The Dressmakers of London

By: Julia Kelly

Narrated by: Shiromi Arserio

The author of the “enthralling” (Woman’s World) The Lost English Girl returns with a heartfelt new novel about estranged sisters who inherit their late mother’s dress shop in World War II London.

Isabelle Shelton has always found comfort in the predictable world of her mother’s dressmaking shop, Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions, while her sister Sylvia turned her back on the family years ago to marry a wealthy doctor whom Izzie detests. When their mother dies unexpectedly, the sisters are stunned to find they’ve jointly inherited the family business. Izzie is determined to buy Sylvia out, but when she’s conscripted into the WAAF, she’s forced to seek Sylvia’s help to keep the shop open. Realizing this could be her one chance at reconciliation with her sister, Sylvia is determined to save Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions from closure—and financial ruin.

Through letters, the sisters begin to confront old wounds, new loves, and the weight of family legacy in order to forge new beginnings in this lyrically moving novel perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Lucinda Riley.

Buckle up for a great story!

I found the character development and relatable relationships captivating. And I always like a story with a great “pay-off” at the end. Two thumbs up from me 👍🏼👍🏼

Superb story and narration!

LOVED this book. Couldn’t stop listening. One of the best reads in a while. Very well written, totally worth reading. All the characters are excellently crafted and beautifully interpreted. 5 STARS all the way around!

Beautiful story about life and growth and sisters

First of all, the narration is always a deal sealer or breaker for me and Shiromi Arserio did an excellent job with her narration! I loved the story line and the way the author set everything up. Time and circumstance changes us all. I loved how the sisters had to re-discover themselves as adult women and work through past disappointments and hurt and discover how important they are to each other. Each person from their past and current lives are such a significant part of helping them to see that they need to move on, or forgive and specifically stand up for the life they want to live regardless of others opinions. Well done Julia Kelly...your stories never disappoint!

The sewing is correct

Loved this. I attended a lecture by Julia Kelly & picked up this book as a result. Ms Kelly really did an amazing job of research so that all the details both as a dressmaker & during this period in history are accurate! Because I’m a dressmaker inaccurate or sloppy details related to the stitching knock me right out of the story. The relationship of the two sisters is told with such compassion for all the reasons they each made decisions throughout the story and brought it all to a lovely and satisfying end. 10/10 highly recommend. I read the audible edition and the narration was first rate!

Good read

This is an interesting read set in WWII England. It is a story with enough drama to keep it interesting. The author took a bit too long developing some of the story. She also used the word “space” to describe a room and “duvet” for a blanket. These were definitely out of place for the time of the story. Otherwise it was good. The author gives some interesting historical insight at the end.