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    Vintage Affair
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    Vintage Affair
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    Vintage Affair
    Ebook419 pages6 hours

    Vintage Affair

    By Isabel Wolff

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    Phoebe always dreamt of opening her own vintage dress shop. She imagined every detail, from the Vivienne Westwood bustiers hanging next to satin gowns, to sequinned cupcake dresses adorning the walls.

    At the launch of Village Vintage, Phoebe feels the tingle of excitement as customers snap up the fairytale dresses. Her dream has come true, but a secret from her past is casting a shadow over her new venture.

    Then one day she meets Therese, an elderly Frenchwoman with a collection to sell, apart from one piece that she won't part with…

    As Therese tells the story of the little blue coat, Phoebe feels a profound connection with her own life, one that will help her heal the pain of her past and allow her to love again.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateJun 22, 2010
    ISBN9781443400480
    Unavailable
    Vintage Affair
    Author

    Isabel Wolff

    Isabel Wolff was born in Warwickshire, read English at Cambridge and is the Sunday Times bestselling author of ten novels, all published worldwide. She lives in London with her family.

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    Reviews for Vintage Affair

    4/5

    357 ratings57 reviews

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    • 1/5
      Read for book club. Complete drivel. Characters, plot, writing all totally without depth and completely predictable. Ugh.
    • 4/5
      Too Good To Be Called Chick Lit - The Very Best In Woman's Fiction.A Vintage Affair - Isabel WolffA ghastly title for a really very well written,engaging novel.As the author herself said it is about fashion,friendship,regret andredemption.The perfect end of summer read!
    • 4/5
      While clearly not literature, A Vintage Affair is a more substantial novel than I expected. A few small plots radiate out from the main story, adding depth and richness. I truly enjoyed reading this novel. One big criicism is that I felt that Phoebe was almost "too" perfect and the novel too tidy if not formulaic. All the loose ends were tied up in neat bundles and little left to the readers' imagination.
    • 4/5
      When I read The Secret Lives of Dresses, a member of my online reading group suggested this book. She was right!

      Not only does this book make you like the characters (I really want to hang out with Annie and slap the face of Roxy), it makes you want to scour the local boutiques for some vintage pieces to mix and match with your everyday wear. So many designers were named that I was sure Wolff made them up. I felt compelled to Google them, and was pleasantly surprised that they were all real! This was a winner for me, and highly recommended.
    • 4/5
      This was an incredible story and not exactly what I was expecting.

      The story centers around Phoebe who has just fulfilled her dream of opening her own vintage clothing shop. Her life isn't completely happy; however, because she's still trying to deal with the loss of her best friend. She blames her ex-boyfriend for reasons that aren't explained till the end of the novel.


      A side-story involves a French woman who contacts Phoebe to sell some of her vintage clothes. Phoebe visits her and while browsing through all of her beautiful clothes she discovers a seemingly out of place children's blue jacket. The woman decides to share her story involving life during WWII for the first time in her life with Phoebe. The two are able to help each other by sharing their stories and being able to move on with their lives.

      It was truly a beautiful story.

    • 3/5
      A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff was an enjoyable read. The story-line of Phoebe Swift and her new vintage clothing store is fun and interesting. The descriptions of the vintage clothing, who owned them and how they came to be at the shop were very engaging. There was much more to this story than you would first expect.I liked Phoebe; she was a kind character who struggled with past mistakes. Her clothing store connects her with an elderly French woman, Mrs. Bell. Among the items that Mrs. Bell wishes to sell to the store is a blue coat that was made by Mrs. Bell's mother. Through the story of this blue coat, the reader learns about a tragic incident that happened to Mrs. Bell, as a child, during World War II, an incident that Mrs. Bell has never forgotten nor forgiven herself. There is a bond between these two women, as their stories, though very different, are very much the same in many respects.As much as I liked the book, there was something that was lacking. The author took a turn with Phoebe's friend's story, Emma, that I found somewhat unbelievable. Without giving anything away, I just thought, had the author kept her story on track, it would have made more sense and had more of an impact. This definitely influenced my opinion of the rest of the novel.I was also hoping for a different outcome with Phoebe's love interests, and her parents' relationship. Despite some of these weaknesses for me, it was a book worth reading. If I could have, I would have rated it with 3 1/2 stars.
    • 4/5
      I kind of loved this book. I don't know how it got on to my to-read list, I have no idea what list or person I pulled it off of, but it was fun! The fashion is beautiful, the story was nice, the only thing I would have changed is that I would have had more of the character of Dan in it. I seriously wanted to know him better!
    • 4/5
      I really enjoyed A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff, a romance story set against the vivid backdrop of a vintage clothing shop. The descriptions of the vintage clothing was almost sensuous as she fills in the details of fabrics’ texture, colors and design features. This is a heart-warming and witty story that was pure escapism, the author tells a touching, feel-good story without the story bogging down in too much sentimentality or sweetness.Although I started the review by calling this a romance story, really there is less emphasis on the romance and more on the actual story. There were a lot of things about this book that I liked. The main character was a mature woman of thirty-six, she was living an interesting life and finding a man wasn’t her number one priority. Instead the book explored themes of friendship, grief and loss as well as learning how to forgive yourself for actions that were at the most thoughtless or uninformed rather than deliberate or vindictive.This was the first book I have read by Isabel Wolff, but I am certainly going to be adding her to my list of authors that I would like to read more of.
    • 4/5
      This was a lovely book!!!
    • 4/5
      Fluff with an edge; it reminded me a bit of Pilcher's work (which I enjoy a great deal) in terms of family and coming to terms with the past. And like many a chick lit book, it has the lovely fantasy of the easy, profitable, fun shop in which magic happens; dresses find their right owners, lives change, etc.

      It's fun to read this sort of thing, and the book was deepened by the parallel story of the blue wool coat.

      As a shop owner, however, I do always kind of snort at how simple all this is in books; no one is ever worried about cash flow or the electric bill.

      But that's why it's fun, even when edged with death and loss.
    • 4/5
      Phoebe Swift opens a vintage clothing store in Blackheath, London, as a new start after the death of her best friend, Emma. Phoebe views vintage pieces as more than just clothing and many of her customers find their lives enhanced - and even transformed - by what they find in the shop. Phoebe's success is marred by the guilt she feels about Emma's death and she finds a kindred soul in Mrs. Bell, an elderly woman who is also haunted by guilt. Phoebe also finds new love but a spoiled teenage daughter poses a threat to the relationship. Though the novel suffers from too many coincidences, Isabel Wolff has created a pleasant, diverting read with richly detailed descriptions of vintage fashion, a compelling plot, and a sprinkling of interesting side stories.
    • 5/5
      Author Isabel Wolff does a masterful job in creating a novel that blends so many elements so seamlessly into one story. Against the backdrop of vintage clothing, she weaves together a story from the past with a tale of the present using the common thread of friendship. Like some of the vintage clothes shop owner Phoebe sells, sometimes relationships fray at the edges. Sometimes they can be repaired, sometimes not. With strong, well-defined characters and an intricate plot, you will soon find yourself engrossed in this story which is rich with history, touched with romance, and shrouded with mystery. With its satisfying conclusion, some may say that the author ties everything up too neatly. But really that is not the case. She leaves no threads dangling, but not everything turns out to be picture perfect. Some of the character’s mistakes and errors in judgment leave their mark on people’s lives, just like in real life, and like with vintage clothing, relationships may be salvaged but the repair is evident. And, of course, no matter how hard you may wish it, you cannot undo the past. Sometimes, it is too late. A thoroughly captivating read, this novel is every bit as fine as a vintage evening gown in mint condition.
    • 5/5
      I was so looking forward to reading this book, particularly after having recently read `The Dress' which explores a similar premise of romance and vintage clothing. Personally, I found this book infinitely better than that one- it is beautifully written and has a lot more substance about it than I'd initially anticipated. The characters are very well drawn and the settings are very vividly depicted- from London to Provence. By the time I'd finished this book I really felt like I knew Phoebe and her life very well indeed.Phoebe Swift hasn't had the best of times recently. She decides to quit her job at Southerby's and live her dream- that of running a vintage dress shop. As Phoebe gets swept up in the drama of her shop, it comes with a few unexpected dramas of its own...If this summary makes this book sound a little bit frothy, then I apologise, because it genuinely isn't. The pretty girlie cover makes it out to be typical chicklit when in actuality the book interweaves a couple of serious plot lines- including that of the Holocaust. I was really surprised to find myself blubbing on the train at a couple of points in this book as the storyline veered off into that territory actually- this is the first `chicklit' that has ever made me cry!I feel like I have had to deduct half a star, merely because there was a bit of a jump forwards at the end, and everything felt tied up perhaps a little bit too quickly when it came to Phoebe's love life. I for one would have liked to have had a little bit of explanation as to how such things came about- for me that is the best bit of a romance novel! Despite this little niggle at the ending being a bit too quick though, I genuinely loved this book. It was a wonderful read and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if you like contemporary romances with a little bit of a difference. *This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk*
    • 4/5
      Fun read. My favorite aspect of the book was Phoebe's relationships with other women, Annie, Mrs. Bell and the women who came to the shop, Recommended as well written, diverting. somewhat predictable but good, solid womens' fiction.
    • 2/5
      Loved the discussions concerning the clothes, but the main character was the worst kind of prima donna; one that doesn't know she is one. After only a few dates with an older man and sleeping at his house she was appalled at how his 16 year daughter snubbed her when she met her at the breakfast table. This kind of outlook ran thoughout the whole book. She expected more than she gave. The main character was tiresome.
    • 4/5
      I really enjoyed A Vintage Affair, I liked the description of the vintage clothes, and thought it was helpful that the author provided a guide to buying, and finding vintage clothes. The book had some history, a little romance, it was a light read and very well done.
    • 4/5
      I really enjoyed this book. It seemed to flow nicely, and I enjoyed all of the characters, especially their flaws.
    • 5/5
      This was a fantastic, feel-good read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves chick-lit. This was a great story and written fantastically!
    • 4/5
      While this book won't strain your brain, it was a lovely, charming, Brit novel for vacation. Made me think of a Maeve Binchy type book. The sub-stories of the vintage clothing (the "cupcake" dresses) and of the old woman and the blue coat from WWII were charming as well. A very nice read while sitting by the pool!
    • 4/5
      An excellent read that was finished in one sitting.
    • 3/5
      As a fan of vintage clothing and the styles of the past, I was looking forward to reading this book; Isabel Wolff brings the past and the present together, weaves relationships between characters and all in all makes this a very entertaining read.
    • 4/5
      Vintage is the new new in this book. The book has friendship, romance, and forgiveness. The characters are excellent and the vintage feel ads to the storyline.
    • 5/5
      This was a fun book to read. I really enjoyed it. I didn't want to put it down.
    • 4/5
      A delicious read. The british do romance a cut above, sometimes
    • 4/5
      This was a fun read. The vintage clothing boom is here and I see it in the city, the shops, and also, once and a while, I note it being worn, and it really is fun. I enjoyed the writing and this book kept clipping along.
    • 5/5
      I'm amazed by how much I enjoyed this book. The blurbs on the back of the cover describe it as being for romance or fashion lovers, and I would not consider myself to be either one of those. However, there was something about this book that made me want to read it. I was immediately drawn in.The words are so beautifully written. I was particularly enamored by the descriptions of the small villages in France, as well as the vintage clothing shop and its contents. The descriptions of the clothing, in particular, were wonderful; I actually found myself imagining going into a vintage clothing shop and finding a beautiful dress that fit me perfectly, enchanting me. (A bit silly, I know.)And yet the main story isn't really about the clothes, but the many people that the main character, Phoebe, meets and befriends through her shop. Most touching to me, was the underlying message of how we can spend so much time regretting what we have done or have not done, and how we may touch the lives of people. We can't change the past, but it is possible to make peace with it.
    • 4/5
      The story of a vintage clothing store, and the mystery of a child's blue coat.
    • 5/5
      This one is everthing a book should be. A happy but believable ending, characters that aren't perfect, and a great story to tell. I really enjoyed it.
    • 4/5
      A Vintage Affair hit the spot! The main character, previously employed by Sotheby's in London, opens her own vintage clothing store. We peek into the lives of the people who come to sell clothes and people who come to buy. We also meet boyfriends and friends from the past. Just a warning that this is not a bubble headed always feel good story, included is a character who is haunted by the betrayal of a Jewish girl during WWII and the death of the pirmary character's best friend. A really good read that will keep you engaged until the last page. This is the first book I've read by Isabell Wolff but will be looking for more.
    • 4/5
      While mourning the death of her best friend, Phoebe Swift decides to open a vintage clothing shop in London. Phoebe has been left with tremendous survivor's guilt following the suicide of her friend Sam. Guilt has led Phoebe to end her engagement and to cut ties with her former fiance. To cope Phoebe throws herself into her shop. The book follows two parallel plots: one following Phoebe as she returns to the dating world, the other chronicling her growing friendship with an elderly woman who has a closet full of clothes with compelling histories. Though this book deals with some sad events, I would describe this book as a 'happy book'- light and enjoyable to read, and left me with a smile and an upbeat attitude. This is one of those books that reads quickly and ties up neatly in the end. Sometimes I want to read exactly this kind of book, and this is one of the better examples of this genre I've read recently. I'd call it beach or vacation reading. I did have a few issues with the book- I thought the ending was a bit too tidy, and I was annoyed by Phoebe's decidedly poor treatment of her ex-fiance. Those things aside, I very much enjoyed reading this book, and will search out other works by this author.