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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

The Best Book I’ve Ever Kind of Liked

by Chautona Havig · 5 Comments

The Dressmaker's Secret is a multi-layered story that has me interested in the next book of the series. Looking forward to it! via @chautonahavig

Sometimes, I sit down to write a book review and don’t know what to say because I have so many thoughts battering my brain for first crack at the door. Other times, I don’t know what to say because despite my sometimes “brutal honesty,” I strive to be kind in my reviews–even on books that I really don’t like. Both of those are easier than the third alternative.

Because once in a while, I run across a book that has so much going for it that I should absolutely love it, and yet I don’t.  I like it.  It’s… good.  Even when… And there, you can insert a million things that keep it from being a book I can’t shut up about.

When I requested a review copy of The Dressmaker’s Secret, I knew I’d like it. What’s not to like?  A mystery (or two or three), a plucky woman who hasn’t lost her femininity, a loving family as well as a harsh, cruel one?  Oh, yeah… the book has great elements.  So why am I calling The Dressmaker’s Secret…

Dressmaker's Secret

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

The Best Book I’ve Ever Kind of Liked?

Kellyn Roth has written a deep, soul-stirring novel that challenges societal norms while holding fast to Biblical principles.  It flies in the face of presumption, gossip, and the ridiculous notion of “tainted children.”  Without a single “Mary Sue” character in the bunch (except for the only one who actually “should” be one), Miss Roth treats us to love, hate, joy, bitterness, shame, grit, weakness, strength–I could go on indefinitely. No, really.  I could.

These rich characters have depth that isn’t always good, but it’s real.  The spiritual lessons are there without too much preachiness.  It goes there at times but always for good reason and usually stopping short of going overboard.

The Dressmaker’s Secret offers a frank look at the hypocrisy and cruelty that sinners show to other (perceived) sinners. Through a multi-layered story that becomes more vivid with each piece laid bare, we see mysteries within mysteries, truths covered by evasions and deceptions, and one shining reality among it all.

God is still on the throne, and He alone holds our futures in His grasp.

There’s just one problem with this book.

I should love it.  I want to love it. So many things within its pages resonate with me deeply. I just kind of like it.

See, part of it is it took a long time for me to get into it–so long that I’m really glad I requested the review copy, because if I’d just put it on my Kindle Unlimited shelf and read it when I got to it… I’m afraid I would have stopped too soon.

Because while the first half or more of the book had me fighting against the temptation to skim and move it along, the last third at least kept me riveted.  It’s as if the author came into her own there and really punched up the story.  I went from glancing at the “progress bar” to see how much I had left to read to not being able to flip the page fast enough.

Truth be told, I’m so glad I can say that. Because now I’m eager to read the next in the series.  And, much like another series that I predicted I’d love and ended up being right about, I suspect this will be another.  If you read the author’s note at the end, this book has been through many iterations, and with different subplots and endings, even!  I wonder if maybe that’s why it got so much better there at the end.

Oh, I almost forgot!

It was refreshing to read about eight-year-olds who act and think like eight-year-olds–wise for their years one moment and totally clueless the next.  That kind of realistic treatment of children deserves a standing ovation right there.

Also, as I’ve made no bones about, this book deals with some seriously mature topics, but Miss Roth handles them in a way that does not “sully the mind,” so to speak. Let’s face it. I’m a prude.  However, even a child trying to work out how she doesn’t have a father when supposedly everyone does… well, it takes skill.  And Miss Roth shines there.

So what’s “wrong” with it?

Well, I’m not going to shred it to bits, but since I’ve shared its strengths, I’ll point out what bothered me about it.  Aside from the aforementioned lapse into preachiness a time or two (which I’m not sure I’d change, being the hypocrite I am), there was a bit too much info-dumping in sections. Actually, most of the backstory told upfront or through “stories” to the girls etc….  Well, it all would have been much better if it had unfolded naturally in the course of the story.

As it is, I’m convinced much of that is what bogged down the first half or so.  I can see exactly where things could have been revealed naturally, but instead, those info-dumps really do force the story along at first, and as a result, it drags.

Additionally, I’ll admit that I was frustrated with one “convenience” in the story.  I’ll also admit that in the time this book was set, it probably was more of a reality than a plot device.  Unfortunately for Miss Roth, to our modern eyes, it just seems convenient.  And, being the hypocrite I am, I both want the other scenario and the one she chose.  Both cannot co-exist. So, I cheer the author for doing what she thought best.

Still, despite my issues with the book (and there are a few others I’m not going to mention because they’re probably just me), there’s another in the series, and I’ve already added it to my Kindle Unlimited shelf.

Do I recommend it?

I think so.  If you’re a contemporary suspense/thriller reader… no.  If you enjoy historical fiction heavy on plot and characterization without too much concern for setting, yes.  I think I do.  Furthermore, The Dressmaker’s Secret is also available on audio, and I actually wish I’d bought it and listened to it that way.  Because the snippet I heard made some of those “draggy” moments come alive. This book might be best enjoyed that way.

So yeah, The Dressmaker’s Secret is the best book I’ve ever kind of liked. Giving it 4 stars because 3 isn’t enough.

Keep writing, Miss Roth. I’m anxious for your next book.

dressmaker's secretAbout the Book

Book:  The Dressmaker’s Secret

Author: Kellyn Roth

Genre: Christian historical women’s fiction
IF THEY KNEW WHO SHE WAS, THEY’D NEVER ACCEPT WHAT SHE’S BECOME.

Claire will stop at nothing to provide for her daughters. An unwed mother, she does everything possible to raise them whilst avoiding her scandalous past. Some secrets are best kept, even between mother and daughter. Alice longs for a father, especially if that means her mother will be happy. She takes matters into her own hands—but she never expected what she finds.

Despite her efforts to shelter her daughters, Claire’s ghosts rise up to haunt her, and any semblance of control over her life vanishes. If her secrets are uncovered, what will become of her family?

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Comments

  1. Emilee Douglas says

    February 23, 2021 at 10:56 am

    Sounds intriguing! Thank for sharing your thoughts.

    Reply
  2. Marisela Zuniga says

    January 30, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    the cover looks so nice

    Reply
  3. Amelia says

    January 30, 2021 at 11:56 am

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Andrea Stoeckel says

    January 30, 2021 at 10:21 am

    This sounds great and thank you for connecting me with what looks like some great reads

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Dressmaker’s Secret by Kellyn Ross – Reflections From My Bookshelves says:
    February 4, 2021 at 12:33 am

    […] The Write Escape, January 30 […]

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The Because Fiction Podcast

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Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
byChautona Havig

To Love a Viking by Heather Day Gilbert and Jen Cudmore has been released, and I got to chat with them about it last week. Guys, this series!  If the Christian influence on Viking history isn’t enough, what about adventure, fight scenes, and romance that won’t make you blush? How about that a damsel is in distress and… gets rescued by another woman instead of the stereotypical DUDE! Listen in!

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Are You Ready for an Exciting New Viking Series from 2 Great Authors?

 

One of the biggest surprises I recall from researching books by different authors was that the cozy mystery and suspense author I liked and respected, Heather Day Gilbert, had also written historical Viking books! I made the erroneous assumption that they were romance and skipped them (for the time being… I knew I’d read them some day), and then something happened.

A few months ago, I saw this cover.  With Heather’s name on it.  And some other gal I hadn’t heard of–Jen Cudmore.  What is this deliciousness?  The cover was AMAZING… not stereotypical nor was it inauthentic.  It was just GOOD (not to mention gorgeous) and with the Celtic frame (the Vikings did go over to Scotland/Ireland after all), I just felt like it hit all the sweet spots.

Well… the book is here, folks.  And I’ve got a copy in my hot little hands.  No, really. It’s July. And I live in the desert.  My hands are totally hot and in totally all the wrong ways. Just throwin’ that out there.

Anyway, Heather and Jen chatted with me about To Love a Viking, and oh my!  This book sounds fabulous. We know Viking women were strong. Even those that weren’t warriors had to survive Nordic winters. Ergo, strong.  But what about strong enough to build a new society with people they’d once fought against. Oh, and rescue a damsel in distress #BecauseYeah!

I’m ready to dive in to To Love a Viking myself, and I hope you’ll grab a copy, too. It promises to be incredible.

To Love a Viking by Heather Day Gilbert and Jen Cudmore

Get swept up in an enthralling new romance series featuring women who rule the hearts of Viking men.

ELLISIF Forced into a financially advantageous marriage that spirals into a nightmare, Ellisif cannot help but imagine what might have been and ache for what was lost. The only lights in her life are her daughters and the friendships she’s forged with the household servants.

Though seven years have passed since Ellisif wed another man, Dagar still cannot forget the woman who captured his youthful heart. As the Viking warrior battles for his country’s future, he finds himself entangled in a personal war for Ellisif’s freedom that could cost his family their reputation and standing with the king. If he risks all, can he save the woman whose face still haunts his dreams? And if given another chance, will she choose him?

INARA Escaped slave Inara is determined to start a new life. Under the guidance of warrior and shipbuilder Håkon, her sword skill grows, as does her confidence that the Viking men will accept her as a warrior in her own right.

When she is selected to lead a perilous rescue mission to protect Ellisif, Inara finds herself blindsided by feelings for Håkon…and by threats to her freedom far closer than she feared. As dreams and desires collide, she wrestles against the lies holding her captive. Can she conquer her doubts before all that she’s hoped for slips from her hands?

Written by award-winning historical author Heather Day Gilbert and fresh voice Jen Cudmore, two love stories entwine in this sweeping Viking-era romance, the first novel in the Tavland Vikings series.

You can find out more about the series and the authors on Heather’s WEBSITE.

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Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
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