Historical fiction

The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz

“With all the uncertainty in the world around me, I am often left feeling a little anxious,” admits Lauren Blum, FIRST Associate Editor. “To take my mind off things, I picked up this light, heartfelt read about the connection between three generations of women—and it was the reset that I needed.” Shortly following the 1956 wedding of Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco, seamstress Rose is tasked with creating a replica of Kelly’s iconic dress for a well-to-do bride. Flash-forward to present day when Rose’s granddaughter Rocky is set to be wed in New York City and is expected to wear the heirloom replica gown that was also worn by her mother, Joan. Though the dress already holds so much history, the women uncover secrets about the gown and each other as hidden stories of the past meet the present. Says Lauren, “Seeing the ladies evolve and grow beyond their struggles to find happiness was so inspiring.” (Graydon House, 2020)