Annie Wood Culver is trying to fulfill her dream of designing her own fashion line for women. She wants to design nice clothing for normal, everyday women rather than the fancy fashions out of reach for most of the ladies in New York City. She and her friends quit their jobs to begin this enterprise, but there are many twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies along the way. Relationships of all kinds--new love, old love, friendship--are tested as they struggle to bring their vision into reality.

I loved this book so much! I already knew that I loved the first book in the series, so I shouldn't be surprised, but it was amazing! It has a little bit of everything in it, but it does all of it well. It's historical fiction, and for some reason, immigrants making their way in the world in turn-of-the-century New York City has always fascinated me, so I loved that aspect. It's got romance, but so many different kinds of relationships. The newlyweds working to start a life together, the older couple struggling to feel a connection in their marriage, the young woman looking for a new opportunity in America who finds new love, and the young woman who has resigned herself to never finding love who begins to hope it may be in her future. You just want to root for them all. Then there's the fashion/sewing angle. She gets very detailed in her descriptions of the dresses they designed, and I didn't always understand what she was describing, but you knew she knew what she was talking about, and it made the story come to life that much more.

The thing that really put this over the edge for me was the faith-promoting aspects of the story. There were so many setbacks in the attempt to start this fashion line. Annie's husband was constantly encouraging her to have faith and reminding her of all the times that God has been there for her in the past. There were people who realized they had forgotten to include God in their life decisions and wanted to improve their relationship with Him or people who had been angry at God and felt distanced from Him but felt the urge to turn to him in their time of need. This was a testimony-building book for sure! It was amazing to see how each little event built upon or led to something else that caused another thing to happen. Sometimes it was a good thing that helped their cause. Sometimes it seemed to be good but fell through. Sometimes it seemed to be a setback but turned out to be a blessing. It was wonderful to have the bird's eye view of how it all came together, and it's honestly causing me to look for similar patterns in my own life of how God's hand is guiding me in obvious and less obvious ways.

It's not the most perfect book. I did occasionally find the dialogue a little stilted. But I forgave it because I was just so uplifted the whole time I was reading this book. And I'm excited to see there's a third one in the series! Plus a separate series about the parents of one of the young ladies in the book. I'm planning to read them all! Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook.

I love historical fiction, and this was a very interesting tale about a woman desiring to become a fashion designer. It is well written and has engaging characters that you root for. Really liked this one!

I really enjoyed this book especially since it had mentioned my favorite ship Titanic! Of course I love any book that does!! I'm wondering if those people that missed the boat are counting their lucky stars? I know I would've been!!
Another reader has said that we women have come a long way!! Thank you to the women before us! We women today are mighty spoiled! I also agree that I don't think I would be very happy to have my finances taken over either for sure!!
This is the reason I love history folks!! It makes us who we are today!!
I love when an author includes God in these stories!! I'm a firm believer that if u don't include Him I wouldn't be nothing!!
Prayers are power too! It's our way of talking to God whenever we need Him.
Nancy is definitely at her best here. I finished this book in two days! Sorry I forgot to write this review but ended up getting sick and was unable to
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

The Fashion Designer, written by Nancy Moser

is a quick reading and the second book of the saga The Pattern Artist. The story of Annie starts this time when, arrived more or less from a year in NYC with her husband, we are at the beginning of the last century decides once she lost her job to launch herself in the world of fashion and style creating a brand in grade of being worn by all women thanks also to other friends.
They are at first financed by a couple although this couple would want something more classic and exclusive. The story is long but pretty quick, because plenty of dialogues.
Situations that protagonists will cope with are the msot diversified.
I appreciate a lot the courage of these group of women, and their tenacity for realizing their dreams and what they wanted to become in their existence.
Many thematic, some of them also pretty devastating, this book opens a large discussion about a lot of topics.

Warmly recommended.

I thank NetGalley and Barbour for this ebook.

Anna Maria Polidori

I loved everything about this book. The strong spiritual content that wound its way throughout the story was so well done. Everyone of the characters is one you will remember, and the closeness within the group as they started the new "off the rack" dress store was completely endearing. I particularly enjoyed seeing Annie learn patience and that everything would work in God's timing. Another wonderful character was Maude as she learned to let go of the horrible event in her past and open up to love. Several of Annie's group found their true loves throughout this story, but Moser did an excellent job of keeping the romances as a sideline to the main focus of the developing business.

"So many of us New Yorkers share a rags-to-riches story."

Freedom of choice.
In the living of our lives things happen to us. We have the freedom to accept God's help, open the door and let Him in, or not.

In this book the characters all are put into situations - how and what they choose shapes their lives. The book is mainly about the women. They all join together and form a sisterhood. Joining strengths and supporting each other in their weaknesses, all becoming stronger for it.

Creativity continues in this edition of the series. Annie was a Maid who went on to design dress patterns for Butterick, and in this story goes out on her own (with friends) and starts her own dress shop, designed for the everyday woman. This was a huge step away from designing for the wealthy. It was believed at the time that money could not be made by selling clothes to "common" people. A wonderful story of hardship and success in this great country of ours.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Oh I adored this story. So much history, and information. So many things that we take for granted today, weren't even options at the time in history that this story was set. I love the courage and initiative that the lead characters display. I suspect there was at least one book prior to this one, which I have not read. I want to track it down so I can make sure I am all caught up.

A very intriguing story about a period of history I don’t often read! ****Recommended!****

Although this is part of a series, I thought it read perfectly well as a stand-alone.

Thanks to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and author Nancy Moser for providing me with a digital ARC of THE FASHION DESIGNER, which allows me to write an unbiased review.

"The Fashion Designer" by Nancy Moser is a book filled with fashion, history and women's rights! It is also packed with faith content! It's the second book in "The Pattern Artist" series and can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the books in sequence to get the most enjoyment from the series as there are references to past events, and characters from the first book make cameo appearances. Ms. Moser does refresh the reader later on in the story regarding characters and events from the previous book, but it would have been nice to have a little refresher or character list earlier on.

Ms. Moser excels in the historical details. She wows the reader with her descriptions of the time period, down to every minute detail. I felt like I was transported back into New York City in the early 1900s, when women were still fighting for their rights and maternity clothes weren't yet in fashion. Our main character, Annie, wants to design affordable, functional clothes for the everyday woman. She even wants to try her hand in maternity wear (gasp!). I learned so much history while following Annie's journey.

"The Fashion Designer" has characters that really live out the Christian walk and incorporate their faith into everything they do. The main characters are always talking about their faith, praying, discussing God's timing and trying to trust God. There is a sweet bit where Annie's husband leaves her a Scripture verse when she is struggling with doubt.

"The Fashion Designer" incorporates a lot of great history and faith content! I really enjoyed those aspects, but I would caution younger and/or sensitive readers due to the more mature themes in the book. Overall, I really enjoyed it!

In this lovely sequel to The Pattern Artist, readers get to follow along once again as Annie Wood pursues her American dream in 1912 New York City. Newly married to Sean Culver and with the chance to create her own fashion line of affordable ready-to-wear women’s fashions, Annie jumps right in with faith and hope when a wealthy couple offers to underwrite her efforts.

Annie, Sean and their friends and family face plenty of challenges and missteps against the backdrop of societal changes at the beginning of the twentieth century. Creativity comes face to face with funding and merchandising, women in business, family and friendship.

Reading this series is like spending time with friends – you’re cheering for their successes and hoping for the best for them in their challenges. While this book could certainly be read on its own, it is well worth starting with the first book in the series as you get to know the characters and see what leads them to this adventure. I look forward to what’s in store next for Annie, Sean and family and friends.

I love to sew so the description and cover drew me in immediately. I loved the faith demonstrated and the determination to follow her dreams.

I was thrilled with the first installment of this book, the Pattern Artist, and was very eager to read the second and continuing story. The characters were still delightful and really like a dream. I really wish we had this kind of loyalty and friendship in the world today. The story's development and ending was very satisfying! However, I was disappointed a bit by almost the lack of planning in the story, it seemed there was sometimes just a bit too much drama and uncharacteristic ups and downs. I was bothered by the change in character in the financing couple. To be hounding Butterick in the first novel and begging Annie to leave and start the new business to how she acted in the second was unreal. It all worked out but still.

The Fashion Designer

The Pattern Artist Book 2

Nancy Moser

Shiloh Run Press, Jul 2018

320 pages, Kindle, Paperback

Women’s Lit, Historical Lit

✭✭✭✭✭

Provided, eARC

The cover is attractive with its softly lit shot of the woman working at the dress form. The historical font with its charming swags adds to the feel of the historical nature of the book.

This is the second book in this two book set by author Nancy Moser about a maid who becomes a fashion designer. Aside from the heavy-handed Christian aspect of the book, the story is very interesting, an aspect of women’s history that you don’t normally stumble upon. Runaway maids are much more likely to end up dead or as prostitutes, not fashion designers in Paris or NYC.

The primary characters were written very well, and even the secondary characters had consistent personalities. You got caught up in their joys and sorrows and you took their chances with them.

The pace was quite brisk, moving you from one event to another in fairly rapid succession, though there were times when the writing seemed to allow the pace to lag a bit. When the pace lagged, the tension also suffered. Otherwise, the tension was pretty high throughout, always wondering if the women were going to make a success of their business. Were they going to get another financier? Was it going to happen in time? Would Richard come to see Vesta? And when would Henrietta’s folks show up?

Since I sat up all night to read this, I guess the story is worth the 5 stars in spite of a few minor criticisms.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys reading stories about women’s history.

*Thank you so much for Netgalley, Barbour Publishing and the author for granting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Going into this, I was unaware that it was the second book in a series be that as it may, this was still an enjoyable read! Annie is a such a loveable character and her faith is truly encouraging. Seeing Annie go from a budding pattern artist to a designer was fun! It was nice to see the struggles she comes up against, and he way she solves the problems.
I’ll be watching for more from this author in the future!

What a wonderful turn of the century tale of the American Dream! I truly enjoyed reading Annie Culver's story. There were dreams, obstacles, romance, and a little bit of history throughout. It had all that I expect and enjoy out of a historical fiction novel. It is different from other novels of this time period that I have read in that it is about fashion, which is a world I have never explored and feel like is not a common topic. This story focuses on the characters and their lives and makes it all feel so real, especially as it intertwines real events into the characters day to day. It at times almost felt too modern for the turn of the century in some ways, at least in what you imagine from that time period, but the way that Nancy Moser interspersed actual history made you realize that the story was a real possibility! Wonderfully done.

The author also wraps you into each character and makes you care for them and sit on the edge of your seat waiting to read how their story pans out. You are constantly wondering if any will get their happy endings, if their dreams will come true, and you are routing for them all the while. It was well written and flowed so it was easy and enjoyable to read. I am not into fashion and at first glance may not have picked up this book, but I read the description, was pulled in, and decided to see where it went. I was very glad I did. This book will leave you with a smile on your face!

As The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser starts, changes in society were great or were imminent. Women were tired of sitting at home, unable to do more than silently support their men. They wanted the right to be included in the working force, and also the right to vote. They wanted a new sense of purpose.

In this sequel to the Pattern Artist, Annie and Sean are now married, and Annie, Maude, and Edna have a big purpose-to start a fashion company for the average working woman... or so they think...

I enjoyed seeing how humans planned, but God Himself came to the rescue time after time. I liked that when one person would get discouraged, another would pick up the mantle of encourager. It was interesting to see how one person of faith and vision could influence so many others. Annie succeeded because she trusted in God and she well understood her mission. “We’re offering our customers more than just a dress,” Annie said. “We’re offering them the chance to embrace their choice to be a modern woman.”

At times the book had a “Grace Livingston Hill” feel to it, as there were so many singles starting out who rather quickly found God’s choice of partner. I would have preferred a few less main circle characters and storylines, and a little more fleshing out of the forerunners.

Bottom line: while this was not one of the fastest books I’ve read, it was great for gaining insight into the mindset of the American woman in the early 1900’s. I recommend this book. It can stand alone.

I gratefully received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way influenced my opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

Even though this book is the second in the series and the first was also about Annie, it was a great stand alone book. The author has great abilities in creating realistic people, you really feel like your a part of the book. She also does her research and uses real places at the time of the book, such as Butterick patterns!

This novel apparently continues the story of Annie and her friends, as they begin their own fashion design business. They encounter numerous conflicts and obstacles, but persevere. In particular, they run into differences of opinion with their financial backers regarding what kinds of fashion designs they will be producing.

Since I did not read the first novel in the series, I was totally confused for the first few chapters. I felt as if I came into a play at Act 2, instead of the beginning. A short synopsis of the first novel , placed at the beginning of the book, would really help those readers who have not read it. Finally, the background to the novel was explained as Annie thought back over her life and how it had changed. This being said, I will go back and read the first novel in the series. I think readers should read the novels in order so they can avoid this confusion.

The background on the fashion industry was very interesting, since it is an area I know nothing about. However, my aunts, mother, and grandmother all worked as seamstresses in the early 1900's, so I found it to be fascinating.

This would be a good choice for those desiring a clean, Christian novel. I received this book on NetGalley from Barbour, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser is the continuing story of Annie wood a former housemaid. She is now married and pursuing her dream of having her own Fashion Design house. It was very nice to visit with Annie and her friends. I love the fact that the story follows the everyday business of living. It also enjoyable to see Annie and her friends develop their walk with God. All told this is a great book, but make sure you read The Pattern Artist first! So grab your tea and settle in for a great read!

To me, this book much improves on the previous book's shortcomings, but still wasn't quite worthy of a 5 star rating. It does pick up where The Pattern Artist left off, so it really isn't a stand alone romance story. The faith elements also felt much more realistic to me!

This story focused more on the business aspect of things, rather than the romance, which was where the previous book shone and this one still did. I found it to be an engaging starting point for the story! I liked seeing Annie being the catalyst of so much growth around her, both personal and professional, and yet still remaining so humble. I loved seeing her worries and how hard it was for her to let go of them and "let God", for that's something I think is very relatable to this day and age!

I was very satisfied with this ending to the story, and would definitely recommend it to others!