Book Review: The Secret Dressmaker By Jenny O’Brien

Published August 4, 2026 | By Laura

I’m so excited to be welcoming Jenny O’Brien back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her new book, The Secret Dressmaker.

Shelves of sequins in a kaleidoscope of colours. Bolts of silk and tulle against the back wall. The sewing room was the last place anyone had seen her daughter alive.

Northern Ireland, 1942. Flora Toussaint packs parachutes for the RAF, haunted by the twin daughters she was forced to give up eighteen years ago. When British intelligence shows her photographs of her girls – now young women in occupied Paris – her world shifts. One is safe. One has vanished. And their father, the celebrated couturier Lucien Lumineau, is suspected of collaborating with the Nazis.

Flora agrees to a dangerous mission: parachute into France, pose as a seamstress at the Moulin Rouge, and uncover the truth. Lodging above a brothel where Edith Piaf sings after hours and where Pablo Picasso still holds court, she mends costumes between shows, searches for any trace of her missing daughter between curfews, and circles closer to Lucien.

But Lucien isn’t the man she remembers. Neither is their history. And what Flora discovers will unravel everything she thought she knew – about Lucien, about her daughters, and about the night she gave them away.

A sweeping tale of wartime Paris, family secrets and impossible choices. Fans of Kate Quinn, Pam Jenoff and Kristin Hannah will be mesmerised by The Secret Dressmaker.

*****

Flora Toussaint is haunted by the choices of a past where she was persuaded to give up her twin daughters eighteen years before. When a secret mission gives her the opportunity to go back to Paris, her focus is on finding her girls, even when her simple presence in the city puts her in danger.

Having loved the first book in this series, The Resistance Knitting Club, I couldn’t wait to get going on this one. I am a big fan of novels based on true events, and I’m always intrigued to see how the author builds the fiction around the fact. In my opinion, Jenny O’ Brien is a master at it.

The plot was compelling, suspenseful, unfolded well, and had me on the edge of my seat. There was a sense of tension all the way through, bubbling under the surface. I knew that danger was lurking, and it kept me turning the page. I was desperate to know what happened. Flora is employed at the famous Moulin Rouge as a seamstress, and I felt that this was a great addition. There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.

The setting itself is described so well and, as I read, I could imagine myself at Flora’s side. Like with its predecessor, The Secret Dressmaker examines what it was like in Paris under the occupation during World War II. There is a such a feeling of strength and determination displayed by its inhabitants and the author does a great job at showing the reader what was at stake.

Let’s move on to the characters. Another thing this author is skilled at, is putting tough, brilliant women at the heart of her novels. Flora, from the beginning, was someone I liked very much. I couldn’t imagine having to make the decisions she had to make. I also don’t think I would have had the bravery to go to Paris during the war. Tomas is mysterious and a great addition. The supporting cast were an interesting bunch and were all layered and complicated. There were even appearances from a couple of famous names. I am not going to say who as I don’t want to spoil it.

Although this is book two of the Threads of Resistance series, it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend book one though. It’s excellent.

The Secret Dressmaker is historical fiction at its best. There were moments where I smiled, felt fear or pride and I am not ashamed to admit, there were some moments where I felt tearful. You will go through a rollercoaster of emotions. It examines themes of resilience, love and hope.

In my opinion, it would make a great holiday, garden or comfortable chair companion. I loved it and can’t wait for book three in 2027.

About Jenny O’Brien –

Jenny O’Brien writes complex thrillers and heartbreaking historical fiction, as well as intriguing romances. Silent Cry, initially self published, topped the Amazon kindle chart in both the UK and the USA. Most of her books have followed suit.

Jenny has over 40 years experience as a qualified nurse. She turned to creative writing as a hobby when her children were born. Now, 20 years later, she’s retired from the day job to focus on writing. She’s currently working on the third book in the Threads Series.

Born in Ireland, she now lives in Guernsey with her husband and children.

Say hello to Jenny on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The Secret Dressmaker is book two in the Threads of Resistance series and was released on 4th August 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Amazon US.