Thanks for stopping by! I’m sharing a review of a historical romance novella collection today, each set in a different 20th century wartime era in NYC. This collection features stories by authors Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner.

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?

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The Something Borrowed novella collection tells three romance stories all threaded with wartime and sacrifice and a unique dress that binds them together. The dress connects them in a surprising way, a bit nontraditional in its origin, acquisition, and presence as a motif, which I really loved. While collections like this usually have a standout favorite story for me, I can’t pick a favorite in this particular collection because I enjoyed and was impressed by each story for different reasons.

A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel is a second-chance, WWI era romance with a little intrigue and real-life stateside homefront happenings. The second chance establishes a history and dynamic between the leads, which also show admirable growth through the story.

In A Letter to Eli, author Allison Pittman shows off her engaging authorial voice. This is a captivating, page-turning WWII era story, also a second chance romance with a delightful letter element. I appreciated how the leads showcase memories of youthful days balanced with the weight of conflict and present concerns.

A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner sweetly uses tropes that feel organic to the characters. This story is about a widowed mother with a darling little girl, Eloise, who happens to work in a bookshop. And, it’s a workplace romance between Kate and her tenderhearted boss, Ike. In a similar vein to the second chance stories earlier in the novella, these two characters have an established respect and professional friendship. Seeing it blossom to a realization of love — through a particularly humorous dinner occasion, too — is a treat.

My thanks to the authors and Kregel publishers for the review copy. This is my honest review.