Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times. When Harriet Peters came to Boston in 1882, the Robinson family took her in like one of their own, and Harriet became closer to … Harriet became closer to Lizzie Robinson than her own siblings. Now, four years later, Lizzie is deathly sick, failing quickly just like several others in her family have done over the past few years. How can so many in one family die from the same mysterious illness? Harriet doesn’t have answers, but she is determined to help the family, bringing in a new-to-the-neighborhood doctor, Michael Wheaton.
As Harriet and Michael close in on the answer, putting their own lives at risk, can the cause be found before anyone else dies?
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A real life adventure of serial killer involving
the blood chilling and horrific deaths of
members of the Robinson family mixed with
a fictional romance. This combination
makes for a moving historical fiction read.
This story grips you from the beginning.
It intensifies until the final word.
The story takes place in the town of
Somerville, Massachusetts( near Boston).
The time period is the late 1880’s.
Milliner Harriet Peters had sought aide with
the Robinson family. Harriet has her own
shop but when her best friend is dying from
a strange, painful death, Harriet vows to
care for the younger children in the
Robinson household. Harriet moves back in
with the family. She watches as the
matriarch of the family has fainting spells
supposedly caused by the ghost of her
deceased husband predicting death of the
one that is ill. Nothing seems to help save
anyone once the severe stomach pain starts.
Death is the end result!!
Dr Michael Wheaton is a young doctor who
is trying to become established in town. He
gets called in to the Robinson’s by Harriet.
He feels something is amiss in the household.
He fears for Harriet’s safety.
Throughout the story the reader will note
Mrs Robinson making a green dress.
Stunning emotional and gripping read!!
The book is extremely ably plotted and skillfully
written with cleverly crafted characters, well
defined and interesting characters that will pull
on the reader’s emotions. The story will chill
your blood. The reader will feel the terrorizing
and horrifying events along with the all the
character taking part in the drama.
I volunteered on read The Green Dress.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing via Net Gallery
for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and
my own.
The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is Christian Historical True Crime. It is the latest book in the wonderful Christian True Crime series published by Barbour. A story of death and murder in a family with constant danger, suspense and a clean romance. This book has a strong Christian message of hope in this life and promise of the life to come. I found the murder plots simple, with an expected ending but not knowing exactly who was involved kept it exciting. The characters were somewhat unusual and each had their own interesting stories to tell. The Author’s note is excellent and reveals even more of the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4 Stars
Boston, 1886–members of the Robinson family keep falling ill and dying in the same way, with no known cure. When Harriet Peters, who is a close friend of Lizzie Robinson, watches her best friend die, she moves in with the family to care for the youngest members. As the illness claims another life, Harriet enlists the help of a new doctor in town, and he begins to suspect foul play. But how many more have to die before a possible murderer can be caught?
This is my favorite book so far in the True Colors series. It was well-written, the characters were real (and a little scary), and the crime was more interesting and woven into the story better than some of the others in the series (which are stand-alones written by mostly different authors), while also being less gruesome than that of one of the others. I was also a lot more engaged by the romance than I was with most of the others.
From almost the very beginning of the story, I suspected who the mastermind was and turned out to be correct. In fact, it took me a while into the story before I realized the author was attempting to throw us off the trail, make us suspect others. At least, I think that’s what she was trying to do. However, because the book is based on a real story, I think it might have been a bit better to make the criminal plain, at least a little, and add some excitement there. Though this being a Christian story, that might have made it too dark.
My biggest gripe isn’t even all that big. The title of the book was a bit of a stretch, in my opinion. I think the green dress should have been involved a little more for it to make the title seem less like it was forced, just so this book could be in the series. I did like the payoff (and suspected that to be the case as well), but still think it could have been more woven into the story.
The book is not terribly pushy in the Christianity department. Unsurprisingly, given the subject matter, there is discussion about death and what is really required of us humans to be able to go to Heaven. There is also a theme in the later parts of the book regarding God’s will, and how we can pray for healing, but sometimes God’s will is for someone not to be healed in this life. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I would recommend this book for fans of Christian romance, especially the historical variety.
Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me a copy of this book to review.
Fiction based on True Crime stories. Knowing that it was based on a true story… This one had me wondering how many family members would have to die before we got to the end and they were caught! This was a “didn’t want to put down” book for me. This series is one I definitely want to keep reading!
I was gifted a copy. No review was required, my review is voluntary.
Danger is far closer to her than she can imagine…
I’ve been looking forward to reading The Green Dress since first finding out that author Liz Tolsma would have a second title in the True Colors series. I’ve only read a few of her books but I’ve enjoyed each one just as I did The Green Dress.
As with some of the other True Colors books, I think I may have actually heard of the true story behind the novel prior to reading it. As I read it I found myself Googling the facts and some of them rang a distant bell in my memory.
I was caught up in the drama and emotion of the story right from start. I liked Harriet, though sometimes I wanted to shake her for her dogged naivete, and I thought Michael was great. I was also heartbroken at the death of one of the characters even though I knew it was going to happen.
I think one of the best, and most chilling, parts of the story was how Liz Tolsma drew in some supernatural/creepy/spiritual threads. Seriously, you almost get goosebumps if you read it late at night like I did! Toss in some thunderstorms, midnight meetings, and psychopathic killers, and it will have you peering behind your doors after reading this book!
Blending true crime and historical romance, The Green Dress from Liz Tolsma is a must read for fans of either genre. Oh, and when you do read it be sure to check out the author’s note at the end. It’s totally fascinating.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is a wonderful addition to the True Colors series. All of the books in this series are written by different authors about historical American crimes that you don’t want to miss if you love stories based on true crime, are inspirational and are strangely different suspenseful romances.
In the late 1800’s Harriet Peters and Sarah Jane become friends out of need when they both find themselves widowed and struggling to meet their needs financially.
Death seems to follow Sarah Jane wherever she goes so when Harriet begins to suffer new and strange ailments her friend, Dr. Michael Wheaton begins to worry not only about her safety, but her life as well.
I’ve enjoyed many of the books in this series and look forward to reading more in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
I have really enjoyed devouring this series with American Crimes published by Barbour novels. I have read every single one of them. Some I like more than others. But The Green Dress written by Liz Tolsma was a fascinating read. I had a pretty good idea who was doing the harm to the family members. I don’t think Tolsma tried to hide the reality of the bad person from us. I was just in awe over the character’s ability to do these things to their family. I loved the writing style. Tolsma took me into the story and the setting with her historical research and allowed me to enjoy the storytelling. The concept of the green dress is the novel is a little creepy. See if, as a reader, you catch it before it is revealed. I did! Overall, The Green Dress was a delightful, yet horrible story about a true event in America’s history. Fans of this series should pick this one up and add it to their collection.
I received a complimentary copy of The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
The premise of this book caught my attention and my interest was further peaked with the first few chapters! The story has mystery and a uniqueness that is interesting to read. I liked the characters in the book and it did not take long for me to wonder what was going to happen to them next. There is some suspense as the danger increases in the novel. I thought the story was well written and well paced and it seems the author did her research! I think the novel was further enhanced by the fact that it is based on a true story! I liked reading this book and look forward to more in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I have loved all the books in the True Colors series and I think that this one has been my favorite. This book showed the horror that this poor family went through with a mother that only thought of money. I like how Harriet and Michael were worked in to the story. This story made me sick in some ways to see how horrible some people really are. I could not put this story down. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is a totally gripping Christian historical crime suspense and part of the True Colors series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
Liz Tolsma has taken a true life crime and woven her story around the facts. It is both mesmerising and horrifying as the reader knows that all that happens is true.
Crimes are committed. At first it seems like bad luck but as the body count rises so does the suspicion.
The characters are all well drawn. The young children’s mannerisms and innocence were perfectly captured. The leading lady has a kind heart, looking out for the innocent. She struggles with the concept of a good Father as her earthly father let her down. “Why did God have to do this to her?” God does not ‘let’ anything happen, it is man’s free will and His Holy Spirit grieves.
The novel has the theme of trust. Both the reader and the characters have to decide where to place their trust.
We see the question of grace arise as a character asks “Have I been good enough?’… ‘You aren’t asking the right question… Did He [God] love you enough to send His Son for you.’ “ We will never be ‘good enough’ in our own strength. It is not about what we do. It is about what Jesus has done.
I am loving this True Colors series. It is both fascinating and horrifying as all the stories are grounded in fact. The Green Dress, as with all the previous books, inspires me to delve deeper into the facts. Thank you Liz Tolsma for a marvellous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I was riveted by this story. From start to finish! It was truly mind boggling that this was based on a true story! This was a well written story about a difficult story. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.
The Green Dress by author Liz Tolsma is Book Six in the True Colors series. That series is comprised of fiction books based on strange historical true stories. Each story will be unbelievable at times, but it is documented to be true.
When I started this book I was immediately intrigued. It only took a few pages for me to become invested. The author has an inviting style of writing. It drew me in and had me turning page after page until I had the book finished. The story was riveting.
Set in 1880s Boston, this is the tale of Harriet Peters. She has a millinery shop and enjoys making hats. Her best friend is Lizzie Robinson. Lizzie’s entire family loves Harriet.
Some mysterious illness has been attacking this family and they are dying. They need Harriet’s help.
The neighborhood has a new doctor, Michael Wheaton, and he is determined to find the cause of the deaths while protecting Harriet. They begin working together to solve the mystery, but then they become in jeopardy.
The author has done an exceptional job researching this story and adding her details. The twists and turns will have you guessing. The characters are either lovable or despicable, and believable.
I highly recommend this thrilling tale. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was supplied by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
Aha! This was a crime I could solve, I thought. Each book in this True Colors series is an historical American crime fictionalized to reach and even educate a wider audience than the bare, macabre facts in a dusty tome. So, I was game. Liz Tolsma is creator of this fact-turned-fiction tale aptly named The Green Dress.
Ready, Set, Go. The cast of characters was listed at the front. The year is 1886, and we first meet Harriet Peters as she hurries to the sickbed of her best friend, Lizzie Robinson. Much consternation abounds, as Lizzie’s symptoms exactly match those of other family members who suddenly fell ill and died. Doctors are mystified by the repeated identical deaths occurring solely in the Robinson household until a fresh-faced doctor is called in.
This was certainly another incredible crime. It wasn’t caught, largely because people refused to even consider all possibilities, though those evidences were staring them in the face.
“Outward appearances don’t always reflect a person’s character.”
If only… Harriet had taken Lizzie’s words to heart, “No debt in friendship.” You can be sure I heard those words and may or may not have screeched them aloud…more than once.
Liz Tolsma does a great job with the story’s pacing. From the first sentence to the last, I was captivated. I really did figure out some of the crime, but the whole timbre of the novel was such that I had to stay up late to finish it in one sitting. No putting this one down.
I enjoyed the romance development between Harriet and Michael Wheaton. I especially liked seeing Michael grow in confidence and follow up on his hunches. Speaking of hunches, Harriet ignores some of hers in the novel. I disagree with the author’s view about where those hunches came from. As a Christian, God could certainly make sure Harriet heard an audible voice.
Because death was a common occurrence in this story, the question of assurance of salvation is addressed.
Ending notes in a tale like this are essential, and the author shows both her great research and care with this superior project.
The whole scenario sounds like something out of our time, not the 1880’s. Alas, for me, Tolsma has the final word or twist. Good for her. The clues were all laid, I just didn’t put those pieces together. Well done, Ms. Tolsma. This could have been a great Twilight Zone episode.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
In a book filled with death, I was certain I knew from almost the moment I started reading, I felt certain I had an idea of how this true historical work would turn out. I knew from my previous with other books in the True Colors series that it would be intense.
This book kept me reading non-stop until I reached the end of it. With the death of Harriet’s best and only true friend, her world forever changes. Lizzie’s mother seems to be genuinely devastated by the death of her daughter and previously the death of another daughter, her husband, her sister, and her sister’s husband, it seemed like the family was caught in a never-ending cycle of death.
I had a good idea based on the symptoms prior to Lizzie’s death of what was causing her to die. Also having been a fan of television murder dramas, I love reading this kind of suspense novel based on true historical events.
The character interactions and plot kept this book moving along at a pace that kept my interest.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and creepier too. I really enjoy these novels based on True Crimes with fiction woven in. I find them fascinating and interesting but also horrified that someone can be so evil. Liz Tolsma brings Sarah Jane Robinson to life and has you looking over your shoulder. After reading this I researched this woman on the internet and she made my skin crawl just looking at her. I enjoyed learning about this killer but found her method of causing so much suffering horrendous. The author handled it perfectly and showed that even in the darkest times there is hope.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I enjoyed this exciting, well-written novel, sixth in the multi-author True Colors Series. As with previous offerings, The Green Dress gives a fictionalized account of a true historical crime. Liz Tolsma expertly pens a compelling read and weaves together the crime, those part of or affected by it, and how the faith of some leads them to seek the truth. Characters are very well defined, and the mystery is challenging.
Harriet is the happy, hardworking owner of a millinery shop in Somerville, Massachusetts. Four years ago, she ran away from home and the bully her father wanted her to marry. Sarah Jane Robinson and her family had taken Harriet in after they met at church. Harriet was happy to join this huge family. Over time she and Lizzie, the daughter closest to her age, became best friends. Harriet went to work at the department store where Sarah did and apprenticed to make fine millinery. While she lived at and helped in the Robinson home, Sarah’s husband Moses and sister Annie died, as well as one of her daughters.
Several months earlier, when opening her shop, Harriet moved into its upstairs apartment. One day Lizzie’s brother Charley brought an urgent message to her. Lizzie was very ill and needed her to come see her. The pain Lizzie had was excruciating and had come on quickly. The home is still mourning the passing of another family member a few months earlier. Dr. Beers, retired and a family friend, is there with Lizzie, as is Mr. Smith, the Sunday school superintendent, who is laying on hands and prayer over her. Harriet left and returned with a new, young doctor whose office is near her shop. She will pay for Dr. Michael Wheaton to come. The symptoms are mysterious except for one thing. They are the same as several family members suffered from before they died. Lizzie asked Harriet to promise that if she dies, Harriet will make sure her younger sister Gracie and orphaned nephew Tommy.
I like Harriet; her loyalty to Lizzie and the Robinson family is exemplary. Michael is a wounded healer, who still remembers the taunts of children he grew up around who refused to play with him because his mother was in the local asylum due to unrelenting mental illness. I very much appreciate the faith issues brought to light, including the concern Harriet had of whether she was good enough for God to forgive and allow her into His heaven, and the fear Michael had of inheriting whatever made his mother so ill. Many members of the Robinson family are endearing, especially Gracie and Tommy.
This novel is a breathtaking race against time to learn what is happening in the Robinson apartment. It is a time when few people could imagine the depth of what Dr. Wheaton proposes. He faces threats to have the mental illness of his mother revealed to the medical community if he doesn’t stay away from Harriet and the Robinsons. Harriet faces losing the shop she has worked so hard to get as Sarah Jane makes increasing demands on her. Tensions and suspense rise even as expressing their faith in the Lord helps Michael and Harriet. The end is satisfying, with all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate the True Colors series, novels of faith and suspense, and are fans of the author.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the Celebrate Lit and the publisher, and this is my honest review.
I loved this book. It’s one that I easily devoured and couldn’t put down. Harriet is so sweet and I fell in love with her and her desire to please and help out early on. She has a strong sense of what family should be. And it’s everything hers was not. When her adopted family keep dying from a mysterious illness she knows she must do something, but why does no one believe her?
Harriet’s best friend Lizzie gets deathly ill with the same sickness that has killed several of her family members. Each time the mother has a “vision” and says that the dead have come to talk to her and told her that this person will die. She has it for Lizzie. And then Lizzie dies. And ooh, she just happened to have been making Lizzie a new dress that she can be buried in.
Obviously something seems off. When the new doctor comes in and then is summarily dismissed you begin to scratch your head. And when Harriet is forbidden to leave the house or continue her job it really gets going!
I loved this book and the way it read. It read so fast and wonderfully. I was sad to see it end if only because I enjoy this author and I knew I was going to have to wait for the next book!
This is a book that I highly recommend. The entire series actually is wonderful! Enjoy!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The Green Dress, by Liz Tolsma, is part of the True Colors series which are fictional stories based on true American crime. Having read the previous books in the series I was looking forward to reading The Green Dress and was not disappointed. The author drew me in immediately as, in the first few pages she describes a desperate note written to Harriet, asking for her help. Set in the late 1880s in Boston, the book tells the heart-wrenching story of a family who is being decimated by a mysterious illness. The who, what, why, and how of this tale is well told by Liz Tolsma and kept my interest to the end, wondering if Harriet would end up like her desperate friend Lizzie, if Doctor Wheaton would figure it out before it was all too late. The characters are realistic and either likable, relatable, or despicable. Dialogue flowed seamlessly without sounding forced. I had a hard time putting the book down and pretty much read it in one sitting. The story pulls on the reader’s emotions, shock and horror, anger and revenge, sorrow and compassion. It is a thought-provoking book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
Another book from the True Colors that bases fiction on strange, but true, history. Harriet Peters left her home because of an arranged marriage to a much older gentleman and fled to Boston where she is taken in by the Robinson family when she is found wandering the streets and is treated like one of the family. But then family members begin, one at a time, to develop a strange debilitating stomach ailment that leads to their death.
Tolsma’s development of the characters was well done, and I especially loved Harriet and her strong loyalty to the children. Michael Wheaton, a new doctor to the area haunted by a past, made a great partner for Harriet in both the sleuthing and romance. This is one of the shorter of the True Colors book, and I easily read it in a few hours. The pace of this book seemed to move more slowly than others in this series, and I basically had the culprit down to 2 people before I had read very far into the book as well as the probable cause.
A good addition to this series, and an easy enjoyable read.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
I am enjoying this series that lets readers into a world of crime and what it might have been like to be there when it happened. This story was particularly interesting to me because of the weapon of choice to murder. It is a slow and painful way to die.
Harriet is overwhelmed when she learns her dear friend becomes very ill. It was unnerving to learn other members of the family had died much the same way. Every time I read that someone had become ill I knew what was about to happen. The author does an amazing job of detailing the deaths and leaving a trail of suspects. The historical period was very vivid and I felt myself travel make in time to stand beside Harriet.
It was eerie to read that Mrs. Robinson continues to sew on a green dress. I had to find out what the significance the dress was to the story. I needed to know why Mrs. Robinson had premonitions about the deaths. It was a little weird that she thought her dead husband had something to do with the mystery. The story gave me chills as I continued to read. The author keeps her readers interested with subtle hints of the mystery and what the green dress had to do with everything. The ending is a shocker and be prepared to say “I didn’t see that coming.”
“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”