"All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality -- the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape."
--Author Christopher Benson

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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourban

An Obsidian Mystery
Published by New American Library
A Division of The Penguin Group


A Brand New Series
A Magical Dressmaking Mystery
Release Date:  August 2, 2011
ISBN-10: 0451234367
ISBN-13: 978-0451234360


A decedent of the infamous Butch Cassidy,  Harlow Jane Cassidy and all the other Cassidy women through time possess special "gifts".  Harlow is still unsure what her gift actually is when she returns home to Texas from Manhattan. Her great grandmother has passed away and left her farmhouse to Harlow.  Harlow worked as a fashioner designer in New York so she decides to open a custom dressmaking boutique on the main level of her new home.

One of her first customers is her childhood friend Josie, who is getting married in just two weeks. The store where she had ordered her bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses has gone out of business and she needs Harlow to save the day and create all the dresses as fast as she can.  

Calamity strikes when the maid of honor is found dead outside of Harlow's shoppe.  The bride looks like the prime suspect and she now needs more than a few dresses.  She needs her help to find out who killed her friend.  It turns out Harlow may be able to do this especially with a little bit of unusual help, a little help from the great beyond. 

This story really tugged at my heartstrings.  I too come from a long line of dressmakers, seamstresses, and people who love to sew. My grandmother was known for her beautiful work, making men's suits and wedding dresses along with every other garment thinkable. My mother made all my clothes until I started making my own and until my accident I created not only clothes for my family but quilts as well.  While we may not have possessed any magical powers we found so much joy in what we were able to create.

Harlow's gift with fabric is extraordinary, but it is her late great-grandmother that steals the story and will keep you in stitches as she makes her opinions "heard".  The other characters are varied and well written. A little bit of romance, loaded with humor and a wonderful mystery made this book a delightful read.  You can also feel the author's love and talent of sewing jump of the pages. She definitely has a passion that shines through.

This was a fun read and would be enjoyed by all but especially those that love to sew.  It would also make a fabulous gift for anyone who sews. If future books follow this pattern some wonderfully constructed mysteries are in our future!!


Your Escape With A Good Book Travel  Agent


BOOK 2 IN THIS SERIES!!!!
The author also writes as Misa Ramirez, be sure to check out her Web Page to find out about all her books!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

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Beth(bookaholicmom) said...

I love to sew as well (although I don't do it very often anymore) so this series catches my eye. I guess this could give new meaning to the term bridezilla if the bride is the culprit!