The Dress in the Window

July 1, 2017

For Peggy, a war widow and young mother, life is rather grim in the post-World War II former mill town outside of Philadelphia. Her sister Jeanne's fiance was killed in battle, and their mother, Thelma, has brought both daughters back into her home. Fortunately, Peggy has a great eye for fashion, while talented seamstress Jeanne conjures up nearly any dress Peggy illustrates. With their combined artistry, the sisters bring in a few extra dollars, but when the more ambitious Peggy positively responds to an encouraging offer, their lives veer in different directions. Then Peggy, displaying questionable judgment, allows herself to be drawn into illegal activities. This novel by Grant, who also writes as Sophie Littlefield (Garden of Stones; A Bad Day for Sorry) is a bit all over the place; its first half offers a lovely look at the bond between sisters as they struggle to get by in tough times, while the second takes on an entirely different feel as suspense and intrigue propel the story line into warp speed. VERDICT Readers who enjoy plots offering strong family relationships, artistic creativity, and enterprising business schemes will relish this portrait of mid-century America, despite a few historical inaccuracies (the mention of refrigerator ice makers and shopping malls, both of which didn't develop until after 1953).--Andrea Tarr, Corona P.L., CA

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