👗🧵 “The Dressmaker” (The Ladies of Roderick Glen #2) 🧵 👗 (2021) – Book Review

 

MY REVIEW

 

Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #2)

Paperback: 375 Pages

Publisher: Kristie Self (November 2, 2021)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8548458902

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information 

 

“She wants to forget the tragic memories that tie them together.

He wants to tear down the walls that keep them apart.

 

Marigold Pendleton has always prided herself on her independence. Possessing neither wealth nor great beauty, she has resigned herself to life as a spinster and is determined to look after her own needs. As dressmaker for the village of Roderick Glen, she is known for her loyalty and compassionate nature. Few of the residents would ever guess the truth—that beneath her sweet spirit, Marigold carries the weight of a dreadful secret and a guilty conscience.

 

Hadley Stevenson is proud of his position as steward of Cheswick Park, though it often means dealing with the constant drama that haunts the Earl of Rockingham and his family wherever they go. He longs for a wife and family of his own, but his childhood friend, Marigold, has no idea he has been in love with her for years. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to break through the barriers that surround her heart.

 

When a crisis forces Marigold to rely on Hadley more than she ever has before, she struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for him with the knowledge that he is the only one who knows the truth about the tragic event that has defined her life. As the walls between them finally begin to crumble, can she release the pain of the past to embrace the joy of the future that awaits her?”

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Kristie Self, for providing an advanced review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.

 

This is the second book of the series – THE LADIES OF RODERICK GLEN. Readers who haven’t read the first book, The Piano Teacher, will want to read that one prior to this. Some of the characters and events discussed in this book are established in the first one. 

The covers are about the same and designed by the same people. Where the first book looked absolutely stunning. This one is slightly less impressive. Gorgeous at first glance, but when you zoom in – it has a slight problem. While not major, the head is a shade bit bigger than the neckline of the dress. It did catch my attention – for the wrong reason. This isn’t the fault of the author in anyway, but it is a bit – unsettling, especially around Halloween.

 

Speaking of Halloween feels – this also has a bit of suspense in two ways. One will be nearly towards the end and discovered while solving the first.

 

The Dressmaker is definitely dramatic, engaging, fascinating, and entertaining.

 

This is as well-written as the first, and like most books – indie or traditional published – there are some typos. One is even on the copyright page. These gaffes in no way affect the story, which is shorter (page-wise) than the first. Then again, the pages are bigger. Either way, don’t expect a short read here. This is definitely a 3-4 day weekend read. But, a good one.

 

Most of the characters return from book #1:

 

Lady Lucinda Rockingham (POV)

Lord Alford Rockingham (POV)

George (POV)

Henry (POV)

Melody (POV)

Fanny (POV)

Victoria (POV)

Barney (POV)

Mercy (CeCe) (POV)

Janie (POV)

Fiona (POV)

William (Fiona’s husband – can’t recall if he was in the first book or not) (POV)

Janie (she kind of got on my nerves with the “O La!” bit)

David Randall

 

And of course, this books two love interests:

 

Marigold (POV)

Hadley (POV)

 

The author also throws in a new character by the name of Jasper (POV); and of course, the book’s “baddie”. I hope I didn’t miss anyone.

 

The POVs represented: 15

 

In addition to it centering around Marigold (Mary) and Hadley’s “will they ever realize they love each other” love story, this sets up George and Fiona as well! GASP! Scandal! I do hope Fiona gets the next story. And, there’s a reason why.

 

Anyway …

 

Despite the book’s length, the chapters are relatively short. “Scenes” are rather short as well which does serve a good point: moving the story along rather quickly. It also has many transitions which can confuse some readers. As I had read the first book, I was already prepared for it.

 

There are multiple story arcs in addition to the two romances mentioned. Some of the elements include what we would, in today’s day, refer to as PTS (Post-Traumatic Stress) as well as Post-Partum Depression.

 

The other arcs/character stories:

 

Jasper – he’s coming to Roderick Glen to find his father (I had a feeling right off who he was, but it was fun seeing how he was going to turn out: friend or foe)

 

Fanny – she is dealing with severe post-partum depression (this is something no one knew about back then)

 

Victoria/Merry – a play that Victoria is starring in and Merry wrote

 

Hadley – dealing with his mother’s illness

 

Marigold (Mary) – still traumatized after her father’s death some 20 years earlier, blames herself. Also has a secret that she is trying to hide.

 

This is set in 1877, which is about 12 after the Civil War in the United States so that gives the reader some idea what the times were like back then. This is set entirely in England though.

 

With such a large cast it is difficult to keep track of everything that is going on. Yet, every major aspect is carefully intertwined.

 

For this review, it was easier to go with the characters and their “arcs”.

 

Marigold (Mary)/Hadley: 

 

Mary is working overtime because she finds out about the status of her home and land. That plot intertwines with several facets of the story. She is at the pub attending to “business” when she meets Jasper who will have a moderate roll to play in this.

 

But, her lifestyle leaves her very much alone. Hadley cares for her, yet she is standoffish because of her father’s death. He will soon be alone given his mother’s health.

 

Yet, Mary will definitely have to rely on him after a major tragedy leaves her work and home in peril.

 

It will take a while (close to the end of the book) until Mary finally lets some ghosts go. This was definitely a difficult part of the book to read. I rather enjoyed the suspense aspect coming back around from the beginning. It closed up the entire story quite nicely. I rather suspected who had done a malicious deed but enjoy how the author drew it out.

 

I enjoy what ends up happening between Mary and Jasper. His charitable act was sort of expected, though not in the way it happened, but still a nice surprise.

 

OPINION: An interesting plot. Despite this being the main center of focus, certainly not a favorite aspect.

 

 

George/Fiona:

 

George is still trying to figure out how he feels about Fiona and trying to figure out HOW he is going to work their relationship as he is the OLDEST of Alford Rockingham’s sons, and thus the heir apparent. Fiona is the governess for George’s younger sister. Anyone who knew the times and the “classes” know this is NOT going to turn out the way anyone wants.

 

Fiona is the reason George hasn’t been able to find a wife – this is something he confesses to his newly married brother Henry who is with … Melody, the former piano teacher. Though Melody’s position is far different than Fiona’s. In addition, Fiona’s heritage is another issue – she’s Irish. But, Ireland is lost to her and a future with George? Uncertain. I really want to know why Ireland is “lost” to her.

 

While the two dance back and forth, the reader is taken along with George into figuring out HOW he’ll make this work.

 

Very few people know about the romance, and it is for good reason. He heads to London for another season, of course he knows it won’t work out as he is committed to Fiona.  

 

But, he is given an ultimatum. I was shocked when events started happening in London and was wondering – “WHAT IN THE FRESH, UNHOLY POOP IS GOING ON?”

 

Yeah, I was really stunned on the one development.

 

However, as suspected, someone found out about George and Fiona. The ending? LEFT ME SPEECHLESS. I honestly couldn’t believe where the writer went with this. Can we see why I’m wondering if Fiona is going to be the next story??

 

This is where readers will see what a tyrant Alford Rockingham is.

 

Opinion: this is perhaps the best and most interesting story arc of the book.

 

 

Fanny (Francesca)/William:

 

Fanny didn’t take her forced marriage to William well. Add in a newborn, and Fanny is suffering a SEVERE case of melancholy as Melody tells baby Olivia. Fanny even wonders if Melody wouldn’t be a better mother to the poor baby.

 

Then, in desperation, Fanny heads home (in the middle of the night) with the baby. It is clear that Fanny is struggling with motherhood. She has very little support. What’s worse – she is feeling trapped in her marriage, trapped in life, and her husband’s family? They’re not making it too easy.

 

William tracks her down and gives her an ultimatum – come home with the baby or give him the baby. Fanny is confused and lost. She doesn’t know what to do. The worst part? An ultimatum from her mother-in-law.

 

Fanny’s parents (Alford and Lucinda) are definitely not supportive of her. Melody is far more supportive.

 

What she does is shocking, but I pretty much saw it coming. I was also shocked about William’s reaction. Fanny ends up doing better as a result. Yet, at the end – I saw her doing what she eventually did as well. And, I am definitely interested to see where this goes.

 

Opinion: this absolutely broke my heart! It is definitely a STRONG and SHOCKING story arc, but very much a favorite part of it.

 

 

Victoria/Meredith (Merry)/Barney:

 

Victoria is now 14 and her feud with Merry’s brother Barney is slowly ending. Still, there are hard feelings. These come into “play” when Merry writes a story. At 14, I was still a newbie writer. I definitely wouldn’t have shared my writing with anyone, not even my mother.

 

Victoria thinks Merry’s story is wonderful – they should put on a play since there is nothing to do. And, yes, fellow readers I saw that as well – we know who the lead will be. Though, to be honest, Victoria did audition better and her performance (along with her attitude) is shocking.

 

Victoria thinks that Barney would be better in it for no other reason than his theater experience. He says no as he thinks it is sappy. He also doesn’t want to work with Victoria (you have to read the first book to know). The part goes to Robert. However, as usual, some calamity befalls Robert – yup, part ends up with Barney.

 

How does this work out? Better than I thought and I could definitely see this playing out quite well. I was shocked by both Victoria and Barney.

 

Side note: Victoria is absolutely smitten with her niece Olivia. At one point she is able to comfort the child when Fanny cannot. I really liked Victoria’s development here.

 

Opinion: this was definitely not a favorite part, though I did enjoy seeing how much Victoria matured with regard to helping her friend. I also liked the fact of Victoria trying to be a better person. It is interesting to see what will happen in future books.

 

 

Jasper:

 

He is in Roderick Glen to find his father.

 

Of course, he runs into Mary at the pub and helps her out a bit after an unpleasant meeting.

 

He then heads to Roderick Glen, and finds work at Cheswick as a gardener. Again, he runs into Mary. He starts asking questions about her and her family. It is interesting that she finds him easy to talk to. She tells him a few things she wouldn’t tell Hadley. Hadley is suspicious of the man and his motives. I would have been too.

 

About 29% of the way in – big reveal. Again, this wasn’t a shock. Though, I was still left wondering – friend or foe. At first Mary is stunned, but after finding a letter from her father, Mary starts accepting the truth. Of course, old feelings about her father resurface and are conflicting. She doesn’t quite know what to feel.

 

She also reveals the truth about her little cottage, Jasper offers to help. Yet, when the tragedy strikes – Jasper is gone. This causes an investigation by Alistair and pub owner Trimble.

 

Their order of business: find Jasper.

 

But, when they do find Jasper, they don’t find him alone. He eventually returns to Roderick Glen.

 

Opinion: As soon as he popped up, I had a feeling where this story arc was going. Yet, this was yet another wonderful story arc and I can’t wait to see his return.

 

And, who is responsible for the event that causes Jasper to run off? Or did he really have business.

 

Oh, what a tangled web …

 

OVERALL …

 

If you like large casts and multiple POVs, this is definitely a read for you. Like the first it had a somewhat DOWNTON ABBEY feel to it. For those who’ve read The Piano Teacher, I wouldn’t miss this book. The large amount of POVs could overwhelm some readers. That is one of the reasons for the 4-star rating.

 

There are some dramatic moments, frustrating moments, heart-breaking, and terrifying. Something for each emotional range.

 

One thing I loved?

 

For a laugh, it seemed nearly EVERYONE, or it seemed like it, in Roderick Glen was going to the pub to get drunk at one time or another. I don’t know if it was the author’s intention, but it ended up being rather humorous. I’d like to see it continue in the next book.

 

While not graphic or described in detail, there is a disturbing death towards the end so readers should be aware of that.

 

This is written by a Christian author so there are SOME references to God, faith, and prayer. It isn’t overwhelming or preachy either.

 

I am definitely interested to see the next book in the series.

 

 

 

RATING:

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

BookBub – Book not currently listed

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES: 

Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #1)

Paperback: 390 pages 

Publisher: Kristie Self (January 19, 2021)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8481942841

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“She longs to escape a dreadful secret from her past, but can she ever run far enough to truly forget? 

 

Melody Creston is left penniless following the death of her father. Desperate to escape the threat of an unwanted and dangerous marriage, she flees to the small village of Roderick Glen in the English countryside to begin life anew as a pianoforte teacher. She is hired to teach the daughter of the Earl of Rockingham and soon falls in love with the quaint village and its quirky residents. Despite her newfound freedom, she is haunted by the secrets of her past, as well as the constant fear that she will be discovered and forced to return to London.

 

Lord Henry Roderick is the younger son of the Earl of Rockingham and has no desire to obey his father’s wishes and help his brother attend to their family’s estate, Cheswick Park. Carefree and fun-loving, his reputation as a scoundrel often hides the true nature of his heart. Upon meeting Melody, he is instantly captivated by the beautiful piano teacher, and is determined to do whatever it takes to win her heart and become the man she needs.

 

Melody is intrigued by Henry and encourages him to follow his own path as he searches for his purpose in life. Shy and reserved, she is reluctant to admit her feelings for him, but as they grow closer, he begins to break through the barriers of fear and mistrust that surround her heart. As their love deepens, she becomes increasingly afraid of what will happen when he learns the truth of her turbulent past. Can love forgive a secret hidden in the shadows when it is exposed to the light of day?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Kristie Self combines her love of history and romance to write faith-filled love stories with memorable characters and intriguing plots. A banker by day, she spends most of her nights and weekends focused on writing. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and curling up with a good book. An avid lover of music, she plays several instruments and teaches piano. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University and lives in Lott, Texas with her cat, Arlo. 

 

 

You can follow her on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Kristie-Self-104312101557463/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristieself_author/

 

 

 

 

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