This episode features The Dressmaker, a novel released July 1 by Henry Holt. I read the first section of this charming debut novel about a solitary tailor who unexpectedly falls in love with a woman who has hired him to create her wedding dress.

The story sweeps the reader along: it is charming but not naive, funny but not manic, poignant but not predictable. If this is a first novel, I'm putting Elizabeth Birkeland Oberbeck on my pull list -- I can't wait for more. I opened this book one evening at nine, intending to read a chapter or two before going to sleep. I finished it at 2:30 the following morning. It was a beautiful, intimate read.

You may order The Dressmaker by telephoning The Kaleidoscope at 641-456-2787, or on-line at OurFocusIsYou.com. Shipping is free within the USA.

-- Keri Holmes