The idea of an heirloom resonates. The idea of the memories, traditions, and stories an object holds is often times what makes it beautiful in my eyes more so than the object itself. The "object" in The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz is a wedding dress seen through the eyes of three different women. The strength of the women and the strength they find in each other is the lasting memory of this book.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/03/the-grace-kelly-dress.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and the Harlequin Trade Publishing 2020 Spring Reads Blog Tour

I love, love, love Grace Kelly and recently read a book about her life. Now I’m thrilled to take part in the blog tour for Brenda Janowitz’ new novel THE GRACE KELLY DRESS which follows three brides in three generations, all with one wedding dress. This is a story of love and family, of women and relationships. I loved it and I loved how each character was unique and memorable. Thank you for making me part of the tour and for my ARC!

The only other book I've read by Brenda Janowitz was about a dysfunctional family having a Passover Seder. So I did not know what to expect from The Grace Kelly Dress, but I really enjoyed it and definitely need to go back and read more from this author.

The Grace Kelly Dress is a sweet story about different generations of women and the dress that connects them. I liked all three women (I couldn't even choose a favorite) and how their situations were timely, but also relatable. Sometimes their stories connected to one another, as well.

There was one question I had that was never answered, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. The chapters were short and had a lot of cliffhangers throughout. I didn't know much about Grace Kelly's dress, so that aspect was interesting too.

Overall, this is an engaging novel that you'll want to share with previous and future generations!

Movie casting ideas (I had a really hard time finding men to fit some of the key roles):
Rocky: Olivia Cooke
Rose: Ella Wahlestedt
Joanie: Julia Garner
Drew: Alex Landi
Diana: Ellie Bamber
Adult Joan: Gretchen Mol

Loved that each of the women from different generations were all strong in their own way. Each of them couldn’t be more different but it some ways the same. Understanding our family past is important for understanding our future.

The story of the dress is interwoven into a story about being true to yourself, your heart and your soul. It’s is the fabric of women in the story for generations to come.

It was a wonderful story of family, love and making the past your own.

I wasn't a huge fan of this one. While I really enjoyed the generational perspectives surrounding a single dress, there was just too much repetition to really be able to dive deeper into the story. It felt like there just wasn't development with the characters and the dialogue was too repetitive. An overall 2 star read from me.

This is the first book I have read by Brenda Janowitz but will definitely not be the last. I loved her writing style and am eager to discover some of her older writings.

This is a “feel good” story of family, love, and tradition. Three generations of women…one remarkable wedding dress. The dress was designed shortly after the wedding of Grace Kelly, when brides everywhere were enthralled with the princess’ wedding dress.

The writing reflected the culture of each generation and the struggles each woman encountered - the struggle over the right person to marry or how to make the dress unique to each generation. The author beautifully presented the three different timelines in a manner that seemed to flow effortlessly. I loved every moment as the story slowly unfolded. I was fascinated with the description of the evolving design and construction of the dress. I could feel the love that went into all the hours of work to create such a masterpiece.

If you loved Jennifer Robson’s “The Gown”, you will love “The Grace Kelly Dress”. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

In 1958 Rose is an orphaned seamstress working at madame’s fancy atelier. Only the most prestigious and wealthy customers can afford to have their wedding dresses designed at this historical establishment. Rose has a special talent and behind the scenes she is completing one of the most important gowns they have ever worked on. She is more than capable of the task but the question remains if she can hide the fact that she is head over heels in love with the bride’s handsome brother, who is engaged to another woman. 60 years later, Rocky, a recent twenty something tech success is getting her mother’s dress refitted for her own wedding. As Rocky’s mother Joan lovingly arranges every last detail of the upcoming nuptials, she cannot help but relive her own emotional past. Rocky cannot find it in her heart to share the truth: she wants a wedding that represents who she has become and doesn’t want to wear the dress. Flashing back to the origin and details that created this family heirloom - Rose, Joan and Rocky find that what they have in common is much more precious than what makes than different. A love story of weddings and truth, highly recommend this delightful, easy read. Perfect for a day at the beach!

The Grace Kelly Dress gripped me immediately with it's title, and I knew it would be enjoyable. There are three characters that the novel focuses on and different locations.

In Paris in 1958, Madame Michel, the famed owner of a popular and prestigious wedding gown shop, employed a seamstress called Rose to use her knowledge in the trade to craft dresses like Princess Grace wore.

In 1982, Joan (known as Joanie) was a student in New York who is haunted by her sister's death and is trying to adjust to life as she is engaged to be married.

Finally, there's Rachel (AKA Rocky), who provides the modern-day part of the plot. She prefers biker boots to fancy heels and flouncy dresses and works as the CEO of an independent technology company and has an internal conflict that may threaten her upcoming wedding.....

One dress, three women and three different stories intertwine in this deliciously different historical novel. The Grace Kelly Dress is classy, sophisticated realistic and entertaining.

I found something special about each of the characters and their stories: Rose was keen to learn but wanting to bring something new to the atelier. Madame Michel exuded glamour and confidence and it was clear she was someone who everyone in her company looked up to.

Joan (who also happens to be Rocky's mum), was studious, but liked to have fun. She was romantic, dreamy and ambitious but also had a knack for getting the information she wanted from people.

Rocky was laid back, strong willed and also a tomboy with her dress sense. She was also impulsive but knew what she wanted and was inside her thoughts a lot which showed a complex side to her. I felt she was slightly vulnerable because of this but she could stand up for herself well.

I felt Rocky was the character I didn't know enough about but the others were well fleshed out.

Overall, The Grace Kelly Dress was fun, emotional and exciting as the three time periods and characters that were so different came together to show attitudes, tastes and experiences with the same dress over time but one common goal: for every woman to seek their own perfect version of The Grace Kelly dress in their quest for their perfect happily ever after.

Brenda Janowitz has a fast, but detailed pace of writing that flowed easily and the book is divided into parts, making obvious breaks. I loved the way the author used the stages of dressmaking for each of these, it made me more immersed in the story. The wonens' varying feelings about how their lives were panning out as well as how they each felt about their upcoming wedding were palpable.

I was gripped anyway. I really want to review more by Brenda Janowitz.

Thanks to Brenda Janowitz and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntery review.

4 stars.

Rose is a seamstress in Paris in 1958 working at an exclusive atelier. When the Madame of the atelier passes suddenly, Rose is left to pick up the pieces along with Julien, pretending that Madame is away traveling. When a wealthy customer Diana is getting married, Rose must create the perfect wedding dress pretending that Madame had drawn the sketches of a replica of the dress that Grace Kelly wore at her wedding. Can Rose keep the secret? Can Rose deny the feelings she has for Diana’s brother?
Joan is engaged and ready to marry the love of her life, or is she? She has the perfect wedding dress handed down to her by her mother and she is more than excited to wear it. When she finds out the real reason her sister died, her whole life turns upside down, and she realizes she may not be ready to wear the dress.

Rachel (Rocky) is getting married! There is only one problem. She doesn’t want to wear the wedding dress that has been passed down through the generations. How can she tell her mother, when the dress means everything to her? How can she disappoint her grandmother?

This book was brilliantly written by Brenda Janowitz. The story is told from the viewpoint of each women throughout the story and takes us from 1958 to present day seamlessly each and every time. I absolutely loved reading it and got very drawn into the lives of each women. This is one book that you don’t want to miss. Thank you so much to the author, Brenda Janowitz, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy to read and review. It was a fabulous book.

Wow, I just loved this book, these stories were so enjoyable to read once I started I had a hard time putting this book down. Three women one dress are all connected in the journey of Love. Three different times in our history these women tell us their story the dressmaker, Rose in 1958 Paris, Joanie in 1982 and finally Rachel (Rocky) in 2020. This sweet nostalgic book is about how we are all different but still the same and how the love of an iconic dress can affect the lives of the ones that wear it.

I am must say I was more intrigued with Rose and Rocky's stories more than Joanie for a reason that I will not say so I will not give anything away to the reader. There were many facets to this book from mother & daughter relationship, unrequited love, loss, grief, love, hope, self- belief, hope, challenges, secrets, passion but most of all tradition. The story had a great flow at the same time it gave you a wonderful visual of the author's storytelling abilities.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher Harlequin Trade for the chance to read this wonderful ARC. This review is my honest and voluntary opinion.

I received this book "The Grace Kelly Dress" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. I liked the story of the three different women, stories of their generation. I think the book could use a different title though since it was not really Grace Kelly's dress. I would have liked more historical fiction in the story also. I would have loved the story to be based on Rose with Joan and Rocky as side stories (minimal). Rose's story was the most interesting to me. This story was more of a easy going chick lit, so if you like that type of book you would like this.

A sweet, sentimental, multi generational tale. Brenda Janowitz’s storytelling completely swept me up in this enchanting story. Three generations of women connected buy this stunning wedding gown. Rose a Paris seamstress in the late 1950s, Joan a young proper college student in 1982, and her daughter Rocky A rebellious techie in 2020. Each woman had their own voice and their own story to tell. The story jumps around between these three women in short well crafted chapters. I was completely and equally invested in each of these women’s stories and found the pacing absolutely perfect. The gown meant something different to each of these women with the common thread of love.

The short chapters left me wanting more, but I was always happy to get back to the next woman’s story. I started this book with the intention of only listening to a few chapters and ended up finishing it pretty much without a break. The audio is narrated by Cassandra Campbell Who masterfully gave each woman her own unique voice and did a marvelous job with the French accent. I had recently read a book about Grace Kelly and that gave me a better appreciation of this gown and its meaning. Rose took pride in her work and did everything she could to emulate the princess’s wedding gown, while still adding her own touches. Joan added her own touches to the gown and learned that fairytales can have more than one happy ending. Rocky struggled with the gown it really wasn’t her, but it meant so much to her mom. Eventually even Rocky found a way to make the gown work for her. Such a beautiful story of love, family, tradition, expectations, choices, and mothers and daughters.

This book in emojis. 👰🏼 👰🏼 👰🏼

*** Big thank you to Harlequin and Harper Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

BRENDA JANOWITZ is the author of five novels. She is the Books Correspondent at PopSugar. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Salon.

A dress originally fashioned as a copy of the gown that Grace Kelly wore on her wedding day becomes a pivotal family heirloom tying three generations in this delightful book.

The Grace Kelly Dress is set to three different time frames 1958, the 1980s & 2020. The story follows three generations of woman within a family centered around one family heirloom... a wedding dress.

Janowitz, writing flows seamlessly and effortless, allowing the reader to become fully immersed into these woman’s lives.
Rose, a humble seamstress employed by the esteemed Madame Michel in the late 1950s in Paris. Is selected to fashion a dress after the iconic dress worn for the legendary Grace Kelly.
Joan, a college student at NYCU in the 1980s wants to know exactly what happened to her sister. Joan struggling with the loss of her sister and her engagement and upcoming wedding.
Sixty years later, an independent tech CEO Rachel, who goes by the childhood nickname “Rocky”. Present day, Rocky’s upcoming nuptials are marred by the pressure to wear the family’s heirloom gown.

In this captivating book, the past will be confronted as family secrets unfolds.
Janowitz Has written a dynamic book that will hook you from the beginning and hold your attention all the way through to the end.

Brenda Janowitz's latest novel, The Grace Kelly Dress tells the story that a wedding dress plays in the intersecting lives of three women.



Rose is an apprentice seamstress to Madame Michel, the premier Paris dress maker of whom it is said that "to wear a custom Madame Michel wedding dress is to guarantee a happy marriage". Every bride in 1958 Paris wants a dress like the one Grace Kelly wore at her wedding to Prince Rainier, and Madame Michel is the one wealthy brides turn to make that happen.



When Rose is chosen to design and make a wedding dress for Diana, she can hardly believe it. It is important to the Madame Michel brand that this dress be perfect, and Rose feels the pressure. Diana's handsome brother escorts Diana to her appointments, and Rose finds herself falling for him, even though he is also engaged.



In 1982, Joanie is engaged to her perfect man. Matthew is president of his fraternity, Joanie's sorority brother-fraternity. He is smart, kind, and loving and is sure to be successful. But why isn't Joanie more excited to be marrying the best catch around? She is more excited about wearing her mother's wedding dress, a copy of Grace Kelly's wedding dress. Joanie is a very traditional woman, even called a goody-goody by her friends, but still something isn't right.



In 2020, Joanie's daughter Rachel is preparing for her own wedding. Rachel, better known as Rocky, is the complete opposite of her mother. Rocky is the CEO of her own video game app company, and she likes wearing motorcycle boots and has tattoos. Her mother Joanie has been busy planning Rocky's wedding, and is so thrilled that Rocky will wear her own wedding dress. She will be the third generation to wear the dress, and this tradition means everything to Joanie.



But Rocky doesn't want to wear the dress and she doesn't know how to tell her mother this. Rocky is more like her late father, and often feels left out of the conversation between her mother and sister, who are so much alike. Her sister can't seem to commit to anyone, so if Rocky doesn't wear the dress, Joanie's dream will disappear.



The Grace Kelly dress is about three women each finding her own voice in her life. Rose has been given a chance to further her career, but when love comes into her life she has a decision to make. Traditional Joanie, who always follows the rules and never disappoints her parents, has to decide if she can stand up for herself or do what is expected of her. Although Rocky is the CEO of her company, making important decisions every day, she doesn't know if she can be honest with her own mother.



I liked the theme of women deciding what is important in their own lives, and standing up for themselves, even if it means disappointing people they love. Even though each woman faced different expectations (because of the times they were living in), they had be true to themselves. Fans of Adriana Trigiani's Valentine series would enjoy reading this one.

This was a story of three women from three different generations and the wedding dress that tied them together. I didn’t like how every chapter ended on a mini cliff hanger and then when it picked back up it was much later. It was an all right book but nothing special. Love the cover though.

I snapped up an ARC of this book from NetGalley based solely on its title and cover. A book about Grace Kelly's wedding gown? SIGN ME UP!

As I started reading, though, I realized that what hooked me and engrossed me was the concept of this book more than its actual writing. You have three women, united through a dress designed to look like Grace Kelly's. Generational challenges, romantic challenges, personal challenges. A seamstress hired to create a replica of Grace Kelly's wedding dress falls for the bride's (also engaged) brother. A mother is desperate for her tattooed, purple-haired daughter to wear this Grace Kelly dress, and the daughter cannot figure out why.

I wanted more of an emotional attachment to this book, I think. I kept waiting for that moment when I felt connected to Rose, Joan, and Rocky, and it didn't happen. I did keep turning the pages, though, because Brenda Janowitz made me want to solve the little mysteries in her book. I enjoyed how Janowitz used the dress to connect three generations of women, and I love how she showed the emotional significance of this wedding dress. I just wanted a bigger emotional payoff.

This story is told by three different narrators. Rocky is the daughter set to wear the dress in present day. Joan, “the mother of the bride, as a bride herself” as the book titles this section. And the Paris seamstress who originally made the wonderful creation.

I enjoyed reading about Rocky and her situation. Rocky is a rebel. She does not conform to the norm. She is a successful, powerful woman. Her mother, Joan, is adamant she wear the Grace Kelly inspired dress, which has been handed down through the family. Well, this dress is not at all what Rocky envisions for her big day. As a matter of fact, she and her mother are on two very different pages about this wedding.

I also loved reading about the seamstress in Paris. This narration is set in 1958 and it is all about the creation of this lovely gown and the people who made it happen. The different ideas and how this gown made such a huge splash and why, is a very interesting part of this novel. The author created a unique aspect of this dress.

The narration “the mother of the bride, as the bride herself” was blah. I actually skimmed this section. There were many places where I rolled my eyes and just went “WHY!” This part of the story may appeal to many romance readers out there. So please forgive me. I found it very elementary and one dimensional.

So, two out of three narrations is not bad. I did enjoy this novel. It was a quick read and Rocky is a character I loved. She is the reason the book works!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Y'all, let me tell you how absolutely thrilled I am to get to tell you about The Grace Kelly Dress as today's stop on its blog tour! This is one that was so unexpected (in such a good way), and I am excited I get to spend some time raving all about it.

The Grace Kelly Dress is the story of three generations of women connected by one dress. You should know (and if you've seen my reviews it's no secret) I LOVE dual narrators as a storytelling device, and I just cannot get enough of how their stories weave together. Having this as three stories in one was then just totally my jam from the get go.

The first story is about the creation of the dress. This is in the late 1950s where everyone wants a dress just like Princess Grace. The story focuses on a seamstress who works for a prestigious designer. With that work, there are some pretty huge secrets at play. Additionally, while working on a variation of the Grace Kelly dress for a bride from a wealthy family, the seamstress finds herself drawn to the bride's brother. She knows he's off limits, but she can't deny their connection and dreaming about what could never be.

The next story is Joan in the 1980s. In the present day, Joan is the mother of the bride, but in this story, she is the bride. The story focuses on Joan being given the dress to wear by her mother. What should be a happy, joyous time is infused with other emotions that Joan is trying to work through. Joan also is learning things she was told are not true, and navigating these family secrets is some tough stuff.

Finally, there is Rocky. Rocky is a bride in present day. She's creative and unique, and she's not sure the dress fits her style. She feels the pressure to wear it from her mother, and the thought of telling her she isn't something she's emotionally ready to do. Part of this is Rocky just doesn't get why her mom is so focused on having this dress be part of Rocky's wedding day.

The story alternates between each of these three stories. Each woman has her own secrets, her own passions, and her own love she is navigating, as well as her relationship to the dress and the upcoming wedding. With each chapter, truths are revealed about each character in a slow burn that is so, so good. At its core, this is also one about relationships. The way these are written and used as plot devices is masterful. There are twists and reveals throughout through these, and because of the way this story is built, I did not see them coming.

This is overall a beautiful story of family, of love, and the things that connect us all. I devoured this one as I wanted to know what was going to happen with each of these women. I also loved how developed each woman was as a character. While the backdrop of a wedding was obviously a key player, this was at its core the story of three generations of women. Each had their own story, and as the book went, the story of the connections of these women started to weave together in that way I always love.

I owe a big thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for letting me part of this tour. Oh, and the best news? This book is out TODAY, so you can (and should) go get this book right now!

The Grace Kelly Dress, by Brenda Janowitz, is available at booksellers 3-3-2020. Grace is my first experience with Ms Janowitz work and I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book; I'm definitely interested in exploring more of her work. The story of 3 generations of women and their experiences with a lovely, special wedding dress was a delightful read. Each of the ladies story was individual and at the same time connected by family ties and the dress. They were very different personalities and time frames which enhanced the journey to the sweet conclusion. The ladies lives were messy, believable, and complicated. Their relationships with each other are complicated too, as is the usual case with families.

My favorite character was Rose, the grandmother & 1st experience with the dress. Grace Kelly comes into the picture with her recent wedding and the fantastic original wedding dress that the world fell in love with. Ladies everywhere wanted that dress or something similar. That's our dress. One thing I didn't like was the way each story was chopped up, I'd have liked a little more of each before the next started. Moving back & forth between the ladies was a tad difficult to follow & keep the plots straight. I won't say it was a fun read, it was too emotional for me to consider it fun. It was heartfelt and enjoyable.

#Netgalley #BrendaJanowitz #HarlequinBooks #TheGraceKellyDress #Romance #FamilyDynamics

When a close friend married a few years back, late in life, he was amazed, nayy shocked, that the main focus of the event was “the dress.” And as any bride will tell you, it’s all about the dress.

“The dress” in the novel is one dress that spans three generations, but not “the dress” the American movie superstar Grace Kelly wore to marry her Prince Rainer of Monacco. That dress is the inspiration for this novel, which begins in 1956, when Grace abandons Hollywood to become Her Royal Highness, Princess Grace to Monacco. Grace was living every girl’s fantasy. Grace’s dress is beautiful, and every bride in the world wants to imitate it.

This story is told in three alternating timelines with from a daughter’s, mother’s and grandmother’s point of view. In begins in 2010 in Brooklyn. Rachel, who goes by Rocky, owns a gaming company and is more comfortable in jeans and combat boots. When she becomes engage, her mother, Joan, is certain that she’ll wear her dress. Lacy with Princess Diana sleeves, it screams NOT ROCKY! But how does she not accept a family heirloom without hurting her mother and their relationship.

The second story is Joan’s story. After her sister died, it’s up to her to be the best…be good enough for both of them. This section was my favorite as it has the most suspense. I don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoiling the plot. Still when Joan’s mother brings out the dress, Joan would rather get married in her underwear. But once she makes some changes to it, it becomes the most beautiful gown in the world!

The third story is Joan’s mother’s story. Rose is a seamstress in 1958 in Paris. A young bride has come to the highly regarded bridal boutique where Rose works. The bride wants a Grace Kelly dress, and as the work begins, the plot takes several twists that keeps the reader on edge.

Rocky’s story is the weakest of the three and that weakness is why I am compelled to give “The Grace Kelly” 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.