Dressmaker's Gift

A Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestseller.From the bestselling author of The Beekeeper’s Promise comes a gripping story of three young women faced with impossible choices. How will history – and their families – judge them?Paris, 1940. With the city occupied by the Nazis, three young seamstresses go about their normal lives as best they can. But all three are hiding secrets. War-scarred Mireille is fighting with the Resistance; Claire has been seduced by a German officer; and Vivienne’s involvement is something she can’t reveal to either of them.Two generations later, Claire’s English granddaughter Harriet arrives in Paris, rootless and adrift, desperate to find a connection with her past. Living and working in the same building on the Rue Cardinale, she learns the truth about her grandmother – and herself – and unravels a family history that is darker and more painful than she ever imagined.In wartime, the three seamstresses face impossible choices when their secret activities put them in grave danger. Brought together by loyalty, threatened by betrayal, can they survive history’s darkest era without being torn apart?

“Must Read of the Week” —Saturday Express “A wartime story that captures the era well and is a real page-turner as the different lives and generations come together like a beautifully woven fabric.” —The People’s Friend “An intriguing and nostalgic read.” —Woman & Home “You’ll be immersed in this twisting, colorful tale.” —Take A Break “The historical detail and distinctive characters will draw you in.” —Woman’s Weekly “Equal parts heartbreaking and life-affirming, The Dressmaker’s Gift is sure to be welcomed by fans of historical fiction.” —Culturefly “This book broke me and left me utterly speechless, yet I cannot recommend it enough…A beautiful, powerful, and emotive read—one of the best books I have ever read.” —The Writing Garnet “The Dressmaker’s Gift is a commendable dual time story about love and survival against all odds. It shows us, without any shadow of doubt, the power and strength there is to be found in friendship.” —Jaffa Reads Too “The Dressmaker’s Gift is, in itself, a gift of a book to read…a beautifully written book with four interesting and inspiring women at its core. The historical detail is seamless and brings the experiences of the war to life in shocking detail.” —Bookliterati Book Reviews “Movingly written with great heart and immaculately researched, the love of true friends can support and sustain you through life altering trauma.” —Rachel Read It “The Dressmaker’s Gift portrays the strength within friendships and how women were also pivotal during the war. An emotional read and great story.” —Jera’s Jamboree “The Dressmaker’s Gift is a brilliant and thought provoking read that beautifully explores trauma, friendship, courage, love, and loss.” —Best Book Forward “It is full of suspense, twists, and turns but most importantly it is full of courage and heart. I hope you all have got a chance to check it out and read this incredible book.” —Sissi Reads

Fiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into French, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Italian, Czech, Turkish, Lithuanian and Slovenian.Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.