{"product_id":"the-lost-dresses-of-italy-hardcover","title":"The Lost Dresses of Italy - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eM. A. McLaughlin\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn this rich, atmospheric historical novel, perfect for fans of Brenda Janowitz and Adriana Trigiani, two stories of love and deceit intertwine nearly a hundred years apart in Verona, Italy.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eVerona, 1947. \u003c\/b\u003eTextile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses, once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne's expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eVerona, 1864.\u003c\/b\u003e Christina Rossetti returns to her family's homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her: a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina--and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, \u003ci\u003eThe Lost Dresses\u003c\/i\u003e transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion.\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eM. A. Mclaughlin\u003c\/b\u003e is an award-winning, multi published author. She completed her M.Phil. at the University of York (England) and teaches nineteenth-century British literature, composition, and fiction writing at Florida Southwestern State College. She has also given numerous workshops in the U.S. and abroad on all aspects of creating\/publishing a novel, and is a member of The Byron Society, Historical Novel Society, Florida Writers Association, and Women's Fiction Writers Association.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 304\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.79 x 8.51 x 5.84 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e February 06, 2024\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51752602042656,"sku":"9781639105649","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/bd5fae7140ce1a7a59f39adcacf38148.webp?v=1779999718","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/the-lost-dresses-of-italy-hardcover","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}