Fashion curator Athena Smith will do anything to get her perfectly manicured hands on the Clayworth family’s celebrated couture collection for her exhibit. So when she’s called in to make sure the gowns are the real deal, she’s ecstatic…until a dress she’s examining turns out to be loaded with toxins (talk about killer threads!) and Athena faints, only to wake up face-to-face with the One That Got Away, notorious Chicago bachelor Drew Clayworth.
Drew still believes Athena betrayed him all those years ago, and he’s sure he can’t trust her. But when the priceless gowns go missing, she offers to help track them down. Reluctantly allied in the quest, Drew and Athena are soon stunned by the barely restrained passion still sizzling between them…and memories both bitter and sweet. Is their new partnership just a business arrangement? Or is this something more?
A sweet novel with fun characters, A Black Tie Affair is a light-hearted way to pass an afternoon. I found myself smiling a lot when reading this book and there were even a couple of laugh out loud moments. The story is generally engaging, but a couple of things jarred. Like an aspect of the mystery (which isn’t that deep) that remains a mystery. And the whole reason over which the protagonists remained alienated for years, seemed very trivial. High fashion is so predominant that it could almost be termed as another main character and those who worship at its altar will find this story so much more. The author clearly knows what she’s talking about when it comes to fashion – mystery, not so much.
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And here is a guest post from the author about her book and experiences with it. Due to poor health, I couldn’t add it to the post earlier.
The research for A BLACK TIE AFFAIR started the instant my friend, Tim Long, Curator of Costume at the Chicago History Museum told me about being poisoned by a black Dior evening gown. When he added that there was a huge fallout shelter where fabulous vintage gowns are stored I was hooked. Really, how could I NOT share such a fascinating story and place with all of you!
I LOVE “hands on” research and have been able to share exciting adventures with you — I’ve gone to prison, hung out in New Orleans with a voodoo priestess, been in a operating room observing open-heart surgery to name a few.
For A BLACK TIE AFFAIR I was allowed in the Chicago History Museum “Costume Vault” where they house much of their 50,000 piece collection (the second biggest in the world). I had to “suit up” with lab coat and rubber gloves, plus promise not to touch (which was tough for someone who talks with their hands!).
It was thrilling to see up close and personal priceless gowns from the past — the fabrics and workmanship truly amazed me — they are literally works of art.
Best of all were the stories behind so many of the pieces worn by Bertha Palmer and other icons of Chicago’s rich history.
Many of the gowns I write about can be seen in my trailer for A BLACK TIE AFFAIR where I introduce the Smith sisters – Athena, Venus and Diana – and the Clayworth Men. Come visit me at www.sherrillbodine.com so we can dish about my adventures in the vault and my trip to Milan Fashion Week last September when I attended the Versace and Gucci Runway Shows — yes, I have many more stories to share — please stop by soon!
xo Sherrill
Good to know, Sherrill! And thanks for stopping by.
Note – This book was received for review/feature consideration.
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