The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart, Book review

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (June 3, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1455549948
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

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 thoughts:

Carla Stewart sets her latest novel in the fashionable world of the swinging 1920's of New York and London with the charming tale of an English millinery designer hoping to make a name for herself. 
Nell Marchworld is nothing but loveliness and knows how to bring the best in any woman with her creations. And what creations! Carla tempts us with descriptions of the lovely cloches women of all ages wore as they found their freedom!

Note to Readers: The mention of the royal wedding and hats in Carla' story reminded me of the lovely young woman we all remember as the Queen Mum (see photos above including her wedding day)!

When a wealthy patron notices her talent, Nell is well on her way to be a success but first she must convince her stingy boss to give her the opportunity she work so hard for and Oscar Fields is not soon to let his star designer have her own label. Could it be he has nefarious designs? 
Nell' stuttering in the meantime continues to be a challenge until she finds an elocutionist willing to find help her find the source of her speech problems. 

As always Carla brings us in her own sweet style steadfast heroes, a sweet romance, a mystery and a great cast of supporting characters. To follow her dreams Nell must first come to terms with who is villain and who is true... 

With its delightful front cover, this is a light hearted story of finding your heart amid deceptions and even temptations in the roaring twenties!
The Hatmaker's Heart is a little gem for you to discover!

4 Stars!

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/cstewart

Meet the Author:

Carla Stewart's writing reflects her passion for times gone by. Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she received the coveted invitation to attend the Guidepost's Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.

Her debut novel, Chasing Lilacs, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, was an Oklahoma Book Award Finalist, the trophy winner for the 2011 Best Fiction Book for Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and received 2nd place honors in RWA's Inspirational Readers Choice Award for 2011. 

Carla loves to hear from readers and invites you to contact her and learn more about her writing at www.carlastewart.com.

Carla Stewart is hosting a Jazzy Hatmaker's Heart giveaway on her blog!

Stop by, say hello and be sure to enter!

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from LITFUSE as part of the it's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.