Description

From international bestselling author Posie Graeme-Evans comes the passionate tale of a woman ahead of her time who uses her talent to succeed against all odds in Victorian England.

Growing up in rural Norfolk, Ellen Gowan’s childhood was poor but blessed with affection. At fifteen, she marries Raoul de Valentin, the dangerous descendant of French aristocrats, who then abandons her when she becomes pregnant. Determined that she and her daughter will not only survive but thrive, Ellen uses her talent as a dressmaker to begin the long, difficult climb to success.

Claiming to be a widow, Ellen toils first in a clothing sweat shop before opening her own salon in fashionable Berkeley Square. One single dress, a ballgown created for the enigmatic Countess of Hawksmoor, the leader of London society, transforms Ellen’s fortunes, bringing profound success. But the return of her husband threatens to destroy all that Ellen has achieved.

An evocative and poignant novel, The Dressmaker sweeps us to the opulent and sometimes sinister world of Victorian England and introduces us to a woman whose inner strength will inspire everyone who reads it.

About the author(s)

Posie Graeme Evans is the daughter of a novelist and an RAF fighter pilot. Over the last twenty years she has worked as an editor, director, and producer. She is now head of drama for Channel Nine, Australia’s leading television network, and lives in Sydney with her husband, Andrew Blaxland.

Reviews

“A lot of fun, and Graeme-Evans is unapologetic in her celebration of the joys of pretty clothes and the thrills of overcoming adversity.” --Publishers Weekly

"It's easy to lose an afternoon in this historical romance. I picked it up and it was page 258 before I put it down again." --The Sunday Star-Times (Auckland, New Zealand)