I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

In this captivating novel set in 1950s oil-rich Oklahoma, we meet Bailey Dowery, a Black dressmaker with a unique gift: “second sight.” Bailey can reveal the true loves and intentions of her socialite clients, making her a silent witness to a shocking crime.

Bailey’s talent extends beyond her needle and thread. With a touch, she glimpses others’ hopes, dreams, nightmares, and even their past and future. Yet, she wears gloves to avoid grazing her clients’ skin during fittings. Brides seek her insight—whether their true love is faithful or if their marriage will succeed.

When Elsa Grimes, daughter of a wealthy oil magnate, seeks Bailey’s help, the truth unravels. Elsa’s impending society wedding hides dark secrets. As Bailey becomes entangled in a murder investigation, she risks everything to protect those she loves.
Trisha R. Thomas masterfully blends historical fiction, fantasy, and magical realism in this gripping tale. “The Secret Keeper of Main Street” offers scandal, intuition, and unforgettable characters against the backdrop of 1950s Oklahoma. A must-read for fans of mystery and intrigue!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Secret Keeper of Main Street. Bailey is a talented seamstress in 1950's Oklahoma. More amazing than her talent a sewing and design is her ability to read hearts. Unfortunately, this ability leads to trouble. “It’s safer to stay out of White folks’ business.”

The title and synopsis of this book are pretty incongruent with what you’re going to get.

It’s not a murder mystery, like I was expecting, but is instead an interwoven tale of women in a small town with different motivations and how far they’ll go to get them.

The story doesn’t focus on Bailey as much as I thought it would, and that ended up being just fine because I personally really related to Elsa. Because really, fuck Ingrid.

Bailey’s worth, for most people in the story, was as a seamstress and reader of heartstrings. Which made it so endearing when Gabby and Charlene and Elsa could see past that and treat her with love for things other than that. Her worth was so much more, but we still love a woman who gets paid for a niche skill, I love that for Bailey

This book, overall, was a wild flip between me just quietly smiling at the love and joy between the characters and yelling “oh NO” at different volumes. It knows how to do dramatic drops really well, which makes it tough when it didn’t stick the landing. Not only was the mystery that I had wanted not quite enough, the following “epilogue” was really long and didn’t leave much to my imagination of “hey, I wonder how these characters could grow in the future”.

It’s a really good book, y’all. Just go in without thinking it’s a murder mystery, make sure you know the titular character is not actually the primary lead, and know that the ending is kinda eh. The first 70-80% though is all banger, fantastic, I was tearing through pages at light speed, it was incredible. After that? Eh.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advanced e-copy of The Secret Keeper of Main Street. It is amazing! The story features superior writing and unforgettable characters.

Bailey Dowery has many gifts. As the town seamstress, local women rely on her for beautiful dresses and honest opinions. They also crave her gift of second sight and a touch of her anointed hands to see their futures. While Bailey modestly downplays her gift, she becomes embroiled in the life of Elsa Grimes, privileged daughter of a respected oil magnate. Elsa dreams of a loving union, and she hopes Bailey can reveal if her fiancé will be her forever partner. That’s where the reader starts, but oh the places Trisha R. Thomas takes you.

The magic of this novel is its unpredictability. Set in 1954, glimpses of racism, wealth, and class are handled with deft imagination. As the lives of Bailey, Elsa and her parents, and the energetic townsfolk of Mendol, Oklahoma, crisscross, we are reminded that humans are more alike than different, seeking love and acceptance in the arms of those who make them feel welcome.

"The Secret Keeper of Main Street" by Trisha R. Thomas is a captivating novel that delves into the intricacies of family, secrets, and the enduring power of community. Set against the backdrop of a small town, Thomas weaves a tale that resonates with warmth, humor, and authenticity.

At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Daisy McCrae, a strong-willed and compassionate woman who runs a thriving bakery on Main Street. Daisy finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that have haunted her family for generations. As she grapples with the weight of these hidden truths, she must confront her own past and reconcile with the present.

Thomas skillfully develops her characters, each with their own struggles and complexities, making them relatable and multi-dimensional. From Daisy's spirited daughter to the eccentric townsfolk, every character contributes to the rich tapestry of Main Street.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of small-town life and the bonds that unite its inhabitants. Through vivid descriptions and evocative prose, Thomas captures the essence of community, highlighting the joys and sorrows that come with belonging to a close-knit town.

The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, keeping readers engaged with its blend of mystery, drama, and heartfelt moments. As Daisy delves deeper into her family's secrets, she uncovers truths that challenge her perceptions and force her to confront her own vulnerabilities.

"The Secret Keeper of Main Street" is not just a story about secrets; it's a story about resilience, forgiveness, and the power of love to heal old wounds. Trisha R. Thomas delivers a compelling and heartfelt tale that will linger in readers' minds long after the final page is turned. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys immersive storytelling and richly drawn characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

I loved this book. The characters are well written and I enjoy the history shared. Touched on many subjects that should be spoken on and discussed by all. It kept me in suspense and I really enjoy that.

“The Secret Keeper of Main Street” by Trisha R. Thomas is about a small southern towns bridal shop seamstress who has the gift of sight. All the prominent women in town come to her to predict their future lives with their betrothed. When she predicts unhappiness to her client Bailey who then finds her fiancée dead, Bailey becomes the prime suspect. Elsa the seamstress becomes the towns target because of her gift and is at risk of losing everything. This book has great characters and is beautifully written, but it gives a stark picture of racism in the south. I loved the premise of this story, I just found it hard to read.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read The Secret Keeper of Main Street by Trisha R. Thomas. I enjoyed meeting Bailey, and spending time in this small town was, i thought, extremely well written

I received a copy of the book "The Secret Keeper of Main Street" The book takes place in Oklahoma in the mid 1950s. Bailey is a black woman who works at her aunt's dressmaker shop. She works there as a seamstress making beautiful wedding gowns. Bailey has a secret talent. she can tell how someone is feeling and can sense the future for someone { like if they are sad or may be in trouble} When Elsa comes into the shop Bailey senses a sadness in the future bride and tells her she does not think she is happy about her upcoming wedding. turns our Bailey is correct, Elsa does not want to marry her fiance and has good reason. When Elsa's future husband Connor, ends up dead Elsa is a suspect. This book is full of secrets that more than one character has kept. and all unravel as the book goes on. I don't want to give spoilers but found this book good enough to keep me turning the pages to find out what those secrets are and how they all come together.

This book drew me in from the beginning. Bailey is a character who has such spark and can see visions of people when she touches them. I liked Bailey and how she really enjoys her job and the people who come in.
When she gets entangled with Elsa and a town scandal she has to figure out what to do and how she can help.
This book has really great characters and a town that is a character within itself.
I think this has good representation also of racism in the South, that people need to see and not let happen again. It would be a good book club read as there is lots to think about and discuss.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I would like to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on June 4, 2024.

If you like Karen Hawkins’ Dove Pond series you will enjoy this book. Bailey is the town’s seamstress who can see secrets about people when she touches them….but at what cost to Bailey and the person she touches? An enjoyable story and unforgettable characters. I really enjoyed this book! Thanks for the advanced copy.

Bailey has a gift, one she doesn’t always feel comfortable using. By touching someone Bailey can see their hopes, dreams and horrors, and as a dressmaker she’s always touching the women of the town. But when Elsa, daughter of the most prominent family in town, comes to her for help, Bailey is dismayed at what she sees and reluctantly helps her.