Introduction

From New York Times bestselling author comes The Wedding Dress.

Four brides. One Dress.

A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift . . . and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress…or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte discovers a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new—shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and  timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed.”

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the timeless beauty of finding true love.

“The story of four loveable women, miraculously bound by one gown, whose lives span a century . . . will take your breath away.” —Beth Webb Hart, bestselling author of Love, Charleston

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

Chapter One
Charlotte

April 14

It was the breeze, a change in the texture of the unseen that made her look up and walk around a stand of shading beech trees. Charlotte paused on the manicured green of the Ludlow Estate for a pure, deep breath, observing the elements of the day—blue sky, spring trees, sunlight bouncing off the parked-car windshields. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

Who was the man in purple? What does he signify to you? Is
there a “man in purple” in your life? Charlotte is so close to
her own situation, she can’t see what’s in front of her: the
wedding dress. Are you aware of those thin-veil God
moments where the supernatural impacts the natural? How
can you be more aware of Jesus interacting with you?
2. Emily struggles with the rules of her society. She wants to
be vocal; she wants to pursue her own desires. What might
Emily have done to speak out against the convict leasing
injustice? What can you do to speak against true injustice?
3. Charlotte and Tim had a whirlwind courtship. For a moment,
it seemed like they wouldn’t make it. But love triumphed. Is
there a similar time in your life when love triumphed sorrow
or injustice?
4. Hillary faced the most devastating heartbreak: losing her
husband to war. What did you think of the way she
responded? What would you have done different / the same?
Do you know anyone who is struggling with this reality?
How can you support her?
5. Mary Grace is a woman of faith. How did her quiet humility
impact her father? Is there a time to be silent and just let the
Spirit work in another person? How can you be successful at
guarding your tongue?
In the midst of Hillary reliving her pain over losing Joel,
Charlotte challenges her, “What if marrying Joel was not
about you, but him?” We tend to believe everything we do
in life pertains to us personally. Would you be willing to do
something for someone if there was nothing in it for you?
How can we live out this reality in every day life? Consider
Jesus dying on the Cross as our highest example.
7. Charlotte learns she’s not an orphan, but a descendent of a
marvelous woman. What does this knowledge unlock in her
heart? How would you have responded to such news?
8. In the wedding ceremony, Thomas talks about the dress being
like the Gospel—it never fades, is always in style, never needs
to be altered, and it fits everyone who tries it on. We see a lot
of “tweaking” of the Gospel today to “fit our needs.” Where
have you allowed the truth of the Gospel to be altered to fit
your own needs or desires? How can we remain faithful and
true to the simplicity of Jesus’ Gospel?
9. Tim sells his motocross bikes. What does this symbolize in
his life? What change took place in his heart? Is there
something you’re hanging on to, good or bad, that you need
to release to the Lord?
10. The affair Charlotte’s birth father had with her mother nearly
ruined his marriage. In order to heal his
relationship with his wife, he gave up being Charlotte’s father.
We see in this how sin complicates the good things God gives
us: marriage, children, love. What should Colby have done
to show honor in this situation? Is there a situation you’re
facing where honor will cause healing—if not for yourself, for
others?
11. Weddings are a joy! Discuss a happy memory from your wedding,
or the wedding you hope to have one day.

Suggested by Members

by Alieda (see profile) 07/06/17

Weblinks

»	Check out the Publisher's book info
»	Visit author Rachel Hauck's web site
»	Follow Rachel Hauck on Facebook

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 5 of 7 members.

by Alieda (see profile) 07/06/17
by kimloves2read (see profile) 07/06/14

Member Reviews

Rate this book