This was a very sad story, as humans are relentlessly cruel and stil,there are those that wojld protect the evil doers. Based on a true story, a few people's greed is great than any shred of compassion they hold which allows bad things to happen.
Tp this day I don't understand those that can not only cause,but sit back and watch suffering. Attempts to protect are countered fiercely, also mystifying ( but living through his administration,I guess it happens more than I imagine).
Although not without tragedy, the right things happen in the end.
A bit heavy handed with the God stuff.

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 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.

Captivating:
I found this haunting and scary in that it is based on a true story. The mystery and intrigue drew me in from the very beginning and I was unsure who the true perpetrator was until the very end.
Harriet was a courageous and generous soul and her dedication to those around her was admirable. Poor Michael has feelings for Harriet and when he suspects something nefarious is going on in her household he does his best to intervene. I thought the tender love story was a good counterbalance to all of the darkness and murder.
This book does offer hope in that it repeatedly shared the message that Christ has paid the price in full and those who believe in Him have assurity that they will go to heaven; that there is more to life than just what we experience here on earth.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A chilling look at how greed darkens the heart and steals away humanity. I deeply appreciate that this series is based on true crimes and adds such an encouraging faith-based infusion of hope. While I have to admit this was not my favorite book in the series, it still offers an insightful and enlightening read. The characters felt underdeveloped and conversations felt repetitive, but the mystery behind the deaths is portrayed well. It made me thankful for people who are willing to stand up against all for the sake of justice. If you have enjoyed the series, I recommend reading this one as well. It can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone as there is no connection to previous books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

The Green Dress really takes one by surprise. Liz has captured the absolute horror of history within the pages of this book that retells the possible story of the Robinson Family of Boston, late 1800s. Harriet had been taken in by the Robinson family when she was desperate and hadn't anywhere to go. Later she agrees to stay on as a promise to her friend, the Robinson's daughter, who had just died. Her hat business suffers as she cares for the youngest Robinson daughter. Mrs Robinson discourages them from venturing outside the walls of the Robinson home due to supposed likelihood of contamination that has been causing the deaths in the family. There is a race against time. How many more will die before the Doctors can prove that someone is guilty of multiple murders. A fascinating yet unbelievable read.

I enjoyed this book very much, even though I pretty much knew how and who quite early on. Harriet was a lovely character, who you could tell loved the family very much. Michael was the perfect person for her and quite the person to stand up and show the “bullies” he was nothing like his mother. I felt so much for Tommy and Grace and how not even the innocent was spared. Mrs. Robinson was evil as they came, premeditated and non-remorseful.

I am enjoying this series very much and this was a great addition to it. Will highly recommend to friends. Thank you for the advanced copy.

This book was so good, scary and disturbing at times, but it kept you captivated from the beginning to the end! I think the most disturbing part was that this was based on true events, how could anybody do this to another is beyond my imagination.
Harriett was such a kind and generous lady. Maybe at times to generous, but she loved those she took care of. She was a gifted hat maker. She took such good care of Gracie and Tommy. I loved how she was brave no matter what happened!
I really liked Dr. Michael Wheaton. He was so kind and had so much to overcome. I like how brave he was and how caring he was to all no matter where or what their condition was.
The way the author wove God into the story was so delightful! We all at times have questions for God or feel that we aren't good enough. God loves us and sent His Son to die for us and gave us the free gift of Salvation, all we have to do is accept it. We can never earn it! It was so beautiful how the author laid this out in the book.
I think the only thing I didn't like and that is because of personal preference nothing else, is that the characters were introduced as a cast at the beginning of the book. Again my personal preference is that they are introduced into the story so I don't have to keep flipping back to make sure I know the connection. But other than that I can find no fault in this book. It was beautifully written.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have been reading through the True Colors series and truly each one is better than the last.
I really love trying to figure out " who done it and why".
I figured out who did it fairly quickly in on this one but the why had me stumped and I ended up staying up late reading til the end because I just could not sleep without knowing the "why".
Each story is based on a true crime case from historical past and it's fascinating to read about each case. The author also fills us in on the true facts of the case in the back of the book and I appreciate that.
I recommend this whole series.

Expected publication: June 1st 2020 by Barbour Books
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Green Dress
by Liz Tolsma
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique story 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?
Impressions: I feel like this could have been more gripping.
Liked: It is crazy to me that this was based on real events.
Didn’t like: Harriet’s character didn’t seem as developed. She lacked depth throughout the book. It would have been nice to have more back story on her to understand her choices.
Learned: Appearances can be deceiving.
Quotes: “You are a goose, but that is why I love you so.” – I call my son goose and this just made me smile.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Liz Tolsma's The Green Dress is historical fiction. Harriet's best friend, Lizzie is dying and she has one request. She wants Harriet to look after the two young children in her home. Harriet's life had just started looking up and her millinery business was beginning to do well but she has no choice but to move into the Lizzie's home after she dies. When Lizzie's cousin, Willie dies Harriet becomes suspicious and worried but how can she doubt Sarah Jane, Lizzie's mother? The woman who took her in and treated her like her own family. But Harriet needs to find out why the family is dying before another death. I would recommend The Green Dress to readers that like historical fiction, mystery, and true crime.

****Review****


This series just gets better and better.

I started this at 9 last night and didn’t put it down until I finished it. This blew my mind it engrossed me from begin to end. This is a fantastic story based on true story from the 1886 it made me realize how lucky we are with today’s medical care and doctors. Things that killed back then are now easily fixed.the doctors from back then where true hero’s.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical crime book or simple enjoy a good book. I can’t wait to see what else comes from this series and hope to be one of the next to read it.
Thank you to Netgalley/Liz Tolsma/ Bourbon books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This historical murder mystery (based on a true story) was absolutely terrific. It grabbed me from the start and never let go. While I did guess at the ending, the book was still engaging until the end.

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is engrossing historical story. At times it was very heartbreaking and had my stomach in knots not sure what would happen since I knew it would was based on a true story. This true color series has been very interesting. Each book is based on a true story in history that is adapted into a fiction story. In this story Harriet is taken in by a family in the Boston area.
Eventually she and the local doctor notice that several members of their family are dying a painful death. Michael is a doctor in the area that suspects something is just not right. It just doesn’t line up.

I would highly recommend the book. It’s a great mystery because you’re not sure why they’re dying and if it’s at the hands of someone, and if so who. And the fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even more interesting. The author also includes additional information and in the back of the book so you know the true story and where she took liberties.

Sexual content – kissing
Violence – several painful deaths. Not sure if you call this violence, symptoms of a poisoning

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 4
Plot development: 4
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 5

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is the next installment in the True Colors book series. Once again this thriller is centered around historical American facts. In 1882 the Robinson family takes in & accepts Harriet Peters in as one of their own & to protect her from a pending disastrous marriage. Harriet & Lizzie Robinson become close as sisters, but a few years later Lizzie & other family members suddenly die from a mysterious unexplainable illness. In desperation, Harriet enlists the help of a local doctor for help. Together they embark on a journey that shows them that all is not what it seems. A very enjoyable historical thriller that leaves you guessing. I received a complimentary ebook copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGallery & was under no obligation to post a review.

Wow! What an interesting story! From the very beginning, I was drawn in to the mystery and suspense. What could be happening to these people? Why were there so many unexplained deaths? I wondered about the green dress and the importance of the garment. When I learned the reason for the green dress, I was totally surprised. A great read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I love this series of true crimes. It's hard to imagine anyone could be so evil as the murderer in this story.

This was such an incredible book! The characters are so well written they are embedded in your soul. This story kept me in such a state of unrest that I couldn’t read fast enough, I was absolutely mesmerized. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with each twist in the story. I was anxious, sad, shocked and even relieved through out this story. While reading you will see the foreshadowing that brings the reader to the title of the book, genius how this title came about. There is so much to love about this book that you will find yourself wanting to read more like it, this is one of those books that stick with you!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

The Green Dress is a clean mystery without overt sex, language or violence and proves that an exciting, suspenseful story does not need to rely on the aforementioned qualities. The story takes place in 1886 in
Massachusetts. Medical knowledge was still in its infancy.

Lizzie Robinson befriends a young woman who fled from her own home to avoid marriage to a cruel man. Harriet was invited to live with the Robinson family and the two women become good friends. Harriet found employment that led to her opening her own shop with living quarters above it. One night Harriet is summoned to Lizzie's bedside where she begs Harriet to look after the children still living in the home. What follows is a medical mystery and a whodunit that held my interest to the very last page.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
#TheGreenDress #NetGalley

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is part of the True Colors series. These stories are based on actual crimes in American history, and this novel focuses on the notorious Robinson family. One by one, family members die a slow and agonizing death. Harriet Peters, caregiver to the children and friend of the family, begins to realize that it’s way too coincidental that so many people in the same family all died the same way. She invites her own doctor, Michael Wheaton, to help investigate and keep the children safe from the mysterious illness that has taken the lives of so many.

This story is creepy! I read up on the historical events, and the author did a great job of bringing this story from the pages of the past and turning it into a suspenseful and intriguing story. This novel is gritty and dark, not a light read. There is a love story that develops to lighten the mood a bit. I’m usually not a fan of stories set in the 1800’s, but the author did a lot of research and the setting just adds to the macabre and nightmarish circumstances. It’s hard to believe this is based on real life! Also, once you understand why the title is The Green Dress, your head will be spinning.

Definitely check this novel out, especially if you like true crime stories. I’ve found the entire series intriguing.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.