THE GREEN DRESS by Liz Tolsma, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I like historical fiction because I always learn something. In The Green Dress, Liz Tolsma takes a disturbing real event and brings it to life. Robinson family members are falling ill and dying. Ms. Tolsma adds two characters, Harriet Peters and Dr. Michael Wheaton to the story in order to recount the incident. Harriet is portrayed as Lizzy Robinson’s best friend and Michael is a local Doctor who helps Harriet make sense of the doom that surrounds the family. How could so many from one household suffer such horrible deaths?

It is hard to believe that this story is real. But the author has done a good job of fleshing out the story with engaging characters in Harriet, Michael and Gracie. Even though she gives us a glimpse into a depraved mind, the author also shows a faith thread that gives hope. Harriet and Michael are praying people who act out their Christian values and seek to save lives in a dangerous situation.

This is a great addition to the True Colors American Crime series from Barbour.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 4 stars. Light faith thread.
 
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Get out of the house. Get out while you can."

Harriet Peters is both grief-stricken and terrified, not only has her best friend succumbed to a violent death, but others in her family have died in exactly the same manner. It's perplexing, to say the least. This is a family who has shown her nothing but kindness over the brief years of their acquaintance; taking her in and helping Harriet to establish her own millinery business; the Robinsons are hard workers and a God-fearing family, but something has gone terriby awry.

"Without evidence you can't get the warrant, but without the warrant, we can't get the evidence."

Dr. Michael Wheaton is beside himself with worry about the lovely hat shop owner. Harriet engaged his services when Lizzie Robinson was on her death bed, and he has every reason to suspect that something nefarious is going on within the household. He can't help but admire Harriet for her fierce dedication to her friends, but how can he find answers when no one will allow him entrance into the house?

"The Green Dress" is a tribute to this entire series; exposing heinous historical crimes, while managing to thread them together with tender doses of spiritual depth coupled with the sweetest of romances. 
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
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 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?

Barbour Publishing June 2020
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