna Wintour like boss. She gets inspired by a vintage dress that resident and new friend, Ellie, gives her. She ends up entering a contest. I love how the dress weaved its way through the women's stories, I could imagine them wearing it and how it made them feel, that was the best thing about this book and it was such an enjoyable Christmas read. I also have Home for Christmas by this author and am looking forward to reading it as well.
Oh boy, this book left me with all the feels. Poor Meg has lost all of her family and goes back home to Chicago to become the owner/manager of her father's apartment building. Along the way, she meets the wonderful tenants, her dad's hunky handyman, and her father's unpaid assistant. Of course, along the way humour ensues, the building is old and falling apart, not to mention Meg is dead broke. The building has a unique and interesting history and Meg sees it as a way to save the building and its tenants. The book is also romantic and I loved Logan, he made my heart swoon.
Now about that dress. Meg is a fashion guru, styles her own outfits, and even worked for a magazine with an Anna Wintour like boss. She gets inspired by a vintage dress that resident and new friend, Ellie, gives her. She ends up entering a contest. I love how the dress weaved its way through the women's stories, I could imagine them wearing it and how it made them feel, that was the best thing about this book and it was such an enjoyable Christmas read. I also have Home for Christmas by this author and am looking forward to reading it as well.
December 17, 2021
The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole is a 2021 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
When Meg’s father passes away, she puts her fashion world dreams aside to manage the apartment building she inherited. Her return to Chicago is met with mixed feelings by the tenants. They all seem dedicated to her father, but the jury is still out on Meg.
Despite a rocky start, Meg strikes up an acquaintanceship with Ellie Wade, a tenant with a sad past. Her story is centered around a party dress she wore to her engagement party many years ago, though the marriage never took place because of an ugly accusation and youthful pride. Ellie obviously has many regrets, and Meg can certainly identify with that.
Meanwhile, Meg learns the building is in horrible condition, which keeps her in constant contact with the deliciously handsome and very generous, maintenance guy…
This is a super sweet story with great characters, a wonderful second chance at love thread, and a wonderful contemporary story that all ties in together.
The tone is light, but the story has depth, as the characters learn to overcome obstacles to see their dreams realized and create solid relationships.
The holiday atmosphere helps give the story that little extra touch of magic.
Overall, a lovely holiday tale- recommended to all!
When Meg’s father passes away, she puts her fashion world dreams aside to manage the apartment building she inherited. Her return to Chicago is met with mixed feelings by the tenants. They all seem dedicated to her father, but the jury is still out on Meg.
Despite a rocky start, Meg strikes up an acquaintanceship with Ellie Wade, a tenant with a sad past. Her story is centered around a party dress she wore to her engagement party many years ago, though the marriage never took place because of an ugly accusation and youthful pride. Ellie obviously has many regrets, and Meg can certainly identify with that.
Meanwhile, Meg learns the building is in horrible condition, which keeps her in constant contact with the deliciously handsome and very generous, maintenance guy…
This is a super sweet story with great characters, a wonderful second chance at love thread, and a wonderful contemporary story that all ties in together.
The tone is light, but the story has depth, as the characters learn to overcome obstacles to see their dreams realized and create solid relationships.
The holiday atmosphere helps give the story that little extra touch of magic.
Overall, a lovely holiday tale- recommended to all!
December 24, 2022
True love is timeless.
Looking for a holiday read that will bring out the tissues in a good way? No ugly cries -- I promise! This is the book for you. A vintage dress is also a timeless centerpiece for this new release. More about that dress in a bit. Meg Julliard has inherited a tired old building from her late father. Structural issues abound from the creaky elevator to the dangerous copper pipes. The clientele is genteel and delightful, but not capable of bankrolling expensive renovations. Cue Logan, the handyman (and certified contractor), who is loyal to a fault and available for every emergency. Then there is the dress. A tenant (Ellie) gifts a dress from her past to Meg. The classic lines and magic fit inspire Meg to design more pieces like it. As a former fashion merchandising major, this piece of the story was such a treat. I just loved the way the dress was a part of the love story for multiple women. It reminded me of how much I loved another book about a dress: Nine Women, One Dress. So, heat up your hot chocolate and curl up with this beautiful book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
If you loved this one, be sure to check out the 2022 title from Courtney Cole: Home for Christmas.
Looking for a holiday read that will bring out the tissues in a good way? No ugly cries -- I promise! This is the book for you. A vintage dress is also a timeless centerpiece for this new release. More about that dress in a bit. Meg Julliard has inherited a tired old building from her late father. Structural issues abound from the creaky elevator to the dangerous copper pipes. The clientele is genteel and delightful, but not capable of bankrolling expensive renovations. Cue Logan, the handyman (and certified contractor), who is loyal to a fault and available for every emergency. Then there is the dress. A tenant (Ellie) gifts a dress from her past to Meg. The classic lines and magic fit inspire Meg to design more pieces like it. As a former fashion merchandising major, this piece of the story was such a treat. I just loved the way the dress was a part of the love story for multiple women. It reminded me of how much I loved another book about a dress: Nine Women, One Dress. So, heat up your hot chocolate and curl up with this beautiful book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
If you loved this one, be sure to check out the 2022 title from Courtney Cole: Home for Christmas.
May 25, 2022
This book was super cute!! It is the perfect feel-good Christmas read to add to your list this holiday season. This book will leave you with a smile on your face. I love Christmas books, so this was an easy, quick read for me! The storyline was enjoyable and the characters in this book were fun. Highly recommend!
Thank you Net Galley and William Morrow Custom House for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you Net Galley and William Morrow Custom House for the ARC in return for my honest review.
November 28, 2022
I loved this book!! LOOK 👀 at this gorgeous cover!! ❤️❤️❤️This book was adorable… heartwarming ❤️..and funny…. I adored all of the characters… they were so well developed… especially Logan…😉… helloo book boyfriend..😍
Meg is working her dream job in NYC… a fashion designer at the hottest company… yet her boss is…😳… just… terrible… but what are you going to do?🤷♀️ When suddenly Meg’s father passes away… she inherits his building.. and ALL of his eccentric yet entertaining tenants.😉
This was so darn cute!! Good thing hunky handyman Logan was willing to lend a helping hand… as Meg knew NOTHING about running a building…😳
There was sooo much to love about this book. Drunk texting at it’s best! 😳😂🤫 A crumbling building that holds a secret that could possibly save it… oh the secrets… 😏…then there is the dress 👗… that gorgeous stunning dress… that was not only stunning… but has many secrets of it’s own.. 👗
Guys this is my first @courtneycolewrites book and I can’t recommend it enough!!❤️ I bought this last year and never got to it… 😳🤦♀️… I am just excited that I also have her 2023 book lined up - Home For Christmas 🎄
👗👗👗 Have you read this one?? Is it on your TBR?
Meg is working her dream job in NYC… a fashion designer at the hottest company… yet her boss is…😳… just… terrible… but what are you going to do?🤷♀️ When suddenly Meg’s father passes away… she inherits his building.. and ALL of his eccentric yet entertaining tenants.😉
This was so darn cute!! Good thing hunky handyman Logan was willing to lend a helping hand… as Meg knew NOTHING about running a building…😳
There was sooo much to love about this book. Drunk texting at it’s best! 😳😂🤫 A crumbling building that holds a secret that could possibly save it… oh the secrets… 😏…then there is the dress 👗… that gorgeous stunning dress… that was not only stunning… but has many secrets of it’s own.. 👗
Guys this is my first @courtneycolewrites book and I can’t recommend it enough!!❤️ I bought this last year and never got to it… 😳🤦♀️… I am just excited that I also have her 2023 book lined up - Home For Christmas 🎄
👗👗👗 Have you read this one?? Is it on your TBR?
December 7, 2021
The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a very enjoyable feel good Christmas read. Heartwarming and a fun journey with several fascinating characters. The Christmas Dress is a timeless vintage dress with a wonderful feeling of magic to all that wear it.
I normally do not read Christmas stories but would definitely recommend reading “The Christmas Dress”.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a very enjoyable feel good Christmas read. Heartwarming and a fun journey with several fascinating characters. The Christmas Dress is a timeless vintage dress with a wonderful feeling of magic to all that wear it.
I normally do not read Christmas stories but would definitely recommend reading “The Christmas Dress”.
September 30, 2022
It was a nice and comfy read.
I was a bit disappointed on how superficial things seemed to be and how well everything turned out to be, with barely any growth from the heroine but… it was christmas themed so I guess that makes sense.
I was a bit disappointed on how superficial things seemed to be and how well everything turned out to be, with barely any growth from the heroine but… it was christmas themed so I guess that makes sense.
December 17, 2022
Meg Julliard leaves New York City and her career in the fashion industry to return home to Chicago after her father’s death. Her mother an only sister passed away earlier and now she feels very alone. Home is an aging hotel that is drastically in need of repair. It is also home to many elderly residents who cannot afford to move elsewhere. Meg is overwhelmed by the prospect of having the responsibility to manage and restore the building. With the help of a capable and handsome contractor and the kind residents, she begins to appreciate her new life.
This isn’t a strict Christmas story per se, but it is a sweet story with very likable characters. It’s an uplifting story of love, perseverance, kindness and friendship.
Thank you to my Goodreads friends KarenJ., Darla, and Julie for calling my attention to this charming book.
This isn’t a strict Christmas story per se, but it is a sweet story with very likable characters. It’s an uplifting story of love, perseverance, kindness and friendship.
Thank you to my Goodreads friends KarenJ., Darla, and Julie for calling my attention to this charming book.
January 3, 2022
Fashion designer Meg Julliard has to leave her industry job in New York behind her to return to her hometown Chicago following her father’s death. He managed a residential building and the responsibility now falls to a reluctant Meg. Unfortunately, the building is in desperate need of repairs and the long term tenants are older, unable to pay higher rents or relocate. One of the tenants, Ellie Ward, is preparing to leave at her daughter’s insistence, thinking she needs to be in an assisted living environment. She befriends Meg and gives her a beloved dress that is a remnant of both the best and worst day of her life. Meanwhile, Meg is desperate to find the money needed to avoid selling the building to buyers only interested in evicting the tenants and rebuilding something shinier.
I’m glad I followed my instincts and counted on this story being much more than about a dress. Yes, the dress is an important element but the real heart involves the many relationships formed between Meg, the tenants and a certain handyman named Scott who all keep things afloat. Even the building becomes a source of interest beyond its engineering needs, leading to a creative solution.
I knew I’d like this story but didn’t expect to love it. Meg’s an exceptionally interesting character who doesn’t realize the depths of her talents and spirit. There are some standout characters that also make this a lively story and unexpected romances. And let’s not forget the dress, which adds a whiff of magical realism that captured my imagination. This was my first experience with the narrator and her performance was wonderful. She managed the age and gender distinctions with perfection and I’m happy I chose the audio version. I closed out the year with this story and it left me in such a good place to begin the new one. It is special.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to HarperAudio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I’m glad I followed my instincts and counted on this story being much more than about a dress. Yes, the dress is an important element but the real heart involves the many relationships formed between Meg, the tenants and a certain handyman named Scott who all keep things afloat. Even the building becomes a source of interest beyond its engineering needs, leading to a creative solution.
I knew I’d like this story but didn’t expect to love it. Meg’s an exceptionally interesting character who doesn’t realize the depths of her talents and spirit. There are some standout characters that also make this a lively story and unexpected romances. And let’s not forget the dress, which adds a whiff of magical realism that captured my imagination. This was my first experience with the narrator and her performance was wonderful. She managed the age and gender distinctions with perfection and I’m happy I chose the audio version. I closed out the year with this story and it left me in such a good place to begin the new one. It is special.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to HarperAudio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 27, 2024
Christmas 2022 - Nice
This story had many charming aspects to it and was overall an enjoyable read. Set in a formerly grand Chicago hotel which is now a decrepit home for seniors, I liked many of the characters and I loved the part about the speakeasy!
Normally I am much more willing to suspend disbelief in these Christmas stories than I am in other novels, especially when it comes to Insta-Love. If you have a problem with that, you may as well avoid Christmas novels in general, right? Side note: I find it interesting that in a few recent books I have read the heroine falls not for a doctor, lawyer, or billionaire, but a regular Joe (gorgeous, of course) who knows how to swing a hammer and fix stuff.
So, the reason for my relatively low rating here is because the MC is a "type" that I can't stand in any kind of novel. She is a negative, whiny, female. But every single person that she encounters quickly befriends her and - with no real reason or evidence - assures her how awesome she is/she can do anything, and then goes WAY out of their way to help her. They will immediately stop whatever they are doing to listen to her constant complaining and self-doubt; then offer encouragement, support, financing, or whatever solution she needs to that particular problem. It just got ridiculous after a while.
Despite this sour-grapes (because certainly this has not been my experience in life!) gripe, I would not discourage anyone from reading this, it was very cute. I would just prepare to roll your eyes and smirk cynically at various points, while enjoying the beautiful cover art and the finer points of this Christmas fairy tale.
This story had many charming aspects to it and was overall an enjoyable read. Set in a formerly grand Chicago hotel which is now a decrepit home for seniors, I liked many of the characters and I loved the part about the speakeasy!
Normally I am much more willing to suspend disbelief in these Christmas stories than I am in other novels, especially when it comes to Insta-Love. If you have a problem with that, you may as well avoid Christmas novels in general, right? Side note: I find it interesting that in a few recent books I have read the heroine falls not for a doctor, lawyer, or billionaire, but a regular Joe (gorgeous, of course) who knows how to swing a hammer and fix stuff.
So, the reason for my relatively low rating here is because the MC is a "type" that I can't stand in any kind of novel. She is a negative, whiny, female. But every single person that she encounters quickly befriends her and - with no real reason or evidence - assures her how awesome she is/she can do anything, and then goes WAY out of their way to help her. They will immediately stop whatever they are doing to listen to her constant complaining and self-doubt; then offer encouragement, support, financing, or whatever solution she needs to that particular problem. It just got ridiculous after a while.
Despite this sour-grapes (because certainly this has not been my experience in life!) gripe, I would not discourage anyone from reading this, it was very cute. I would just prepare to roll your eyes and smirk cynically at various points, while enjoying the beautiful cover art and the finer points of this Christmas fairy tale.
October 30, 2025
Meg was on her way to achieving her dream of owning her own fashion house. She is living in New York City and interning for one of the fashion industry’s biggest stars, when she finds out that her father has suddenly passed away. Her dad has left her the large apartment building in Chicago that she grew up in. With no family and new responsibilities she returns home. She feels like her dreams will never come true.
Well now, I guess we’ll see about that.
Are you in the mood for some feel good Christmas magic? Love? Ice skating? Magic dresses? Found family? Have I got a book for you!
I don’t usually like feel good books (I know! What the heck is wrong with me?!) but I gave this one a try ~ and I am glad that I did. It was schmaltzy, but in a good way. I do not regret reading it. A big thank you to Shelley’s Book Nook for the recommendation.
Well now, I guess we’ll see about that.
Are you in the mood for some feel good Christmas magic? Love? Ice skating? Magic dresses? Found family? Have I got a book for you!
I don’t usually like feel good books (I know! What the heck is wrong with me?!) but I gave this one a try ~ and I am glad that I did. It was schmaltzy, but in a good way. I do not regret reading it. A big thank you to Shelley’s Book Nook for the recommendation.
November 22, 2023
This book was one of the sweetest books I have read in a long time. NOT sappy sweet, but uplifting sweet. Yes, there is a HEA, and well, there should be. But, no, there are no steamy sex scenes-none at all! And I didn't miss it one bit. The story was just that good that it didn't need sex to 'pep it up or 'keep it real.'
I will not give you much of a description of this book since the recap does it so well. I will just say that if I were Meg Julliard's age and confronted not only with the death of her last relative AND inheriting a crumbling building that currently houses only older people, I might lose it totally. Meg makes a few mistakes at first but then pulls up her big girl panties and does what needs to be done.
I admit, luck (as well as talent), but mainly fate, has a huge thing to do with this story's HEA, but that's okay. After the last year that we've had, we need a little sweetness, don't we?
*ARC supplied by the publisher, William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley. My thanks to all.
I will not give you much of a description of this book since the recap does it so well. I will just say that if I were Meg Julliard's age and confronted not only with the death of her last relative AND inheriting a crumbling building that currently houses only older people, I might lose it totally. Meg makes a few mistakes at first but then pulls up her big girl panties and does what needs to be done.
I admit, luck (as well as talent), but mainly fate, has a huge thing to do with this story's HEA, but that's okay. After the last year that we've had, we need a little sweetness, don't we?
*ARC supplied by the publisher, William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley. My thanks to all.
January 8, 2023
дуже мелодраматична різдвяна історія, якій дещо бракує оригінальності, tension між героями та гумору, але загалом вона цілком стерпна. у кращих традиціях крістмас романсів починається книга зі смерті, а закінчується Різдвом і весіллям. книжка так і проситься до екранізації Hallmark: зима, кошенятка, успадкований ретро-будинок, крейзі ельф жіночка, в якої 25 крістмас аглі светриків (тобто, на кожен день адвенту), романтична історія, лиха колишня, модний показ, автограф Гемінґвея, святкування Різдва. якщо у вас немає високих експектацій до крістмас романсу, то прийнятно і розважає.
November 8, 2023
A lighthearted and sweet story to get you in the holiday spirit!🎄
Meg is an aspiring fashion designer in New York City. Her boss is cut throat. When Meg’s dad passes away, she quits her job and moves to Chicago to run the building her dad owned. Feeling in over her head, she quickly meets a couple of tenants, the handyman, and her dad’s assistant. Meg quickly forms relationships to these people, though some come easier than others. The building has many issues and requires a big chunk of change to fix up, which she doesn’t have. She also discovers that the building has some unique history that would be wonderful to preserve and showcase.
Meg is at a loss for how to proceed with the building. She doesn’t want to give up her dreams but at the same time wants to honor her dad’s memory and the place he loved so much. Soon opportunities are presented that might help solve her issues. However, conflict arises between the characters, both from her past and those she recently met. Can the drama and misunderstandings resolve? Will Meg figure out how to balance her two goals despite the many challenges in her path? With hard work, communication, and some serendipitous moments, the puzzle begins to comes together.
I really enjoyed the friendships, endearing characters, and pieces of wisdom shared in this story. It was a very cute read. There were some unexpected surprises that made it fun. My only critique is that everything seemed to work out a little too conveniently in the end. Though, that is expected in this type of book. Overall, this was a lovely and charming holiday story. 💚❤️
Meg is an aspiring fashion designer in New York City. Her boss is cut throat. When Meg’s dad passes away, she quits her job and moves to Chicago to run the building her dad owned. Feeling in over her head, she quickly meets a couple of tenants, the handyman, and her dad’s assistant. Meg quickly forms relationships to these people, though some come easier than others. The building has many issues and requires a big chunk of change to fix up, which she doesn’t have. She also discovers that the building has some unique history that would be wonderful to preserve and showcase.
Meg is at a loss for how to proceed with the building. She doesn’t want to give up her dreams but at the same time wants to honor her dad’s memory and the place he loved so much. Soon opportunities are presented that might help solve her issues. However, conflict arises between the characters, both from her past and those she recently met. Can the drama and misunderstandings resolve? Will Meg figure out how to balance her two goals despite the many challenges in her path? With hard work, communication, and some serendipitous moments, the puzzle begins to comes together.
I really enjoyed the friendships, endearing characters, and pieces of wisdom shared in this story. It was a very cute read. There were some unexpected surprises that made it fun. My only critique is that everything seemed to work out a little too conveniently in the end. Though, that is expected in this type of book. Overall, this was a lovely and charming holiday story. 💚❤️
November 8, 2023
3.75 ⭐ rating from me.
" Everyone has had heartache," he ( Walt, my favorite character in the this story!) points out. " It's what we do with it that counts. Life isn't all peaks. Sometimes, it's valleys."
" True love is timeless."
This book is a cute, light hearted story to get you in the Christmas Spirit!! Meg is the main character. After her Father passed away, she inherited the apartment building that he loved so much. She is in the fashion world and really wants to continue to build up her career. Well, Meg has some decisions to make. Should she honor her Father's Memory by staying in Chicago and restore the apartment building to it's glory days or movie back to New York and follow her dream of building up her career?
I really like Ellie's character!! She is facing the possibility of being put in a nursing home by her daughter because she's older and the elevator doesn't work reliably in the apartment building. She is so sweet, fun, honest and shares with Meg her heartaches about the Christmas dress. Meg and Ellie's friendship is sweet 💞!! Everyone has a story to tell in this book, have fun listening to the wonderful stories and enjoy solving some of their troubles.
There's also a wonderful history about the apartment building that I really enjoyed reading about! It's a beautiful story of love, loss, doing the right thing even if it is hard, friendships and discovering what really matters in life. There's also some historical mysteries to solve! Overall, I enjoyed it and hope you will too!! 🎄👗💕
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
" Everyone has had heartache," he ( Walt, my favorite character in the this story!) points out. " It's what we do with it that counts. Life isn't all peaks. Sometimes, it's valleys."
" True love is timeless."
This book is a cute, light hearted story to get you in the Christmas Spirit!! Meg is the main character. After her Father passed away, she inherited the apartment building that he loved so much. She is in the fashion world and really wants to continue to build up her career. Well, Meg has some decisions to make. Should she honor her Father's Memory by staying in Chicago and restore the apartment building to it's glory days or movie back to New York and follow her dream of building up her career?
I really like Ellie's character!! She is facing the possibility of being put in a nursing home by her daughter because she's older and the elevator doesn't work reliably in the apartment building. She is so sweet, fun, honest and shares with Meg her heartaches about the Christmas dress. Meg and Ellie's friendship is sweet 💞!! Everyone has a story to tell in this book, have fun listening to the wonderful stories and enjoy solving some of their troubles.
There's also a wonderful history about the apartment building that I really enjoyed reading about! It's a beautiful story of love, loss, doing the right thing even if it is hard, friendships and discovering what really matters in life. There's also some historical mysteries to solve! Overall, I enjoyed it and hope you will too!! 🎄👗💕
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
November 23, 2025
I discovered this gem while trolling reviews from GR friend, Sarah-Ellen. This is actually the second Courtney Cole story that I found in Sarah-Ellen’s reading list and highly recommend this one as well as Home for Christmas, that are both wonderful holiday stories for the season.
The book summary pretty much lays out the different storylines and introduces the MC’s. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that the rundown and dilapidated Parkview West (PW) had quite a history and reputation back in its heyday. Meg and Ellie realize they can get historical status and funds to fix up the building. Additionally, after drunk-texting her old boss to tell her what a horrible person and boss she was, Meg’s boss tells her she will never work in fashion again. Through her best friend, Meg gets a chance to enter a fashion competition and the chance to win $300,000 (that can be used to fix up PW). With the dress that Ellie gave her, Meg is inspired to create some of her own designs to enter the contest with.
Most of the story revolves around attending to the multiple building issues, creating her competition entries and falling in love with Logan, the sexy, hot handyman. There is also organizing the building’s annual Christmas party and caring for a precious little kitty, Winter, that was found one morning all alone, freezing in the snow. Of course, lil, Winter is the darling of all the building residents. Lots of dramarama in this one for Meg, Ellie, Logan and Sophie, the resident nosy body who bugged the holy crap out of me.
The character development for Meg, Ellie, Logan and Sophie was well done. The pacing was steady and the storyline interesting. The writing was ok, and I really enjoyed the interactions between all the residents the most. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
The book summary pretty much lays out the different storylines and introduces the MC’s. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that the rundown and dilapidated Parkview West (PW) had quite a history and reputation back in its heyday. Meg and Ellie realize they can get historical status and funds to fix up the building. Additionally, after drunk-texting her old boss to tell her what a horrible person and boss she was, Meg’s boss tells her she will never work in fashion again. Through her best friend, Meg gets a chance to enter a fashion competition and the chance to win $300,000 (that can be used to fix up PW). With the dress that Ellie gave her, Meg is inspired to create some of her own designs to enter the contest with.
Most of the story revolves around attending to the multiple building issues, creating her competition entries and falling in love with Logan, the sexy, hot handyman. There is also organizing the building’s annual Christmas party and caring for a precious little kitty, Winter, that was found one morning all alone, freezing in the snow. Of course, lil, Winter is the darling of all the building residents. Lots of dramarama in this one for Meg, Ellie, Logan and Sophie, the resident nosy body who bugged the holy crap out of me.
The character development for Meg, Ellie, Logan and Sophie was well done. The pacing was steady and the storyline interesting. The writing was ok, and I really enjoyed the interactions between all the residents the most. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
December 23, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE CHRISTMAS DRESS by Courtney Cole is an enchanting contemporary holiday romance that is perfect to curl up with on the couch and get lost in the magic of the season. Can a magical Christmas dress, a crumbling apartment building of seniors, and a handsome handyman turn a young woman’s holiday season from despair to happily ever after?
Meg Julliard has been trying to work her way up in the NYC fashion industry when she must return home to Chicago after the death of her father. Not only does she believe her future in fashion is over, but the Parkview West apartment building in which she grew up holds many sad family memories she has been avoiding. On day one, she discovers the apartment building has been limping along and needs major renovations that there is no money for and has become dangerous for the elderly tenants.
Ellie Wade befriends Meg, even as she prepares to move because her daughter no longer feels Ellie is safe at the Parkview West. As she packs, she shares a beautiful green Christmas dress with Meg that represents the worst and the best Christmas night of her life. Meg falls in love with the dress and as Ellie and her share their personal stories a friendship grows.
With Ellie’s dress as inspiration, some help from the seniors in the building, and a certain handyman, Meg begins to believe in herself and love once again. Can she find a way to continue to follow her dream in fashion and bring the crumbling Parkview West back to its past glory?
This is a perfect holiday romance read with everything I am looking for to warm my heart with just that little touch of magic. This is a sweet story that delivers all the warm fuzzy feelings, wonderful characters, and second chance at love subplots. Meg is a memorable protagonist who wants to do what is best and learns throughout the story that it is alright to accept help from friends. The romance plotline is sweet and quite frankly, I do not know how anyone could not fall for Logan. I loved all the seniors who not only helped Meg find her way to her HEA, but their personal stories brought even more emotion and realism to the story. I fell right into this story and could not put the book down until the end.
I highly recommend this beautiful holiday contemporary romance!
THE CHRISTMAS DRESS by Courtney Cole is an enchanting contemporary holiday romance that is perfect to curl up with on the couch and get lost in the magic of the season. Can a magical Christmas dress, a crumbling apartment building of seniors, and a handsome handyman turn a young woman’s holiday season from despair to happily ever after?
Meg Julliard has been trying to work her way up in the NYC fashion industry when she must return home to Chicago after the death of her father. Not only does she believe her future in fashion is over, but the Parkview West apartment building in which she grew up holds many sad family memories she has been avoiding. On day one, she discovers the apartment building has been limping along and needs major renovations that there is no money for and has become dangerous for the elderly tenants.
Ellie Wade befriends Meg, even as she prepares to move because her daughter no longer feels Ellie is safe at the Parkview West. As she packs, she shares a beautiful green Christmas dress with Meg that represents the worst and the best Christmas night of her life. Meg falls in love with the dress and as Ellie and her share their personal stories a friendship grows.
With Ellie’s dress as inspiration, some help from the seniors in the building, and a certain handyman, Meg begins to believe in herself and love once again. Can she find a way to continue to follow her dream in fashion and bring the crumbling Parkview West back to its past glory?
This is a perfect holiday romance read with everything I am looking for to warm my heart with just that little touch of magic. This is a sweet story that delivers all the warm fuzzy feelings, wonderful characters, and second chance at love subplots. Meg is a memorable protagonist who wants to do what is best and learns throughout the story that it is alright to accept help from friends. The romance plotline is sweet and quite frankly, I do not know how anyone could not fall for Logan. I loved all the seniors who not only helped Meg find her way to her HEA, but their personal stories brought even more emotion and realism to the story. I fell right into this story and could not put the book down until the end.
I highly recommend this beautiful holiday contemporary romance!
August 1, 2022
One Dress. Two Women. The Magic of the Holiday Season.
What an absolutely delightful and heartwarming Christmas story!
It makes you feel good deep down inside.
After the death of her father, whom she didn't get a chance to visit nearly enough in recent times Meg is in for an eye opening experience. She inherits her father's Chicago based senior citizen apartment building. This is the last thing she wants to do is take responsibility for this building with it's many financial needs. All of the seniors speak so highly of her father though and so does his assistant.
Meeting apartment dweller Ellie Wade, Meg quickly sees this woman for the gem she is.
Ellie is sad this holiday season though as she's moving into a nursing home soon and her memories are all tied up in her apartment and her belongings.
A gorgeous Christmas dress from many years ago that she's unearthed with sorting her belongings represents both the best and worst night of her life.
Now Meg is in the fashion design business and realizes the dress for the quality it is.
So many emotions are brought to the forefront in this book as we see the highs of lows of it's characters. We see Meg competing in a fashion show with her fashionable timeless designs.
The women have a dream to restore the apartment building to it's former historic glory and the inspiration from this special Christmas dress may be just what they need to do it.
Lively and uplifting. I recommend this book.
Pub Date 09 Nov 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
What an absolutely delightful and heartwarming Christmas story!
It makes you feel good deep down inside.
After the death of her father, whom she didn't get a chance to visit nearly enough in recent times Meg is in for an eye opening experience. She inherits her father's Chicago based senior citizen apartment building. This is the last thing she wants to do is take responsibility for this building with it's many financial needs. All of the seniors speak so highly of her father though and so does his assistant.
Meeting apartment dweller Ellie Wade, Meg quickly sees this woman for the gem she is.
Ellie is sad this holiday season though as she's moving into a nursing home soon and her memories are all tied up in her apartment and her belongings.
A gorgeous Christmas dress from many years ago that she's unearthed with sorting her belongings represents both the best and worst night of her life.
Now Meg is in the fashion design business and realizes the dress for the quality it is.
So many emotions are brought to the forefront in this book as we see the highs of lows of it's characters. We see Meg competing in a fashion show with her fashionable timeless designs.
The women have a dream to restore the apartment building to it's former historic glory and the inspiration from this special Christmas dress may be just what they need to do it.
Lively and uplifting. I recommend this book.
Pub Date 09 Nov 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 29, 2023
The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole | 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed my time with this book! The first 60-70%, along with the conclusion, resonated with me the most. It's a happily ever after type Christmas read and I always enjoy those. This particular story falls under the category of clean romance—no explicit language—and overall, it delivers a positive and uplifting narrative.
We follow New York fashionista Meg who returns to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father's apartment building. She lost her job and starts a new journey to take care of all the disasters going on in the apartment building where she meets the handsome handyman, Logan. They start to form a romance together as she tries to gain the approval of the very entertaining tenants and her father's unpaid assistant there. Then Meg meets a resident there, Ellie, who has a Christmas dress from days gone by that hold many memories. The dress give Meg inspiration for a new dream she has to help save the crumbling apartment complex to restore it to its former glory and keep it as a safe home for the tenants.
This book will leave you with so many feels! We see Meg deal with grief from the loss of her sister many years ago and the recent loss of her father. She regrets not being there for her Dad over the years and being so involved in her job. Along the way, as she meets the tenants and gets to know them, we really see her start to change as a person and realize how much she cares for them and she wants to continue the legacy her Dad started! That's the part of the story I loved most - seeing her growth as a character.
On the flip side, the relationship drama introduced toward the end, involving Logan's ex-girlfriend, felt somewhat intrusive and detracted from the overall narrative. Personally, I found this subplot annoying and out of place. While I appreciated the romance between Logan and Meg, the recurring "ex" dynamic, including Meg's ex and her best friend, felt awkward.
Despite these reservations, I found the story enjoyable and would recommend it as a heartwarming, clean Christmas read.
I enjoyed my time with this book! The first 60-70%, along with the conclusion, resonated with me the most. It's a happily ever after type Christmas read and I always enjoy those. This particular story falls under the category of clean romance—no explicit language—and overall, it delivers a positive and uplifting narrative.
We follow New York fashionista Meg who returns to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father's apartment building. She lost her job and starts a new journey to take care of all the disasters going on in the apartment building where she meets the handsome handyman, Logan. They start to form a romance together as she tries to gain the approval of the very entertaining tenants and her father's unpaid assistant there. Then Meg meets a resident there, Ellie, who has a Christmas dress from days gone by that hold many memories. The dress give Meg inspiration for a new dream she has to help save the crumbling apartment complex to restore it to its former glory and keep it as a safe home for the tenants.
This book will leave you with so many feels! We see Meg deal with grief from the loss of her sister many years ago and the recent loss of her father. She regrets not being there for her Dad over the years and being so involved in her job. Along the way, as she meets the tenants and gets to know them, we really see her start to change as a person and realize how much she cares for them and she wants to continue the legacy her Dad started! That's the part of the story I loved most - seeing her growth as a character.
On the flip side, the relationship drama introduced toward the end, involving Logan's ex-girlfriend, felt somewhat intrusive and detracted from the overall narrative. Personally, I found this subplot annoying and out of place. While I appreciated the romance between Logan and Meg, the recurring "ex" dynamic, including Meg's ex and her best friend, felt awkward.
Despite these reservations, I found the story enjoyable and would recommend it as a heartwarming, clean Christmas read.
January 25, 2023
Мила різдвяна історія, коли у всіх в результаті все закінчується добре.
Деколи хочеться почитати таке.
Деколи хочеться почитати таке.
December 5, 2021
4.5 stars
While there are so many wonderful things about the holiday season for many people it's not always easy to find happiness and joy during this time as they struggle with issues such as grief or debt. This book drives home that family doesn't always consist of blood relatives, it's really what you make of it. If you are willing to take the time and effort, you never know who you might connect with. Highly recommend The Christmas Dress if you need a reminder there are good people in the world and even if you are dealt a bad hand in life, things have a way of turning around for the better.
Meg Julliard has dreams of becoming a successful fashion designer. After the death of her father, she inherits his apartment building. So she moves from NYC to Chicago to become the building manager. Unfortunately, she is walking into a big mess as there are tons of repairs to be made to the property but not enough money to cover the bills. Hopefully she can find a good handyman. (wink, wink) And after a tenant gives Meg a special dress, maybe she won't have to give up her fashion career after all.
The Christmas Dress is one of my favorite holiday themed books I have read over the past few years. Even though I am one of the few people who doesn't watch the Hallmark Christmas movie marathons, I would totally make an exception if this book was turned into a movie. It has a charming romance and I also enjoyed Meg's relationships with the different tenants. A feel-good story is a good way to describe it. Sure, everything is wrapped up all nice and neat with a pretty bow at the end but what's wrong with that? It's a season to believe, right?
Thank you to Avon for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
While there are so many wonderful things about the holiday season for many people it's not always easy to find happiness and joy during this time as they struggle with issues such as grief or debt. This book drives home that family doesn't always consist of blood relatives, it's really what you make of it. If you are willing to take the time and effort, you never know who you might connect with. Highly recommend The Christmas Dress if you need a reminder there are good people in the world and even if you are dealt a bad hand in life, things have a way of turning around for the better.
Meg Julliard has dreams of becoming a successful fashion designer. After the death of her father, she inherits his apartment building. So she moves from NYC to Chicago to become the building manager. Unfortunately, she is walking into a big mess as there are tons of repairs to be made to the property but not enough money to cover the bills. Hopefully she can find a good handyman. (wink, wink) And after a tenant gives Meg a special dress, maybe she won't have to give up her fashion career after all.
The Christmas Dress is one of my favorite holiday themed books I have read over the past few years. Even though I am one of the few people who doesn't watch the Hallmark Christmas movie marathons, I would totally make an exception if this book was turned into a movie. It has a charming romance and I also enjoyed Meg's relationships with the different tenants. A feel-good story is a good way to describe it. Sure, everything is wrapped up all nice and neat with a pretty bow at the end but what's wrong with that? It's a season to believe, right?
Thank you to Avon for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
December 3, 2023
Я б назвала цю книгу "Різдвяна казка" для дорослих і саме за цю атмосферність, за те, що все врешті-решт влаштувалося добре у головних героїв роману і їхні мрії та бажання збулися, оцінюю на 4. Скажете, що так не буває в житті, можливо, але Різдво має свою магію💥❄️❄️❄️ Дуже мила історія для створення різдвяного настрою...
December 9, 2024
Це така мила, дуже солодка і казкова історія, що братися її читати точно варто у складні та темні часи. Напевно, за звичних обставин життя я б її не стала дочитувати, але зараз мені вона прям дуже лягла на душу й трошки її полікувала ❤️🩹
December 25, 2023
Один із найкращих ромкомів, які читала.
Принаймні мій настрій співпав із настроєм книги.
Сподобалась героїня (що буває рідко у таких історіях), яка знаходиться на життєвому роздоріжжі. Дещо самотня, розгублена і по-реальному невпевнена вона робить кроки у дорослому світі відповідальності і їй вдається досягти успіху.
На додачу ще кілька емоційних історій про інших героїв книги, які в переважній більшості - літні люди, зі своєю мудрістю і терплячістю.
Ця вінтажна зелена сукня із колекції «Вічність»…
Ну і звісно, гепі-енд. Затишний, теплий, солодкий. Але інакший мені б і не потрібен був.
Адже хіба не тепла, затишку й магії усім нам бажається на Різдво?
Принаймні мій настрій співпав із настроєм книги.
Сподобалась героїня (що буває рідко у таких історіях), яка знаходиться на життєвому роздоріжжі. Дещо самотня, розгублена і по-реальному невпевнена вона робить кроки у дорослому світі відповідальності і їй вдається досягти успіху.
На додачу ще кілька емоційних історій про інших героїв книги, які в переважній більшості - літні люди, зі своєю мудрістю і терплячістю.
Ця вінтажна зелена сукня із колекції «Вічність»…
Ну і звісно, гепі-енд. Затишний, теплий, солодкий. Але інакший мені б і не потрібен був.
Адже хіба не тепла, затишку й магії усім нам бажається на Різдво?
December 12, 2021
While I loved the premise of the story, and how everything turned out, the timeline was completely unbelievable. Three weeks for all this to happen? I couldn't suspend reality that far.
January 4, 2024
Тепла і мила різдвяна історія. Як на мене, вона втілила ідеальний рецепт різдвяного ромкому:
• трошки поплакати
• трошки подумати
• трошки посміятись
• багато надії
• дрібка магії🪄
Сміливо можу рекомендувати✨
• трошки поплакати
• трошки подумати
• трошки посміятись
• багато надії
• дрібка магії🪄
Сміливо можу рекомендувати✨
November 21, 2022
What a wonderful holiday read! After the unexpected death of her father, Meg inherits his heritage apartment building filled with quirky seniors and even quirkier plumbing. :-) Loved the character growth in Meg as she grapples with the loss of her dad and the abrupt changes that brings into her life. Love the sense of community among the Parkview West residents and the way they embrace Meg into the fold. Touching and heartwarming and there's even a holiday romance. And a touch of Christmas magic as well.
January 14, 2023
Банальна книга, з досить очікуваним фіналом, але як же прекрасно я провела з нею час🥰 книги, в яких так багато добра і любові - ідеальний рецепт для мене зараз. Коли багато болю тут, у книгах хочеться дуже передбачуваного щастя❤️
December 23, 2024
Досить мила і не проста книга на перший погляд. Моментами сумна 😭 бо життя не передбачуване, моментами викликала сміх, моментами хотілось вірити у дива і у силу сукні.
January 20, 2024
4,5⭐️
Тепла різдвяна історія про те, що мрії ще можуть здіснитись, навіть якщо обставини проти тебе. Про те, що можна обʼєднати між собою дві зовсім різні справи разом, навіть якщо на перший погляд вони дуже різні.
Що сімʼю можна знайти в незнайомих людях і головне, дати собі шанс бути шасливим.
Ще дуже сподобались персонажі, у кожного з яких є своя історія, свої проблеми і вони обʼєднуються заради однієї мети
Тепла різдвяна історія про те, що мрії ще можуть здіснитись, навіть якщо обставини проти тебе. Про те, що можна обʼєднати між собою дві зовсім різні справи разом, навіть якщо на перший погляд вони дуже різні.
Що сімʼю можна знайти в незнайомих людях і головне, дати собі шанс бути шасливим.
Ще дуже сподобались персонажі, у кожного з яких є своя історія, свої проблеми і вони обʼєднуються заради однієї мети
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,234 reviews