title: The Hope Dress
author: Fox, Roz Denny
description: Always a bridesmaid…
  
  After a painful betrayal, Sylvie Shea put aside her dreams of becoming a successful New York wedding-dress designer and returned to her hometown in North Carolina. Now she outfits the town's brides and secretly works on her last original gown, sure her creation will never be worn -- and certainly not by her, no matter how determined her family and the town are to see her walk down the aisle!
  
  Sylvie's new next-door neighbor can sympathize; the last thing Joel Mercer wants is to fall in love. He's moved to Briarwood to give himself and his little girl, Rianne, a fresh start. But it's Sylvie who helps them find it, as Rianne blossoms under her influence and even Joel starts to find her quirkiness charming. Simply, Sylvie gives them hope. If only Joel could figure out a way to return the favor….
  
  originally published as Harlequin American Romance - The Secret Wedding Dress