The Green Dress

Liz Tolsma

Jun 2020 · Barbour Publishing

About this ebook

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?

Ratings and reviews

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.

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

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.

About the author

Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.