The Fish Dress

Thank you to Kat Biggie Press for the copy of THE FISH DRESS by Carol Parker to read and review!

“Set in coastal Maine, The Fish Dress tells the story of Nora Jenkins, a mother desperate to reconcile with her daughter, Angelica. At nineteen, Angelica is incarcerated and has severed all ties with her mother. Nora turns to her sister Grace for help; Grace tells her that Angelica is too filled with shame to let her mother back into her life. Nora feels powerless and blames herself for her daughter’s troubles.

But Nora’s life is about to change when she acquires a second-hand dress. She tries it on, and its mystical energy surges through her. Made of black linen and imprginted with white fish skeletons and mysterious tribal symbols, the dress enchants and empowers her—until she begins to experience its shadow side. She fears where the dress might take her.

Nora reaches out to psychic Rosie Deerborn for answers. Rosie tells her they must take a past-life journey, and Nora must wear the fish dress, for it is tied to a past-life vow that still influences her life, causing great pain. Will Nora break the vow and reconnect with her daughter? Can she overcome a childhood trauma? What are the chances she will dare to love again? Weaving illusion with truth, The Fish Dress spins a tale of restoration, hope, and letting go.”

I must admit that I went into this book a little blind – when I first discovered the book a couple of months ago, I remembered reading the synopsis and thinking that it sounded like a book I would enjoy reading. But, when fast forward a few months and I had forgotten the synopsis and decided not to read it again. Sometimes, it’s just nice to enter into a story with no idea as to what to expect; I think it allows me to formulate my own opinions as to where the author is taking her characters. 

Combining reality with fantasy – I was thrown into the world of Nora Jenkins and my heart ached for her. She was lost and feeling unsure about her place in the world and her daughter’s life (trigger warning: drug use). The author, Carol Parker, painted the reality of a parent’s nightmare when dealing with a child who is addicted to drugs and in jail. Nora continued to try to rebuild her relationship with her daughter and was refusing to give up. 

The addition of the Fish Dress in her life promptly opened her eyes and awakened her spirit to just all the things that she is capable of doing. Not only did it open her eyes to herself self, but it also seemed to shine a light onto her that drew others to her. However, as with almost everything, there wasn’t something quite right with the dress. 

I stepped directly in line with Nora and her self discovery and what happens when you are faced with mortality in your present life and past life. 

There were bits and pieces of the story that were difficult for me to wrap my head around, but otherwise, it was an enjoyable and quick read. 

THE FISH DRESS was published on October 15, 2020, and is available to order now!