The Second Chance Boutique

February 1, 2020

DEBUT In this debut novel by V&A Museum wedding dress archivist Leaman, Francesca Delaney owns a special wedding-dress shop. Here there are no mass-made wedding dresses, no pushy salespersons, and no pressure to buy a gown that isn't absolutely perfect for the bride. The dresses are curated vintage, each with its own happy bride in its past. Fran takes the time to research each dress to know its story, and her shop abides by simple rules, including "never sell a dead dress"--a dress with an unhappy wedding in its past. Searching for new stock, she attends an estate sale, finding both a fantastic dress and an intriguing man. Rafael Colt, whose mother was the original bride, is the heir to the Colt Foundation, which awards vast amounts of money to charity. He's not so sure that the found dress has a happy past. VERDICT Fran and Rafe are the unfortunate couple who equate fights that begin over absolutely nothing with passion in their relationship, which could be off-putting for readers. Still, those who fantasize about that perfect wedding dress and wouldn't miss an episode of Say Yes to the Dress will enjoy.--Jennifer Mills, Shorewood-Troy Lib., IL

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2020
Francesca Delaney is a vintage fashion expert who specializes in matching a bride to her perfect wedding dress. When acquiring her vintage gowns and running her very successful boutique, Fran follows a set of rules: never covet a dress, never sell a dress that led to a doomed marriage, and lastly, never say no to a wedding invitation. One day Fran and her friend attend an estate sale. Fran stumbles upon an extremely rare and beautiful gown that belonged to the mother of Rafael Colt, the seller. Fran attempts to tell Rafael the significance of this gown, but he dismisses her and throws the dress in the trash. Though their encounter is brief and unpleasant, Fran can't get the gown or Rafael off of her mind?and Rafael keeps thinking about Fran. As life would have it, Rafael and Fran keep getting thrown together, and their mutual interest in one another may be enough for Fran to break all her rules. Leaman's debut will entrance readers who enjoy Rachel Hauck's The Wedding Dress (2012) and Lucy Dillon.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)