Charm amid the harm of WWII

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan, MacMillan, $37.99 ..

.. .. .. .. .. .. There seems to be a lot of books released recently about women and war.

This one is inspired by true events in the World War II and is set in a English country village.

Full of wonderful female characters, the story takes readers into the heart of village life as people try to cope with rationing, the shortage of food and clothes and the constant threat of air-raids.

When fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses everything in the blitz, she has no choice but to return to the family manor she fled years ago. Her niece Violet is happy to see her however, she doesn't get the same warm greeting from her nephew.

Cressida meets the local vicar’s daughter, who is planning to marry. She has found her mother’s wedding dress, but it needs a lot of work.

There’s fun, laughter, love and friendship. It’s a light, entertaining and charming read. —