Monday, June 30, 2014

The Hatmaker's Heart

GIVEAWAY

STEWART, CARLA
THE HATMAKER'S HEART

For Nell Marchwold, bliss is seeing the transformation when someone gets a glimpse in the mirror while wearing one of her creations and feels beautiful. Nell has always strived to create hats that bring out a woman's best qualities. She knows she's fortunate to have landed a job as an apprentice designer at the prominent Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City. Yet when Nell's fresh designs begin to catch on, her boss holds her back from the limelight, claiming the stutter she's had since childhood reflects poorly on her and his salon.
 
But it seems Nell's gift won't be hidden by Oscar's efforts. Soon an up-and-coming fashion designer is seeking her out as a partner of his 1922 collection. The publicity leads to an opportunity for Nell to make hats in London for a royal wedding. There, she sees her childhood friend, Quentin, and an unexpected spark kindles between them. But thanks to her success, Oscar is determined to keep her. As her heart tugs in two directions, Nell must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her dream, and what her dream truly is.
 
My Review:
 
An intriguing look at life in the high fashion industry during the roaring twenties. I found the historical details in this book completely fascinating. Makes for a great backdrop to plop poor, innocent Nell into the middle of.
 
She  is a complicated character. A small town girl with more than one tragedy in her past who takes on the cut-throat business of haute couture in New York City. I loved Nell the second I 'met' her. Sweet and conflicted, she's chasing a dream that almost swallows her whole. Her struggles to find herself by confronting her past makes for an inspirational read. 
 
Great secondary characters -- both friend and foe -- bring added dimension to a captivating read.
 
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Hatmaker's Heart please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 6 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

My thanks to the publisher and Litfuse Publicity Group for supplying me with a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

29 comments:

  1. Love this cover and the storyline. Would love to have this.

    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. It's an interesting cover, isn't it? Kind of mysterious. Good luck, Diane.

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  2. Can't wait to read this newest book by Carla. So happy to see you offering it, Kav. Keeping my fingers crossed for the win! :)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. You know, this is my first book by Carla Stewart. I guess I have some catching up to do. Good luck, Cheryl!

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  3. Sounds like an good book. What an interesting setting/job for a story!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I know, totally unique. And a great time period for it too. Good luck, Patty.

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  4. The Hatmaker's Heart sounds intriguing, I love the beauty of hats of yesteryear. Please add me!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Hats were such a part of women's fashion back then, weren't they? So lady like. I think they've made a bit of a comeback since the royal wedding, but not in the same way. Good luck, Merry.

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  5. Sounds (and the cover looks) so lovely!

    Thanks for the opportunity, Kav!

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I have not read Carla Stewart but the book sounds wonderful. I would love it! Beautiful cover as well. Thank you, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. It is a wonderful read. Good luck, Melanie!

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  7. I've never read anything by Carla Stewart either, but the premise sounds intriguing ... I almost was going to major in fashion design. This book is definitely going on my "to read" list! Thanks for the chance to win!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

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    1. The fashion design angle was really interesting...and different. A cut-throat business even back in the day so maybe it's good you didn't major in fashion design. Good luck!

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    2. Haha, yes. I realized I didn't have the drive to commit to breaking into the field --sewing's more of a hobby now. =)

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  8. The Hatmaker's Heart sounds like a great story. I love reading about the fashion industry in years gone by. Thank you for offering a copy.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  9. I had the opportunity to review this book, but constraints did not permit. I would love to win it and read at a "more opportune time." godleyv [at]yahoo {dot} com

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    1. If only there were more hours in the day to read! Good luck, Vera!

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  10. What an interesting storyline! Thank you for sharing, Kav!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  11. Looks really interesting! Would love to be entered! Thanks!
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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  12. I enjoy Carla's books - can't wait to read this one!

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. This was my first Carla read and I'm impressed. Will have to hunt down more.

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  13. This was a good review Kav. I remember when all of us women wore hats to church. And the little girls getting new hats for easter. I loved see the different hats, but don't remember any so outlandish as some now days. This NY boss got just what he deserved keeping her in the background for stuttering. I would be happy to win this book.Maxie
    > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. There's so many layers to this story and the stuttering one is fascinating -- and very emotional. I wonder if hats will ever make a comeback? Good luck, Maxie.

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  14. Love the cover and finding a new author! Looking forward to reading this one.

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. The cover is really different, isn't it? Muted tones, kind of mysterious. Makes you want to pick up the book and read it. Good luck!

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