This book took me completely by surprise! I have read a couple of books by Liz Tolsma and I know what a great author she is. This book is it is based on a true story. Of course, Tolsma took license with the storyline but in most respects, she portrayed everything accurately. It was so annoying at certain points. I felt it was obvious who was committing the crime and who the next victims would be. But I was drawn into the storyline. Of course, everything was obvious. Except how they did it and the significance of the green dress. As I would read and the green dress would be mentioned, I would wonder why that dress was so important. But I never really worried too much about it. I was just waiting to see which victim was going to be taken next. I like reading about the late 1800s and how society worked. This particular story would never happen during our time. It just goes to show how easy it was for people to commit murder and actually get away with it! The characters are well-written, the storyline is entertaining and the religious aspects are appropriate. The Green Dress is not preachy nor is it scary. It is simply very entertaining! I highly recommend this book especially if you like a good murder story. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

Me being a former medical student I guessed what was going on not even halfway through the book. But you know what? I'm still floored!y goodness!
This book is certainly an eye popper for sure that will keep you rooted in your spot to see what happens next!
I love this author very much! Her stories are fascinating!
I did learn a lot about Sarah Jane. In fact, I never knew she exsisted. She kind of creeped me out actually.
This story made me want to cry at times some of it was very sad.
I didn't like Dr. Beers at all! He gave me the creeps too!
I really really like these True Colors series. They're an interesting part of our history and I love how each author adds her own charm.
I will admit there were times when I felt the hairs stand up on the back of my neck that's for sure!
I give this book 5 stars because of the outstanding writing style Liz Tsolma has. Her stories are awesome!

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

I requested a free NetGalley preview copy of this novel, which is another new installment in True Colors, Barbour's Christian historical fiction true crime series. Like the others I have read and reviewed in the series, this novel is suspenseful and engaging. My main metric for judging historical fiction is whether it interests me enough to make me want to go study the real story behind the novel or gives me something new that I didn't know before...and this one does. (The history of life insurance policies -- who knew it would ever be interesting enough to research without a school assignment attached to it?!)

Different authors contribute to this series, but from what I have read so far, they follow a pattern of heavily basing the plot on a real crime and real people, but they insert an extra character as a pair of eyes for the reader to experience the story. In this case, Harriet is a young woman who has been brought into the Robinson family in her time of need, which gives her an up-close and personal view of the mysterious deaths occurring, each just a few months apart. The clues are pretty obvious throughout the story; it is not a surprising plot twist situation, but that doesn't make the story any less intriguing. I definitely found myself wanting to just scream at these poor people, "How could you not figure this out now?!?!" Of course, I had to keep reminding myself that I'm looking at it from the perspective of a 21st-century reader with 130+ years of improved forensic science techniques and lots of forensics books and TV shows available that Harriet and the doctors did not have in 1886.

There is a category of readers out there, and I certainly fell into this category as a pre-teen/young teenager, of pre-teens and young teenagers who want more than just a diet of today's YA. I was always a huge mystery reader -- Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Lois Gladys Leppard's Mandie series, you name it. When I got to middle school, I was ready for more challenging books, but not ready for some of the content in adult mysteries and thrillers. Thankfully, Mary Higgins Clark books are pretty mild on language front and the romance always stops at the very early I-think-I-like-you-so-let's-go-on-a-date-once-we-find-this-murderer stage or picks up again in a later book with the couple already married, completely avoiding any intimate scenes, so I devoured MHC novels for years! I also enjoyed reading my mom's Christian romance fiction books, especially Lori Wick's novels. With the interests and needs of a middle/high school girl, this series would have fit BEAUTIFULLY into my reading lists back then: romance + true crime + historical background = yes, please!

***Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

🌟🌟🌟🌟
4 – 4.5 stars

Another very enjoyable book in the True Colors series, considering the subject matter. This story is based on serial killer Sarah Jane Robinson. Some artistic license is taken with the details for the story to flow, but it works. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys true crime stories, but without excess gore.

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is a novel based on a true story of murders that happened in Somerville MA during the 1880’s. The Robinson family appears to be a normal, Christian family. They attend church regularly and are involved in religious activities. The strange thing is that so many of the family are dying of a disease no one can identify. All have similar symptoms but where are they getting the illness and why does no medicine help?
This book is very well written and keeps the reader glued to the pages. I found it difficult to put it down. There are many suspects for perhaps foul play but will there ever be proof? I felt so much sadness as family members, who I felt like I knew, lost their lives to this mysterious illness. I wanted them all to get well as I felt very attached to them due to the excellent writing of this story. The subject matter must have been difficult for the author to write about and I believe she certainly did it justice. I give this book a well deserved 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

As the sixth book I’ve read in the enticing True Colors Series, this one too was a page-turner! Set in the late 1880’s, author Liz Tolsma explores the saga of tragic deaths in one particular family. Amid several plot twists, I found it difficult to predict who the bad guy was! I enjoyed the strong character of Harriet and her efforts along with young Dr. Wheaton to solve the mysterious disease that was killing them off one by one. Little Gracie and Tommy will capture your heart-strings! I promise that you’ll not be able to put this book down, and I can’t wait for the next in the series!

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own

When Harriet Peters receives word that her best friend has fallen ill and her nearing death, she rushes to the side of Lizzie Robinson's side. When Lizzie dies, Harriet feels pity for Lizzie's mother, Sarah, who has endured the deaths of her husband, her sister, her brother-in-law, and now two daughters. All in just a few years. All of the same illness. Harriet brings in a new doctor, who doesn't think everything in the Robinson household is as it seems. As family members continue to die, it is up to Harriet and Dr. Wheaton to find out what is killing the Robinsons.

The Green Dress the story of Sarah Jane Robinson, a serial killer in the Boston area in the late 1800's. This story is chilling and
disturbing. It is also well written and hard to put down.

I really enjoyed this book. Even though it was about another serial killer, it was a much lighter read than the last true crime book, The Blue Cloak (understandably dark). At the same time, it also left me with a slight feeling of unease, wondering what would be next, which I love in a good mystery novel. I felt like we learned a lot about Michael and his struggles and insecurities, but would have liked more character development of Harriet, and more story time focused on the two of them together. All in all another fun read in the True Crime series.

Wow! Another great book in the True Colors series! It is so hard believe that these things happened but as we all know truth can be stranger than fiction!!! Of course this is fiction woven around a documented crime. I felt Liz Tolsma wrote a story that will tug at your heart and will keep you interested until the last word.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The author tackles a difficult subject. Writing about historical crime events. The facts dictate the storyline, but creativity is needed to produce a story that keeps the reader interested.
One by one, the Robinson family is dying a horrible death. There are multiple deaths before suspicion of something more sinister is suspected by a young physician, who has self confidence issues.
How many more family members will die and from what cause and motive? The police need proof.
While you shudder at the horrible crimes being committed, the author does a skillful job of weaving together a great story along with some suspense as you try to guess who the villain really is.

The True Colors series of books tell the nonfiction stories of crimes through the eyes and lives of fictional characters. Each book is written by a different author telling the story of a crime unrelated to the other books. If you have not read any of the series, you should start with this one and be sure to read them all.
In The Green Dress, Liz Tolsma is retelling the true life story of the Robinson family murders at the end of the 1800's. The fictional character is a young woman who has lived with the Robinsons and considers them her family. She is joined in her investigation of the family's slow deaths by a young doctor. Their actions are true to the era and will let you "see" how frustrating efforts to the save the family fail as one by one they sicken. An absolutely thriller of a story told with excellent skill by an author I'm going to have to follow now.

The Green Dress
By Liz Tolsma

4.5 stars

This was a riveting historical suspense!

A part of the True Color series based on real events!

Harriet, rushes to the household of Sarah Jane, to her friend's bedside in the last moments of her life. A string of unforeseen sickness plagues the household. All the same symtoms but happen at different times. Harriet moves into the household to help Sarah Jane with her remaining children. While there things become stranger and more bizarre. She comes to know Dr. Wheaton as he helps as best as he can with this returning illness. Time is ticking as Harriet and Michael try to save the remaining family.

This novel kept my interest from beginning to end. The author in my opinion gave good clues which I picked up on and was just waiting for the characters to figure it out. At times it got a little "spooky" but nothing that crossed the line.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Green Dress is the chilling and true tale of one of the first recorded female serial killers. A series of strange and horrific deaths in the Robinson family cause young Dr. Wheaton to suspect something deeper and more sinister. Milliner Harriet Peters is doing her best to save her “adopted” family but she keeps failing at saving both her family and her barely-established dream. Can they find the murderer before it’s too late? Before Dr. Wheaton’s reputation is ruined forever? Who will believe them?

Liz Tolsma did an incredible job with this one. The Green Dress was nearly impossible to put down once I’d started it. If you enjoy true crime (with a fictional twist), you’ll love The Green Dress and the other books in the True Colors series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat! It is full of drama, suspense and mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. If you like christian historical suspense, you will love this book. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Green Dress
by Liz Tolsma
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
You Like Them
Barbour Books
Christian | True Crime
Pub Date 01 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 01 Aug 2020

I loved this book! I enjoy reading Christian fiction and recommending it to our patrons. This book is enchanting.
Let it take you away from the stress of Covid 19.

Thanks to Net Galley and Barbour for providing this ARC

The Green Dress is part of the True Colors series-a Christian fiction series based on true crimes from America's history. Each book has a color in the title, hence the "True Colors" name for the series. I initially discovered this series accidentally when I received a copy of The Gray Chamber as part of a subscription service. Upon finishing that book, I immediately hopped online to purchase any others from the series that had been published. Each story is so compelling, once I start these books, I just can't put them down!

The Green Dress tells the story of the Robinson family, Boston-area residents in the late 1800's, many of who died under mysterious circumstances over the course of several years. The book follows main character, Harriett Peters, a young lady who has been taken in by the Robinsons. and is understandably devastated as member after member of the Robinson family experiences the same unknown illness. Dr. Michael Wheaton can't help but be suspicious of the events in the Robinson household, and vows to get to the bottom of things before anyone else dies.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Green Dress, as well as the rest of the True Colors series. A perfect blend of Christian fiction, mystery, and true crime!

Thanks go to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGreenDress #NetGalley

The Green Dress is part of the True Colors Historical Stories of American Crime series. Liz Tolsma writes in a way that keeps your attention to the end.. This book kept my interest throughout.

You felt like you knew these characters as you would know your neighbors that were not close friends. . Most of the characters are real-life, and the author skillfully meshes the real-life characters with the fictional ones which are well-developed and memorable.

.In a suspenseful plot that twists and turns revealing multiple suspects, Dr. Michael Wheaton struggles to uncover the truth and to protect his love, Harriet Peters, who resides with the Robinsons. The thread of faith is meaningfully woven throughout the narrative.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review.

'Something about this house struck him as strange. Sinister.'

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. True Colors is a series dedicated to true crime stories, but fictionalized. Liz Tolsma has done an outstanding job with her retelling of true serial killer Sarah Jane Robinson. Though parts are fiction, the true store remains as non-fiction. I was fascinated and it even prompted me to do some research into the crimes myself. I highly recommend this book and the series.

'You have to get out. Before it's too late for you.'

*I received this book from Barbour Publishing through Net Galley and was not required to leave a review. The opinion expressed here is completely my own.

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is the latest installment of the exciting True Colors series. Based on the crime spree of female serial killer Sarah Jane Robinson, the novel focuses on Harriet Peter, the fictional best friend of Sarah Jane’s daughter, and fictional doctor Michael Wheaton. After the death of Harriet’s best friend, she moves in with the family to help. When more of the Robinson family becomes ill, Michael warns Harriet to get out of the house as soon as she can. But Harriet made a promise to her best friend. How can she keep that promise and stay alive?

Tolsma kicks off this romantic suspense by catapulting the reader into the poignant world of 1886 Boston. Lizzie’s sickness and eventual death (based on the true account of Lizzie Robinson) is well-researched and well-executed. Tolsma manages to use these scenes to not only introduce Harriet and Michael but also the character of Sarah Jane.

Harriet is a relatable character willing to do what she can for the family she’s made. Her background, with a difficult family situation, added to the story and made her motivation believable. I liked the way Tolsma weaved it in without doing a huge info-dump. Speaking of backstories, I also liked the way she weaved in Michael’s backstory. I found his history with his mother endearing, and it made me like him more.

The actual timeline of events, from Lizzie’s death to the last victim, serves as the structure of the novel. I appreciated that Tolsma stayed true to actual events, but I wasn’t as invested in the romance because of the time lapse that had to occur to move the story along. However, I do think she did a great job of developing the romance between Harriet and Michael considering the timeline she was given. The last third of the novel was my favorite part as far as their relationship and its development.

The historical notes at the end helped me to appreciate the research Tolsma put into this story. I thought she did an excellent job of fleshing out Sarah Jane Robinson and the manipulation she used. I think characters based on true historical characters would be the hardest to portray because of preconceived notions and the accuracy it requires. Tolsma did a great job of bringing these real people to life. Charley Robinson was my favorite. I almost wish he there could be a story about him. But she did do a great job of making me care about the characters and mourn their deaths with Harriet.

Overall, The Green Dress is a well-written romantic suspense. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mystery, history, and romance.

(Review will go live on the blog May 22 at 5:00 PM)