GoodReads Synopsis: Since her parents’ mysterious deaths many years ago, scientist Cora Sparks has spent her days in the safety of her university lab or at her grandmother Etta’s dress shop. Tucked away on a winding Cambridge street, Etta’s charming tiny store appears quite ordinary to passersby, but the colorfully vibrant racks of beaded silks, delicate laces, and jewel-toned velvets hold bewitching secrets: With just a few stitches from Etta’s needle, these gorgeous gowns have the power to free a woman’s deepest desires.
Etta’s dearest wish is to work her magic on her granddaughter. Cora’s studious, unromantic eye has overlooked Walt, the shy bookseller who has been in love with her forever. Determined not to allow Cora to miss her chance at happiness, Etta sews a tiny stitch into Walt’s collar, hoping to give him the courage to confess his feelings to Cora. But magic spells—like true love—can go awry. After Walt is spurred into action, Etta realizes she’s set in motion a series of astonishing events that will transform Cora’s life in extraordinary and unexpected ways.
My Thoughts: I desperately wanted to love this book. After the beautiful works of Sarah Addison Allen, I sought out other "magical realism" books, and this was recommended by many. Unfortunately, I found it greatly lacking.
First the good-- the magic in this book is Etta's dress shop and her ability with her magic needle and thread to reveal to a person his/her deepest desire and give them the courage to pursue it. I loved the discussion of her shop and how it changed for each customer, and then how it changed each customer. Beautiful. The relationship between Etta and Cora was also beautiful and touching.
But, the story relied heavily on my least favorite plot device ever-- a misunderstanding or lie that one character relies upon that changes their life (and therefore guides the story). So, I spent almost all of the book incredibly frustrated and desperate for the truth to come out.
I also enjoyed the bit of mystery in the book, but it was clear early on who the bad guy was.
Overall, it wasn't the worst book ever, but it didn't make me want to pick up another by this author. Two stars.
