My rating: 4/5
This story was such a breath of fresh air. The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark couples inspiring characters, an immersive plot, and a faith filled message that harmoniously created a tale of hope, redemption, and family.
Dual time periods, 1946 and modern day, comprise this novel set primarily in Charleston, South Carolina. When main character Millie is persuaded to make a life altering decision based upon the racial climate in the US during the 1940’s, it forces her to keep a secret that will ultimately affect her life and family for generations. Millie sustains a life of secrecy and what she deems a failed life dream until a young woman returns in her life with a stark discovery that sets her life upon a path of redemption and acceptance. Harper is a young woman at a crossroad in her life. After experiencing a devastating rejection, she loses hope for her passion of sewing and owning a dress shop. However, she visits Millie, the woman who helped foster her talent in sewing, and they both return to Charleston bound by disappointments and surrendered passions. There lies a young man who will encourage healing, perseverance, and acceptance toward their Godly purposes.
“But you also can’t ignore the thing that keeps your soul alive, because I believe God puts that sort of stuff in us for a reason. That He speaks to us through it. God is faithful, and when He calls you to something, He will also give you the means, even if it doesn’t look as expected.” –The Dress Shop on King Street
The Dress Shop on King Street is a masterfully written novel that is both plot and character driven. The novel includes Christian faith content that adds an inspiring and hopeful element to a tale that includes the evil complexities of racism. The merciful love of Jesus is highlighted as the characters realize that despite life’s hardships, disappointments, and presumable failures, the love of Jesus is a sustaining anchor to us. His overall plans and purposes in our lives trumps our desires. What we think is the end of a story, is the beginning of an even better story yet untold. I enjoyed the realistic depiction of the characters growing in their faith and trust in the Lord, as well as the portrayal of them healing from past losses. One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the inclusion of diverse characters that are oftentimes absent in Christian fiction novels. I appreciated the inclusion of these characters that made the story even more unforgettable. I implore you to read this novel if you enjoy stories of love, family, and purpose.
#Christianfiction
