The House of Serendipity

The House of Serendipity #1

by Lucy Ivison

Welcome to The House of Serendipity, where friendships are fashioned and destinies designed amongst the ballgowns, tiaras and trifles!

Meet Myrtle Mathers and Sylvia Cartwright: two girls from different worlds bonded by a passion for fashion! They know that the perfect outfit can make dreams come true, and their dazzling designs are the talk of 1920s London...
So when Agapantha Portland-Prince wants to escape her glamorous debutante ball for a life of adventure, it's their magical talents she needs. But can the girls make all their secret dreams a reality, or will this be the most stylish scandal of the century?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Childrens, Friendship, Fashion, Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Lucy and Usborne for sending me an early copy.

I really enjoyed it - I love historical fiction and I thought the 1920s setting was unique and exciting. It was a charming story packed with friendship and fashion. I'm really looking forward to seeing the final version with the illustrations as well!

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much I wanted to love about this book: I mean, look at the cover?! It is all fashion and (to me) all fun. I love the 1920s references (didn't expect a Gary Cooper one--my mother would geek out).

However, this book ended up as a did not finish even though I was over halfway through. Why?

I felt like the book dragged. There were opportunities to really expand on the fashion side of things....that didn't happen. There were moments where I also felt like the storyline could have been sped up....that didn't happen. I felt like it was not the most well written. And for some reason, neither of the girls resonated with me =/

Due to all of the other books on my floor....and in my basket....and in my room....I decided that since I wasn't feeling it. Putting it aside sucks but I cannot love every middle grade book I attempt.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tarina ei ole häikäisevän originelli, mutta kerrankin kirja, jossa kaavoitetaan, leikataan kankaita ja ommellaan!

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the concept of the book.
It was interesting to see how the different classes lived.
I will give the next book.

[Evelyn Evertsen-Romp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit is wel een héél fijn boek! De sfeer klopt, de personages zijn leuk en levensecht en het verhaal is zo goed dat ik er nog uren over ga zitten dagdromen. Ik hoop dat deze verfilmd wordt.

[Venla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minun piti alun perin vain vilkaista minkälainen kirja tämä oli, mutta tarina vei mukanaan. Minulle tuli kirjasta mieleen sekä Downton Abbey että Vihervaaran Anna. Downton Abbey ehkä aikakauden takia, mutta myös rohkeiden nuorten naisten, kuten Sybil Crawley. Vihervaaran Anna tuli mieleen, koska Myrtlen ja Sylvian ystävyys on samantapainen kuin Annan ja Dianan Anna-kirjoissa. Erittäin viihdyttävä, vauhdikas ja dramaattinen kirja, joka sopii myös vanhemmille lukijoille.

[Sohvi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5

Tykkään tämän kirjan kannesta sekä tarinan ideasta. Jokin tässä silti ei vastannut odotuksiani ja kirja oli pienoinen pettymys. Olisin kaivannut hieman enemmän ajankuvausta, elämää palvelijan ja ylemmistön tytön välillä, mikä heitä erottaa ja mikä heidän luonteissaan sai heidät yhdistymään ystävinä. Piirroskuvat olivat kuitenkin kiva lisä.

[Sini Helminen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyt kun ei-niin-iloinen 2020-luku saapuu taas uuteen pandemiavuoteen, on vielä mukavampi paeta sille iloisemmalle 1920-luvulle. Lucy Ivisonin Silkkiä & salaisuuksia aloittaa varhaisnuorten historiallisen Unelmien muotitalo -sarjan, joka on aivan yhtä pirteä ja glamoröösi kuin kansikuvansakin. Takakannessa viitataan Downtown Abbeyyn, joskin ainoa yhteys suosittuun tv-sarjaan on aikakausi ja sekä palvelusväen että yläluokan näkökulmien yhdistäminen. Pääosassa ovat nimittäin palvelustytöksi pestautuva Myrtle ja rikas kauhukakaralady Sylvia, jotka löytävät yhteisen nuotin innostuksestaan muotiin. Sylvia ja Myrtle alkavat salaa yhdessä tehdä unelmiensa pukuja Sylvian dybytanttitanssiaisia jännittäville tuttaville. Mukana on silmäkarkkina myös kuvia puvuista, joten kirja on ehdoton nuoremmille vaatefaneille.

Romaani alkaa synkemmissä tunnelmissa: Myrtlen isä on kuollut, äiti joutuu muuttamaan maasta, perheyritys menee ja Myrtlen on jätettävä vaatteiden tekeminen ja siirryttävä palvelustytöksi vieraaseen taloon. Pian hän kuitenkin kohtaa perheen eksentrisen ja kevytmielisen nuoremman tyttären Sylvian, joka kätevästi harrastaa vaatteiden suunnittelua. Yhdistämällä voimansa he pelastavat Sylvian siskon nololta tilanteelta loihtimalla hänelle upean juhlapuvun. Yhteinen unelma muodin luomisesta tekee erilaisista lähtökohdista tulevista tytöistä ystäviä, mutta pelissä heillä on niin erilaiset panokset, että ystävyys joutuu koetukselle. Kaikkiaan Ivison pitää sävyn kepeänä, mutta silti säilyttää lukijan kiinnostuksen ja tarjoaa hurmaavaa säihkettä parhaiten 10-12 -vuotiaiden makuun. Ilmeisesti sarjasta on tulossa trilogia, ja mielellään luen tälle jatkoa.

Arvio löytyy myös blogista Siniset helmet: https://sinisethelmet.wordpress.com/2...

[Jenifer Clemins · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book finished this year and it was a great comfort read. I loved the 1920s fashion and colorful courageous characters who fought for their dreams against society norms. I found the book relaxing and fun 🤩

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leuk, vermakelijk boek over twee jonge meiden. De een werkt als dienstmeid voor de ander haar familie.
Een verhaal over vriendschap, mode en moed hebben. Erg leuk bedacht!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Superleuk verhaal voor Downton Abbey lovers, ik ben oprecht benieuwd naar het vervolg. Echt een vlot, gemakkelijk leesbaar meidenboek. Dat is meteen ook mijn kritische noot: tragiek wordt wel beschreven maar niet beleefd. En ook jammer maar net niet storend genoeg om het een slecht boek te vinden: de karakters hebben niet zo veel diepgang en de twee hoofdpersonen, die om en om het woord nemen, zijn niet te onderscheiden behalve dan door hun naam en de kringen waarin zij zich bewegen. Gelukkig begint elk hoofdstuk met de desbetreffende naam. Al met al een lekker vlot tussendoor boek.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: I stopped and set my sewing machine down for the hundredth time.

Premise/plot: Myrtle Mathers (a young maid) and Sylvia Cartwright (a young lady) team up on the sly to be fashion designers in 1920s London. This one has alternating narrators--Myrtle and Sylvia. Myrtle, our seamstress, is a newly hired maid. Her mother is sick with consumption and has returned to Ireland; her father has died. She's hoping to support her mother with her wages while dreaming of brighter days. Sylvia has a vivid imagination and a sketchpad. Her older sister, Delphine, is a debutante this season. These two strangers (Sylvia and Myrtle) team up when Delphine's dress is HIDEOUS and FRIGHTFUL. The two hope they can make something out of the mess that is worth wearing for her big party/ball. After a successful (secret) project, the two team up a second time to help out another debutante, Agapantha Portland-Prince, who literally wants to run far, far away from this society nonsense...

But when secrets are outed, can Myrtle keep her job and reputation?

My thoughts: IF I was giving out stars based on the cover alone, I'd give this one five stars. I love everything about this cover. I'd go back in time and hand myself a copy of this book.

But I don't give out stars based on the cover...alone. I think for younger audiences (aka NOT adults) this one will prove an enjoyable and appealing dalliance with historical fiction.

For older readers (aka adults and maybe some young adults) it may be an almost book. Sylvia and Myrtle are from two distinct social classes. And there are things that Sylvia can get away with--especially at her young age--that Myrtle can't. It's not fair exactly. I'm not saying it is. But the book doesn't really go far enough, deep enough here. It's very neat and tidy. But Myrtle's choices while wonderful for fiction could have proved disastrous.

The ending. I don't know if this book could have a bigger bow ending. I have a hard time believing that Hollywood is anxious for two teens from Britain to come be costume designers. And I have a hard time believing that this is what is best for them...both. The truth is that both are what would be considered minors today. And for the two to dream of Hollywood fame...and to want to head out on their own...without adult supervision, guidance, wisdom. It seems like a HUGE mistake waiting to happen. Granted, London life may not be any safer in regards to possible exploitation. But at least Sylvia is living with her family. Would I have been bothered by this literal Hollywood ending as a kid? as a teen? probably not.

[Reetta Saine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Köyhä palvelustyttö Myrtle raahaa ompelukonettaan läpi Lontoon matkalla kohti uutta työpaikkaansa. Koko elämä on mullistunut lyhyessä ajassa – tuttu ja turvallinen elämä isän ja äidin kanssa perheen vaatturinliikkeessä on ohi. Isän kuolema ja äidin sairastuminen sekä velkaantuminen ovat vieneet pohjan Myrtlen haaveista tulla huippuompelijatareksi.
Äiti on matkustanut mummin luo Irlantiin parantumaan ja Myrtlen on elätettävä itsensä ja säästettävä rahaa äidillekin.
Myrtlen palveluspaikka on mahtavan rikkaan herttuaperheen koti, joka on täydessä myllerryksessä.

Lady Delphine on debytantti – nuori nainen, joka esitellään hovissa seurapiireille - joka viettää täyden juhlakauden juosten tanssiaisissa ja järjestäen sellaiset itse tavoitteenaan saada itselleen sulhanen. Mielellään komea, rikas ja rakastettava. Lady Delphinellä ei vain mene kovin hyvin, mitä hänen räväkkä, seikkailuhenkinen ja tooodella tottelematon pikkusiskonsa Sylvia joutuu valitettavasti todistamaan.

Sylvia rakastaa piirtämistä ja suunnittelua, Myrtlellä puolestaan on satumainen taito luoda kankaista taideteoksia ja niin tämä parivaljakko ajautuu yhteen.

Hyvät aikomukset vievät epätasa-arvoiset ystävykset mennessään, ja juonittelut vyöryvät yhä pidemmälle, yhä hurjempiin seikkailuihin. Kun asiat alkavat paljastua, joutuu aatelinen Sylvia näkemään, kuinka erilaiselta maailma näyttää luokkayhteiskunnan toiselta puolelta ja millaiseen vaaraan Myrtle on itsensä asettanut…

Kirja on täynnä ystävyyttä, mahtavia kuvauksia puvuista ja niiden tekemisestä, uskaliaista seikkailuista ja välillä aika ahdistavastakin ymmärryksestä siitä, miten eriarvoinen maailma on. Kaikilla on kuitenkin oikeus unelmiin ja mahdollisuus tavoitella niitä – tehdä parhaansa, ottaa riskejä ja nauttia onnistumisista. Plussaa ihanasta äitipuolesta, joka ei karta skandaaleja ja rakastumisen ihkutuksen puuttumisesta.

Jos pidät tästä, kannattaa lukea myös Bianca Turetskyn Muotimatkaaja Titanicin kannella.

[Selina · Rating 3 out of 5]

kiva kirja, vaikka oli suunnattu pikkasen nuoremmille🫶🫶

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myrtle and her Ma have hit hard times since Myrtle's father died and they had to close their tailoring shop. Myrtle now has to go into service as a lady's maid at the Cartwright's. Myrtle finds the staff and household surprisingly pleasant, but she still dreams of one day opening her own fashion shop and making clothes full time. The youngest Cartwright, Sylvia, loves designing fashion though she has trouble making her drawings come to life. When she learns about Myrtle's skill, Sylvia recruits her to help save her older sister's coming out party by redesigning the horrid dress that arrived from Paris. Delphine's dress is the talk of the town, but Sylvia and Myrtle can't reveal that they are geniuses behind her stunning gown. Still, word gets out a little, and Lady Agapantha Porland-Prince soon comes seeking their help. She wants a daring design for her coming out party...and she also wants to promptly run away afterwards to the Amazon on an exploration expedition to study all the animals she loves. Of course, she'll have to escape in a disguise because ladies of fashion simply don't go on expeditions. So she also wants Myrtle and Sylvia to make her expedition wardrobe. Myrtle is wary about the scheme. If they are caught she could be fired and in the streets. Sylvia reassures Myrtle she won't let anything happen to her, but does the carefree Sylvia truly understand the way the world works?

For most of the book, this is a lighthearted lark of designing fashion on the sly. Sylvia is quite the character, as is her stepmother Marmalade. They both keep things quite lively. The book highlights the disparity between classes and genders during the early 1900s, but manages to keep things upbeat and ultimately hopeful. It's like a lighthearted Downton Abbey for middle grades with a focus on fashion. The back of the book says a 2nd book in the series was supposed to come out in 2022 but I can't find any evidence that it actually did come out. Maybe this first book didn't do well enough, or maybe publication was just delayed for paper shortages and such like so many other books of late. I know a few students who will find this delightful and will definitely want a 2nd book in the series.

Notes on content: I think I remember 2 minor swears. No sexual content. No violence. Some injustice related to social class and gender roles of the time period are shown.

[The Book Chief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequins and Secrets is set in 1926 London, at the start of the social Season. Serendipity House, the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Avalon, is abuzz with preparations for the coming-out ball of Lady Delphine Cartwright, the Duke’s elder daughter. Into the hubbub walks Myrtle Mathers, the new maid.
She is reserved, serious and resolute about earning her own money. Completely different from Myrtle is Sylvia, the Duke’s breezy younger daughter who is is always up for mischief and is somewhat rebellious.

But the two girls have one thing in common- a love for fashion. Sylvia has notebooks filled with brilliant designs for dresses while Myrtle is an expert dressmaker with an eye for style. So when Delphine’s fancy Parisian ball gown turns out to be fashion disaster, Sylvia and Myrtle work in secret to transform the flouncy gown that “looks like vomit” into a stunningly simple dress unlike any other in London.

This marks the beginning of Sylvia and Myrtle’s secret careers as designer and dressmaker. In a time when the maids of a house were not supposed to even look their employers in the face, Myrtle and Sylvia strike up a rare friendship. They know that they are not supposed to be doing this, but the rush of doing something that they know is their true calling, and of finding a kindred spirit, overrides the concerns of propriety.

Till the day they take a risky assignment that might just be their downfall…but to know what that is, you’ll have to read the book! 😄

I loved the story and the gorgeous illustrations of dresses. I also liked how the author has shown that every woman, irrespective of her wealth or social status, had restrictions placed on what she could do or be. The end does feel a bit rushed, and the story does gloss over some of the grim realities of the time, but overall, it’s a fun read!

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

1920s, London: When Myrtle’s mother has to sell their tailoring shop, Myrtle is sent to be a lady’s maid at the home of the Cartwright family. There, she meets Sylvia, the young daughter of the house. Sylvia’s older sister is supposed to make her debut to society but she hates the dress that was made for her. Sylvia enlists Myrtle’s help to remake the dress so her sister likes it. When that dress is a hit in society, others want the be dressed by the same designer. Sylvia’s friend Lady Agapantha hires them to create a special look for her debut and to help her form a new identity to follow her dream. This project is almost too big for Sylvia and Myrtle, and can either make or break their designing partnership.

This story reminded me of Downton Abbey, but for a middle grade audience. Myrtle worked as a lady’s maid but she became friends with Lady Sylvia. The other workers in the palace had to remind Myrtle that she shouldn’t be too friendly with the family of the house because she was there to work for them. However, Sylvia was able to persuade Myrtle to help her with designing clothes. I kept imagining Sylvia and Myrtle as Lady Mary and Anna from Downton Abbey, if they were young girls who became friends in unlikely circumstances.

One of my favourite parts of this book was the sketches of the outfits. Since this story had so many descriptive outfits created by Myrtle and Sylvia, it was nice to see what they would have looked like. This was a great addition to this fashion themed story.

The House of Serendipity is a fun middle grade novel!

Thank you Razorbill for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House of Serendipity Sequins and Secrets is an incredibly fun read filled with glamour and friendship.

Alongside the exciting plotline of 1920’s fashion and design, there are several underlying themes that are presented brilliantly for middle-grade readers. We see societal expectations and restrictions for women, gender roles in that era, as well as class and social hierarchy.

Myrtle is restricted by her social status as a servant and comparisons are drawn between her and Sylvia. Sylvia doesn’t realise how good her life is and what freedom she has compared to Myrtle. We also see Agapantha, who demonstrates a level of gender-nonconformity in not wanting to marry, instead, wanting to travel and work in what was a solely male role. To do so she has to wear men’s clothing and portray herself as male. She finds this freeing and we are shown how much more freedom men have compared to women. The story shows the girl’s confidence and courage in following their dreams and aspirations, not being held back by other people’s expectations, even if (especially for Myrtle) there may be consequences and repercussions.

I was thoroughly swept up in this highly enjoyable read.

Thank you to Toppsta and Usborne Publishing for sending us the book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a YA story. I would say the story would appeal to girls aged 11 to 13. It is well written but in a simple style.

The characters are all 'nice'. There are no nasty characters at all. The girls are all friendly and kind to each other. There is a little tension and excitement but no unkindness so suitable for any youngster.

It can be read to children younger as the story is suitable - its just dependant on the child's reading ability.

I would say it is unlikely to appeal to young boys as the story focuses on fashion and the main characters are girls.

The story is set in a time when young girls 'came out' and had the coming-out ball o be presented to society. Despite this, the girls do have a bit of character and of the girls one dresses as a boy and escapes society to go on an Amazon expedition open only to men!

[Carrie Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly right for where my 10 year old daughter's interests currently lay with fashion and friendship. The author didn't shy away from using vocabulary that challenged my daughter (i.e. discombobulated) or slang from the time either (i.e. awfully). The story was compelling and fluid even though the point of view alternates by chapter between Myrtle and Sylvia. It did get a wee bit darker than either my daughter or I anticipated near the end, but ultimately I thought it ended well and left the door open for more to come. I give it 4 stars, but my daughter, disliking the dark turn at toward the end only gives it 3. One question that we never did resolve is exactly how old the girls are - we figured somewhere between 14 and 18 but that's a broad gap in terms of development. This was a pleasurable read aloud and naturally lends itself to two chapters at a time.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This could have dug a little deeper emotionally, including Delphine and Agapantha’s POV’s might have been a good way to do that given the life-changing transformations both undergo, nonetheless this was an entertaining story about pursuing your dreams that lightly touches on class and gender issues.

If you love fashion you’ll likely enjoy that aspect of the book as much as I did, the fantastical descriptions and sketches and most of all the joy and fulfillment Sylvia and Myrtle find in their collaborations. There are way too many examples in pop culture of girls who don’t work well together, doing the mean girl thing, sabotaging each other to get ahead, I’m all for anything that shows the opposite of that awful stereotype.

[Anu-vinkkari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olipa kerrassaan sympaattinen kirja. Kerrankin orpotyttö jota ei kohdeltu kaltoin, päin vastoin, toivotettiin avosylin tervetulleeksi palveluspaikkaan ja sekä emäntä, että toiset tytöt ottivat päähenkilön heti siipiensä suojaan. Myös talonväki kohteli palvelijoita ystävällisesti. Ylipäätään kateus ja pikkusieluisuus tuntuvat olevan vieraita tämän talon asukkaille. Tytön uskomattomille ompelijanlahjoillekin löytyy oitis käyttöä ja vaikka pukujen valmistusajalla ei ole mitään tekemistä todellisuuden kanssa, niin mitäpä tuosta. Satuahan tämä on, sellaista Frozen-henkistä tyttöenergiaa vailla ylenpalttisia ihastuksia.
Ihastuttavia 30-luvun muotipiirroksia kuvituksena.


Vinkkaukseen nelosesta vitoseen, luettavaksi +2 v kumpaankin suuntaan

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

78%

"I thought it was very witty to plan your exterior decor to match your personal level of wickedness"

* both main characters were very strong females which is pretty unusual; I find that usually one is strong and bold while the other is kinda meek, but in this book both were strong in their very own different ways

* nicely depicted how repressed women were in the 1920s - even rich women couldn't just do whatever they pleased, including things as basic as getting an education

* Sylvia's obliviousness to other peoples' feelings got pretty annoying. I get that her privileged life made her unaware of the difficulties the lower classes, but her inability to learn and grow in that respect got frustrating at times

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Ivison’s historical novel for readers aged 9+ (the first in a series) will appeal to budding fashionistas and fans of Downton Abbey and features some great illustrations by Catharine Collingridge that respect the period fashions while making them seem contemporary. The story itself moves at a good pace and while Myrtle and Sylvia’s friendship hits expected beats and the end is a bit rush, I cared enough about them to want to read the sequel.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story could be a Downton Abby for kids type of read. Servants don't usually mingle with the upper class they serve, but in this story, there was collaboration between the two classes when two girls design and sew an outfit that is a hit at a debutante ball in London, where Queen Victoria is in attendance.

A fun way to incorporate fashion and history.

[Nathalja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een leuk kinderboek over de tijd van Coco Chanel en verschillende standen. Sylvia is een jong meisje dat samen met het dienstmeisje (Myrthe) de jurk van haar zus Delphine aanpast voor het debutantenbal. Dit zorgt ervoor dat beide hun passie voor het ontwerpen en maken van kleding kunnen uitvoeren. Door de omschrijvingen en de plaatjes wordt je helemaal in het verhaal gezogen.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even tell you how gorgeously divine this book is. I absolutely lovely the attention to detail when describing the fashion and creation of it, and the illustrations are wonderful. I was totally swallowed up by this story and can’t wait for the next one.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy is the co-writer of one of my favourite YA books ever (Lobsters, for anyone wondering!) so I was absolutely thrilled when her middle grade debut was announced and just had to pick it up very soon after its release. It’s about a maid named Myrtle, who is a very talented dressmaker, going to work at the magnificent Serendipity House, where she befriends Sylvia, the youngest lady of the house, who happens to be very talented at designing clothes. Soon, they make a name for themselves within 1920s society and prominent debutante Agapantha Portland-Prince enlists their services to help her accomplish her dreams. I loved the relationship between Myrtle and Sylvia, as while they have a lovely friendship, the difference in their backgrounds and economic status are highlighted, and they aren’t perfect as individuals but are still so very likeable. I also liked Stan, and Agapantha was an absolute delight to read about! The 1920s setting really captures the glamour of the era and reminded me why it’s one of my favourite periods of history to read about, but I liked that it didn’t shy away from the less savoury parts of the era, such as sexism and classism. The fashion sketches and descriptions of the clothes are just divine, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, which is going to be set in Hollywood!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this middle grade book! Two girls with lots of spunk. Upstairs/downstairs friendship. Sewing. Designing. Totally the kind of book I would have devoured in elementary/early middle school. Probably why I still enjoyed it as an adult! :) I hope the author plans a sequel!!!

[Gill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story set in the 1920s. Upstairs and downstairs meet. Lucy Ivison creates convincing characters. Myrtle and Sylvie have an interesting adventure. Catharine Collingridge provides some lovely fashion drawings. A delightful read.