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Seamstress of New Orleans
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
8 posts | 7 read | 6 to read
Call Your Daughter Home meets Where the Crawdads Sing in a new historical novel from the acclaimed author of The Abolitionist's Daughter. Set in the jasmine-scented humidity of New Orleans during preparations for the first Mardi Gras of the 20th century, The Seamstress of New Orleans weaves the fascinating real-life story of the first all-female krewe, Les Mysterieuses, into a powerful novel of female friendship and empowerment. Against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe in turn-of-the-century New Orleans, Diane McPhail's mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret--and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other. The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage. Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband's gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice's help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence. But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans' notorious Storyville district. Benton's death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they're building...
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Sharpeipup
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Dreaming of Cafe Du Monde beignets while reading this book set in New Orleans. 😋

vivastory I haven't been in years & I still dream of Cafe Du Monde 2y
Sharpeipup @vivastory Same. I went in 2020 (just before the pandemic). 2y
vivastory I need to go back. I was only in New Orleans for a couple of days & missed a lot of things I'd love to visit now. I went right around Xmas & it was fantastic. It was lively & warm but not too crowded. 2y
40 likes1 stack add3 comments
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megnews
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Pickpick

Quite enjoyable story set in 1900s New Orleans.

Sharpeipup Just started this one today. 2y
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Read_By_Red
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Pickpick

My favorite thing about this book is the strong female protagonists and supporting characters, especially because the time period in which this novel is set–the year 1900–women were seen as the weaker sex; I love that this book found a way to flip that concept on its head. I loved the women‘s determination, strength and compassion. The narrative flows well and kept me intrigued, and I found myself rather invested in their lives.

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Reecaspieces
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Mehso-so
DivineDiana Beautiful photo! 2y
Reecaspieces @DivineDiana thank you!!!! ❤️❤️ 2y
38 likes2 comments
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KristiAhlers
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Pickpick

I loved this book. The intrigue, the characters, the setting…well you get my point. A must read I feel for this summer. This was a book I read in one sitting. So glad I had it with me whilst keeping my dad company during his hospital stay.

49 likes1 stack add
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ReadingisMyPassion
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Pickpick

Filled with intrigue, the book was hard to put down. I loved the unexpected twist at the end. Perfect for the story. Why must daily life get in the way of being lost in such an enjoyable book!

16 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Rhondareads
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Perfect weekend reading gorgeous cover drawing me right in..

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everlocalwest
Seamstress of New Orleans | Diane C McPhail
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Pickpick

How interesting that I read this novel through a Gulf Coast hurricane; these characters rotate around one another like a storm! The intrigue surrounding these two young widows will draw you in then you'll be rooted by the historical detail of New Orleans at the turn of the century and the first female Mardi Gras krewe but what you will take away from the novel is the sheer power of female friendship. An exhilarating historical romp of found family