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Title: A Dress of Violet Taffeta: A Novel
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Author: Tessa
Arlen
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Genre: Historical Fiction
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Publisher: Berkley (July 5, 2022)
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Length: (352) pages
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Format: Trade paperback, eBook,
& audiobook
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ISBN: 978-0593436851
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Tour Dates: June 27-July 11, 2022
BOOK DESCRIPTION
A
sumptuous novel based on the fascinating true story of La Belle Époque icon
Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon, who shattered the boundaries of fashion with her
magnificently sensual and enchantingly unique designs.
Lucy Duff Gordon knows she is talented. She sees color, light, and texture in
ways few people can begin to imagine. But is the male dominated world of haute
couture, who would use her art for their own gain, ready for her?
When she is deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is left penniless with an
aging mother and her five-year-old daughter to support. Desperate to survive,
Lucy turns to her one true talent to make a living. As a little girl, the
dresses she made for her dolls were the envy of her group of playmates. Now,
she uses her creative designs and her remarkable eye for color to take her
place in the fashion world—failure is not an option.
Then, on a frigid night in 1912, Lucy’s life changes once more, when she
becomes one of 706 people to survive the sinking of the Titanic. She could
never have imagined the effects the disaster would have on her fashion label
Lucile, her marriage to her second husband, and her legacy. But no matter what
life throws at her, Lucy will live on as a trailblazing and innovative fashion
icon, never letting go of what she worked so hard to earn.
ADVANCE PRAISE
“Fans of
the 1991 BBC series The House of Eliott will find familiar
comfort in Arlen’s descriptions of fabrics, colorworks, and evolving fashions.”
—Library Journal
“Tessa
Arlen’s novel is as elegant as a Lucille gown, full of movement, color and
beauty…For anyone interested in fashion, in the Gilded Age, in stories about
strong, visionary woman, Tessa Arlen’s novel is a must read!” —Jeanne
Mackin, author of The Last Collection
“A
sumptuous treat of elegant prose, evocative descriptions, and compelling
emotions. Arlen’s writing absolutely shines.” —Anna Lee Huber, USA
TODAY Bestselling author of A Perilous Perspective
“Tessa
Arlen delivers a fascinating tale based on the real-life fashion icon, Lucy,
Lady Duff-Gordon, who went up against a male dominated industry and
revolutionized it…A must read for fashion fans everywhere.” —Renee
Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social
Graces
“…written
in a sumptuous, engaging style that appeals to all the senses and brings Lucy,
her creations, and her world vividly alive.” —Alyssa Maxwell, author of The
Gilded Newport Mysteries
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES
& NOBLE | BOOK
DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB
MY REVIEW:
I have always loved reading about fashion in the books I read, and this time, this story is about the icon of British fashion of the 19th and 20th century, Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. In addition to her fashion sense and style, she is one of the surviving passengers of the Titanic in 1912. Lucille is definitely a woman well ahead of her time, with a male dominated fashion industry, she is considered a trailblazer despite having to make her own way even after her cheating wealthy husband leaves her.
Lucille's life is not only a study in resilience despite harrowing circumstances, but she is also a woman determined to succeed with whatever she has - her talents, creativity, and finding opportunities and to never give up.
I found the writing enthralling, and inspirational. The descriptions were immersive and really drew me into the Belle Epoque era, including the sights, sounds, and textures. This very well researched story was astounding and such a joy to read.
AUTHOR BIO
Tessa Arlen writes historical fiction when she is not
toiling away in her garden. She is the author of the Edwardian mystery series:
Lady Montfort and Mrs. Jackson; the Woman of World War II mystery series. Poppy
Redfern. And two standalone historical novels: In Royal Service to the Queen,
and A Dress of Violet Taffeta.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS
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Read
an in-depth interview
with author Tessa Arlen revealing insights into her new
historical fiction novel, A Dress of Violet Taffeta.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Michelle. Lucy was such a trailblazer for fashion and women entrepreneurs. Arlen did a fabulous job recreating the era, describing the fashion, and developing the characters. I am looking forward to her next novel.
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