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The Keeper of Happy Endings
An enchanting novel about fate, second chances, and hope, lost and found, by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Last of the Moon Girls.
Soline Roussel is well schooled in the business of happy endings. For generations her family has kept an exclusive bridal salon in Paris, where magic is worked with needle and thread. It’s said that the bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy. But devastating losses during World War II leave Soline’s world and heart in ruins and her faith in love shaken. She boxes up her memories, stowing them away, along with her broken dreams, determined to forget.
Decades later, while coping with her own tragic loss, aspiring gallery owner Rory Grant leases Soline’s old property and discovers a box containing letters and a vintage wedding dress, never worn. When Rory returns the mementos, an unlikely friendship develops, and eerie parallels in Rory’s and Soline’s lives begin to surface. It’s clear that they were destined to meet—and that Rory may hold the key to righting a forty-year wrong and opening the door to shared healing and, perhaps, a little magic.
Soline Roussel is well schooled in the business of happy endings. For generations her family has kept an exclusive bridal salon in Paris, where magic is worked with needle and thread. It’s said that the bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy. But devastating losses during World War II leave Soline’s world and heart in ruins and her faith in love shaken. She boxes up her memories, stowing them away, along with her broken dreams, determined to forget.
Decades later, while coping with her own tragic loss, aspiring gallery owner Rory Grant leases Soline’s old property and discovers a box containing letters and a vintage wedding dress, never worn. When Rory returns the mementos, an unlikely friendship develops, and eerie parallels in Rory’s and Soline’s lives begin to surface. It’s clear that they were destined to meet—and that Rory may hold the key to righting a forty-year wrong and opening the door to shared healing and, perhaps, a little magic.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
28801 people are currently reading
109802 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Davis
10 books4,389 followersAuthor of The Secrets She Carried, The Wishing Tide, Summer at Hideaway Key, Love, Alice. (Penguin/Berkley) When Never Comes (Lake Union) The Last of the Moon Girls (Lake Union) The Keeper of Happy Endings (Lake Union) The Echo of Old Books (Lake Union) Every Precious and Fragile Thing (Lake Union)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,434 reviews
December 7, 2021
In a Nutshell: An interesting premise and pretty good execution. I loved the story but the extremely slow beginning and the extremely contrived ending took away some of my enjoyment.
Story:
Where the book worked for me:
✔ In spite of the multiple perspectives and timelines, the story keeps every arc straight and it never gets confusing. Unlike some multi-pov books that change characters in every chapter, the author here seems to have a clear purpose for each perspective change, and makes sure she completes that plot point before moving on to the next pov, even if it takes multiple chapters. This is so much better than abrupt pov shifts just for the sake of it. This approach also ensures that all the timelines are given equal attention.
✔ Unlike my usual experience, both the contemporary and the historical timelines appealed to me equally. Also, the two storylines begin independently but merge pretty well.
✔ The characters are developed really, really fabulously. (I can see one of my adverb-hating friends rolling her eyes in frustration at this sentence. 😛) At no point would you wonder why he/she did what he/she did. Every single character is well-defined. Every emotion, on the dot. Every decision, realistic. The mother-daughter connections especially touched a chord.
✔ While I am not a "clothes person", I enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful embroidery and other handiwork that went into the Roussel wedding gowns. The element of magic added even more spice to the story. How I wish there were more of the magical bits!
✔ There are so many beautiful quotes in this book. One of my favourites was “ I’ve come to believe we create our own curses and carry them through life because we’ve been told it’s our lot. We’re taught to relive our mothers’ heartaches, to accept their sufferings as our own, and pass them on to the next generation, again and again. ”
✔ I liked the book club questions at the end. I don’t usually read this section but this time I did and they were fascinating!
Where the book could have been better:
⚠ It is slow, like SLOOOWWWWWW in the first half. I found myself reading and reading, and yet when I looked at the percentage indicator, I had hardly gone ahead by 5%. I don’t think this has anything to do with the book being 400+ pages. The writing just takes a lot of time to move the story ahead. The second half is way better.
⚠ The ending is too convenient. Everything seems to fit in too perfectly to be believable.
⚠ This final point of feedback depends on how you feel about twists in historical fiction. I don’t actively look for twists in this genre. The book still tries to throw a few surprises your way. But I found all of them guessable much in advance, despite my passive reading. If you like to be surprised but are an avid reader, that may not necessarily happen in this story.
Overall, I still like this book to a great extent. If only the pace were quicker and the ending, more realistic! Nevertheless, it is a beautiful story of relationships and emotions and personal strength in the face of struggles. Well worth a read on an introspective-mood day. I would certainly love to try more fiction by this author.
4 stars from me.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Keeper of Happy Endings”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Soline Roussel comes from a long line of bridal dressmakers, who are reputed to have magic in their fingers that ensures a happy ending for the bride that wears a Roussel gown. However, after a devastating personal loss during WWII, Soline is forced to flee to the Unites States, where she faces even more heartbreak and is forced to lock away her past and face the future alone.
Four decades later, twenty-three year old Rory, who is trying to come to terms with her recent grief, has taken an old property on lease for her art gallery. There, she discovers a box full of old letters and an unused vintage wedding dress. When she goes to return the box to Soline, the owner of that property, an unlikely friendship develops between the two, based on a mutual understanding of what it means to have loved and lost.
The story comes to us from the first person perspectives of Soline in 1941 and 1985, and from the third person perspective of Rory in 1985.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ In spite of the multiple perspectives and timelines, the story keeps every arc straight and it never gets confusing. Unlike some multi-pov books that change characters in every chapter, the author here seems to have a clear purpose for each perspective change, and makes sure she completes that plot point before moving on to the next pov, even if it takes multiple chapters. This is so much better than abrupt pov shifts just for the sake of it. This approach also ensures that all the timelines are given equal attention.
✔ Unlike my usual experience, both the contemporary and the historical timelines appealed to me equally. Also, the two storylines begin independently but merge pretty well.
✔ The characters are developed really, really fabulously. (I can see one of my adverb-hating friends rolling her eyes in frustration at this sentence. 😛) At no point would you wonder why he/she did what he/she did. Every single character is well-defined. Every emotion, on the dot. Every decision, realistic. The mother-daughter connections especially touched a chord.
✔ While I am not a "clothes person", I enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful embroidery and other handiwork that went into the Roussel wedding gowns. The element of magic added even more spice to the story. How I wish there were more of the magical bits!
✔ There are so many beautiful quotes in this book. One of my favourites was “ I’ve come to believe we create our own curses and carry them through life because we’ve been told it’s our lot. We’re taught to relive our mothers’ heartaches, to accept their sufferings as our own, and pass them on to the next generation, again and again. ”
✔ I liked the book club questions at the end. I don’t usually read this section but this time I did and they were fascinating!
Where the book could have been better:
⚠ It is slow, like SLOOOWWWWWW in the first half. I found myself reading and reading, and yet when I looked at the percentage indicator, I had hardly gone ahead by 5%. I don’t think this has anything to do with the book being 400+ pages. The writing just takes a lot of time to move the story ahead. The second half is way better.
⚠ The ending is too convenient. Everything seems to fit in too perfectly to be believable.
⚠ This final point of feedback depends on how you feel about twists in historical fiction. I don’t actively look for twists in this genre. The book still tries to throw a few surprises your way. But I found all of them guessable much in advance, despite my passive reading. If you like to be surprised but are an avid reader, that may not necessarily happen in this story.
Overall, I still like this book to a great extent. If only the pace were quicker and the ending, more realistic! Nevertheless, it is a beautiful story of relationships and emotions and personal strength in the face of struggles. Well worth a read on an introspective-mood day. I would certainly love to try more fiction by this author.
4 stars from me.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Keeper of Happy Endings”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
September 25, 2021
Barbara Davis writes lovely and unique stories. A few years ago, while visiting me during the summer, my mom read one of her books. She went on to read all of Barbara Davis’ backlist in a short time. They are that good!
The Keeper of Happy Endings is the story of Soline, the owner of a bridal salon in Paris. The dresses her family has made for generations are supposed to bring a lifetime of joy to those who wear them. Tragedy strikes when World War II happens, and Soline’s life is forever changed.
It’s also the story of Rory, decades later. When she leases the property owned by Soline’s family to open an art gallery, she finds letters and a dress with special meaning. Soline and Rory’s paths cross in an unexpected way.
With a touch of mystery and romance and a sprinkle of magic, The Keeper of Happy Endings is a lovingly told story of second chances.
I received a gifted copy of the book.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The Keeper of Happy Endings is the story of Soline, the owner of a bridal salon in Paris. The dresses her family has made for generations are supposed to bring a lifetime of joy to those who wear them. Tragedy strikes when World War II happens, and Soline’s life is forever changed.
It’s also the story of Rory, decades later. When she leases the property owned by Soline’s family to open an art gallery, she finds letters and a dress with special meaning. Soline and Rory’s paths cross in an unexpected way.
With a touch of mystery and romance and a sprinkle of magic, The Keeper of Happy Endings is a lovingly told story of second chances.
I received a gifted copy of the book.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 25, 2022
My first book from this popular author and I enjoyed it very much.
There are two time lines, the first being the story of Soline who lives in Paris in WW2. She meets and falls in love with an American soldier who makes her go to America to be safe with his family until he can join her. The second story is about Rory in 1985. Her husband to be has been taken hostage overseas and she does not know if she will ever see him again. Circumstances lead to a meeting with a much older Soline and the events which follow are remarkable.
This was a very easy to read book. The characters were well formed and easy to relate to, both story lines were interesting, and there were many happy and sad moments. As could be expected from the title there is a happy ending which leaves the reader well satisfied. Well worth reading.
There are two time lines, the first being the story of Soline who lives in Paris in WW2. She meets and falls in love with an American soldier who makes her go to America to be safe with his family until he can join her. The second story is about Rory in 1985. Her husband to be has been taken hostage overseas and she does not know if she will ever see him again. Circumstances lead to a meeting with a much older Soline and the events which follow are remarkable.
This was a very easy to read book. The characters were well formed and easy to relate to, both story lines were interesting, and there were many happy and sad moments. As could be expected from the title there is a happy ending which leaves the reader well satisfied. Well worth reading.
September 24, 2021
I guess I should have known better, since the title even includes the words, "happy endings." But wow, this story was full of more convenient coincidences than probably any other I have ever read! It has all the makings of an overly sappy Hallmark movie. Totally not my preference. This was my free Amazon First Reads selection for Sept and my mind must have been on a different planet when I chose this one, or it was totally mis-described, because this is NOT the kind of book I would normally choose. Way too syrupy sweet and happy for me.
Talk about suspension of belief - you need to check all rational thought at the door and just settle in for one unbelievable coincidence after another.
Haven't we saturated the market with books about WWII and old ladies that are still alive now who lived through those ghastly times, made heart-wrenching choices or sacrifices, bravely fought with the Resistance in some European country or other, who loses her one and only for decades, then conveniently is reunited with him current day because of someone reading her diary/letters/etc? And of course she and he are both alive, single, and very healthy and well and live happily ever after. As I said, not my kind of story line.
Talk about suspension of belief - you need to check all rational thought at the door and just settle in for one unbelievable coincidence after another.
Haven't we saturated the market with books about WWII and old ladies that are still alive now who lived through those ghastly times, made heart-wrenching choices or sacrifices, bravely fought with the Resistance in some European country or other, who loses her one and only for decades, then conveniently is reunited with him current day because of someone reading her diary/letters/etc? And of course she and he are both alive, single, and very healthy and well and live happily ever after. As I said, not my kind of story line.
September 9, 2021
Wow. was not expecting the ending. Slow start but it progressed and I couldn't put the book down.
March 31, 2024
I can't cry because I'm at work, but this book is really beautiful, omg. I need time to get my shit together. Rtc!
October 23, 2021
A lovely book that's beautifully written.
There are plenty of lines to savor. "I’ve come to believe we create our own curses and carry them through life because we’ve been told it’s our lot. We’re taught to relive our mothers’ heartaches, to accept their sufferings as our own, and pass them on to the next generation, again and again."
And loads of lovely descriptions of Paris and '80s fashions in the US, plus an Audrey Hepburn-dressed character, who you can instantly see as you read.
It was pretty easy to figure out how things would go down, but that didn't detract at all from the pleasure of reading it.
My only quibble would be that people during the war didn't really know where the Germans kept their prisoners or the conditions there until the end of the war, whereas in this novel, it seems that everyone knows. but this is really a minor thing.
All in all, the book is very aptly named, and I recommend it to anyone who loves good writing, women's fiction, WWII stories, and HEAs. 4.7
There are plenty of lines to savor. "I’ve come to believe we create our own curses and carry them through life because we’ve been told it’s our lot. We’re taught to relive our mothers’ heartaches, to accept their sufferings as our own, and pass them on to the next generation, again and again."
And loads of lovely descriptions of Paris and '80s fashions in the US, plus an Audrey Hepburn-dressed character, who you can instantly see as you read.
It was pretty easy to figure out how things would go down, but that didn't detract at all from the pleasure of reading it.
My only quibble would be that people during the war didn't really know where the Germans kept their prisoners or the conditions there until the end of the war, whereas in this novel, it seems that everyone knows. but this is really a minor thing.
All in all, the book is very aptly named, and I recommend it to anyone who loves good writing, women's fiction, WWII stories, and HEAs. 4.7
October 28, 2021
If you had asked me at the 50% point, this book was headed for a five star review…then, it did the literary equivalent of jumping the shark. A series of abso-freaking-lutley unlikely events just ruined this one for me.
October 5, 2021
Do you believe in happy endings? Have you had to search for yours?
Soline Roussel comes from a family of seamstresses who have an exclusive bridal boutique in Paris. For generations, the Roussells have been schooled in the business of happy endings. Rumour has it that a bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy. Driven to expand the business, Soline attempts to branch out on her own just as the Nazis come to occupy France. Her dreams set aside, she discovers she’s accidentally volunteered at an American hospital - the only one the Germans allowed to operate - and she meets the love of her life, Anson William Purcell. When it becomes unsafe for her to be in Paris, she packs up a single suitcase and heads for the USA.
Forty years later, after a great career, circumstances force Soline to retire and she leases the shop space to Rory Grant who wants to open an art gallery. Rory is a trust fund baby who doesn’t want that life. In conflict with her mother, she maintains her heart set on launching artists just starting their career and names the shop, “Unheard of.” While renovating the space, she finds a cardboard box containing a vintage wedding dress and a pile of old thank you letters from former brides who wore Roussel gowns, detailing their ‘happy endings.’ This is the catalyst for Rory to diligently seek her own happy ending. You’ll be mesmerized as soon as you notice the timelines overlapping!
I absolutely LOVED this book. What’s not to like - Paris, couture, second chances, family dynamics, and subtle magic? My first introduction to this author and I’ve already placed her on my ‘auto buy’ list.
Why?
-She is an effective storyteller who engaged me to the point that I couldn’t set the book down.
-Her rich characters are crafted so that I could relate and therefore become engaged
-Her action-oriented story focuses on the development of a significant outcome.
-Her visceral writing has a conversational tone to it which really built a connection with me.
-She tells Soline and Rory’s story by describing their experience and expressing sympathy. It drew me in and had me anxious to know more about their past.
This emotionally immersive read with strong female characters who experience losses, have creative impulses, yet continue to search for their happy endings must top your Fall reading list!
I’m eagerly anticipating “The Care and Feeding of Old Books” about an owner of a vintage bookstore who finds an intriguing book in a box of donated items.
Published October 1, 2021.
I was gifted this copy by Barbara Davis, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Soline Roussel comes from a family of seamstresses who have an exclusive bridal boutique in Paris. For generations, the Roussells have been schooled in the business of happy endings. Rumour has it that a bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy. Driven to expand the business, Soline attempts to branch out on her own just as the Nazis come to occupy France. Her dreams set aside, she discovers she’s accidentally volunteered at an American hospital - the only one the Germans allowed to operate - and she meets the love of her life, Anson William Purcell. When it becomes unsafe for her to be in Paris, she packs up a single suitcase and heads for the USA.
Forty years later, after a great career, circumstances force Soline to retire and she leases the shop space to Rory Grant who wants to open an art gallery. Rory is a trust fund baby who doesn’t want that life. In conflict with her mother, she maintains her heart set on launching artists just starting their career and names the shop, “Unheard of.” While renovating the space, she finds a cardboard box containing a vintage wedding dress and a pile of old thank you letters from former brides who wore Roussel gowns, detailing their ‘happy endings.’ This is the catalyst for Rory to diligently seek her own happy ending. You’ll be mesmerized as soon as you notice the timelines overlapping!
I absolutely LOVED this book. What’s not to like - Paris, couture, second chances, family dynamics, and subtle magic? My first introduction to this author and I’ve already placed her on my ‘auto buy’ list.
Why?
-She is an effective storyteller who engaged me to the point that I couldn’t set the book down.
-Her rich characters are crafted so that I could relate and therefore become engaged
-Her action-oriented story focuses on the development of a significant outcome.
-Her visceral writing has a conversational tone to it which really built a connection with me.
-She tells Soline and Rory’s story by describing their experience and expressing sympathy. It drew me in and had me anxious to know more about their past.
This emotionally immersive read with strong female characters who experience losses, have creative impulses, yet continue to search for their happy endings must top your Fall reading list!
I’m eagerly anticipating “The Care and Feeding of Old Books” about an owner of a vintage bookstore who finds an intriguing book in a box of donated items.
Published October 1, 2021.
I was gifted this copy by Barbara Davis, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 15, 2021
Like a wedding gown lovingly crafted, THE KEEPER OF HAPPY ENDINGS is stitched through with secrets, romance, and mystery sure to enchant—and leave readers believing in the magic of second chances. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2023
My third venture into Ms Davis's books, I'm glad I started with the excellent The Last of the Moon Girls as I may not have read further with this one and When Never Comes.
This was readable if sometimes tedious up to around 70%, then it all happens. It is a big reveal and certainly surprised me and kept me reading up to the end, which unfortunately as often happens, went on too long. Very formula-tic, but sometimes interesting. Our two narrators, Rory and Soline, had some interesting backstories to share, especially Soline, but in the end, as readable as it was, it felt pretty hollow. 2.5 stars rounded up because it did make me cry and was gripping at times, although severely flawed and not particularly believable.
One interesting tidbit was that Anson was in my father's class at Yale in 1941, small coincidences as throughout the entire book.
This was readable if sometimes tedious up to around 70%, then it all happens. It is a big reveal and certainly surprised me and kept me reading up to the end, which unfortunately as often happens, went on too long. Very formula-tic, but sometimes interesting. Our two narrators, Rory and Soline, had some interesting backstories to share, especially Soline, but in the end, as readable as it was, it felt pretty hollow. 2.5 stars rounded up because it did make me cry and was gripping at times, although severely flawed and not particularly believable.
One interesting tidbit was that Anson was in my father's class at Yale in 1941, small coincidences as throughout the entire book.
February 10, 2025
Aurora Grant has decided to rent a brownstone building in Boston to open an art gallery. Aurora is excited about this new development in her life and she is determined to meet her new landlord, a very private and reclusive older woman named Soline Roussel. This chance development will change both of their lives forever.
Author Barbara Davis’ novel is a story of secrets, love, loss, hope, and second chances -with a bit of magic as well. Spanning the years from 1939 in Paris to 1985 in Boston, Davis skillfully weaves together the story of Aurora and Soline’s lives and adds an unexpected twist to the story. The characters are well developed and the main characters are very likeable while some of the secondary characters are just the opposite! It’s an engrossing story that is hard to put down.
Author Barbara Davis’ novel is a story of secrets, love, loss, hope, and second chances -with a bit of magic as well. Spanning the years from 1939 in Paris to 1985 in Boston, Davis skillfully weaves together the story of Aurora and Soline’s lives and adds an unexpected twist to the story. The characters are well developed and the main characters are very likeable while some of the secondary characters are just the opposite! It’s an engrossing story that is hard to put down.
October 4, 2021
This is my first ever book I’ve read by Barbara Davis and I enjoyed it very much! I loved everything about it - the story, the characters, it was great! A nice change of pace from the last book I read and all the psychological thrillers I’ve been drawn to here lately. Definitely one of my FAVORITE books of 2021!!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. Out for publication right now.
May 9, 2023
I'm only on page 31 and I'm supposed to believe that a 23-year-old, has already sold a collection of work through an interior designer including a commissioned piece for a trendy restaurant, and now she's going to open an art gallery? And she's working on her MFA. It's already completely unbelievable. Oh and did I mention that her fiance is a doctor who gave up Private practice to go and work at Doctors without borders, a year ago. So let's do these numbers: he left for South Sudan when she was 22. They're already engaged so what does that mean they met when she was 20? Still in university? And he's already a doctor? Meaning he's how old? 4 years of med school four years of residency so 29. Oh but he took a year off when his parents were killed in a car accident on interstate 40, so a bit older? And then private practice? So she was 20 and he was 30 something? And her mother is only 42? This whole thing doesn't work for me and it's making it so that I can't even continue reading the book. I mean really I don't care if you come from The bluest Blue blood of Boston there's no way the numbers work out without being creepy.
October 1, 2021
Two women - Soline and Rory - one that owned a bridal salon who made magical wedding gowns that guaranteed happy endings and one who was starting an art gallery.
How were they connected? Both had similar heartaches, and the art gallery Rory bought was the one Soline owned.
How did they find each other since Soline was a recluse after her salon had caught fire?
A box containing a wedding dress, letters from customers, and mementos from a lover connected them and created a marvelous friendship.
We follow both women through their sorrows and their successes - one whose sorrows started during WWII and the other present day.
Ms. Davis has outdone herself with this book…historical fiction, love, heartaches, forgiveness, secrets kept for years, but most of all hope in all of it.
A beautiful, beautiful read. I know you will love it too. 5/5
This book was given to me by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
How were they connected? Both had similar heartaches, and the art gallery Rory bought was the one Soline owned.
How did they find each other since Soline was a recluse after her salon had caught fire?
A box containing a wedding dress, letters from customers, and mementos from a lover connected them and created a marvelous friendship.
We follow both women through their sorrows and their successes - one whose sorrows started during WWII and the other present day.
Ms. Davis has outdone herself with this book…historical fiction, love, heartaches, forgiveness, secrets kept for years, but most of all hope in all of it.
A beautiful, beautiful read. I know you will love it too. 5/5
This book was given to me by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2021
I enjoyed Moon Girls so it was a no-brainer when this came up as a freebie in Prime Reading. In theory it should have ticked all the right boxes, I love stories that are a bit witchy, bit magic, I loves sewing, so what's not to like?
...but it just didn't do much for me. Too much telling, not enough showing. Or sewing, for that matter, given that it was supposed to be a central theme. We didn't really see the "dress witch" using her magic or making her charms. We could have seen the stories of some of the brides she'd helped, or have desperate Parisian women queuing outside her door during the war, clutching worn out dresses, handkerchiefs or even rags for her to embroider charms into to keep their loved ones safe. We didn't even experience her making one of her classic wedding gowns. Neither did we see Rory working on the textile art which apparently means so much to her.
Character-wise, Rory was bearable, Soline interesting, but the depiction of Camilla seemed wooden and cliched, and she was written as seeming far older than 42 (and with a 23 year old daughter, she must have still been a teenager when she got married and had a child, too young methinks!)
The big plot twist came as absolutely no surprise, and the ends were all tied up a bit too quickly and easily. Disappointing, overall.
...but it just didn't do much for me. Too much telling, not enough showing. Or sewing, for that matter, given that it was supposed to be a central theme. We didn't really see the "dress witch" using her magic or making her charms. We could have seen the stories of some of the brides she'd helped, or have desperate Parisian women queuing outside her door during the war, clutching worn out dresses, handkerchiefs or even rags for her to embroider charms into to keep their loved ones safe. We didn't even experience her making one of her classic wedding gowns. Neither did we see Rory working on the textile art which apparently means so much to her.
Character-wise, Rory was bearable, Soline interesting, but the depiction of Camilla seemed wooden and cliched, and she was written as seeming far older than 42 (and with a 23 year old daughter, she must have still been a teenager when she got married and had a child, too young methinks!)
The big plot twist came as absolutely no surprise, and the ends were all tied up a bit too quickly and easily. Disappointing, overall.
August 24, 2022
I just loved this little gem. It somehow sang all the right notes for me. I found it quietly entrancing. I love it when the theme of magic is so subtle, and done extremely well. That it's just sort of quietly sewn into the hem of the story as an underlying wisp or echo.
What a character Soline is. To know her is to fall more deeply in love with her as a character. She is strong but vulnerable. Completely impossible, and yet could do the impossible. You feel for her deeply and root for her. Rory is also a spitfire. Feels like she might be a mess and yet totally competent all at once. They each have a penchant for storytelling and artistry, and find kindred spirits in one another. The women shine in this book. Camilla, Thia, all of them. Its a story of hopes and dreams and trauma, leading back to how one comes to again believe in possibility. I thought it was beautifully done, and Barbara Davis is a new favorite author of mine to explore.
What a character Soline is. To know her is to fall more deeply in love with her as a character. She is strong but vulnerable. Completely impossible, and yet could do the impossible. You feel for her deeply and root for her. Rory is also a spitfire. Feels like she might be a mess and yet totally competent all at once. They each have a penchant for storytelling and artistry, and find kindred spirits in one another. The women shine in this book. Camilla, Thia, all of them. Its a story of hopes and dreams and trauma, leading back to how one comes to again believe in possibility. I thought it was beautifully done, and Barbara Davis is a new favorite author of mine to explore.
February 18, 2025
What a wonderful story full of fate, serendipity and a little bit of magic. I loved it start to finish.
Set in the 1980s with flashbacks to the 1940s France during World War 2 this was a perfect blend of women's fiction with historical fiction.
Soline comes from a family of bridal dress designers in France. During WW2, she flees France and sets up a shop in the US, quickly becoming THE most sought after bridal gown designer in the area. After a fire destroys her store, Soline decides to close up shop in the 1980s.
Rory, an art gallery owner wannabe, stumbles upon Soline's old shop and wants to open her gallery in the perfect location.
What forms is a special friendship between the women despite the forty year age difference. Fate has brought them together, it was their destiny.
I never wanted this book to end. I started to slow down the last 100 pages, and actually put the book down to start planning out my next read so I could stretch it out even more. I am so sad it's over.
All the stars for this one
Set in the 1980s with flashbacks to the 1940s France during World War 2 this was a perfect blend of women's fiction with historical fiction.
Soline comes from a family of bridal dress designers in France. During WW2, she flees France and sets up a shop in the US, quickly becoming THE most sought after bridal gown designer in the area. After a fire destroys her store, Soline decides to close up shop in the 1980s.
Rory, an art gallery owner wannabe, stumbles upon Soline's old shop and wants to open her gallery in the perfect location.
What forms is a special friendship between the women despite the forty year age difference. Fate has brought them together, it was their destiny.
I never wanted this book to end. I started to slow down the last 100 pages, and actually put the book down to start planning out my next read so I could stretch it out even more. I am so sad it's over.
All the stars for this one
own-tbr
November 10, 2023Read before 12/5 on KU Audio for book meeting.
March 1, 2025
Where do I begin?
Is this a book about second chances, fate, how something lost and then found could make a difference maybe?
Or... Can this also be a book about friendship, family, and possibilities?
Or... Is it about all the various tragedies along the way that any one character can endure?
Or... Is it about the coincidences that seem to occur that has everything to do with how this story plays out?
Or... Is it how we as readers wonder if we will ever get to the happy endings?
And…After everything, by the time we reach the end, does it all feel contrived? Happy? Satisfying?
Of course, I can’t tell you, because if I do, I would be giving away the plot, and that is not what I do.
What happened in the past with Soline, and what happens with Rory… and how it all comes together in the present, well, if you want to know…
Is this a book about second chances, fate, how something lost and then found could make a difference maybe?
Or... Can this also be a book about friendship, family, and possibilities?
Or... Is it about all the various tragedies along the way that any one character can endure?
Or... Is it about the coincidences that seem to occur that has everything to do with how this story plays out?
Or... Is it how we as readers wonder if we will ever get to the happy endings?
And…After everything, by the time we reach the end, does it all feel contrived? Happy? Satisfying?
Of course, I can’t tell you, because if I do, I would be giving away the plot, and that is not what I do.
What happened in the past with Soline, and what happens with Rory… and how it all comes together in the present, well, if you want to know…
August 22, 2024
Endings of tomorrow
This book captured my interest and you cannot help but fall in love with Soline. she's young she's got ambition and through all the things that she goes through she's strong. She's a hero in her way.
You have romance you have hurt you have sorrow you have new beginnings and I found myself understanding how not only the characters felt that at times it actually brought tears to my eyes and yes I cried but also it can open your heart to others.
This book captured my interest and you cannot help but fall in love with Soline. she's young she's got ambition and through all the things that she goes through she's strong. She's a hero in her way.
You have romance you have hurt you have sorrow you have new beginnings and I found myself understanding how not only the characters felt that at times it actually brought tears to my eyes and yes I cried but also it can open your heart to others.
April 10, 2022
*Fate and Chances*
This book is an emotional journey charting a young French woman Soline Roussel who had a wonderful mother who owned a enchanting bridal shop and taught Soline to sew where a touch of magic worked with the needle & thread. Everyone who buys the gowns seemed to have a happy ending.
All this changes in the blink of an eye when Soline loses everything she holds dear due to World War ll.
She goes on to work as a volunteer in a hospital and meets an American man Ansen who is helping the war effort …. That’s all I will say.
Decades later although she is established in her own bridal shop in Boston, her heart has not moved on. After an incident that means the shop is almost destroyed she allows it to sit there empty refusing to sell it. A young woman Rory Grant who has ambitions to own an art gallery is interested in leasing the property. Soline is reluctant until she hears that the girl has searched thoroughly and this property is the only one she feels drawn to.
Rory soon discovers a box with a wedding dress and memories at the property.
Rory arranges to meet Soline to return the mementos there is an instant connection, little do they know they are about to embark on their own journey together. What is discovered are lies and shocks I was moved to tears. I read and listened to this book, things start to happen that rips the bandage off more than one heart…
This book is an emotional journey charting a young French woman Soline Roussel who had a wonderful mother who owned a enchanting bridal shop and taught Soline to sew where a touch of magic worked with the needle & thread. Everyone who buys the gowns seemed to have a happy ending.
All this changes in the blink of an eye when Soline loses everything she holds dear due to World War ll.
She goes on to work as a volunteer in a hospital and meets an American man Ansen who is helping the war effort …. That’s all I will say.
Decades later although she is established in her own bridal shop in Boston, her heart has not moved on. After an incident that means the shop is almost destroyed she allows it to sit there empty refusing to sell it. A young woman Rory Grant who has ambitions to own an art gallery is interested in leasing the property. Soline is reluctant until she hears that the girl has searched thoroughly and this property is the only one she feels drawn to.
Rory soon discovers a box with a wedding dress and memories at the property.
Rory arranges to meet Soline to return the mementos there is an instant connection, little do they know they are about to embark on their own journey together. What is discovered are lies and shocks I was moved to tears. I read and listened to this book, things start to happen that rips the bandage off more than one heart…
September 19, 2021
Undoubtedly there's some good writing here, but the author's talent is overshadowed by the fact that this story is basically a Hallmark movie in book form, which is, uh...decidedly not my thing. Some people will love this and I can see why, but for me it was predictable and overly saccharine. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes. One star for the story, one star for the writing.
October 13, 2021
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Beautiful!
Soline Russel belongs to a family from Paris that specializes in ensuring happy endings for others. Their hand-stitched bridal gowns are known to bind the couple together forever. But the blessing is also a curse. No one in the family has had a happy ending of their own. Soline tries to challenge the curse only to realize she can’t.
Years later, in Boston, Rory (Aurora) is trying to find hope and stay positive. Her fiancé has been abducted in another country, and there’s no news of him. The strained relationship with her mother offers no solace. Until, by chance, Rory spots an old shop damaged by a fire accident.
It rekindles her desire to make her dreams come true. Rory’s persistence brings her face to face with Soline, the owner of the store. Soline sure has made a name for herself in an unknown country, but what’s she has lost can never let her live in peace.
Rory’s situation brings Soline out of her self-imposed exile. Of course, life isn’t easy, and things change just when their bond deepens. An unexpected decision by Rory sets the ball rolling. Secrets are revealed, and a new ray of hope is found. But is it possible to hope for the elusive happy ending for either of them?
The book is 416 pages long, and as with every historical, the start is slow. But the book picks up the pace and seamlessly flows between different timelines and POVs. We get to see the story from Soline’s and Rory’s perspectives, giving us a chance to appreciate both women. Two other women play a vital role in the book- Camilla (Rory’s mom) and Thia.
The story is beautiful and heartbreaking. At about 59%, I connected the dots, but then the author threw in a twist. Of course, my guess was right, but the way she revealed it worked better than my expectations.
A book with a title as such should have a happy ending, and this one indeed does. Some of it might seem a little too neatly tied up, but hey, I wanted a happy ending and got one. No complaints.
The characters are well developed. There are subtle hints to see beyond the obvious and delve deeper into the character’s mind. That’s clever writing.
The two biggest plus points are-
• Emotions that hit the cord
• A fine balance between both timelines
Many such books end up with one timeline grabbing the limelight. That doesn’t happen here. However, there are a couple of minor issues that could’ve been addressed. Still, the book is a worthy read in many ways.
This is my first book by the author, and I’m surely going to read her other works.
To sum up, The Keeper of Happy Endings is a story of hope, love, second chances, family, relationships, and happy endings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheKeeperofHappyEndings #NetGalley
One Liner: Beautiful!
Soline Russel belongs to a family from Paris that specializes in ensuring happy endings for others. Their hand-stitched bridal gowns are known to bind the couple together forever. But the blessing is also a curse. No one in the family has had a happy ending of their own. Soline tries to challenge the curse only to realize she can’t.
Years later, in Boston, Rory (Aurora) is trying to find hope and stay positive. Her fiancé has been abducted in another country, and there’s no news of him. The strained relationship with her mother offers no solace. Until, by chance, Rory spots an old shop damaged by a fire accident.
It rekindles her desire to make her dreams come true. Rory’s persistence brings her face to face with Soline, the owner of the store. Soline sure has made a name for herself in an unknown country, but what’s she has lost can never let her live in peace.
Rory’s situation brings Soline out of her self-imposed exile. Of course, life isn’t easy, and things change just when their bond deepens. An unexpected decision by Rory sets the ball rolling. Secrets are revealed, and a new ray of hope is found. But is it possible to hope for the elusive happy ending for either of them?
The book is 416 pages long, and as with every historical, the start is slow. But the book picks up the pace and seamlessly flows between different timelines and POVs. We get to see the story from Soline’s and Rory’s perspectives, giving us a chance to appreciate both women. Two other women play a vital role in the book- Camilla (Rory’s mom) and Thia.
The story is beautiful and heartbreaking. At about 59%, I connected the dots, but then the author threw in a twist. Of course, my guess was right, but the way she revealed it worked better than my expectations.
A book with a title as such should have a happy ending, and this one indeed does. Some of it might seem a little too neatly tied up, but hey, I wanted a happy ending and got one. No complaints.
The characters are well developed. There are subtle hints to see beyond the obvious and delve deeper into the character’s mind. That’s clever writing.
The two biggest plus points are-
• Emotions that hit the cord
• A fine balance between both timelines
Many such books end up with one timeline grabbing the limelight. That doesn’t happen here. However, there are a couple of minor issues that could’ve been addressed. Still, the book is a worthy read in many ways.
This is my first book by the author, and I’m surely going to read her other works.
To sum up, The Keeper of Happy Endings is a story of hope, love, second chances, family, relationships, and happy endings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheKeeperofHappyEndings #NetGalley
October 7, 2021
Who doesn’t wish for a wedding that everyone says “Aww and they lived happily ever after”?
Story alternate between two women Soline and Rory from two different eras with different past. It weaves through years in France and now the US.
Rory (Aurora) Grant is leasing and renovating a building that had been in a fire, as she knows it will be perfect for her art gallery. While cleaning up she comes upon a box with letters, memorabilia and a vintage wedding gown inside. She figures she will return it to the owner of the building Soline Roussel.
Soline is now elderly and a bit of a recluse and not receptive to guests. For many years her family owned an exclusive bridal salon in Paris. It is said that any bride who wears a ‘Roussel’ gown is guaranteed a lifetime of happiness. It is believe that there is magic woven into the gown with each stitch.
However, war torn Europe left Soline with a heart ache. Soline was planning to marry the handsome Anson William Purcell when he was killed in the war. Hmmm it appears that her own wedding dress was not made with the magic of “happily ever after stitches” or was it?
I thought this was going to be totally a predictable story but the twists made me love the story and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Not going to give any more away as you need to enjoy it for yourself! Trust me ~ you will enjoy it!
BTW: Don’t stop at the end of this story as the ‘Book Club Questions’ are great and will give you something to think about even if you aren’t in a book club.
My first Barbara Davis story and I am looking forward to another!!!
On another Note: The talk of ‘echoes’ certainly got my interest
We are bound by our echoes.
Echoes connect us to the ones we love, binding us forever.
Echoes are voices and/or images buried in the recesses of our brains.
So when I saw that Barbara Claypole White offered praise for this novel and is the author of Echoes of Family, I immediately put that book on my TBR list.
Want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this uncorrected- proof. This file has been sent to me for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date was October1, 2021.
Story alternate between two women Soline and Rory from two different eras with different past. It weaves through years in France and now the US.
Rory (Aurora) Grant is leasing and renovating a building that had been in a fire, as she knows it will be perfect for her art gallery. While cleaning up she comes upon a box with letters, memorabilia and a vintage wedding gown inside. She figures she will return it to the owner of the building Soline Roussel.
Soline is now elderly and a bit of a recluse and not receptive to guests. For many years her family owned an exclusive bridal salon in Paris. It is said that any bride who wears a ‘Roussel’ gown is guaranteed a lifetime of happiness. It is believe that there is magic woven into the gown with each stitch.
However, war torn Europe left Soline with a heart ache. Soline was planning to marry the handsome Anson William Purcell when he was killed in the war. Hmmm it appears that her own wedding dress was not made with the magic of “happily ever after stitches” or was it?
I thought this was going to be totally a predictable story but the twists made me love the story and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Not going to give any more away as you need to enjoy it for yourself! Trust me ~ you will enjoy it!
BTW: Don’t stop at the end of this story as the ‘Book Club Questions’ are great and will give you something to think about even if you aren’t in a book club.
My first Barbara Davis story and I am looking forward to another!!!
On another Note: The talk of ‘echoes’ certainly got my interest
We are bound by our echoes.
Echoes connect us to the ones we love, binding us forever.
Echoes are voices and/or images buried in the recesses of our brains.
So when I saw that Barbara Claypole White offered praise for this novel and is the author of Echoes of Family, I immediately put that book on my TBR list.
Want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this uncorrected- proof. This file has been sent to me for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date was October1, 2021.
November 16, 2024
I listen to the audiobook and had a little problem with understanding the heavy French accent in places. But it was certainly worth the struggle to read a great story, great writing and fabulous characters.
September 5, 2021
Too many plot holes and too precious
Ms. Davis and her editor need to fill in some holes. Please explain how the American Hospital was allowed to work under the Germans, same for mail going from France to Allied countries during the war. As for the storyline, let’s just say a “willing suspension of disbelief” is required.
Ms. Davis and her editor need to fill in some holes. Please explain how the American Hospital was allowed to work under the Germans, same for mail going from France to Allied countries during the war. As for the storyline, let’s just say a “willing suspension of disbelief” is required.
September 9, 2021
Trust me, this is one book you will not want to miss reading. Great story, great characters, well-plotted and with absolutely beautiful prose. It captured me from the first page and kept me turning pages until the very end. The Keeper of Happy Endings is definitely one of my top ten books of the year.
August 8, 2021
This book is probably my favorite so far this year. Trust me, this is one you will want to pre-order. Great story, great characters, and beautiful prose. This is definitely one of my top ten books of the year.
September 10, 2021
I last read a book by this author 2 years ago, again with the Kindle First offer. I really enjoyed it but marked it down to 4* for some silly mistakes, only to find those same mistakes still feature in this one as well !! It is baffling that nobody spots them, let alone corrects them !
She persists in writing about french windows without writing French properly....even my red squiggly line autocorrect thing picks it up as I compose this review !! This time she does it with chardonnay, too, which should also be capitalised. She does THAT American thing of assuming we know every acronym or abbreviation she throws in, because she doesn't explain them, which means we have to stop reading to google what NPR or Tuft's or MFA or MLS or a Bernina is.....and another repeated error from her is writing ticked and not ticced. However, no apostrophe mistakes again which is to be appreciated.
Little bits were left unsaid....we didn't know what happened to the Kennedy gown nor THE dress that Soline carried across continents...this left me a bit flat, especially that last, since it featured heavily. I'd like to think Rory could maybe utilise it one day.....
Errors aside, I enjoyed the story again and she has some lovely little remarks in it, such as, "There are all sorts of heroes, and almost none of them will ever have something shiny pinned to their chests" and I love the idea of the echoes as well. This made me smile-"I've been warned about Americans, all disarming smiles and apple pie" and the passage about a bride's spine is a tremendous one as well.
Certain things that occurred I guessed were going to be the case but I enjoyed it nonetheless and a couple of parts had me decidedly sniffy....
However, if I read another by her I'd expect the nitpicking mistakes to have been tidied up.....
She persists in writing about french windows without writing French properly....even my red squiggly line autocorrect thing picks it up as I compose this review !! This time she does it with chardonnay, too, which should also be capitalised. She does THAT American thing of assuming we know every acronym or abbreviation she throws in, because she doesn't explain them, which means we have to stop reading to google what NPR or Tuft's or MFA or MLS or a Bernina is.....and another repeated error from her is writing ticked and not ticced. However, no apostrophe mistakes again which is to be appreciated.
Little bits were left unsaid....we didn't know what happened to the Kennedy gown nor THE dress that Soline carried across continents...this left me a bit flat, especially that last, since it featured heavily. I'd like to think Rory could maybe utilise it one day.....
Errors aside, I enjoyed the story again and she has some lovely little remarks in it, such as, "There are all sorts of heroes, and almost none of them will ever have something shiny pinned to their chests" and I love the idea of the echoes as well. This made me smile-"I've been warned about Americans, all disarming smiles and apple pie" and the passage about a bride's spine is a tremendous one as well.
Certain things that occurred I guessed were going to be the case but I enjoyed it nonetheless and a couple of parts had me decidedly sniffy....
However, if I read another by her I'd expect the nitpicking mistakes to have been tidied up.....
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