02559cam a2200349 i 4500 1151161575 TxAuBib 20240223120000.0 240130s2024||||||||||||||||||||||||eng|u bl2024002729 9781639105649 hc 1639105646 hc (OCoLC)1419275185 TxAuBib rda McLaughlin, M. A.,. The lost dresses of Italy : a novel / M.A. McLaughlin. First edition. New York, NY : Alcove Press, 2024. 276 pages ; 22 cm. txt rdacontent n rdamedia nc rdacarrier "Verona, 1947. Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses, once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne's expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses. Verona, 1864. Christina Rossetti returns to her family's homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her: a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request. The letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina-and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, The Lost Dresses transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion"-- Provided by publisher. 20240223. Rossetti, Christina Georgina, 1830-1894 Fiction. Widows Fiction. Dresses Fiction. Museums Fiction. Letters Fiction. Verona (Italy) Fiction. Historical fiction. fast