The Paris Gown by Christine Wells
Published in 2024, this light read is for all who love Paris, fashion, love, food, overcoming adversity and the power of female friendships. Claire (an aspiring Parisian chef with a cozy family brasserie), Margot (an Australian with impeccable taste, hiding from her husband) and Gina (an aspiring American novelist with a lost fortune) became friends, studying in Paris and bonding over Dior. Join this punchy trio as they navigate early adulthood through marriage, love, financial issues, family drama, mysterious intrigue and conquering their own doubt.
The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson
London (1947): Ann and Miriam are reeling from WWII trauma when they meet, working at the prestigious fashion house Norman Hartnell. Hartnell is commissioned to design Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress, and Miriam and Ann are chosen to execute the embroidery.
Toronto (2016): Heather’s nan dies and bequeaths her a box with embroidered silk, which sends her on a search to uncover what her nan’s life was like in England. This easy read is a gem for those who enjoy historical fiction, family secrets, high fashion, love and the bonds of friendship.
Casie Leigh Lukes is an Eagan-based writer, editor and owner of Cocoa&Champagne—creator of custom library curations. You can find her on Instagram @cocoaandchampagne.
