{"product_id":"the-lost-dresses-of-italy-isbn-9781639105649","title":"The Lost Dresses of Italy","description":"\u003cb\u003eIn this rich, atmospheric historical novel, perfect for fans of Brenda Janowitz and Adriana Trigiani, two stories of love and deceit intertwine nearly a hundred years apart in Verona, Italy.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eVerona, 1947. \u003c\/b\u003eTextile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind:  three pristine Victorian dresses, once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne’s expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eVerona, 1864.\u003c\/b\u003e Christina Rossetti returns to her family’s homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her:  a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina—and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, \u003ci\u003eThe Lost Dresses\u003c\/i\u003e transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion.\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eThe Lost Dresses\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“History, mystery, and fashion blend in this alluring novel.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e “Rich with details of two historical periods . . . a compelling tale of two women overcoming different forms of grief.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Lost Dresses of Italy\u003c\/i\u003e is a compelling read, combining fashion, poetry, romance and a murder mystery, set in Juliet and Romeo’s evocative Verona.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eHistorical Novels Review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Deftly crafted . . . McLaughlin showcases her genuine flair for originality and a distinctive storytelling style that makes for a fun read from cover to cover.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eMidwest Book Review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A wonderful journey that enlightens the reader with the rich history of one of the Victorian era’s most noted poets, Christina Rossetti.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eFeathered Quill\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Lost Dresses of Italy\u003c\/i\u003e is a tense, slow-burn adventure.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eFresh Fiction\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“McLaughlin captures the essence of famed Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti and her family in this dual timeline mystery that is full of intrigue, fashion, art and passion all within the scenic backdrop of Italy. An enthralling historical mystery that will have you flipping the richly detailed pages late into the night!”\u003cbr\u003e—Eliza Knight, \u003ci\u003eUSA Today \u003c\/i\u003eand international bestselling author of\u003ci\u003e Starring Adele Astaire \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“M.A. McLaughlin’s \u003ci\u003eThe Lost Dresses \u003c\/i\u003edelivers something for everyone. Intrigue, art, history, and romance, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of nineteenth-century Verona. A richly detailed and beautifully rendered trip through the senses.”\u003cbr\u003e—Barbara Davis, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Keeper of Happy Endings \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Echo of Old Book  \u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“In an enchanting dual-framing between Victorian-era poet Christina Rossetti and Marianne, a 1940s textile expert, McLaughlin weaves an intricate tapestry of secrets and family losses among fabrics and a mysterious casket. As Marianne faces suspicion and the possibility of new love, she must unravel messages entrusted to her from the past. A delicious, curl-up-by-the-fire read.” \u003cbr\u003e—C.W. Gortner, international bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eMademoiselle Chanel\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Lost Dresses \u003c\/i\u003eis a lyrical and moving novel that perfectly captures the tone of Christina Rossetti's poetry and her life. M. A. McLaughlin weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, mystery and rediscovery that will move readers and keep them immersed in the characters' lives and fates until the end.”\u003cbr\u003e—Georgie Blalock, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Indiscreet Princess\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003eM. A. Mclaughlin\u003c\/b\u003e is an award-winning, multi published author. She completed her M.Phil. at the University of York (England) and teaches nineteenth-century British literature, composition, and fiction writing at Florida Southwestern State College. She has also given numerous workshops in the U.S. and abroad on all aspects of creating\/publishing a novel, and is a member of The Byron Society, Historical Novel Society, Florida Writers Association, and Women's Fiction Writers Association.","brand":"Alcove Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46305430634725,"sku":"NP9781639105649","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781639105649.jpg?v=1767740322","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/the-lost-dresses-of-italy-isbn-9781639105649","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}