Chapters (32)

Broken hearts come in all sizes and from all ages. The support of good friends and a quart of ice cream always help put the pieces back together. Such is the case with the ladies who own and operate The Perfect Dress, a custom wedding-dress shop that caters to plus-size women. Mitzi, Jody, and Paula grew up in the tiny town of Celeste—population less than a thousand—and coming home to set up a business there after living away had its very own set of challenges.

Mr. B and I have fifteen grandchildren, and twelve of those are girls. That means we get to do lots of shopping for prom, homecoming, wedding, and winter-formal dresses. Our granddaughters are all size ranges, some small and some plus size. This past year, when we began to plan for a wedding next fall for one of our plus-size girls, it got me to wishing there was a custom shop that catered solely to that size woman. Especially one that would make a black-lace wedding dress like she wants. So I invented one in my mind and called it The Perfect Dress. You’re holding the story that came from my imaginary shop in your hands.

I owe a debt of gratitude to several folks for their hard work in taking my rough idea and helping me turn it into a book. First, all my thanks to my editor, Krista Stroever, for all she did to bring out every giggle, every tear, and even the anger in my characters. Without emotion, they wouldn’t come to life, and she’s a master at helping me accomplish that. And thanks to my editors at Amazon/Montlake Romance, Anh Schluep and Megan Mulder, who continue to believe in my stories. And a big thanks to my team at Amazon/Montlake Romance for everything from covers to promotion and all that happens behind the scenes to put a book on the shelf. And to my awesome agent, Erin Niumata. Without her, I could never accomplish what I do. Also my thanks to Mr. B, my best friend and soul mate. And last, though not least by any means, to all my fans for reading my books, for writing reviews, and for sending fan mail: I love you all!

As I write The End, I’m leaving behind good friends that I’ve made with these characters. I hope that when you finish reading it, these folks are your friends, also!

Sending all of you hugs until next time,

Carolyn Brown

About the Author