I’ve read other books by Barbara Davis and have loved her writing and her wonderful characters. The Keeper of Happy Endings is all of that and more. It’s magical, with its fairytale like story of wedding gowns created with charms to ensure happy endings.
It’s also tragic, with the telling of Nazi occupation in 1945 Paris. It’s heartwarming, with stories of lasting love, and bonding with new friends. And it’s realistic with broken families and dreams that are shattered. But it’s also hopeful, with reunions that make those dreams come true.
I loved the story of Soline Rousseau and Rory Grant. Wonderful, likable heroines of this story. My thanks to NetGalley, Barbara Davis and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This beautifully written book by Barbara Davis is one of my favorite World War II novels. The two main characters were so believable that I felt their pain and happiness. The plot was paced well and the story made me miss some sleep at night to find out how it ended.

This novel takes place in two time periods - World War II and 1976 in Boston. The main characters are Soline during World War II in Paris and Rory and Soline in Boston, 1976. The chapters skip back and forth between timelines and characters but it was no problem to keep up with.

Soline is a wedding dress seamstress in Paris. Her mother and grandmother had the power to predict happy marriages and people in Paris said that the only way to be guaranteed a happy marriage was to have them make your dress. With the war going on, Soline wanted to find somewhere to volunteer her time to help the war effort. At the American hospital, she meets an ambulance driver from Boston who is volunteering his time to help. They fall in love and when she flees Paris, he tells her to go to his family home in Boston. His father is extremely cruel and believed that she was only involved with his son because of his money. When she leaves his home, she settles in Boston and starts making dresses again until her shop is burned down.

Rory always wanted to open an art gallery and when she sees the burnt bridal shop, she just knows that is where the gallery should be. She's also an artist who has been discouraged by her mother and given up on her artistic endeavors. She is still grieving her boyfriend who has disappeared from a hospital where he was working with Doctors without Borders. As she begins to repair the building, she finds a wedding dress and letters and knows that she needs to find Soline to return them to her. By this time in her life, Soline has become a recluse but Rory finally tracks her down. Both women have tremendous sadness in their lives over the loss of the person they loved and feel that their lives will never be happy again. They are both stronger than they think and their friendship makes them even stronger and helps handle some sad and also some happy events.

Barbara Davis's new book is beautifully written and well researched. It's a story of love and friendship and hope brought about by second chances

I was given an advance copy of this book.

The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis is a stunning novel full of art, tragedy, love, and magic. I fell in love with the author’s previous book, The Last of the Moon Girls, and this book is just as amazing.

The characters in this story are so well written. The main character, Rory, is in an ongoing bad situation that is out of her control, but she still tries to persevere to make her life better. Another character, Soline, experienced so much tragedy in her past that she’s essentially shut herself out of life. These characters, amongst others, come together to determine their place in world.

I loved the dual timeline in this book. While most of it takes place in Boston in the 1980’s, there are flashbacks to war torn France in the middle of the 1940’s. It makes reading the story so interesting to actually “experience” what happened in Soline’s past instead of her just taking about it in the more current timeline. Different timelines and perspectives both makes reading stories so much more engaging in my opinion.

The Keeper of Happy Endings is beautiful story that was very hard for me to put down. I look forward fo see what the author does with her next book.

Review Kudos to Barbara Davis, Author of “The Keeper of Happy Endings” for writing such a fantastic, magical, enchanting, and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, and a touch of Magical Realism. The timelines for this story are set in World War Two, and more modern times. I love the vivid way that the author describes her characters, the landscape and scenery, the dresses, and the events. The author describes her women characters as complex, complicated, courageous, and creative. The author also describes some characters as flawed, betrayers, and keeping secrets. The themes that surround the novel are the importance of family, forgiveness, second chances, finding and losing some things that are important, and love, and hope.

The two main protagonists in the book are Soline Roussel, who is described as a special dressmaker with a special talent around World War Two, and Rory Grant, who is an artist in modern times. There are layers in this novel, that become like puzzle pieces that have to be fit together to complete this story. Barbara Davis is a wonderful storyteller and weaves these pieces making a perfect fit.

Both characters suffer from loss and heartbreak, and yet are brought together, perhaps by fate. When Rory is looking for a place for her art, she is drawn to the building that once housed the magnificent French Bridal Creations by Soline Roussel. There was a fire, and now the building is mostly abandoned. Rory is able to lease the building from Soline and finds a special box containing significant moments from Soline Roussel. Little do both characters realize the connections this box will provide a key for.

I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put this down. I have to admit there were some Kleenex moments. I would highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking book to others. Happy Reading!
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THE KEEPER OF HAPPY ENDINGS by Barbara Davis is a wonderfully written and compelling story that takes the reader back and forth between WWII with Soline and 1980s with Rory. Though I’ve changed my reading habits in 2021, I love that this novel appealed to so many genres besides historical fiction. There is the magical element of the charms and romance told in unexpected ways for all the women in the book. Speaking of women, I also appreciated the way all the women in the novel had distinct dreams and complicated relationships with their mothers that didn't stem from any sort of neglect. My favorite portions of this book were those tied to the artistry of Soline’s wedding dresses and Rory’s fabric landscapes. I thought it was a beautiful read that I really enjoyed and that read in two binge sessions. I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

5 stars! I typically enjoy reading WWII historical fiction novels and I was thrilled with the opportunity to read Barbara Davis’ “The Keeper of Happy Endings”. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop until I read each delicious page. I fell in love with the characters flaws and all, and I couldn’t help but root for them.

The novel spans over a 40-year time frame beginning with the beautiful young Soline in Paris toward the end of WWII. Previously, she was a dressmaker with a magical ability to create beauty, weaving together only happy endings for beautiful brides. As a volunteer in a makeshift hospital, she falls in love with an American who risks his life daily as an ambulance driver and as a member of the resistance.

Then we get to see Soline years later as an older reclusive woman whose life did not turn out how she had hoped. In 1980s Boston, she begins a friendship with Rory whose grief is similar to her own. Soline becomes almost a “fairy godmother” of sorts and an unlikely friendship is forged.

Rory’s fiancé, a physician with doctors without borders was captured in South Sudan months ago. Rory feels helpless but is determined to find out what happened. And she moves forward with the dream Hux encouraged her to fulfill, opening an art gallery. All-the-while her society driven mother just wants Rory to move on, wanting her to create a life that is more in line with her own.

Davis’ writes with such a vivid vocabulary that I could easily picture each scene as it took place. I’d love to see made into a movie, particularly if Barbara Davis writes the script. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and was very satisfied with the ending.

I received an advance digital review copy of this book all opinions are my own.

First off I have to say, "Oh Barbara, this is the best book you have ever written. It touched me so deep I felt it in my soul. My heart. Every part of me. It's absolutely stunning." Thank you for this. This book is so good. So emotional. So sad. So beautiful. It's honestly written to perfection in my humble opinion.

A true love story. A true romance. A true historical. A true women's fiction. This is the book that will be on top of my list for books I have read in 2021.

The lines that brought this story home for me: "It still seemed impossible. Such an inexplicable confluence of events. Lives intersected. Hearts reunited. Families mended. Because of a box she'd found under the stairs of a burned-out building. A box full of happy endings-and perhaps a touch of la magie.

"As long as you keep his beautiful face in your heart...he will never truly be lost." This is just a line that I love. It's so true too.

This is the story of many losses. What Soline goes through will honesty gut you. What she has to endure will rip your heart out and stomp on it a few times. How much loss is one woman expected to live with. I totally loved and adored Soline. She is one strong woman who also has so many weak spots. Who tends to turn into her own self when she can't take anymore. Hides out to be totally alone. Yet she keeps on living when many would have given up and stopped. All the things that happened to her that lead up to the conclusion of this book will leave you breathless. In gut wrenching, heartbreaking, huge, ugly, tears. Throughout this book you will get to know this woman and you will adore her. She's honestly a true survivor. One who kept on going through so much.

Then there is Aurora, called Rory, who is going to a lot of the same things as Soline. It's no wonder these two women, Rory and Soline, meet and hit it off. That they become such good friends. Even though their ages are way apart they are so alike. They are fast friends. Both suffered loss and its heartbreaks. Both need someone to hear them. To be there so they can share their story. They have that as friends. I truly loved Rory too. She's such a tender hearted young woman. Always trying to do the right thing. Trying to please others.

I loved the characters in this book. Most were so good and so kind. One I truly hated was Owen Purcell, but without him there would have been no story. At first I didn't like Camilla, but got to know her and she changed my mind. She's Rory's mother. She can be a bit daunting but she has her reasons. All these characters are needed in this book. They will all become a part of you while reading. This book will stay with you. From Paris during a time when all is lost to America where all things seem possible. This is a story of love and loss.

Thank you #NetGalley, #BarbaraDavis, #LakeUnionPublishing, for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this wonderful book.

5/5 HUGE stars and the highest recommendation possible. You honestly do not want to miss this one.

A Roussel Bride is always guaranteed a happy ending!

Soline Roussel was raised in Paris to create a little magic in every gown she sews. After fleeing Paris during WWII for Boston, she flourishes producing happy brides until her salon is ravaged by fire. Aurora Grant is reeling from the tragic news that her fiancé has gone missing from his Doctors Without Borders station in the Sudan when she stumbles on the former salon’s row house. She convinces the reclusive Soline to lease her the space to open her dream gallery for unknown artists. Spilling her story to Soline, she realizes that they are kindred spirits as she lost her true love in WWII. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

Gripping, emotional and suspenseful. I could not put it down because I just had to know how it ends. But I also was so enthralled I didn’t want it to end. The characters are so broken yet strong and resilient, I just want to sit and listen to them tell me stories over a cup of tea. I highly recommend this romantic enticing experience!

Le magie! This was a good book with a captivating storyline that had me day reading. Some history, some human struggles, and a touch of magic lead you through the present as it meets and intertwines with the past.
The story is told by two narrators, Soline and Rory, and it flows nicely through Paris and Boston. I enjoyed the descriptions of the places and could easily picture the settings. And the fashion and the dresses! I could practically feel the fabric running through my fingers.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

Blend Of Historical And Women's Fiction That Leaves The Room Dusty Through Its Final Quarter. This was an excellent blend of historical fiction on one end and a "current" (mid-80s) timeline women's fiction tale on the other. Not quite an either/ or thing, but both play well with each other (and most of the historical stuff is done by the 2/3 point or so). Just be prepared for a VERY dusty read through the back quarter of the book, where Davis does an excellent job of revealing things but then letting them play out in a more natural setting and timeframe than other authors may have done. The book starts off with a lot of The Giver type vibes before becoming something so much more than that work ever intended to be - but the fact that it even feels similar to that award winning book speaks to just how well Davis crafts her story here. Very much recommended.

Two women - Soline and Rory - one that owned a bridal salon who made magical wedding gowns that guaranteed happy endings and one who was starting an art gallery.

How were they connected? Both had similar heartaches, and the art gallery Rory bought was the one Soline owned.

How did they find each other since Soline was a recluse after her salon had caught fire?

A box containing a wedding dress, letters from customers, and mementos from a lover connected them and created a marvelous friendship.

We follow both women through their sorrows and their successes - one whose sorrows started during WWII and the other present day.

Ms. Davis has outdone herself with this book…historical fiction, love, heartaches, forgiveness, secrets kept for years, but most of all hope in all of it.

A beautiful, beautiful read. I know you will love it too. 5/5

This book was given to me by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

THE KEEPER OF HAPPY ENDINGS by Barbara Davis is an enchanting story of love, loss and second chances. The lives of two women, separated by forty years, become intertwined in ways neither could have expected, but somehow seems destined to be. Soline Roussel is the last in a generation of women in her family to make magical wedding gowns in an exclusive bridal salon in Paris. The legend is that any bride who wears one of the Roussel’s handstitched gown is sure to have a lifetime of happiness. But Soline’s chance for a happy ending of her own is dealt a devastating loss during World War II that shatters the dreams she had for her future. Decades later, Rory Grant is coping with her own tragic loss and decides to fulfill a long-time dream of opening her own art gallery. She learns that the property she rents for her gallery was previously owned by Soline. When Rory finds a box of items from Soline’s past in a hidden room, the two are brought together and soon form an unlikely friendship that just might help them both heal. I found myself completely engrossed in this beautiful story full of mystery, romance and second chances for a happy ending and I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this heartwarming book and I look forward to whatever comes next from Barbara Davis. Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

This book is probably my favorite so far this year. Trust me, this is one you will want to pre-order. Great story, great characters, and beautiful prose. This is definitely one of my top ten books of the year.

THE KEEPER OF HAPPY ENDINGS BY Barbara Davis

Just the kind of book I hope to delve into. Two women, Soline and Rory, with different pasts come together in a twist of fate that leads them to a stunning and unexpected discovery that changes everything.
Barbara Davis weaves delicious elements of other-worldly things into this enchanted tale.
Soline: “We were the Roussels, a family of dressmakers—bridal designers to be precise—but with a particular specialty. The bride who wears a Roussel gown on her wedding day is guaranteed a happy ending.”
What could possibly go wrong with that!
“Some foolish Roussel whose name has long been forgotten, once used la magie to steal another woman’s husband…”
Oh, yeah, the plot thickens.
La Tisserand de sort are not only dressmakers, but Spell Weavers that craft spells and sew them into wedding dresses. When Rory sees Soline’s dress shop for lease, she feels it has been waiting for her to open her art gallery.
Rory received a Roussel wedding dress from her fiancé before the war but he was captured, and has not come home. Or has he? What spell was cast for her?
Intriguing and heart-wrenching story of love and loss and magic!
https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Happy-Endings-Barbara-Davis-ebook/dp/B08X48G5VL/

I adored this book! Secrets, romance, second chances!!! It has it all.
This is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last! I highly recommend reading this book

This beautifully told historical fiction story has it all!
I did not want the novel to end and deliberately took my time to savor each page.
When Rory Grant decides suddenly to lease an old damaged building and restore it for her art gallery, she finds a strange box holding a wedding gown hidden behind the stairs of an old damaged building.
Rory returns it to the owner of the building, Soline Roussel.
Soline is an elderly women who once made amazing wedding gowns. but is now a recluse and has built a wall to prevent anyone from entering. Will she let Rory in?
Life has a way of connecting those we need at the time needed and this is that journey!
"We're kindred spirits, you and I. Strangers who share a common past."
The characters are people I genuinely would love to be friends with, young and old, each with a story that held my heart captive.
There is heartbreak, family, joy, and a bit of "magick" while told in a dual timeline from 1939 (World War II) to 1985.
I dare anyone to not adore this book!
It is magical!