Eve1972
Written on Dec 11, 2009
“A captivating story about the power of friendship . . . More than a novel, it is a recipe for happiness.”—Anne Fortier, New York Times bestselling author of Juliet
Every dress has a history. And so does every woman.
Phoebe Swift’s friends are stunned when she abruptly leaves a plum job to open her own vintage clothing shop in London—but to Phoebe, it’s the fulfillment of a dream, and her passion. Digging for finds in attics and wardrobes, Phoebe knows that when you buy a piece of vintage clothing, you’re not just buying fabric and thread—you’re buying a piece of someone’s past. But one particular article of clothing will soon unexpectedly change her life.
Thérèse Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman, has an impressive clothing collection. But among the array of elegant suits and couture gowns, Phoebe finds a child’s sky-blue coat—an item with which Mrs. Bell is stubbornly reluctant to part. As the two women become friends, Phoebe will learn the poignant tale of that little blue coat. And she will discover an astonishing connection between herself and Thérèse Bell—one that will help her heal the pain of her own past and allow her to love again.
Praise for A Vintage Affair
“Romantic and sumptuous, this is a must for fans of vintage dresses and vintage romance.”—Hester Browne, author of The Little Lady Agency
“This colorful new novel has something for everyone. There is mystery, romance, great characters, as well as London and France.”—Naples Daily News
“Deftly blends past and present, romance and mystery, and a theme of forgiveness and redemption.”—Mary Kincaid, HuffPost
- ISBN10 055338662X
- ISBN13 9780553386622
- Publish Date 5 April 2011 (first published 19 January 2009)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Random House USA Inc
- Imprint Random House Inc
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 384
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780553386622
Reviews
Leah
Written on Aug 25, 2009
I thought Phoebe was a brilliant character and I could feel her guilt about Emma and felt so sad for her. I also completely understood why she blamed Guy even though the truth does come out in the end regarding that night.
Therese was a very interesting character and I found she and Phoebe got along really well together. Their relationship was so easy going even though they hardly knew each other. We learn of Therese’s story really early on – it wasn’t dragged out at all. It was such an interesting and sad story, too. I felt so sorry for Therese that even after all of these years she still couldn’t forgive herself.
Of the minor characters I really liked Dan. I felt he got along better with Phoebe than Miles did. I was surprised to learn he was colour-blind, it was an interesting addition to his eccentric character. As I said, I don’t think Miles and Phoebe really got on all that well and I just couldn’t warm to Miles. He completely spoilt his daughter, Roxy, and I found her just as irritating. Roxy came across incredibly selfish and her behaviour was horrible.
I really liked Annie, Phoebe’s part-time helper in the shop. I liked her enthusiasm for the vintage clothes Phoebe sold. I found Phoebe’s mum hilarious with her constant wanting of facials and facelifts and all kind of treatments! I loved the story of the cupcake dresses and how each of the girls managed to acquire them. Katie was probably my favourite of the 4 – so different to the spoilt Roxy, she earned the right to buy her dress rather than being able to get her daddy to get it for her!
A Vintage Affair is probably one of my favourite books of the year. It was throughly enjoyable and is just as good as the other Isabel Wolff books I’ve read. Her writing just gets better & better!
Rating: 5/5