The Keeper of Happy Endings

This was the first book by Barbara Davis that I read. I have now read three of her books (The Echo of Old Books, and The Last of the Moon Girls) and I have absolutely LOVED each one of them. While very different from each other, the books are so well written, holding the reader's attention from the first all the way to the end, making it hard to put it down for very long. Each of these three books are captivating and mesmerizing, beautifully written, with the ability to remain with the reader long after finishing the reading. Barbara Davis is an outstanding author!

Thanks to Amazon Prime for an advance digital copy. All comments and opinions are my own. I couldn’t resist this book – second chances, true love, fashion, France, and the whisper of fairy tales and magic. This historical fiction has a dual timeline, telling the stories of Soline Roussel in World War II France and Rory Grant in 1985 Boston. Soline Roussel is a 60-ish Parisian dressmaker known for her exquisite taste and avant-garde designs when she meets Rory Grant, a 23-year-old fabric artist who decides to open an art gallery. At first these two women seem to have no commonality, but it soon becomes apparent that they share a special kind of grief as well as their passion for the creative, their lost loves, and a connection as kindred spirits. This is a story of mothers and daughters, “Three women who’d been thrown together by a series of events none of them could explain, across seas and years and so many losses. Three separate strands woven to make one whole. Fragile alone but stronger now because they were together.” I don’t want to share too much of the plot or its developments, for fear I’ll give something away that is best for the reader to discover while turning the pages. This is a novel of family secrets, of lost and found, of true love and forgiveness, an evil villain, and following dreams – all the earmarks of a fairy tale including a special wedding gown with a happily-ever-after guarantee. This was a warmhearted novel that provided the promised “happy ending” of the title. As Rory reflects, “Such an inexplicable confluence of events. Lives intersected. Hearts reunited. Families mended. Because of a box she found under the stairs of a burned-out building. A box full of happy endings – and perhaps a touch of magic.” I highly recommend this feel-good World War II historical novel.

The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis is an enchanting novel about fate, second chances, and hope lost and found. The story follows Soline Roussel, who comes from a family of bridal gown makers in Paris. It is said that brides who wear a Roussel gown are guaranteed a lifetime of joy. However, after devastating losses during World War II, Soline’s world and heart are left in ruins and her faith in love is shaken. Decades later, aspiring gallery owner Rory Grant discovers a box containing letters and a vintage wedding dress while leasing Soline’s old property. An unlikely friendship develops between the two women as eerie parallels in their lives begin to surface. It becomes clear that they were destined to meet and that Rory may hold the key to righting a forty-year wrong and opening the door to shared healing and perhaps even a little magic. This book is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the power of friendship. The characters are well-developed and their stories are beautifully intertwined. The writing is captivating, and the story flows smoothly, making it an enjoyable read. Overall, The Keeper of Happy Endings is a delightful book that will leave readers feeling uplifted and hopeful. 4.5 Stars

The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis is a first read for me. It has been on my TBR shelf for some time. The circumstances of life around me , had me searching my shelves for a book that would remind me of happily ever after. The Keeper of Happy Endings touched emotions deep inside of me; you could say it touched my soul! There is magic in Barbara's words, and she weaves it throughout this tale of women who can predict a brides chance of happiness and spell a charm to protect it in the future. It is not just an enchanting tale, it is a powerful drama crossing several generations. I devoured it as though it was food for my soul! Barbara's characters were so well-developed it was like watching my own interactions with my mother played out on a stage in front of me. I was moved to tears as bittersweet memories of many a soul searing discussion with my own mother played out before me. But the real magic is in how Barbara Davis through the interactions of Rory, Camilla and Solene, shows not tells, the reader of the power of love, forgiveness and strength of family, brings the happy endings. It is as Solene points out: "for there have always been mothers who knew best. Just as there have always been daughters who knew better. It’s a contradiction that is part of every woman’s journey—the need to shape in one’s own image versus the aversion to being shaped at all." Barbara Davis offers a new perspective on how little daughter's truly know the and understand the lives our mother's lived before us. Barbara's novel hit many a raw nerve but then offered calm, soothing healing as love and forgiveness as the story played out over time. The settings described in rich detail throughout the novel again demonstrated Barbara Davis's artistry with words. Boston and the North Eastern Coastal area were described as a Master would have painted. Again it was feast for the senses and had me planning my next vacation to Boston! I am afraid my own words pale in comparison to Barbara Davis. I always thought I was so good with words, but the depth and breath of Barbara Davis's talent puts me to shame. I highly recommend you pick up The Keeper of Happy Endings. But keep the tissues ready for the emotional roller coaster you will experience.

bravo to the writer - such a wonderful, absolutely authentic family saga - could barely stop reading all at once 🤩🤩

It was the title that first got me, but the way the story was beautifully woven was something I could not imagine. What a piece! I loved every bit of it. Will surely reread in the near future. loved it

Slightly contrived story, but good historical references and outing of rich American people of status using/abusing religion.

A lovely read from start to finish! A feel good read with small little twists that keep you turning the pages.

I just love it, it perfectly blends romanticism with harder realities…I especially liked the magic references to “La Mere”… magnificent