Although this is a novel, there are so many brave men and women that served their countries in countless ways and the author graciously honors their efforts. It is so important that we never forget the atrocities of WWII inflicted upon the Jews, anyone helping them or anyone who was against the Nazi’s. The writing is smooth and compelling and covers some sensitive topics. We follow the lives of these three women from 1941 – 1945 as they participate in the French Resistance. Harriet has a picture of her grandmother Claire and two other young women who turn out to be Mireille and Vivienne. After the death of her mother, Harriett wants to learn more about her grandmother Claire who was French and lived in Paris during the war. The novel travels back and forth between present day when Harriett arrives in Paris for a year-long internship at a PR agency that specializes in fashion and WWII. This novel made me want to revisit the sights, eat French pastries and see the fashion museum But Paris is such a romantic city, even during war, and reading this novel brought back a flood of memories of visiting the City of Lights with my best friend. I enjoyed this book although there are a few parts that are painful to read based on the horrific acts we all know took place during WWII. The Dressmakers Gift by Fiona Valpy is set during WWII and includes the French Resistance, Paris and Couture Fashion. With France having fallen to Nazi occupation, twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca, where they await safe passage to America. Can it also offer a lost soul a second chance Morocco, 1941. For some reason I keep finding novels that are based on women’s efforts during WWII. In this evocative tale from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, a strange new city offers a young girl hope.

The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy