THE DRESS SHOP ON KING STREET by ASHLEY CLARK is both heartwarming and heartbreaking as we are taken from 1860 when a nine year old girl, born and raised in slavery is sold, to her present day descendants. Her devastated mother had filled a sack with a letter to her daughter and some things that were precious to her, including two beautiful buttons which play a big part in the story.
The characters are beautifully portrayed and we are taken into their dreams, joys and disappointments and the sometimes difficult decisions they have to make.
We meet Millicent Middleton, whose dream is to own a dress shop, and Franklin Pinckney, the train jumper, in 1946. The story is brought together in the present time with Peter Perkins, an historian who describes his research into the past as "architectural salvage", And Harper Rae, whose dream is to own a dress shop and design clothes. She is passionate about restoring vintage clothing and learning the stories behind the beautiful garments and shoes that she finds. Both Peter and Harper have a history with Millie.
The theme of restoration is strong, of mending that which is broken or torn, of following the dreams the Lord has given us, and not giving up when His timing is not the same as ours.
The horrors of racial division and the fear it evokes, as well as the importance of embracing the whole of our heritage, form an important part of the story.
The Dress shop on King Street is an inspirational and well written read with a strong Christian message of hope running through it, and one I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romantic fiction.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.