It’s publication day for bestselling author Fiona Valpy, whose latest novel, The Dressmaker’s Gift, is published today by Amazon / Lake Union.
Ahead of publication, The Dressmaker’s Gift ranked in the Amazon “Most Sold” list for two consecutive weeks, was sitting at No. 2 in the US Amazon charts, and has received glowing reviews ahead of publication:
“An intriguing and nostalgic read.” Woman and Home Magazine
“A hauntingly beautiful story.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“My favourite kind of book set during the war years, it is a must read and if I was able I would award 10*” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“This is probably the best book I have read in years.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“A wonderful dual timeline story set in Paris during WWII and the present day.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
It follows the story of three dressmakers, set during World War II:
Paris, 1940. With the city occupied by the Nazis, three young seamstresses go about their normal lives as best they can. But all three are hiding secrets. War-scarred Mireille is fighting with the Resistance; Claire has been seduced by a German officer; and Vivienne’s involvement is something she can’t reveal to either of them.
Two generations later, Claire’s English granddaughter Harriet arrives in Paris, rootless and adrift, desperate to find a connection with her past. Living and working in the same building on the Rue Cardinale, she learns the truth about her grandmother – and herself – and unravels a family history that is darker and more painful than she ever imagined.
In wartime, the three seamstresses face impossible choices when their secret activities put them in grave danger. Brought together by loyalty, threatened by betrayal, can they survive history’s darkest era without being torn apart?
Fiona’s previous novel, The Beekeeper’s Promise hit No. 1 on the Australian Kindle Charts, has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide and was shortlisted for the RNA Goldsboro Books Historical Romantic Novel Awards. Her Fiona’s first novel in this genre, Sea of Memories, has also sold in excess of 250,000 copies, and rights have been sold into 9 foreign territories.
Fiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written. Fiona is the author of The French for Loveseries, optioned by Game of Thrones producer Frank Doelger of Trinity Productions, including The French For Love, The French for Always and The French for Christmas which have been translated into German, Norwegian, Czech and Turkish.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
