In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.
“A Heart in Disguise” by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US “Camouflage Corps,” sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home–except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.
“A Letter to Eli” by Allison Pittman
Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It’s never far away from their thoughts–not with Alice’s fiancee serving at sea, in danger every minute. That’s a worry Bette doesn’t envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?
“A Daffodil in the Dress” by Susie Finkbeiner
Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family’s bookstore since Kate’s husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?
My Review:
published in 2024
What an exceptional novella collection – three stories tied together through one dress, and not in the way I expected! In fact, I’m a little miffed about what that poor dress went through! I loved the way each novella highlights a different kind of Homefront story from three different wars. It was interesting to note the similarities and differences for each of our heroines.
A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel – I’m pretty much gobsmacked over how the author managed to deliver this caliber of story with such a short word count. Novella length with the heart and breadth of a novel! Intrigue, danger, romance with a World War I New York City backdrop! So many exquisite details enrich the story and I love the origins of the wedding dress!
A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman – There’s a bit of an epistolary spin to this WWII romance which was unexpected (both for me and the heroine!) and it was such a great plot twist. A story that celebrates friendship and sacrifice and finding hope in the impossible.
A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner – Such a sweet, heartwarming, hope-stirring love story! Ike is certifiably swoonable. Not only is he a hero who loves reading – he owns a bookstore! Be still my heart. And the way he relates to Kate’s little girl just turns me into mush! Kate’s loud, boisterous family, especially her opinionated mother, adds an extra layer of ‘feel good’ to this amazing romance.
I listened to the audio edition of this book and thoroughly enjoyed Pilar Witherspoon’s narration. She’s an incredible narrator and I appreciate the talent it takes to make so many different characters shine in a novella collection like this. If you are an audio book fan, this is would make an excellent listening choice.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Something Borrowed, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 30 2025
Kav's Best Reads 
This sounds wonderful! I enjoy these authors, and novellas. Kathleen lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great author collaboration! Good luck, Kathleen!
LikeLike
Something Borrowed was one of those books I had planned to read last year, but as sometimes happens it got away from me.
I’ve never read anything by Susie Finkbeiner so she would go on my new to me author list, with a bookstore story to boot!
I’ve read a few of Rachel McDaniel’s stories but my favorite was Undercurrents of Secrets, one of my first dual timeline books, so good!
I don’t think I’ve read anything by Allison Pittman except a Love Inspired years ago.
Thanks for the review, this sounds right up my alley. Throw me in the hat 🙂 tracey14567 atgmail.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was my Bingo on my TBR from last year. 🙂 It’s a stellar collection. I haven’t read nearly enough of Susie Finkbeiner but what I have read is amazing. You won’t be disappointed when you get around to reading her. I need to read more of Rachel Scott McDaniel and Allison Pittman’s books now too. So many authors, so little time! Good luck, Tracey!
LikeLiked by 1 person
SOMETHING BORROWED has been on my TBR list since your review last year. Why haven’t I already devoured this fabulous sounding book? (Just shaking my head here.) Fingers crossed to be the very fortunate one selected in order to rectify this great oversight sooner than later.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
May today start off on the right footing in order for you to have an amazing week with lots of great reads.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
It languished on my TBR for a whole year until I got to it this summer. I don’t know what I was waiting for! Good luck, Kay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somehow I didn’t even know this book existed! Thanks for the review, it sounds like a great read! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome — glad I could share it with you. Good luck, Bridget!
LikeLike
This one got away from me too. Thanks for the reminder:)
Sandyavery at comcast dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
And it’s the kind of book you wonder what took you so long once you’ve read it. lol Good luck, Sandy!
LikeLike
Hey, Kav! This isn’t an entry, but I did enjoy your review. I sent you a couple of emails that may’ve landed in your spam folder. I know where to find you. 🕵
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just got in from a marathon weeding session. It was too hot to do more than water my garden for over a week so I had quite the task ahead. My veggie garden are raised beds in the patio area and there were gargantuan weeds in all the cracks. Gah! Mind you, the weeds are the kind that spread out so when you dig out one it clears a ton of area. Very satisfying. 🙂 Will get to my email after I catch up here. Then I’m going to read for a bit. Yay!
LikeLike
Not a problem! It wasn’t real important. I’m glad you got your weeding done! Today it’s almost 90 here, so no weeding for me. Supposed to cool down the rest of the week, so maybe then. Yes! Cool off and read!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this book. It sounds wonderful. I have always been a sucker for wedding stories. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get in the wedding story mood in the summer so this was a great seasonal read for me. Good luck, Lori!
LikeLike
Kav, I love Susie Finkbeiner’s books, and Allsion Pittman’s The Seamstress was exceptional so I’m definitely interested in this one. I haven’t read any of Rachel Scott McDaniel’s books yet, but I’m completely intrigued by her novella in this collection after reading your high praise for it. Count me in, please! 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Counted! Oh, yes, I remember reading The Seamstress! I think I’ve only read two or three Allison Pittman books. I was checking her out on Fantastic Fiction and she started publishing in the early 2000s. I had no idea! Good luck, Cheryl!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I must read this one. Sounds great. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a twinning book. Good luck, Lucy!
LikeLike
This sounds so neat!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, Kimmy!
LikeLike
I love the chance to read a good novella collection, and these authors are all exceptional writers! There are times when I need a story but I don’t have time for an entire book!
Connie
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes they are — it’s a stellar collection. Good luck, Connie!
LikeLike
That cover really makes me want to step into the stories.
readreviewrejoiceATgmailDOTcom
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, Abigail!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the cover. Wartime romances are so fun to read. I am curious how the dress ties in.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a fantastic collection! Good luck, rubynreba!
LikeLike