Will the love of money bring evil in, like a stalking lion, after siezing its prey will hold on with unrelenting force? Or will love find a way to overcome evil and be victorious, and fight tooth and nail for freedom?

The GRAY CHAMBER, by Grace Hitchcock, in my opinion, is one of her best books yet! Don't get me wrong, all of her books are good. With this one she caused an explosion of pure emotions to hit every page. Some scenes truly came to life with action and surprise! That is what makes her books so outstandingly great. The way she mixes the true facts with fiction and brings the whole story to life is what makes her unique skills as a writer stand out. Some chapters I read faster than others because of that overwhelming urge to find out what was about to take place, so that kept me turning the pages faster. When Edyth was dumped into the cold icy water, I felt it! The heartbreak, when she found out the truth of what was happening at the institute. The sadness and hurt because of betrayal! The intense pain and mental anguish! Who could she trust? Who would be able to help her? Edyth and Bane are two wonderful and beautiful characters and will stay in my memory for a long time. I simply loved this story!

Our story begins in New York City in the Fall of 1887, on a happy note, but picked up speed as the plot developed and went into deep, sudden emotion. (This is what made the story so real.) Edyth Foster pedaled her velocipede down Fifth Avenue toward the fencer's club. Once there she started her fencing class with her instructor, Raoul Banebridge. The two had been friends for years. But something was about to change all that. Edyth did not realize, nor see how the wickedness of some was to play a big role in her life until it was too late. Truly a five star read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

As soon I saw this book was based on true facts about a Insane asylum that operated in the 1800s on Blackwell Island,NY I knew it was one I wanted to read. Edyth Foster is under the care of her uncle after the death of her parents. Edyth comes from a wealthy family and will gain control of her inheritance after turning 25 or getting married. Edyth being 24 has a love interest that she has known for years but he only sees her in the friend aspect until one day he finally notices her in a new way. Edyth doesn’t fit the mold of being prim and proper which her greedy uncle uses to his advantage to have her committed to commit his devious acts. The story started out a little slow, then picked up and was interesting to see the mental and physical abuse that occurred and how she desperately tried to escape this horrid place. Those parts I enjoyed reading but the book didn’t seem to know when to end itself and kept droning on after the fact. Another thing I was disappointed in was the sudden lovey dovey terms used with someone whom you’ve known for years as a friend. Overall it was a decent story but I felt the writing could have been a little better toward the end.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts on the book.

I did not enjoy this book. I could not finish because it did not grab my attention. The writing was stilted and the characters were not interesting.

Edyth Foster is a vibrant character who practically leaps off the page, in one of the most joyful and dynamic first chapters I've read in a very long time. As Edyth, her fencing master/friend/longtime crush Raoul "Bane" Banebridge, and Edyth's family are each introduced, the stage is set for a Historical Fiction romp of the best sort.

All of which Grace Hitchcock plays off to perfection against the harrowing and potentially soul-crushing experiences that are to come. While some historical liberties are taken with Blackwell Island (acknowledged in the Author's Note), the inclusion of reporter Nellie Bly is done with an appreciable subtlety.

The multi-author True Colors series from Barbour Books has consistently provided well written, well plotted combinations of romance, intrigue, and danger around true crimes from America's history. Grace Hitchcock gave the series a strong start with The White City, and has only improved upon it with The Gray Chamber. Perhaps in part through including a certain detective as his younger self.

Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction with romance, true crime, a New Woman, and faith that grows through adversity.


This review is based on an advance e-galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Grace Hitchcock’s The Gray Chamber would probably win my “Sleeper of the Year” award. (And, yes, I know it’s only January.) I thought this book would be fun and interesting. I did not bargain for a love in danger of being lost nor a trip to Blackwell’s Island, infamous in its time for housing “insane” women. This series of historical American crimes gives a fictional façade to journalist Nellie Bly’s visit to the island.
At first, we are immersed in an enjoyable turn-of-the-century account of Edyth and fencing master Raoul Banebridge. Edyth is dying to have her best friend Raoul “Bane” notice her as a woman, but her eccentricities seem to block his view. When finally, he begins to see Edyth for the woman she is, her eccentricities have enabled other shocking developments.
This book is the stuff my nightmares are made of. It made perfect sense, and I could visualize it all happening. The evil mankind can perpetrate on another, made in the image of the same God!! My only hope as I read with elevated blood pressure and eyes scurrying over the pages was for a happy ending. Certainly, a chiller. However, as I think more about it, I can think of the Great Shepherd going after that one lost sheep, as well. The ultimate love that conquers hate.
Having read Hitchcock’s previous novel in this collection, The White City, I was pleased to meet Jude Law again. I always like it when novelists include fun tie-ins like this to their other works.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way influences my opinions, which are my own.

I loved this book!! It was so well written. There were no moments where I thought to myself "If this character had just used a LITTLE common sense, this wouldn't have happened!" The characters were very real to life, and likeable. (Except maybe for Roger and Jasper.)

I loved Bane as a character. He was loving, kind, yet tough and stood for what is right. He fought for his love, and was willing to sacrifice everything to find her and rescue her. Contrast that with Roger, who was only after superficial things, and willing to do horrible deeds to secure them.

I also really liked Edyth as a main character, yes, she was different for her time, but not in a way that was so scandalous. She was spunky, and didn't really care what people thought. She had a certain way she wanted to live, so she did. Though she was too trusting with her uncle, she was young, and who would've expected family to turn on you so horrifically?

I had read Nellie' Bly's book a year or two ago, so I was prepared for how the conditions were in the asylum. It was horrific how the people were treated, and how easy it was to have someone committed for convenience's sake. So many women were thrown in there and locked away, never to be seen or heard from again. And the things that were done to the people...truly a dark history in the "treatment" of mental illness. I'm thankful there has been reform, but we still have a way to go.

I liked how faith was a central part of the book, and how Edyth learned from Poppy what is truly important, and changed her ways to reflect that. It wasn't just some platitude with her.

This book was exciting, and sad, and well written. I would definitely read another book by this author.

Edyth Foster is a young and rather wealthy eccentric not pressured to marry or behave the way society insists a woman must behave. Keep in mind it's 1887, and women do not ride velocipedes, nor do they fence. She lives with her Uncle and his new bride whose found a loophole in her parents' will and will do anything possible to have her committed. Does anyone even have a clue what her uncle has done? While at the asylum, she makes friends with Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist reporting on the horrors happening there.

Although the characters in this novel are a work of fiction, The circumstances of being committed and the treatment at the asylum is in fact true. I cried many tears for Poppie and her horrible treatment in that place. I'm pretty sure if they had given her counseling she'd have come to terms with the loss of her father. This was a creative and heart rending novel so be sure to have lots of kleenex handy.

If you have not read any of the True Colors series, a series based on true American crimes, I highly recommend that you do. Each book can be read as a standalone and is written by different authors. Not only have I enjoyed reading books by some of my favorite authors, I have met a few more through reading the books in this series. I first read Grace Hitchcock's writings in this series.

Ms. Hitchcock's lyrical prose paints a picture of the horrors of the women's asylum on Blackwell Island. While the story of abuse, negligence and false diagnoses of Blackwell Island are based on historical fact, Edythe and her story are fictional. We do have a cameo appearance of a real historical figure, Nelly Bly, the reporter who uncovered the horrors of Blackwell Island and consequently published a series of incriminating articles that caused change for the treatment of patients in asylums.

I loved Edythe's story. Ms. Hitchcock gives her readers a heroine that is filled with grit. At first, I felt that she displayed some of the entitled expectations that were associated with those of her class. But I couldn't help but be drawn into her plight, and found that she exhibited courage and compassion in horrible circumstances. It was her journey of faith that tugged at my heart bringing light to an otherwise dark story.

This story had enough history, suspense and romance to hold me spellbound. I look forward to reading more of this series and more of MS. Hitchcock's works.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Gray Chamber is my favorite book thus far in the True Colors series to date. Grace Hitchcock excels at pulling readers into this story and making us care about the characters before throwing them into turmoil and peril.

Edyth is a fun and unique heroine, one I couldn’t help but want to be friends with. Bain also grew on me (once he opened his eyes to Edyth).

Edyth’s experiences at Blackwell’s Island, Bain’s search for her, and their subsequent escape while danger nips at their heels were all elements that engaged me as I rooted for our hero and heroine to find their HEA.

For me, the best historical fiction reads are ones that both entertain and teach me about true moments in history, and The Gray Chamber did just that.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Mental health is a sensitive subject in our culture today. Great care is taken as we realize just how powerful the mind is, and what we need to do to care for it. I have heard of asylums and the horrors that abounded in many in the past, but nothing has really gave me pause like The Gray Chamber did. How do you prove yourself sane and falsely accused in a place that is trying to provoke and prove the opposite?

While Edyth's character was rather eccentric for a woman at that time, she was by no means crazy, and I loved seeing her strength when faced with such adversity and hopelessness. The relationship between her and Bane, so playful and yet so passionate, was a breath of fresh air.

The fight in this story is strong but the injustice had me audibly growling in frustration, craving justice on every page. The horrors that many endured at the hands of people who are supposed to be caretakers is unfathomable, the purest form of evil, and I am so thankful that Nellie Bly had the courage to do what she did, going in the trenches, exposing Blackwell's Island for what it really was, and helping to bring about real change.

I cannot say enough about this incredible series and am already reading another volume as I write this review. How the authors are able to mix historical fact and fiction so seamlessly is truly breathtaking, and I am glad that these stories are once again being brought to light.

This one really surprised me with how much I liked it. Wonderfully strong and likable main character in Edyth, who eventually is falsly committed into an insane asylum for women. Somehow I missed that this is a bit of a historical fiction book, so I greatly enjoyed learning about Blackwell Island and Nellie Bly. The story is fraught with suspense, great emotion, and drama. It is a real page turner for sure, and emotional enough that I will be thinking about it for a long time. Excellent book and recommend highly.

This has been one of my favorite books so far this year. It is beautifully written. I did not want to put this book down. How would you like to have a life and then find out that someone could control what was going to happen to you. This happens to Edyth. She is happy being an eccentric woman and doesn’t know what horrors can lurk in a bad mans heart. Can Edyth survive the horrors of an 19th century women’s lunatic asylum. I don’t know how anyone survived inside a lunatic asylum in that day and age. I loved the characters. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishers for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

(rating 3.5 / 5)
In a time period where women are expected to marry well in order to secure their future, Edyth Foster is fortunate enough to be self-sufficient, due to an inheritance that her late parents left her. Unfortunately, it is left in her uncle's care until she turns 25. Not long before that happens, he realizes that he can steal her money if he gets her declared insane and sends her off to a lunatic asylum--which is just what he does. Edyth must figure out a way to escape or prove her sanity before the asylum takes her mind for real.

I enjoyed this book for the most part. The characters were mostly interesting, though this is one case where I liked some of the side characters more than the main characters. The way the plot unfolded was fairly predictable, but there were enough surprises to keep it interesting.

This is the second book I have read in the True Colors series, and like the other one, despite being written by a different author, this one was far more focused on the romance than on the true crime plot line. Edyth's plight to escape the asylum and her uncle's grasp wasn't just a vehicle for the romance, fortunately, but I still felt that the crime part of this book could have been stronger. I think this is further reflected in the fact that Edyth was not at the asylum long enough for her to be quite how she was later in the book (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers). This particular issue really may have just been my own opinion, and I am not saying that what she did suffer in the asylum would have been easy to handle. It just didn't seem to be as severe as it was portrayed later.

I enjoy a good romance, especially if it's clean and sweet. I prefer subtle, but with a romance-genre book, I rarely get that. This, however, is barely billed as a romance, yet was so far the opposite of a subtle romance plot, I got to a point where I didn't care that much about the relationship between Edyth and Bane. It was so over-the-top sappy sweet, and just about all either of them seemed to ever think about was each other...it was just too much for me.

The official synopsis mentions a woman that Edyth meets in the asylum and her true identity, which frankly, I think was a mistake to explain in the synopsis. Her true identity is revealed so late in the story that it makes little sense to me that I knew it the entire time, simply because of the synopsis. This kind of thing always bugs me, but maybe it's just a pet peeve.

As I said at the beginning of the review, the book wasn't bad. I ended up scanning through some of the repetitive declarations of feelings between the to lead characters and didn't feel like I missed much. The ending did drag on a bit, but I enjoyed it enough to say that I can recommend it for fans of Christian romance (heavy on the romance), but I wouldn't recommend it too strongly for fans of crime novels.

Edyth isn't your typical dainty heiress. She enjoys activities such as bike riding, fencing and wearing split skirts to ride horses. These activities aren't proper for young ladies, but her fencing instructor, Bane, isn't appalled.  She will soon come of the age to claim her inheritance, but her uncle, who has been caring for her, wants it for himself. Edyth is headstrong and too trusting. Her Uncle takes advantage of her personality and puts her in a situation that seems impossible to escape.

My Personal Rating: 4.73    
Star Rating:


My Reading Experience: The description of The Gray Chamber drew emotions before I turned the first page.  It wasn't long into the book before anger toward injustice produced compassionate tears. I expected an emotional roller coaster but didn't expect to read such a poignant story. In the 1880s New York, an asylum existed on Blackwell Island to which many were committed unjustly. It tore my heart to think that this fictional story was based upon real accounts.


Characters: Edyth was a character I won't forget. The same with Nellie Brown. One is fictional and the other is a historical figure who caused great changes in the treatment of mental illness in America. Both are inspiring and make this book well worth reading. All the characters in this book play an integral part to show how gossip comes straight from evil to cause havoc.


Plot/Setting:  The summary on the backs of books tell more than I wish. You know going into this book that the main character has to prove her sanity.  What you don't know is if she can.  The individual scenes interrelate well to draw empathy and to create suspense. A lot of this book takes place in the asylum and it made me feel claustrophobic. The author did a great job bringing light not to just what the patients had to endure but also to how they must have felt. This made for a fast-paced read. More historic details may have slowed my reading down to savor the story more, but there was enough information to understand this crucial event.  I'm so glad I read it.


Spiritual: The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock is another star book in the True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime collection. What I appreciate is that each book is written with a desire to glorify God.  The crimes are not graphically described and there is no foul language. The romance is also kept clean.  I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of mental health. Sometimes the imagination of fiction can give a better understanding than just a documentary of facts. Within the pages of this story, Bane thought and said something we would be wise to remember. I quote,


Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths." He exhaled his anxiety. " Make the path known. Show me the way, Lord, " he whispered, his word catching in the wind and drifting away.

The Grey Chamber
3.5 stars

A very compelling story but definitely could have been longer and more detailed.
This historical set in New York 1887 follows Edyth as she is sentenced to Blackwell Island asylum simply because of her eccentricities like fencing and riding a bike in a ploy to gain her fortune. There she meets Nellie Bly, who is there to chronicle her time in the asylum to expose the inhuman conditions.

I would say the events before and after Edyth's time in the asylum were a little too fluffy compared to the dark few days in the asylum. If this book had been longer I think the author could have fleshed that all out a little better. But to her credit I'm going to read Nellie Bly's book on her real account there because I read this novel.
I received this complimentary through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock is a powerful Christian historical tale set in 1887. It surrounds the asylum where women could be sent to for no good reason, forgotten and ill-treated. It is horrifying and barbaric. The novel has its roots in fact, around which, Grace Hitchcock has woven her tale.
Money and status are terrible masters, corrupting lives whose hearts lie in riches. There is nothing wrong with money and status if our hearts are aligned with God but when they are the foundations for our lives, we are in for a fall.
The lead character is a very modern, forward thinking young lady and as such, the establishment feels challenged by her.
We see the faithfulness of God who provides a peace in spite of our circumstances. There are times when all we can do is cling on to hope and trust that God is good.
It is beautiful to watch both friendships and love bud and blossom within the tale.
I am loving this True Crime series which The Gray Chamber is a part of. This series is highlighting periods in history where horrific things have happened that I was unaware of. I am being educated whilst I read and also inspired to do further research to delve deeper into history.
Thank you Grace Hitchcock for a powerful novel.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

5 stars: 5/5 star rating
What a powerful and moving novel! While fictional, the story is based upon true facts. Women truly were mistreated and wrongfully imprisoned in mental asylums in the 1880's. I find it fascinating and equally horrifying, and knew of the terrible plight of the mentally ill in our history's past from my studies in psychology at university. I am very thankful that mental institutions now treat patients with dignity and kindness, as well as proving helpful to those who truly need it.
Add in the bonus chivalrous hero who goes to any and all lengths to find and rescue the heroine, and you have a delightful read!
I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Barbour Books in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This story is one that will stay with you for many years. The details are very terrifying at times and it brought me to tears. I can’t begin to imagine the horror these women faced every day in a place that abused patients and caused deaths that were painful and inhumane.

Edyth is a wonderful character who does things other women disapprove of. I loved learning about fencing and how there were women who were gifted in this area. Greed is the main theme in this book as Edyth falls victim to her Uncles’ treacherous scheme to put her away and steal her fortune.

There is one character that I absolutely loved in the book. Bane is a brilliant fence instructor who happens to take a shining to Edyth. His love for Edyth is evident as he never gives up trying to find her. Yes to me he is a knight in shining armor. It was intriguing to read how their relationship developed. Bane knows something is wrong when Edyth doesn’t show up to meet him one day. Edyth’s Uncle is callous and makes up lies as to where Edyth is. While Bane searches for her , Edyth ,is locked away in an asylum under false pretenses. The description of The Gray Chamber is unnerving and I had a hard time reading about it. The author does an amazing job of vividly recounting what went on at the asylum and I was very interested in reading about an undercover journalist in the midst of patients.

The story is based on a true crime with fictional liberties that enhance the story. Once I started reading the book, I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out if Bane would save Edyth before it was too late. The thought of Edyth never being rescued had my heart pumping. After reading this book I will be exploring more about this asylum and the treatment that women were forced to endure. The faith element is good in the story and gives hope to Edyth. Even though this is just the beginning of the new year, this book will be placed on my list for favorite 2020 books .

"The Gray Chamber"

By

Grace Hitchcock



The author Grace Hitchcock wrote a great addition to the "True Colors - Historical Stories of American Crime".



There is several things about this book I found interesting. The author made Edyth Foster a very likable person. Edith was funny, not afraid to be different for the time period of 1887. She was not a prime and proper woman till Lavinia (her uncle's step daughter) came to town. She loved to ride a velocipede and loved fencing, which was a male sport. Through fencing, she fell in love with her instructor Bane, who never saw her in a romantic light.

She had everything going for her, till her world changed forever.



The other things I found interesting is the asylum. It was so easy to have someone committed during the 1800's. Back then the treatment was horrendous! Everything from lack of food, locking up while tied to their cot and taken to a room no one ever wants to go, the dreaded room called the gray chamber.



I would recommend this book to anyone. I'm giving this book a five out of five stars.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

The Gray Chamber is a fascinating—and disturbing—look at the infamous Blackwell Island asylum. Richly detailed, Hitchcock does a masterful job of weaving in historical facts alongside the fictional story of heiress Edyth Foster, whose eccentricity is declared insanity so that her uncle can steal her fortune. This story will leave you shaking your head in horrified disbelief—and grateful to leave in a world far away from Blackwell Island.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.