There is something so perfect about setting a novel in a vintage clothing shop.

For a start, all those pre-owned garments have a history and an in-built human narrative. Then there’s the appealing sense of nostalgia for a bygone age of elegance and glamour, not to mention the restorative playfulness of ‘dressing up’. It is against this attractive backdrop that author Sophie Nicholls, who grew up in Wakefield and now lives in Easingwold near York, has set her debut novel The Dress.

Already a Kindle top 5 bestseller in 2011, it is now being published in paperback and tells the story of mysterious Fabia Moreno and her teenage daughter Ella who arrive in York one cold January day and set up a vintage clothing shop.

Although there is curiosity from the locals about the new arrivals and their venture, not everyone is welcoming – and there are prejudices to overcome. While shy Ella struggles at first to make friends, charming extrovert Fabia uses ‘everyday magic’ to transform the lives of the women who come in to her shop. There is no witchcraft involved, just a sensitive, generous attention to detail and an awareness of the small, yet beautiful things in life that can bring moments of joy – in this case exquisite couture and accessories. “I don’t wear much vintage clothing myself but I am a great appreciator of it,” says Nicholls. “I’ve always been really interested in storytelling – I am a huge believer in its power – and I think there are similarities between crafting something out of fabric and crafting a story.”See more at:formal dresses

And Nicholls certainly knows how to craft a story, creating a delightful, uplifting novel that, while unashamedly romantic and feel-good, nevertheless ponders some deeper questions. The concept of ‘everyday magic’ is central to Nicholls’ own thinking. Now teaching creative writing at Teeside University, she has spent many years working as a therapist and began researching the connections between writing and wellbeing some years ago after working with refugees and asylum seekers. “It is the idea of slowing down and really noticing the world around you,” she says. “I think we all need everyday magic – now more than ever.”

Central to the book is the mother and daughter relationship between Fabia and Ella, as well as Fabia’s own strong bond with her grandmother. “I really enjoy reading about female relationships and I think we don’t have enough of those stories,” says Nicholls. “I have been hugely influenced by my relationship not only with my own mother but also with other wise women so I really wanted to write about that.” The book’s most profound message, however, is one of tolerance and kindness, something which today couldn’t be more resonant. “Fabia is not quite from where she claims to be from and I think that is so pertinent to what is happening now,” says Nicholls. “I love all the beauty of the vintage clothing but underneath that is something that is very real and very relevant. I hope people engage with that.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-2016