The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding

"I cannot remember the last book I loved as much... a luminous, heart-achingly beautiful love letter to friendship. Knockout!" — Josie Silver, New York Times bestselling author

International bestseller Mhairi McFarlane explores lifelong friendships, long-buried secrets, and unexpected love in a heartfelt, emotional new novel, perfect for fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, or In Five Years.

Eve, Justin, Susie, and Ed have been friends since they were teenagers. Now in their thirties, the found family of four are as close as ever, Thursday night bar trivia is sacred, and Eve is still nursing a secret, unrequited love for Ed. Maybe she should have moved on by now, but she can’t stop thinking about what could have been. And she knows Ed still thinks about it, too.

But then, in an instant, their lives are changed forever.

In the aftermath of a tragic loss, Eve’s world is upended. As stunning secrets are revealed, she begins to wonder if she really knew her friends as well as she thought. And when someone from the past comes back into her life, Eve’s future veers toward an unexpected second chance romance...

They say every love story starts with a single moment. What if it was just last night?

"[A] book I almost wish I’d written, except that would have robbed me of the intense joy of reading it... the kind of novel that will have you putting everything else on hold so you can keep turning pages until you reach its sparkling, brilliant end.” — Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of People We Meet on Vacation

London, 1947

Though the war ended two years ago, England’s recovery has been difficult. But the nation’s spirits are lifted when Princess Elizabeth’s engagement is announced. For Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, the upcoming wedding is more than a celebration. The talented embroiderers have been chosen to create the intricate stitching that will adorn the bride’s gown. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for a working-class English girl and a French émigrée who survived the Nazis.

Toronto, 2016

Intrigued by the exquisite set of embroidered flowers she inherited from her late grandmother, Heather Mackenzie discovers they match Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown. She also finds an old photo of Nan with Miriam Dassin, a celebrated artist. How did her beloved Nan come to possess these treasures and what was her connection to Miriam Dassin? Yearning to know more about her grandmother’s past, Heather travels to London for a journey that will unlock the secrets of Nan’s life and, perhaps, lead her to her own destiny.

“Robson manages the familiar elements skillfully, relying on a sharply detailed evocation of the Blitz through the fresh eyes of a young American and on characters who defy their types with just the right splash of individuality.” - Booklist

Praise for Goodnight from London: “Enriched with authentic period detail, Goodnight from London is a fascinating, compelling tale of a determined young journalist, in World War II London, who not only observes but experiences firsthand the harrowing effects of the Blitz-and discovers love when she least expects it.” - Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Fates and Traitors and Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

“Goodnight from London is another masterpiece by Jennifer Robson.” - Joy Callaway, author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society

Praise for Moonlight Over Paris: “Returns with mastery once more to the World War I era…. This is a moving and memorable book.” - Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale

“In The Gown, Jennifer Robson illuminates with her signature meticulous historical detail and sure voice the story behind Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress... an unforgettable story of friendship, hardship and hope.  Robson has managed to craft a story that is personal and universal, timely and timeless. The Gown soars!” - Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale

“A moving story about the power of female friendship and renewal in the face of adversity.  Like the good luck sprig of heather hidden amid the embroidery on Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress, this story promises secrets and lives that bloom in unlikely ways.  Perfect for fans of The Crown!” - Lauren Willig, author of The English Wife

“For fans of “The Crown,” looking for history served up as intimate drama, and those seeking another angle on royal lives, “The Gown” seems likely to dazzle and delight. - Washington Post

“...one of the most fun books you’ll read this year.” - Women's Day

“Jennifer Robson’s novel is a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Elizabeth’s gorgeous wedding gown and its talented embroiderers. It tells of three generations of women overcoming adversity, and honors the strengthening power of friendship and art. It’s a charming and romantic novel with style and substance.” - Christian Science Monitor

“Robson’s novel shifts deftly between... Toronto to London in 2016... giving meticulous attention to the historical detail of post–World War II London. A fascinating glimpse into the world of design, the healing power of art, and the importance of women’s friendships.”

“A story of friendship, family bonds, and courage, The Gown is the ideal read for fans of historical fiction and royal watchers alike!”

Jennifer Robson delivers a satisfying multigenerational epic linked by the intricate embroidery used on Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Robson’s meticulous attention to historical details—notably the intricacies of the embroidery work—is a wonderful complement to the memorable stories of Ann and Milly, making for a winning, heartwarming tale.   - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Robson deftly weaves issues of class, trauma, romance, and female friendship with satisfying details of Ann and Miriam’s craft. This unique take on the royal wedding will be an easy sell to fans of Netflix’s The Crown and a sure bet for readers of women-centered historical fiction.” - Booklist (starred review)

“A celebration of strength, resilience, and friendship, The Gown transports readers as Robson offers a richly detailed and meticulously researched glimpse of daily life in post-war Britain. An enchanting must-read for historical fiction fans!” - Chanel Cleeton, author of Next Year in Havana

“A treat.” - People

“Embroidering a magical moment in royal history, Robson tells a heartrending story of friendship, loss, love, and redemption.” - Leslie Carroll, author of American Princess: The Love Story of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

“Jennifer Robson embroiders life, friendship, and hope into the somber gray world of post-war London every bit as skillfully as her seamstress heroines embroider crystal flowers into the folds of a royal wedding dress. Miriam and Ann are both battling inner demons when they meet in the backroom of England’s most famous couture house, but the chance of a lifetime--the task of embroidering Princess Elizabeth’s gown for the wedding of the century--will open new doors for both women, and lay the foundations of a mystery to be unraveled seventy years later by their grandchildren. THE GOWN is marvelous and moving, a vivid portrait of female self-reliance in a world racked by the cost of war.”  - Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network

“Jennifer Robson embroiders life, friendship, and hope into the somber gray world of post-war London... The Gown is marvelous and moving, a vivid portrait of female self-reliance in a world racked by the cost of war.” - Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network

“Once again, with an impressive depth of research, Jennifer Robson provides an enchanting glimpse into the past, each word and detail a carefully placed stitch. Told through the eyes of three compelling women, The Gown is a heartwarming story of friendship, resilience, and the power of heirlooms to connect people through generations, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.”  - Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of The Edge of Lost and Sold on a Monday

“Told through the eyes of three compelling women, The Gown is a heartwarming story of friendship, resilience, and the power of heirlooms to connect people through generations, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.”

“Robson vividly brings to life these three women’s struggles. Historical details about fabric, embroidery, and the royal family are well incorporated into their stories, with light romance rounding out this charming work of historical fiction.”   - Library Journal