Book Review of 'Something Borrowed' by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

I have been so excited to share the review I am sharing with you today. I've always had a fondness for wedding dresses and a fascination with items from the past. I'm one of those people that spends time at museums and antique stores thinking about how certain objects came to be sitting there in front of me. That is what we find in this amazing collection: three stories that follow one very special dress.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this wonderful romance collection and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Something Borrowed
Authors: Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman & Susie Finkbeiner
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance Collection

One Perfect Dress--three different Love stories

In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

"A Heart in Disguise" by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US "Camouflage Corps," sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home--except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.

"A Letter to Eli" by Allison Pittman

Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It's never far away from their thoughts--not with Alice's fiancé serving at sea, in danger every minute. That's a worry Bette doesn't envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?

"A Daffodil in the Dress" by Susie Finkbeiner

Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family's bookstore since Kate's husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

My Review

Three love stories all connected by one special dress. I knew from the premise that this was going to be a special read, and it far exceeded my expectations.

The anthology starts with A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel. A story set during World War I, this is a sweet, second chance romance for two individuals that are so perfect for one another it’s insane. I love how this author is a master at connecting her readers to her characters and paints such a beautiful picture of how the dress came to be.

I also love how much of this novella was based on true people and events. It really helps history come alive and I always appreciate getting to know another aspect of American history that I didn’t previously know before.

The second story is A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman. This novella is set during World War II, and I could not put this book down! The story really resonated with me and was filled with many different emotions. I went from giggling to tears glistening in my eyes as I read about Bette and Alice, two friends that reminded me of myself and my sister in their closeness. It’s this love that gets them though the good times and bad and while there is a romantic storyline as well the tale of friendship captured my heart completely and tethered me to this story like no other.

A Daffodil in the Dress is the final story in the anthology set during the war in Vietnam and written by Susie Finkbeiner, an author that is new to me. While I had enjoyed the dress’s journey up to this point how Kate ended up with the dress was the best!

I adored Ike and Kate and their story, but Eloise was the cutest little scene stealer! This novella was the quickest read for me, as I stayed up until all hours of the night reading it. There is just something magnetic about it. All of the characters are great, even if they are kept more on surface level, and you can’t help but root for the widow, the cherub, and the nerd.

“It was something special, being surprised by a book.” I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this novel. I read into the wee hours of the morning craving to see where the wedding dress would end up and it was worth it. Each story highlights flawed characters in tumultuous times in our history and paint a beautiful tapestry of love all connected by one special dress. Each story is stunning not only in its stellar writing but in the heart of each tale. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read it.

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Authors

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis and the RWA Touched by Love awards, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel at rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Allison Pittman is the author of multiple award-winning books, including The Seamstress and For Time and Eternity. She is also copresident of a Christian writers group in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

Connect with Allison at allisonkpittman.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Susie Finkbeiner is the author of The All-American and All Manner of Things which were both selected as Michigan Notable Books. Her other novels include Stories That Bind Us, The Nature of Small Birds, and the Pearl Spence series. Susie and her husband live in West Michigan with their three children.

Connect with Susie at susiefinkbeiner.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed print copy of Something Borrowed and some book-related goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 19, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Book will be signed by at least one of the authors. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!