March 9, 2020

I’m very excited to be a part of the Harlequin Trade Publishing 2020 Spring Reads Blog Tours.

First up is The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz.

Spanning three generations and covering nearly 65 years, this charming book pulled me in from the very start. The story unfolds gradually, beginning with Rocky in 2020, flashes back to her mom, Joanie, in 1982 and then back further to Rose in 1958. The chapters are consistent in rotating through these three points of view in order, making it easy to follow each storyline.

BUY LINKS:

I was swept up most by Rose’s story. The setting of the Parisian bridal atelier was unique and informative. The author did some homework on how those types of shops ran at the time. I also liked the intrigue of this plotline. The characters and situation seemed the most real to me.

There were parts of Joanie’s story that I liked as well, mainly the 80s references. I understood the Long Island/NYC setting and the attraction that a “good girl” might have to the punk scene of the early 80s. I did not, however, get a strong feeling for the relationships and felt that the connections between Joanie and the friends that she eventually made were tenuous, even as they proved to be more serious.

I related least to Rocky, but most to her fiance, Drew. (How’s that for an odd one?) Rocky came across as a spoiled millennial who was determined to be anti-establishment (as personified by her disagreements with her mom). While she did mature some throughout her storyline, I still didn’t care for her that much.

Drew, however, I could completely relate to, both as an adoptee and the mother to an international adoptee. His situation felt a little force, to add drama to his and Rocky’s arc, but his emotions and realizations felt natural, and I could think of a few personal instances that were similar.

There were even a few surprises along the way to resolution. However, there was one thing that I was not clear on (mini spoiler alert), and that had to do with Rocky’s dad. I wasn’t sure if I missed something, or if I was supposed to infer from other descriptions, but that whole part of the plot seemed murky to me.

The three storylines converged nicely by the end, and most of the relationships are clarified. I did like the overall message of the importance of balancing family and traditions with forging one’s path. That came across in each of the character’s stories as well as the overarching plot itself. You won’t be disappointed with this one; it’s a lovely book that is perfect for spring.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brenda Janowitz is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party and Recipe for a Happy Life. She is the Books Correspondent for PopSugar. Brenda’s work has also appeared in The New York Times,USA Today, The Washington Post, Salon, Redbook, and the New York Post. She lives in New York.