The Perfect Dress

Our Review

THE PERFECT DRESS tells the perfect story of three plus-size women—one who lost weight for her boyfriend, what was she thinking?—and the business they open together. The story centers around their shop, which custom makes wedding dresses for plus-size women. 

Their business takes off better than they hoped, but their personal lives steal the show.  Paula and Jody thought they’d had love but end up leaving their relationships thanks to their guys who aren’t what they seem. Mitzi is too busy for love, or is she just looking for the type of love her parents had?

We learn about each woman a little at a time. Mitzi’s high school crush, Graham, and his teenage twin daughters move back to their small town. Their characters are woven throughout as are Mitzi’s dad, grandmother, and Paula’s and Jody’s mothers. The interactions among the rich cast make the story shine.

The story flows smoothly as we get to know the characters, whose actions definitely affect the three women. I loved how Graham’s daughters, Dixie and Tabby, love all things wedding and are willing to help out wherever they can. That they get to make flower arrangements, corsages, and boutonnieres makes their day.

There are twists and turns to the story, some of which are expected and others not. But as much as the story had wonderful detail, I felt the ending was too rushed. There were stories that should have been told more expansively than just a few short sentences in the epilogue, although it helped give the story the closure it needed.

Carolyn Brown has become a new favorite author of mine.  All her books involve family and friends, friendship and love. I love her stand-alone stories as well as those in a series. Give her books a try if you haven’t already. You won’t be disappointed!