Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Call number
F CLA
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2020), 368 pages
Description
"In 1946, Millie Middleton left home to keep her heritage hidden, carrying the dream of owning a dress store. Decades later, when Harper's future in fashion falls apart, she visits her mentor Millie. When the revelation of a family secret leads them to Charleston and a rare opportunity, can they overcome doubts and failures for a chance at their dreams?"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member alekee
From beginning to end this book is a page-turner, and you will not be disappointed.
Millie is a spunky young woman when this story begins and we follow her into her 90's, and what a life she has had. Not many could have withstood the heart aches, but she has hung in there, and we journey with her in
Millie's heart desire is to open a dress shop and she has a kindred spirit in Harper, a young woman she has know from Harper's childhood on.
There are surprises here, and how the facts unfold, we don't get to see the justice that should have happened, but we get to know Millie.
This is an eye opening, heart wrenching read, that you don't want to miss.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Millie is a spunky young woman when this story begins and we follow her into her 90's, and what a life she has had. Not many could have withstood the heart aches, but she has hung in there, and we journey with her in
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deep south Alabama. Hate and prejudice abounds here, but how she deals with it, such grace and a few chuckles.Millie's heart desire is to open a dress shop and she has a kindred spirit in Harper, a young woman she has know from Harper's childhood on.
There are surprises here, and how the facts unfold, we don't get to see the justice that should have happened, but we get to know Millie.
This is an eye opening, heart wrenching read, that you don't want to miss.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member grammy57
I just loved this book. It was written non-linear in time and person, but very well done. This dealt with being black in the early and mid-1900s. The characters were very well developed. The story kept my interest and had nice twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing.
The story is
Editing is very important to me and this is very well done.
This is Ashley Clark's first book.
I highly recommend this book and give it a strong 4 out of 5-star rating.
The story is
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Christian, but not at all in a preachy way. In fact, you really don't know it's Christian until the end. It is a clean, well-written book.Editing is very important to me and this is very well done.
This is Ashley Clark's first book.
I highly recommend this book and give it a strong 4 out of 5-star rating.
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LibraryThing member eccl
The Dress Shop on King Street, by Ashley Clark, is book one in the Heirloom Secret Series. This is a story that covers several generations and the keepsakes they treasure. When Harper’s dress is rejected she leaves school and goes to visit Millie, the lady who taught her to sew. Millie is a 90
This is a wonderful book to read that shows the readers how it was during different times in our history for the Black people. This is a hard book to read as it shows the decisions they had to make as well as how they were treated. This story shows how Millie left her home to have a chance at a normal life. And when her twin daughters were born, she had to make the decision to separate them to keep them safe. This resulted in Peter not knowing who she really was. I enjoyed reading this story, that is based on a true person, and how the author brings the two women together to fulfill a common dream. This story is well written and very descriptive. It was easy to imagine what the buttons, dresses and the surroundings looked like.
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.
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year old lady that left her home at a young age to hide the fact she is part Black. One of her ancestors was sold at just 9 years old and carried with her a pouch that contained 2 buttons. This was passed down through the family and was found at a sale by Peter, Millie’s grandson.This is a wonderful book to read that shows the readers how it was during different times in our history for the Black people. This is a hard book to read as it shows the decisions they had to make as well as how they were treated. This story shows how Millie left her home to have a chance at a normal life. And when her twin daughters were born, she had to make the decision to separate them to keep them safe. This resulted in Peter not knowing who she really was. I enjoyed reading this story, that is based on a true person, and how the author brings the two women together to fulfill a common dream. This story is well written and very descriptive. It was easy to imagine what the buttons, dresses and the surroundings looked like.
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.
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LibraryThing member claudia.castenir
The character development in this novel is superb. Readers will find themselves being woven into the fabric of Harper and Millie’s stories. The theme of holding onto one’s hopes and dreams even through the most discouraging of times will encourage many a flagging spirit as Ashley Clark’s
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characters impart great wisdom and spiritual guidance. The theme of racial tension and violence will reach to the past and touch the present. This novel and the stories held within will touch your heart. It is one of those books you will not soon forget. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. Show Less
LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
It is a rare occurrence to find a debut novel that gives the impression that the author has been published for decades, but The Dress Shop on King Street is just such a book. Complexly plotted with settings that came alive for this reader, its characterization is what won me over. I could not get
The Dress Shop on King Street is a dual timeline novel. It follows Millie Middleton a biracial woman who passes for white. Clark does an admirable job of re-creating the racial tensions/violence that followed Millie from the 1940s to the present. Stuck between two heritages, Millie does her best to live up to the promises she makes to her mother when she leaves Charleston for the safety of Fairhope, Alabama. I loved Millie’s character so much. Clark made her experiences personal for this white woman of 2021. All of the main characters are wonderful, though, with each having very endearing qualities and very real flaws. Charleston and Fairhope were vividly described in their past beauty and ugliness and their present-day reality. Identity is a big theme — what makes us who we are and our response to our heritage. Dreams and aspirations are also explored, as characters grapple with going ahead and letting go. A faith message is subtly woven throughout the narrative. One passage late in the book really grabbed me. Millie has a hard time believing that God is more capable of managing her life than she is. I can really relate to that!
If you are looking for an excellent way to start out your new year reading, then consider The Dress Shop on King Street. I loved that 2021 started out with a 5-star novel!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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enough of Millie and Franklin and Harper and Peter. Set against the backdrop of the American South in the 1940s to the present, the book grabbed me from the get-go and refused to let me go after the last page was turned. What a great way to start 2021!The Dress Shop on King Street is a dual timeline novel. It follows Millie Middleton a biracial woman who passes for white. Clark does an admirable job of re-creating the racial tensions/violence that followed Millie from the 1940s to the present. Stuck between two heritages, Millie does her best to live up to the promises she makes to her mother when she leaves Charleston for the safety of Fairhope, Alabama. I loved Millie’s character so much. Clark made her experiences personal for this white woman of 2021. All of the main characters are wonderful, though, with each having very endearing qualities and very real flaws. Charleston and Fairhope were vividly described in their past beauty and ugliness and their present-day reality. Identity is a big theme — what makes us who we are and our response to our heritage. Dreams and aspirations are also explored, as characters grapple with going ahead and letting go. A faith message is subtly woven throughout the narrative. One passage late in the book really grabbed me. Millie has a hard time believing that God is more capable of managing her life than she is. I can really relate to that!
If you are looking for an excellent way to start out your new year reading, then consider The Dress Shop on King Street. I loved that 2021 started out with a 5-star novel!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member Bookworm_Lisa
WOW! This is such a beautiful story. It is a multi-generational novel that takes the reader from before the Civil War into the present day.
Millie is a woman who is half white and half black. Her mixed heritage gives her more freedom to live in the white world. Her story begins before Martin Luther
Her life is threatened when a white young man learns of her mixed heritage. In order to protect her, Millie's mother puts her on a train to move to an area where she can pass as a white woman.
The story "packs a punch" as injustice is described. Millie has a love story that is beautiful, but her heart is broken when she becomes a mother. To me, it is unfathomable the way that people in the black community were treated. It is because I have never experienced it, that I have a hard time wrapping my head around it.
While there is a lot of pain, there are good times too. The story really is one of hope. It comes full circle when dreams are realized and that generations following have more opportunity.
I cannot give this book a higher recommendation. This will remain in my head and heart for a long time to come.
Millie is a woman who is half white and half black. Her mixed heritage gives her more freedom to live in the white world. Her story begins before Martin Luther
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King changed life for many black people.Her life is threatened when a white young man learns of her mixed heritage. In order to protect her, Millie's mother puts her on a train to move to an area where she can pass as a white woman.
The story "packs a punch" as injustice is described. Millie has a love story that is beautiful, but her heart is broken when she becomes a mother. To me, it is unfathomable the way that people in the black community were treated. It is because I have never experienced it, that I have a hard time wrapping my head around it.
While there is a lot of pain, there are good times too. The story really is one of hope. It comes full circle when dreams are realized and that generations following have more opportunity.
I cannot give this book a higher recommendation. This will remain in my head and heart for a long time to come.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark started out rough. While well-written, the heartbreaking situations in the first few chapters made it difficult to continue into the novel. However, I persevered to discover a dual-timeline story full of love, fear, and redemption. My journey with
The Dress Shop on King Street plunged into issues relevant to modern society. Racism, in the past and present, deeply affected Millie and her decisions. Disillusionment drove Harper to turn from her dreams. Yet, I loved the novel’s theme of redemption – for people, items, and history. Threads about discovering and preserving history weave through the novel as characters seek to understand their family history, restore vintage pieces, and cultivate hope for the present and future.
I enjoyed the slow, deep exploration of issues in The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark. Readers who enjoy dual timeline fiction that dives into painful issues and searches for hope will likely enjoy this novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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Harper and Millie reaped rewards as the deep themes of the book settled in my mind.The Dress Shop on King Street plunged into issues relevant to modern society. Racism, in the past and present, deeply affected Millie and her decisions. Disillusionment drove Harper to turn from her dreams. Yet, I loved the novel’s theme of redemption – for people, items, and history. Threads about discovering and preserving history weave through the novel as characters seek to understand their family history, restore vintage pieces, and cultivate hope for the present and future.
I enjoyed the slow, deep exploration of issues in The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark. Readers who enjoy dual timeline fiction that dives into painful issues and searches for hope will likely enjoy this novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
Author Ashley Clark uses Charleston, South Carolina and Fairhope, Alabama as the settings for this dual-time book that alternates between 1861 and present time. I loved Millicent Middleton with her red cloche hat and the two butterfly buttons that are such an integral part of both stories. Millie
The Dress Shop on King Street is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the worst of times. This powerful story reminds us that even though the ugliness of racism has long existed, it can be conquered with hope and love. Millie and Franklin Pinckney's love story took my breath away and the possibility of the same for Harper and Peter Perkins kept me turning the pages. Several surprising twists made this a book that I couldn't put down!
Clark uses the true legacy of Rose Middleton, her young daughter Ashley, and a cloth sack filled with a dress, pecans, and a braid of hair, to create a stunning debut novel that I won't soon forget. I recommend The Dress Shop on King Street to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation to post a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
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yearns to own her own dress shop and this desire remains with her most of her life, through her struggles with racism, tragedy, and her decision to conceal her own bi-racial identity. In the modern day story Harper Dupree dreams of being a dress designer and Millie plays an important role in her story also. It was Millie who taught Harper to sew as a child and now, as they both find themselves back in Charleston, it is Millie who may be the grantor of all of Harper's dreams. The Dress Shop on King Street is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the worst of times. This powerful story reminds us that even though the ugliness of racism has long existed, it can be conquered with hope and love. Millie and Franklin Pinckney's love story took my breath away and the possibility of the same for Harper and Peter Perkins kept me turning the pages. Several surprising twists made this a book that I couldn't put down!
Clark uses the true legacy of Rose Middleton, her young daughter Ashley, and a cloth sack filled with a dress, pecans, and a braid of hair, to create a stunning debut novel that I won't soon forget. I recommend The Dress Shop on King Street to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation to post a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
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LibraryThing member gpangel
The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark is a Bethany House publication.
Such a wonderful uplifting story!!
In 1946 Millie, a young woman of mixed heritage is leaving Charleston by train, with a couple of heirloom buttons and the dream of owning her own dress shop, when she meets a train jumper
In present day, Harper Albright has returned to Alabama after her dreams of a career in fashion are dashed. Here she reconnects with Millie, the woman who first taught her to sew. Millie senses Harper needs some time to regroup and offers her a place to stay at her boarding house.
This string of events will merge the past with the present, as Millie’s story is finally revealed, possibly leading to an opportunity for both she and Harper to realize their true dreams.
I loved this story! It’s so sad and heartbreaking, but is also moving, inspirational and heartwarming. As is usually the case with multiple timelines, the historical side of the story was the most effective, in my opinion. Millie’s journey is riveting as she navigates through treacherous waters, finds true love, but faces the most heart wrenching choices along the way.
The characterizations are rich and vivid, and the story is teeming with tension, and joy, highs and lows and triumphs and failures. It’s about life and the unforeseen curveballs and trials, and a reminder that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone and, that maybe things work out best in God’s good time.
The author does an incredible job of handling sensitive topics, incorporating a gentle message, and creating such a beautiful story, it lingered in my heart and mind for long after I turned the final page.
Overall, this is such a refreshing story and an impressive debut!! Will read this author again!
Such a wonderful uplifting story!!
In 1946 Millie, a young woman of mixed heritage is leaving Charleston by train, with a couple of heirloom buttons and the dream of owning her own dress shop, when she meets a train jumper
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who changes her life…In present day, Harper Albright has returned to Alabama after her dreams of a career in fashion are dashed. Here she reconnects with Millie, the woman who first taught her to sew. Millie senses Harper needs some time to regroup and offers her a place to stay at her boarding house.
This string of events will merge the past with the present, as Millie’s story is finally revealed, possibly leading to an opportunity for both she and Harper to realize their true dreams.
I loved this story! It’s so sad and heartbreaking, but is also moving, inspirational and heartwarming. As is usually the case with multiple timelines, the historical side of the story was the most effective, in my opinion. Millie’s journey is riveting as she navigates through treacherous waters, finds true love, but faces the most heart wrenching choices along the way.
The characterizations are rich and vivid, and the story is teeming with tension, and joy, highs and lows and triumphs and failures. It’s about life and the unforeseen curveballs and trials, and a reminder that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone and, that maybe things work out best in God’s good time.
The author does an incredible job of handling sensitive topics, incorporating a gentle message, and creating such a beautiful story, it lingered in my heart and mind for long after I turned the final page.
Overall, this is such a refreshing story and an impressive debut!! Will read this author again!
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LibraryThing member cbcmedia
This is a wonderful novel. Even though I can’t sew a stitch...the storyline with the some of the main characters being seamstresses...it was lovely. The history going back to slavery and civil rights was interesting. Following each character back and forth, did take a little more concentration,
If you love historical to contemporary, vintage clothes to buildings, seamstress to history buff...you’ll love this story. The characters are so real, their lives so touching, I enjoyed seeing them grow.
A favorite quote:
“The secret...is we stop fearing shadows when we see the sun that makes them. Instead of cowering, we shift into the sunlight, and the shadows shift as well.”
The truth of it ran in chills down...seeping down into her heart. She thought of her favorite verse as a child. The “Father of Lights.” Every perfect gift coming down from Him above.
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but it was well worth it. Reading each persons story and following it throughout the decades was so interesting.If you love historical to contemporary, vintage clothes to buildings, seamstress to history buff...you’ll love this story. The characters are so real, their lives so touching, I enjoyed seeing them grow.
A favorite quote:
“The secret...is we stop fearing shadows when we see the sun that makes them. Instead of cowering, we shift into the sunlight, and the shadows shift as well.”
The truth of it ran in chills down...seeping down into her heart. She thought of her favorite verse as a child. The “Father of Lights.” Every perfect gift coming down from Him above.
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Language
Physical description
368 p.; 8.5 inches
Pages
368
ISBN
0764237608 / 9780764237607