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Read advance reader review of Little Black Dress by Susan McBride, page 2 of 4

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Little Black Dress by Susan McBride

Little Black Dress

A Novel

by Susan McBride

  • Critics' Consensus (0):
  • Published:
  • Aug 2011, 320 pages
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There are currently 25 member reviews
for Little Black Dress
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  • Karen D. (Dedham, MA)
    Magical Dress
    I enjoyed reading this book. Good thing we don't have a black dress for us to see our futures. It's like going to see a fortune teller. The characters were vivid. I could see Evie trying on the black dress. Relationships can be so intertwined and yet sometimes the outcome is so unpredictable.
    This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading her other books.
  • Amanda P. (Stewart, TN)
    A Must Read!
    Little Black Dress is the heartbreakingly poignant story of Evie and Anna, two sisters who share the arduous journey called life. A beautifully written story filled with love, betrayal and suspense, Little Black Dress is an exceptional read. From page one, you'll fall in love with the Morgans and think of them for days to come.
  • Susan H. (Los Angeles, Ca)
    Little Black Dress
    The little black dress that could... I feel like this is an apt description for the new novel by Susan McBride. A story that seemed to have quite a slow start at the beginning but truly gains more and more momentum, until by the end, I didn’t want to put it down. The premise behind this story is a unique one. The magic of a little black dress that weaves it’s power and links three women’s lives together in an amazing way, bringing with it heartbreak, betrayal, love and ultimately redemption and forgiveness. I did enjoy this book but found it falls short of what it could be. The main downside for me was that I wanted to glimpse deeper into the heart of each woman. I felt like I was given only a surface view and it left me feeling like I had missed out on something that really could have been powerful. I think if the relationships had also been drawn a little more finely it would have given this novel some much added weight and would have hooked me much earlier. This novel takes on a strength of it’s own in it’s later pages as the characters finally begin to emerge more fully and because of this, I can give it a good recommendation. This story would appeal to women who are romantics at heart and perhaps upwards of thirty on. The Little Black Dress is a wonderful reminder as to the power of forgiveness and how love truly can find it’s way...if you are willing.
  • Colleen L. (Casco, ME)
    Little Black Dress
    Little Black Dress is a solid, entertaining book. I always love multi-generational books that have their ups and downs but ultimately resolve the issues. The author did a very good job developing the characters so that you felt you knew them well. The "magic" did not work as well for me but I did enjoy the book and its' characters. A good read and one I would recommend to friends.
  • Marion T. (Palatine, IL)
    Little Black Dress
    Though thoroughly predictable, this is a great summer read. The characters are well developed, and the suspense does make it a page turner. After the 2nd chapter I just had to keep reading to find out more about the characters as they developed. Would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a light, suspenseful read.
  • Joan N. (Evanston, IL)
    A Tale of Two Generations
    I enjoyed reading The Little Black Dress by Susan McBride, even though I found it a bit contrived and predictable. The story weaves between two generations of women: Evie, who opens the book, looking back at her life from the age of 72, and Antonia, her daughter, who has escaped the confines of southern Missouri wine country to find herself in the big city of St. Louis. Anna, Evie’s sister who is seen mainly in memory and whom Antonia has never met, plays a major role in the story. The novel deeply explores mother-daughter love and the search for a soulmate, and I found this exploration to be the book’s greatest strength.
  • Marilyn J. (Harvey, ND)
    Little Black Dress by Susan McBride
    After finishing another book filled with footnotes and difficult vocabulary, I found this story a perfect, refreshing summer story. It not only gave me more reason to explore my own relationships with my mother and sisters but also provided entertainment for a long car trip. I loved the magical twist of the black dress, seeing and fulfilling the future, and yes, I also loved that some people might have happy, satisfying marriages. I don't think it's a book club selection, and it is predictable, but it was pleasant and well written, and I didn't have to do any deep thinking.

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