The Dress Shop of Dreams: A Novel

The Dress Shop of Dreams: A Novel

For fans of Alice Hoffman, Sarah Addison Allen, and Adriana Trigiani, The Dress Shop of Dreams is a captivating novel of enduring hopes, second chances, and the life-changing magic of true love.

Since her parentsâ€™ mysterious deaths many years ago, scientist Cora Sparks has spent her days in the safety of her university lab or at her grandmother Ettaâ€™s dress shop. Tucked away on a winding Cambridge street, Ettaâ€™s charming tiny store appears quite ordinary to passersby, but the colorfully vibrant racks of beaded silks, delicate laces, and jewel-toned velvets hold bewitching secrets: With just a few stitches from Ettaâ€™s needle, these gorgeous gowns have the power to free a womanâ€™s deepest desires.

Ettaâ€™s dearest wish is to work her magic on her granddaughter. Coraâ€™s studious, unromantic eye has overlooked Walt, the shy bookseller who has been in love with her forever. Determined not to allow Cora to miss her chance at happiness, Etta sews a tiny stitch into Waltâ€™s collar, hoping to give him the courage to confess his feelings to Cora. But magic spellsâ€”like true loveâ€”can go awry. After Walt is spurred into action, Etta realizes sheâ€™s set in motion a series of astonishing events that will transform Coraâ€™s life in extraordinary and unexpected ways.

Praise for The Dress Shop of Dreams
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â€œReminiscent of Love Actually and P.S. I Love You, this cute little book is recommended to readers who want to be charmed by the possibilities of love.â€â€”LibraryReads (Top Ten Pick)
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â€œ[Menna] van Praag has a deliciously innate capability to weave the totality of characters of The Dress Shop of Dreams into a compelling tale. Each character, from Cambridge to Oxford, augments and refines these dynamics. Ultimately, van Praag cracks the code that deciphers magical fate when it comes to couture and the complexities of love.â€â€”New York Journal of Books
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â€œ[A] brightly colored fabulist confection . . . sure to delight those looking for a little fairy dust in their romance.â€â€”Kirkus Reviews
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â€œThe Dress Shop of Dreams is a delightful blending of many love stories plus a tale of murder and suspense. Van Praag has a knack for balancing a large cast of engaging characters, and her references to beloved authors and historic scientists are enjoyable touchstones between doses of mystery and magic.â€â€”Booklist
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â€œThe Dress Shop of Dreams is a light, sweet and shimmering confection, well worth a read.â€â€”BookLoons

â€œBighearted, beautiful, and brushed with magic, this novel celebrates lifeâ€™s moments of joy, possibility, and transformation. Menna van Praagâ€™s writing is bright with sparkles and lovely grace notes.â€â€”Susan Wiggs, bestselling author of The Beekeeperâ€™s Ball

â€œThe Dress Shop of Dreams is a dream come true for lovers of romantic tales with a twist of fantasy. Utterly enchanting! Menna van Praagâ€™s imaginative, endearing characters will stay with you long after you close the book.â€â€”Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Wind
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â€œDresses, dreams, magic, and mystery swirl in this enchanting novel. The Dress Shop of Dreams is the book to read before turning off your bedside light.â€â€”Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author of Nantucket Sisters

Look for special features inside. Join the Random House Readerâ€™s Circle for author chats and more.
Country USA
Brand Ballantine Books
Manufacturer Random House Publishing Group
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber part_0804178984
Color Multicolor
ReleaseDate 2014-12-30
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780804178983

Country	USA
Brand	Ballantine Books
Manufacturer	Random House Publishing Group
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	part_0804178984
Color	Multicolor
ReleaseDate	2014-12-30
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780804178983

The Dress Shop of Dreams: A Novel

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