The Secret Keeper of Main Street: A Novel
"A pure delight from start to finish!"--Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
Acclaimed author Trisha R. Thomas delivers a masterful new tale of scandal and intuition. In 1950s oil-rich Oklahoma, Bailey Dowery, a dressmaker with the gift of “second sight,” reluctantly reveals the true loves and intentions of her socialite clients, making her a silent witness to a shocking crime.
1954: In the quaint town of Mendol, Oklahoma, Bailey Dowery is a Black dressmaker for the wives and daughters of local oil barons. She earns a good living fitting designer gowns and creating custom wedding dresses for the town’s elite. But beyond her needle and thread lies a deeper talent, one passed down from her mother: the gift of insight. With just a fleeting touch or brush against the skin, Bailey has sudden flashes of intuition— witnessing the other person’s hopes, dreams, and nightmares, as well glimpses of their past and future. To protect herself, she wears gloves to keep from grazing the skin of her clients as she pins them into their gowns.
Brides have whispered that Bailey can see if their true love is faithful, or if their marriage will be a success. Her aunt Charlene has always warned her, “It’s safer to stay out of White folks’ business.” But Bailey will reluctantly provide a reading during a fitting, as long as the bride promises to be discreet.
Now Elsa Grimes, daughter of one of the richest oil men in Oklahoma, has come to the Regal Gown as the least joyful bride Bailey has ever seen. Elsa’s big society wedding is imminent and her gown is gorgeous, but what Bailey’s intuition uncovers when she touches Elsa’s hand horrifies her. Against her better judgment, she’s determined to help Elsa in whatever way she can. But when the son of a prominent family turns up dead on the eve of Elsa’s wedding, and the bride-to-be is arrested for his murder, Bailey is suddenly at the center of a firestorm that threatens to overtake her and everyone she loves.
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Community Reviews
Bailey Dowery is a black woman who works at her aunt's dressmaker shop. The story is set in 1954 in Mendol ,Oklahoma. She works there as a seamstress making beautiful wedding gowns. Bailey is not only a talented seamstress but she also has a secret talent. Bailey has “second sight” where she can sense the future for someone with just a touch of their skin.
While Bailey modestly downplays her gift, she becomes embroiled in the life of Elsa Grimes. Elsa’s father is the richest oil tycoon is Oklahoma. As her wedding date nears and Elsa dreams of a loving union, she needs to know what Bailey sees in Elsa’s future.
When Bailey predicts unhappiness for Elsa, she is unsure of what to do. They Bailey stumbles upon something so grave, that it makes her the prime suspect. With the town of Mendol targeting Bailey not only for her gift of second sight, but also for the color of her skin.
This book has stunning characters and is beautifully written, but it gives a stark picture of racism in the south during this time period, along with wealth and classism. Trisha R. Thomas handles these topics with care. I truly enjoyed this book. It was a 4 star read for me.
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