The Forgotten Seamstress
Trenow, author of the WWII-era The Last Telegram (2013), reaches further back in time for her latest compelling historical novel. When orphan Maria Romano, a talented and creative seamstress, is singled out for a position at Buckingham Palace in Edwardian-era London, her future prospects appear limitless. After catching the eye of the Prince of Wales, however, and embarking on an affair with the royal heir, her unfortunate fate is sealed. Rather than risking a scandal, a pregnant Maria is whisked off to an asylum, where she is dismissed as a raving fantasist. Determined not to lose herself completely, she weaves her own story into an intricately designed quilt. Nearly 100 years later, ­Caroline discovers the quilt and is determined to unlock its secrets—a quest that leads to her own voyage of self-discovery along the way. The two narratives are seamlessly woven together, forming a heartrending tapestry of tragedy and resilience. --Margaret Flanagan