The Dressmaker’s War

She gazes at her mother’s face in the black and white photograph, her vision blurring as tears build. Could this wartime wedding portrait be the key to finding out why her mother went missing, all those years ago?

Brides of Bold Street is filled with beautiful, brand-new ivory gowns. But dressmaker Sabrina loves it when brides-to-be wear vintage, family heirloom dresses. Seeing wedding day photographs of future mothers and grandmothers beaming – as if knowing the happiness they feel will be passed down to their daughters – is a bittersweet reminder of the mother she’s never known.

And as she and her handsome beau, Adam Taylor, start talking about marriage, not having her mother by her side weighs on Sabrina’s heart more and more each day.

But when a bride walks into the store with a family dress made of rare parachute silk from World War Two, Sabrina feels hope rise again in her chest. Because the bride also has a photograph. A photo Sabrina is sure shows her mother’s face…

With the answers to what happened all those years ago almost within reach, Sabrina decides to risk another journey through the past – and this time, with Adam by her side. He’d never let her travel alone, to a time when air raid sirens broke the silence of the night and bombs fell on Liverpool.

Together, will they finally solve the mystery of Sabrina’s real family? Or will the dangers of the darkest days of World War Two prevent Adam and Sabrina from returning to their own time?

This completely heartbreaking and sweeping historical fiction novel is perfect for fans of Barbara Davis, Sandy Taylor and Jean Grainger. This gut-wrenching tale of love, loss and family secrets tied to the final years of the war will have you reaching for the tissues.

Previously published as The Spring Posy.

What readers are saying about The Dressmaker’s War:

‘Brilliant… Totally hooked… Fabulous… Pure gold. Can’t wait for the next book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful… This truly imaginative story is impossible to put down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Addictive… I love this… I can’t stop reading.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Highly recommend… I haven’t been able to put them down… Love them from start to finish and can’t wait to read the next.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful… Beautiful story… Like a breath of fresh air.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What readers are saying about Michelle Vernal:

‘LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!… Absolutely stunning!!!… I was completely swept away!!… DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!!… I absolutely LOVED… Perfect read to lift your spirits and keep you hooked… Absolutely gorgeous… Will keep you up late at night.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart-warming and utterly addictive… Definitely ticked all the boxes for me!… Right from the very beginning I found myself turning the pages very quickly… Wonderful, cosy, magical.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘By far one of my favourite books… I loved every minute… Just adored this story!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heartfelt and charming… From the very beginning, I was swept away… Impossible to put this book down. I may have even shed a tear or two. This is a MUST.’ Goodreads reviewer