The Lost Dresses of Italy - by M A McLaughlin (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Verona, 1947. Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses, once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne's expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses. Verona, 1864. Christina Rossetti returns to her family's homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her: a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request. The letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina-and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, The Lost Dresses transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion"--

Book Synopsis

In this rich, atmospheric historical novel, perfect for fans of Brenda Janowitz and Adriana Trigiani, two stories of love and deceit intertwine nearly a hundred years apart in Verona, Italy.

Verona, 1947. Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses, once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne's expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses.

Verona, 1864. Christina Rossetti returns to her family's homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her: a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request.

The letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina--and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, The Lost Dresses transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Lost Dresses
"History, mystery, and fashion blend in this alluring novel."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Rich with details of two historical periods . . . a compelling tale of two women overcoming different forms of grief."
--Booklist

"The Lost Dresses of Italy is a compelling read, combining fashion, poetry, romance and a murder mystery, set in Juliet and Romeo's evocative Verona."
--Historical Novels Review

"Deftly crafted . . . McLaughlin showcases her genuine flair for originality and a distinctive storytelling style that makes for a fun read from cover to cover."
--Midwest Book Review

"A wonderful journey that enlightens the reader with the rich history of one of the Victorian era's most noted poets, Christina Rossetti."
--Feathered Quill

"The Lost Dresses of Italy is a tense, slow-burn adventure."
--Fresh Fiction

"McLaughlin captures the essence of famed Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti and her family in this dual timeline mystery that is full of intrigue, fashion, art and passion all within the scenic backdrop of Italy. An enthralling historical mystery that will have you flipping the richly detailed pages late into the night!"
--Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire

"M.A. McLaughlin's The Lost Dresses delivers something for everyone. Intrigue, art, history, and romance, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of nineteenth-century Verona. A richly detailed and beautifully rendered trip through the senses."
--Barbara Davis, bestselling author of The Keeper of Happy Endings and The Echo of Old Book

"In an enchanting dual-framing between Victorian-era poet Christina Rossetti and Marianne, a 1940s textile expert, McLaughlin weaves an intricate tapestry of secrets and family losses among fabrics and a mysterious casket. As Marianne faces suspicion and the possibility of new love, she must unravel messages entrusted to her from the past. A delicious, curl-up-by-the-fire read."
--C.W. Gortner, international bestselling author of Mademoiselle Chanel

"The Lost Dresses is a lyrical and moving novel that perfectly captures the tone of Christina Rossetti's poetry and her life. M. A. McLaughlin weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, mystery and rediscovery that will move readers and keep them immersed in the characters' lives and fates until the end."
--Georgie Blalock, author of The Indiscreet Princess

About the Author

M. A. Mclaughlin is an award-winning, multi published author. She completed her M.Phil. at the University of York (England) and teaches nineteenth-century British literature, composition, and fiction writing at Florida Southwestern State College. She has also given numerous workshops in the U.S. and abroad on all aspects of creating/publishing a novel, and is a member of The Byron Society, Historical Novel Society, Florida Writers Association, and Women's Fiction Writers Association.