House of Serendipity Book 1: Sequins and Secrets, The [Paperback] Ivison, Lucy; White, Helen Crawford and Collingridge, Catharine Paperback – 10 June 2021

Sequins and Secrets is set in 1926 London, at the start of the social Season. Serendipity House, the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Avalon, is abuzz with preparations for the coming-out ball of Lady Delphine Cartwright, the Duke’s elder daughter. Into the hubbub walks Myrtle Mathers, the new maid.She is reserved, serious and resolute about earning her own money. Completely different from Myrtle is Sylvia, the Duke’s breezy younger daughter who is is always up for mischief and is somewhat rebellious.But the two girls have one thing in common- a love for fashion. Sylvia has notebooks filled with brilliant designs for dresses while Myrtle is an expert dressmaker with an eye for style. So when Delphine’s fancy Parisian ball gown turns out to be fashion disaster, Sylvia and Myrtle work in secret to transform the flouncy gown that “looks like vomit” into a stunningly simple dress unlike any other in London.This marks the beginning of Sylvia and Myrtle’s secret careers as designer and dressmaker. In a time when the maids of a house were not supposed to even look their employers in the face, Myrtle and Sylvia strike up a rare friendship. They know that they are not supposed to be doing this, but the rush of doing something that they know is their true calling, and of finding a kindred spirit, overrides the concerns of propriety.Till the day they take a risky assignment that might just be their downfall…but to know what that is, you’ll have to read the book! 😄I loved the story and the gorgeous illustrations of dresses. I also liked how the author has shown that every woman, irrespective of her wealth or social status, had restrictions placed on what she could do or be. The end does feel a bit rushed, and the story does gloss over some of the grim realities of the time, but overall, it’s a fun read!Recommended for kids aged 10-12.