A Vintage Affair is a mesmerizing tale about Phoebe Swift, a former Sotheby’s auction house buyer turned vintage clothing shop owner. On the surface, this career change isn't drastic; it is, however, a risk both financially and personally, especially as Phoebe initially uses her shop as an escape from the recent death of her dearest childhood friend, Emma, and the dissolution of her engagement to Dan.
In running from her own past, Phoebe ends up running headlong into the past lives of others. Always searching for new inventory for her shop, Phoebe one afternoon calls upon Therese Bell, an elderly woman who wishes to part with some beautiful vintage pieces. Their lives soon become intertwined as the WWII survivor tells Phoebe of her experiences, both joyous and heartbreaking, while wearing the clothing (Ms. Wolff does have quite the knack for making the clothing sound absolutely sumptuous!) during and after the War. She gladly offers the items to Phoebe, with the exception of a blue winter coat.
As the relationship continues to develop, Mrs. Bell relates the small betrayals that had lasting consequences in the French countryside where she grew up. Phoebe immediately notices the similarities to her own life, including the one act of betrayal she has been desperately trying to forget. Can she ever truly move forward or will her past actions forever haunt her?
A wonderful read with amazing descriptions of both the clothing (I was in love with the 50s-style “cupcake” prom dresses Wolff describes; pure confection!) and the historical touches from both women's stories, A Vintage Affair will captivate your senses. A great beach read!
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