I decided to review If The Dress Fits by Daisy James for June. It’s the traditional month for weddings. There is no shortage of wedding themed books out there. I typically don’t read books with fictional celebrities and “all-star” events, but I’m glad I didn’t make assumptions about the storyline. James has set this love story within the framework of a changing society and the notion of home.

Callie Henshaw moved in with her Aunt Hannah’s family in a small Yorkshire town after Callie’s parents were killed in a car accident. Her cousins Sebastian and Dominic became her brothers. Her best friend Nessa and Theo, Callie’s first love, rounded out the group who vowed to always be there for each other.

Callie dreamed of leaving her small town for the excitement of London. She would marry Theo and design couture fashions while he pursued his music career. However, plans don’t always go smoothly. Callie eventually opened Callie-Loise Bridal Couture and Theo’s band toured Europe, but they weren’t together.

While Callie is putting the final touches on a dress for the competition to design actress Lilac Verbois’ wedding dress, she receives a phone call telling her Aunt Hannah has passed away. Callie leaves immediately for Yorkshire trusting her assistants to complete the paperwork that goes with the dress. That was the plan, anyway.

It’s Callie’s first trip back to her home in Yorkshire since she and Theo went their separate ways. She’s surprised to learn Theo has maintained his ties with home and will be back for the funeral. Theo wants to clear the air about their breakup, but Callie refuses to listen. She plans to avoid him and leave town as quickly as possible. After learning she has inherited Aunt Hannah’s business, Gingerberry Yarn Shop, Callie’s plans must change, and Theo sees an opportunity to make things right.

The yarn shop, though in disrepair, is a gathering place for many of the older women in the community. It’s one of a dwindling number of businesses on main street. Developers have been buying businesses and converting them to expensive weekend getaways for Londoners. Unfortunately, these weekenders didn’t support local businesses, so more businesses were struggling and at risk of closing.

With her life and business in London, Callie contemplates selling the shop. When the deadline for the competition passes and she doesn’t hear anything, Callie assumes her design didn’t win. With no reason to hurry back to London, she decides to spruce up the shop before selling it. Hopefully, she can attract a buyer who will keep it open. If she fails, like her design failed, will she be letting Hannah down? Will her friends understand? Where will the women in the community go? Who will teach the younger generations how to create beautiful handmade clothing and crafts? Did Aunt Hannah leave her the shop so she could help save the community?

While Callie is in Yorkshire, Violet’s assistant is searching for the designer of the dress, Violet has chosen. It’s one of three dresses that arrived with illegible or missing paperwork. To make sure the media can’t photograph or describe the dress before the ceremony, the assistant, like Prince Charming with Cinderella’s slipper, begins a search for the designer who is Callie of course.

Without giving the story away, Callie learns about jumping to conclusions in business and in love, second chances, and the importance of remembering your roots.

Other Books by Daisy James:

The Runaway Bride

When Only Cupcakes Will Do

There’s Something About Cornwall

Sunshine After the Rain

Christmas at the Dancing Duck

Sunshine and Secrets

The Summer House of Happiness

Confetti and Confusion

Mistletoe and Mystery

Wedding Bells ate Villa Limoncello

Summer Dreams at Villa Limoncello

Christmas Secrets at Villa Limoncello

Photos Taken from the author’s website with no intention of copyright infringement