Something Borrowed - by Susie Finkbeiner & Rachel Scott McDaniel & Allison Pittman (Paperback)

About the Book

"In "A Heart in Disguise," a young seamstress joins the U.S. camouflage corps during WWI and is assigned to sew camouflaged suits for snipers. Little does she know the threat of war isn't just overseas . . . until she overhears a threat against her beloved city. With the help of a wounded soldier, who happens to be her childhood friend, they investigate the mystery while a romance blooms. In "A Letter to Eli," while the rest of the world rages in war, Bette and Alice are lifelong friends working hard to live the tiny apartment dream in New York City. Eddie, Alice's fiancâe is bravely serving at sea, but Bette ended things with her boyfriend Eli before the ravages of war could take him from her. It's a lovely, pitter-patter life for these young women, until a letter comes revealing that, in a moment of well-meaning deception, Alice wrote to Eli on Bette's behalf. Now, with Eli back in the states, severely wounded, Bette must see if the love spun from innocent passion will stand up to the reality of tragedy. In "A Daffodil in the Dress," Kate and Ike have worked together at Finch Family Books for three years. But one spring day all that changes when Ike goes out of his way to bring a flower to Eloise, Kate's five-year-old daughter. That's when Kate realizes that Ike has feelings for her beyond friendship, and that she requites his affections. But can Kate risk falling in love when she has a child to raise? What happens when outside pressures threaten to barge in and try to sway Kate one way or the other?"--

Book Synopsis

"Three exceptionally talented novelists bring us a captivating collection of stories bound together by a very special dress, . . . each story rich in intriguing historical details, vividly drawn characters, and heart-stirring emotional resonance." mdashAmanda Barratt, Christy Awardndashwinning author of Within These Walls of Sorrow
In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.
"A Heart in Disguise" by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US "Camouflage Corps," sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to homemdashexcept no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.
"A Letter to Eli" by Allison Pittman
Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It's never far from their thoughtsmdashnot with Alice's fiancé serving at sea, in danger every minute. That's a worry Bette doesn't envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?
"A Daffodil in the Dress" by Susie Finkbeiner
Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family's bookstore since Kate's husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

Review Quotes

Something Borrowed is a collection that had me quickly turning the pages to experience each story revolving around the same wedding dress across several generations. The opening novella, "A Heart in Disguise" by Rachel Scott McDaniel, drew me in from the very first line. With equal parts romance, faith, and mystery, I was captivated until the very end.--Rebekah Millet, award-winning author of Julia Monroe Begins Again (5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Something Borrowed is the happy marriage of three powerhouse voices of historical fiction, and McDaniel, Pittman, and Finkbeiner each shine here! A wedding dress, rich in beauty and history, ties these stories together, but it's the breathtaking tales of love--sometimes lost, eventually found, often unexpected, and always worth the wait--that will connect with the reader's heart. Prepare to get blissfully swept away!--Bethany Turner, best-selling author of Brynn and Sebastion Hate Each Other (5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner have woven a masterpiece of cleverly crafted love stories from three important eras in twentieth-century New York City, all stitched together by the silken thread of one remarkable wedding dress. Ornamented with wonderful historical details, these beautifully worded creations warmed my heart, and the spunky heroines and swoony heroes utterly won me over. This is a unique collection you won't want to borrow; it'll go straight to your keeper shelf!--Amanda Wen, author of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace (5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Three exceptionally talented novelists bring us a captivating collection of stories bound together by a very special dress. Each author's unique voice shines in this trio of novellas, each story rich in intriguing historical details, vividly drawn characters, and heart-stirring emotional resonance. A reading experience to treasure.--Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of Within These Walls of Sorrow (5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Three stories stitched together with delicate threads of love, hope, and faith. Filled with sweet romances, touches of humor, and the resilience of the human spirit in times of war, this collection is sure to delight readers.--J'nell Ciesielski, best-selling author of The Socialite (5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM)

What a charming and captivating novella collection! I have long admired the work of Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner. To have their writing all together in one book is a pure delight. Each of these stories features unique and lovable characters, the wedding dress they have in common, and above all, their varied journeys to finding love. Romance readers will swoon for Something Borrowed.--Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair (5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM)