Hallie Reads: something borrowed | book review + giveaway

about the book

One Perfect Dress–three different Love stories

In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

“A Heart in Disguise” by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US “Camouflage Corps,” sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home–except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.

“A Letter to Eli” by Allison Pittman

Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It’s never far away from their thoughts–not with Alice’s fiancé serving at sea, in danger every minute. That’s a worry Bette doesn’t envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?

“A Daffodil in the Dress” by Susie Finkbeiner

Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family’s bookstore since Kate’s husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

publisher: kregel publications

release date: april 13, 2024

review

something borrowed is such a charming collection of historical-romance novellas! i was delighted to read each one.

in rachel scott mcdaniel's "a heart in disguise," clara only brought one reminder of her years in hollywood back to new york city: a silk wedding dress. of course, she has no use for such a dress—until she comes face-to-face with childhood friend and returning soldier marcus. as he helps her investigate the veracity of something suspicious she overheard, they might just get the chance to rectify a misunderstanding that occurred between them years ago...

then, in allison pittman's "a letter to eli," bette knows it's just as well that the dress doesn't fit her because she can't bear to hope as her best friend alice does, waiting for her fiancé to return from his world-war-ii service. an unexpected letter, though, forces her hand, and she must reckon with the love she let go.

lastly, in susie finkbeiner's "a daffodil in the dress," kate works in ike's bookstore, but she's never looked twice at him. after all, she lost her husband in the vietnam war and has a daughter to support; she's fine with life the way it is—until a flower changes everything.

each story captures the tension of its historical time with conflict and drama, while still delivering a sweet and swoony second-chance romance. these three stories together in something borrowed provide hope that yes, love can be worth the risk. it's just so good.

if you love historical romance, you will not be disappointed by something borrowed.

i received a complimentary copy from the publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.

considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: mentions of God and the bible
—content: mentions of war, injuries, loss of significant other or family member

about the author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis and the RWA Touched by Love awards, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel at rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Allison Pittman is the author of multiple award-winning books, including The Seamstress and For Time and Eternity. She is also copresident of a Christian writers group in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

Connect with Allison at allisonkpittman.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Susie Finkbeiner is the author of The All-American and All Manner of Things which were both selected as Michigan Notable Books. Her other novels include Stories That Bind Us, The Nature of Small Birds, and the Pearl Spence series. Susie and her husband live in West Michigan with their three children.

Connect with Susie at susiefinkbeiner.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed print copy of Something Borrowed and some book-related goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 19, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Book will be signed by at least one of the authors. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

tour schedule

justread publicity tours