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The Dressmaker's Secret by Susanne Dunlap #Review

We are diving into the past to the nineteenth century with the Regency romance, The Dressmaker's Secret Earl by Susan Dunlap . It was published by Comfortable Prose Publishing on 25 Mar. 2025 .   A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it. The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste. But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earl—one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augusta’s employer’s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her own: to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable. Drawn into Mariana’s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandal—she’s lo...
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Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey #Review

 

We are returning to France for another emotional novel by Gillian Harvey. Midnight in Paris was published by Boldwood on January 14th. 

 

Ten years. Two people. One last visit…

Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.

They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.

Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.

Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…

The most heartbreaking, uplifting and powerful novel you’ll read all year. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Kristin Hannah and The Notebook.


 My Thoughts

This is one of those romances which carries you along on a tide of emotion and longing. You know that Sophie has returned to Paris hoping to meet up with Tom who was her first love at University. You are fed pieces of their past as the story alternates between the present day and previous years. You get to see how each year played out and how their relationship developed. You also realise that Sophie's friends seem concerned about her but are honouring her wish for one last visit to Paris. The reasons behind this only gradually become clear.

    Paris stands at the centre of the story and you get to know all the places where Sophie and Tom visited. Some of them have deep meaning for them. There is a glamour about the city as it feels like a bubble that they step into for their annual meetings there. Although this is an emotional read, it also has a charm and hop all of its own. Tom and Sophie seem so different but also seem to be able to know what the other is thinking. This is a real escapist read to brighten up a winter's day.

In short: A love story over time

 

About the Author

Gillian Harvey is a freelance journalist. She has lived in Limousin, France for the past twelve years, from where she derives the inspiration and settings for her books such as A Year at the French Farmhouse and A Month in Provence.

 

You can follow Gillian here: Facebook

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Book links

 

Thanks to Gilliam Harvey, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the event.

 
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