Book of the Month is a monthly book subscription box. Each month, five curators pick out their favorite new hardcover books, and you can choose which one you want to receive on the first of the month for $14.99/month. You can also add up to two additional books for only $9.99 each. (This box was named one of the best subscriptions for avid readers in the 2022 Subscription Box Awards.)
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Book Selections
These are all six of the options for this month.
First Impressions
I had a tough time deciding this month, but ultimately I decided on some historical fiction based on the BOTM description!
Book Summary from Amazon:
After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. Praying that her niece and nephew will be more hospitable than her brother had been, she arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business while staying in a quaint country village.
Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay—the village has been interminably dull with all the men off fighting. But just as Cressida arrives, so does Violet’s conscription letter. It couldn’t have come at a worse time; how will she ever find a suitably aristocratic husband if she has to spend her days wearing a frumpy uniform and doing war work?
Meanwhile, the local vicar’s daughter, Grace Carlisle, is trying in vain to repair her mother’s gown, her only chance of a white wedding. When Cressida Westcott appears at the local Sewing Circle meeting, Grace asks for her help—but Cressida has much more to teach the ladies than just simple sewing skills.
Before long, Cressida’s spirit and ambition galvanizes the village group into action, and they find themselves mending wedding dresses not only for local brides, but for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might even manage to find it for themselves.
My BOTM Pick for June
The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan — Retail Value $28.00 (On sale for $25.20)
1 of 2
I had such a difficult time finding a moment to really get started with this book; vacation with four kids is a lot of packing and unpacking and not nearly as relaxing as it used to be! I remember when I would go through several books in a week at the beach, but this time it took a few attempts before I was able to fully immerse myself in this book, even though my interest was definitely piqued from the start. Once I actually got into this book, I was almost giddy at where it would go. I could tell these characters would change a lot over the course of the book and there was a hint of romance that I could not wait to see play out!
The chapters alternate between viewpoints from three main characters, Grace; a vicar's daughter who is sweet and kind and preparing for her upcoming nuptials, Cressida; whose boldness and confidence have made her a name in fashion, and Violet; Cressida's estranged niece who is spoiled and vapid, longing only to find a husband with a title. Not only have these women with unique personalities been affected differently by this war, but each has such a different attitude towards it. Grace is happy to put everyone else's needs before her own and she dutifully serves her community with pride and well...grace. Cressida seems to have a newfound respect for the work being done and soon immerses herself in her new role as a part of the village she willingly left many years ago. Poor Violet, who is not yet betrothed, receives conscription papers and is utterly humiliated at the idea of being amongst women of a lower social class. Fortunately, she redeems herself when she quickly realizes that her late father may have led her astray in her upbringing. Something that her brother, Hugh, also knows all too well.
Ah Hugh, the boy that was Grace's childhood friend, the boy with whom she once shared a kiss. This idea of romance is what got me very excited since their interactions are somewhat passionate and since Grace is soon to be married to someone else. It provided just the right amount of drama for me. I am only about halfway through, but I am so eager to see where these characters end up! The characters are all so likable and even with the heaviness of war surrounding them, it still feels like such a hopeful story.
If you picked this book this month, please let me know what you think of it!
Each month they send us a bookmark.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14.99 + free shipping
Value Breakdown:
This box costs $14.99, but the book I chose retails for $28.00, which is a discount of about $13.00.
Key Takeaways
If the second half of this book is anything like the first, I think this will definitely earn a recommendation from me! If you like historical fiction, female friendships, and a little bit of romance, this might be a good pick for you!
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To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this book if you sign up today? No, but you can always choose from past picks to start your subscription or add it on!
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