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By: Marty Ambrose-McLaughlin
ISBN: 9781639105649
Alcove Press, 2024
Two stories of love and deceit intertwine nearly a hundred years apart within Verona, Italy, in THE LOST DRESSES OF ITALY, a rich, atmospheric historical novel.
Verona, 1947. Textile 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 hidden among the dresses.
Verona, 1864. 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 the love of her life and a conspiracy that threatens to drive them apart.
Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, The Lost Dresses transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue.
About the Author
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Marty Ambrose-McLaughlin is an award-winning, multi-published author, including her historical mystery trilogy set around the Byron/Shelley circle in nineteenth-century Italy, which earned starred reviews in Publisher\'s Weekly, as well as a gold medal for historical fiction in the Florida Writers Association\'s Literary Palm Award.
Her most recent historical mystery, The Lost Dresses of Italy, published by Alcove Press, is a dual narrative of two creative women: 19th-century poet, Christina Rossetti, and a 20th-century fashion curator whose lives intertwine around a century-old conspiracy in Verona, Italy. “History, mystery, and fashion blend in this alluring novel.” – Kirkus Review
To learn more about Marty Ambrose-McLaughlin and her work, please see www.martyambrose.com