It is hard to believe that this book is actually based on true stories of a "wellness spa" that existed in Washington State in 1912 that used starvation methods to supposedly cure its patients of any and all diseases. Heiress,Stella Burke suffers from severe and debilitating migraines and is convinced that Dr. Hazzards clinic is where she will finally receive the help she so desperately needs. Her childhood friend and chauffeur Henry Clayton isn't so sure and has real concerns about the "spa". Can he change her mind and convince her not to go?

The Purple Nightgown is another book in the True Color series by AD Lawrence. This is the first I have read of this series and looking forward to reading others.

Thanks to net galley, Barbour publishing for the advanced copy I received of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 11th book of True Colors Series. I'm always shocked when reading one of the stories in this series and the evil in the world regardless of what time you live in. The Purple Nightgown is such a book. I've tried to lose weight just to fit in my clothes but never ever thought about starving myself because of a physical malady. But Stella is desperate to do anything to control her debilitating headaches. She falls into the lies written by Linda Hazzard. This is indeed a page turner. A nail biter for sure as you turn page after page to see just what is happenings at the spa that Linda, her husband and son own and manage. Creepy things are happening. Can she leave when she wants to? What will Henry, her chauffer and friend, do to find out about her when communication is not allowed.

READ THE BOOK!!!

Blessings,

Karen

Rating: 4*

I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

Confession...for a long time I thought that mysteries and true crime books weren't for me. Sure, certain events fascinated me, but I could never see myself actually picking up one up and reading it. For whatever reason, when I read the synopsis of The Purple Nightgown, that changed. The subject matter intrigued me, especially since it was based on something that really happened that I had never heard about before. I found myself excited to dive into the story so that I could learn more.

The Purple Nightgown was suspenseful and I found myself reading late into the night trying to find out what was happening and if Stella would a) ever feel well again, and b) if she will manage to leave the spa alive (and c) will something actually happen between her and Henry...you'll have to read to find out for yourself). I found that once Stella discovered the sinister nature of the spa that I had to keep reading until the end. I could not bring myself to put this book down until I knew how it all ended. And a love for mysteries and books based on true crimes ignited!

While I thoroughly enjoyed The Purple Nightgown, there were a couple of things that I didn't like about the book. First, it took a while to finally get to the main part of the book which was the spa, I felt like some of the first 30-40% could have been trimmed a little bit - but that's also just me and my preference. Second, I found both Stella and Henry infuriating at times, although Stella more so, at least for the first part of the book. However, I did love her growth as a character and how she realizes she needs to change. And in some ways, Henry also realizes he needs to change to. But besides these two dislikes, again, I loved this book. I don't know how Linda Hazzard was in real life, but the author does a great job of describing her and even making her the criminal that she really was. I also liked the author's note at the end that goes into some of the actual facts about Linda Hazzard and her "wellness spa", which is fascinating, I wish there was more written about her! While the author did take some creative liberties, some of Hazzard's real "patients" also appeared in the story and I felt like that led to making it more suspenseful and thrilling.


I enjoyed The Purple Nightgown, and right now I am trying to get my hands on and devour as many mysteries as I can! I received a copy of this book from the publisher and CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review!

This series never ceases to delight. I love knowing that it is true-crime fiction, without any graphic content, characters with dynamic faith, and usually a little romance thrown in. Most of the time it’s a learning experience too. Some of the bad guys in the series are well known, but as with this installment, I often discover a story I’ve never heard before.
This is Stella’s story. A long-time migraine sufferer, Stella wants nothing more than a cure. Desperate for any relief from the plaguing pain, she convinces her best friend to take her to a “health spa” where “fasting” is supposed to cure all manner of ills. Instead of the cure she’d dreamed of, Stella finds herself lost in a nightmare. Clinging to her faith in God, and the loyalty of her friends, she holds on for dear life searching for a way out.
Lawrence’s story explores the depths to which we will go and the things of which we can convince ourselves for even a chance to obtain a coveted dream. As a migraine sufferer myself, I readily identified with Stella. The descriptions of her migraines and the things that could trigger them are very realistic. I’ve also found myself at the point of considering some pretty drastic measures, with little regard for concrete proof of efficacy.
There is also a secondary story of Stella’s friend Henry, and I enjoyed watching the two stories come together.
I recommend this story to any one who likes historical fiction, anyone who likes a mystery a little bit beyond a “cozy” mystery, but still with a splash of romance and hope, and anyone with an interest in crazy-but-true stories.

Stella Burke, heir to a clothing company and accompanying fortune left when her father died, suffers from near-daily debilitating migraines. When the latest suggested treatment doesn't work, she comes across a book called Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Burfield Hazzard and then discovers that the doctor has a health spa not too far away. Desperate for anything to ease her pain, she insists that her family chauffeur take her to the spa. Henry is more than just her chauffeur, a close friend and confidante who has been part of her life since they were both kids. He doesn't trust the doctor's methods and definitely doesn't easily agree to take Stella to the spa. When the spa turns into a prison and Hazzard's methods prove even worse than Henry imagined, can Stella find a way to escape, or will she die alone as one of Hazzard's walking skeletons?

A solid entry to the True Colors series, which focuses on different true crimes from history, with real historical facts melded with fictional characters and situations. I liked it more than most of the others I've read in the series, mostly due to the fact that the crime part of the story was more a focal point than the romance. Though the two main characters' thoughts about how they feel about each other was brought up at a couple of random or wildly irrelevant times, it was not overly pervasive. Stella's struggles at the spa, with the treatment, with her uncertainty about whether or not she should stay, and then with her futile attempts to escape, were a well-written driving force.

Adding to that is a sub-plot with Henry and his dream to start a children's home, which gave the story somewhere to go to avoid a slow, plodding narrative of Stella wasting away. It also allowed a light in the darkness of Stella's story. I really liked the culmination of all of that at the end of the story. I also appreciated that we weren't expected to just accept that these two people liked each other simply because we were told they did. They fit together well, had a history, and even had flaws that the other had to be willing to accept.

If I hadn't known that this woman and her spa were historical fact, I would have had a difficult time believing anyone would go to her for treatments. But I think the author did a good job trying to imagine a scenario in which someone of sound mind would be desperate enough to place themselves in such danger for the hope of relief--not that the victims expected such danger when they checked into the spa. It had a few dark moments as Stella saw things she wasn't meant to see, the truth about what was going on at the spa; they didn't bother me, but it seems good to mention it for those who prefer to avoid dead bodies and other things related to that in their reading (it's a small amount, really).

There was a particular Chekov's gun-style "prop" that I really expected to come into play more near the end of the book. I'm not sure that's a fault of the author's, as the prop definitely had its uses, but I still expected something in the way of even a minor twist involving it. However, overall, I enjoyed the book. It's not too pushy in its inclusion of Christianity. Stella has to realize that she's not very good at being still and letting God be in control, but she really doesn't even come to the place where she "sits still" and turns to him until she's literally forced to not move for a while. It's a shallow theme of God's will being best, but it's there. I think anyone who enjoys clean romance, especially historical romance, and especially those who like crime or darker content in novels, will like this book.

These based on a true crime fiction books are quickly becoming one of my favorites to read. This author did a wonderful job in making real people that they don't know become wonderful fictional characters. You could tell that a lot of research was done and the facts were mixed in well with the fiction so it was a really good read.

The story itself was fascinating. I had never heard anything about it so it was all brand new for me. The romance aspect added in was really good. I think the author just truly has a gift for telling these types of stories. Truly a good job.

It was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Purple Nightgown is another book in the True Colors, Historical Stories of American Crime Series by Barbour Publishing. This Christian historical suspense is written by author A.D. Lawrence and based on events from 1912. Until reading this series, I had no idea how much I enjoyed books written on American crimes. The crimes are so outlandish that at times they are hard to believe even though they really did happen.

This book was mesmerizing. I was engaged with the story and characters from the beginning. It is the story of wealthy Stella Burke. Poor Stella, she was beside herself with pain from excruciating headaches and desperately wanted a cure. Her dear friend and chauffeur, Henry, cared deeply for her and watched as the line of endless eligible bachelors vied for Stella’s hand. He had her best interest at heart.

Stella reads about a health or wellness spa and wants to try it for a cure. The spa is Linda Hazzard’s and has extreme if not sketchy treatment programs. I was riveting and could not stop reading this captivating novel. I know it was based on actual events, but it was difficult to believe.

The author had a very nice style of writing. I was drawn into the story early and as it progressed I was able to empathize with Stella. I understood her despair and need for a cure. However, I wanted to caution and advise her, too.

Linda Hazzard was portrayed as the horrible criminal that she surely must have been to do the things listed in the book. The author did a beautiful job bring characters to life on the pages. There were twist and turns as well as many head shaking scenes. This book was very well researched, organized, and written.

This book is highly recommended by me. A reading group would have a lot to discuss. Please be sure to read the author’s notes at the end. They are enlightening. I rated this a 5 out of 5 stars. I received a copy of this from CelebrateLit but these are my honest words.

The Purple Nightgown is the latest novel in the True Colours series. Based on actual events that occurred at Linda Hazzard's "health spa" in the early 1900s, The Purple Nightgown tells a chilling tale of the horror Hazzard's patients endured.

Plagued by debilitating headaches, heiress Stella Burke believes that Dr. Linda Hazzard's extreme methods are the only way to find lasting relief. Despite the nagging voice in the back of her mind (as well as her childhood friend, Henry), she embarks on a journey she will never forget--if she can survive long enough to escape!

The Purple Nightgown kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. I found myself inwardly begging Stella to listen to her friend and her gut, and to get out of there before it was too late. Henry made a fantastic hero. I loved that he never gave up on the woman he'd loved for so long, or on his long-hidden dreams. I also appreciated the strong faith elements woven throughout the book. I hadn't realized this was the author's debut novel until after I'd finished it. Unlike some debut novels, The Purple Nightgown was incredibly well-written and I will be watching for more from this author in the future.

I highly recommend The Purple Nightgown for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or true crime.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

This is a well written debut novel of a terrible tragedy.
In the early 1900s, Linda Hazzard ran a clinic & spa and told people she'd heal any of their ailments if they submit to her treatments, which consisted primarily of fasting (starvation).
This author has brought to life in a truly authentic, awful way what a patient at that clinic might have gone through.
Stella was a courageous heroine. I enjoyed seeing the happenings through her eyes.
I must admit though, that through a large part of this story, my stomach just felt terrible. I do not recommend this book for young readers.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This was a strong debut novel. I really like this series and this author is impressive. The horrors of this institution were captured and I liked the author’s note at the end.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

She's desperate to find health, can he save her?

It's hard to believe that we are already to the tenth book in the True Colors series! I have eagerly anticipated each new release since reading the first book. And I've never been disappointed. The Purple Nightgown was one that I looked forward to as I was already at least somewhat familiar with the historical true crime events and I was totally curious as to what direction A.D. Lawrence might take her characters, real and fictional.

I had such mixed feelings about the characters! One the one hand I thought Stella was spoiled, gullible, and deliberately foolish, but, on the other hand I still liked her and wanted so much for her to have a happy ending. I genuinely liked Henry but sometimes I wanted to just shake some sense into him and yell at him to stop letting class get in the way. Can you tell that I was emotionally involved? Just a little bit?

I will say this. Whether you are interested in alternative medicine or not, this villain sure is one crazy woman, Linda Buzzard...err...Hazzard sure gave/gives it a bad name. I'm not sure I'll ever see orange juice in quite the same way again...

While I have liked some of the previous True Colors books a little better I thought that The Purple Nightgown was a sold addition to the series. It was interesting, it was entertaining, and A.D. Lawrence did a really great job surprising me with the showdown with some of the bad guys. I just did not see that particular scene coming. Now I just can't wait to read the next book...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Oh my, this is a shivery book! I read it quickly partly because I was intrigued, and partly because I needed to get through the scary parts. Ha!

Author A.D. Lawrence does a really good job with her debut novel. She understands the pacing needed in a storyline. She would have me on edge, and then let me calm down. Briefly. The suspense in this story was at times dark, but this isn’t a “fun” story. I’m sure that she could have gone into deeper detail but didn’t, which I appreciated.

Lawrence writes a story that shows a battle between light and dark; God and the enemy. God’s love was evident throughout and hope was a constant thread.

If you enjoy mysteries based on real life with a clean romance thrown in, then I recommend The Purple Nightgown.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The next installment in the True Colors series from Barbour is from a debut author I will be keeping an eye on. A. D. Lawrence introduces readers to a fasting clinic with nefarious goings-on in The Purple Nightgown.

Lawrence paints a vivid picture of Stella’s debilitating headaches and her desperation to find a cure for them. But some things are too good to be true as she soon discovers at Linda Hazzard’s spa.

It’s hard to wrap my mind around someone doing so much harm to so many people but those some people aren’t willing to leave, but that’s exactly what Linda Hazzard did. While the crimes committed are dark, Lawrence gives readers an enthralling suspense with an strong faith thread and an ending that gives us light and hope.



Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I had to wait a good week to be able to put my words in order. I was suggested this after reading another in the True Colors series. Being historical fiction how could I say no? This is one of those books that I wanted to like more. However, what hurt it for me was the beginning and the build-up. The first half of the book dragged and then all of the action happened at the end. I liked the characters, although I did not think they were true to form per se. We have Stella who seems like perfection, I was surprised that sparrows did not dress her every morning. Of course we see into her inner most thoughts but it seemed a vast jump to have her appear cold, snobbish and spoiled to others. It did not fit. The same with Jane. All business and protective and then this heart of gold. Now, I am not saying that these things are not possible. What I did not like was how it was written, it was like a light switch, only off or on. I would have liked to have had three threads throughout. One with Stella of course, but then the children and finally the "doctor." So as the story progresses we follow each. It would have been interesting if the children's parents were victims of the good doctor. I also felt that the author could have stressed the irony of Stella starving herself to get rid of headaches while millions starve in tenements. It was there and slightly explored. The overall story was good and when we get to the sanitarium it really heats up. Before I knew that this was largely based on a true story, I do not believe the author altered many facts, I thought the author had it out for Mr. Kellogg. The lesson overall is that anyone who thinks that strawberry ice cream is bad for oneself, well, they should be avoided at all cost.

A.D. Lawrence is a girl after my own heart with her passionate interest in true crime, and I am so glad that her debut novel is part of Barbour’s True Colors series. From the time that I first heard about the series, I knew that I would read every book; it can be difficult, if not downright impossible, to find a Christian approach to this genre, which mollifies the otherwise horrifying details and adds hope. Even though the stories are fictional, their basis stems from historical American crimes, some perhaps more disturbing than others. In my opinion, “The Purple Nightgown” fits into the “more disturbing” category, although Lawrence handles it very well, balancing the story with a beautiful romance and life lessons.

Surprisingly, I was not familiar with this particular crime story prior to reading “The Purple Nightgown.” I will be completely honest and admit that if this was not part of the series, which can be read in any order since they each cover a different crime, I may not have picked it up. As someone with a history of negative medical encounters, this was a difficult story to read at times, but that testifies to how incredibly well Lawrence has translated the experiences of the characters to the reader. I felt a connection to Stella Burke, who suffers from nearly daily debilitating migraines, because I have had long periods of uncontrolled chronic migraine throughout my life, and I empathized with her desperation to be well and to make a difference. Her close friend and chauffeur, Henry Clayton, is my favorite character for his steadfast loyalty and devotion. Certain scenes are so beautifully evocative that I had tears in my eyes.

As for the Institute of Natural Therapeutics run by Linda Hazzard, it at first seems to stretch credulity to consider that people voluntarily submitted themselves to strict fasting regimens and tortuous treatments in order to achieve the promised perfect health. However, in some respects, not much has changed today, as people still search for the latest diet plan or take incalculable risks for the potential of improvement. Gaslighting, as we now call it, also continues to be a problem, contributing to an already burdened system. Perhaps the most shocking element is that Hazzard’s book, “Fasting for the Cure of Disease”, is available on Amazon in various formats, and the Kindle version is only $0.99! I definitely cannot recommend it.

Despite how full of premonitions the first half to two-thirds of “The Purple Nightgown” is, the last fifty or so pages proves to be nothing short of harrowing. The edge-of-your-seat suspense bears down as the forces of God and the enemy collide and Stella finds herself forced to “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13,14). Stella is portrayed realistically, with the flaws of her wealthy upbringing as an only child, as is Henry, her opposite in status but a champion when it comes to helping others. Stella finally comes to the realization that “Though she’d chased her own pursuits, God hadn’t changed—His love hadn’t changed. He’d waited for her at the very spot she’d wandered away and welcomed her back with open arms as the father of the prodigal had his errant son.” The use of the color purple and the nightgown is inspired and significant throughout the story.

Recommended for those who enjoy true crime and who don’t mind some details thereof; while lacking anything graphic, there is necessary context within the story that may be disturbing to sensitive readers. The nickname of Linda Hazzard’s institute was Starvation Heights, after all.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Quite honestly, I expected I would read this and enjoy it ... But I find it is too dark for me, I had hoped that I was over my true crime slump but I sadly am not (#blameiton2020) so those that like mysteries, true crime, or suspense may enjoy this book though I do not.

The Purple Nightgown is the tenth book in the True Colors - Historical Stories of American Crime series. So far I’ve read and reviewed everyone of them. I don’t know how they can keep getting better and better, but they do. Each one, with a different author, has told a gruesome story of an actual crime. Evil is definitely rampant all over, past and present.
Stella Burke is a wealthy young heiress that is plagued with migraine headaches. She seeks help after reading a book by Dr. Linda Hazzard. Against the wishes of longtime friend and chauffeur, Henry Clayton, she admits herself into a “health spa” run by this doctor. It’s basically a starvation clinic that has its patrons walking around like skeletons. She finds out too late and has no means of escaping. What form of horror abides in this institution?
It was hard to believe this was allowed to happen. It was a very small community but the townspeople seemed to know what was going on but never reported it. What a tale that had me gripped right at the start. I read at break neck speed just because I had to know what was going to happen next. This was a new to me author but she certainly did a great job telling this true crime story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Arguably the creepiest and most gruesome of the True Crime series so far, The Purple Nightgown is the fictionalized true story of Linda Burfield Hazzard. AD Lawrence writes a tautly woven story of Hazzard’s compound where she employs outrageous, torturous methods to bring “true health” to the wealthy, sickly rich. I loved seeing the gradual change of attitude in Stella, from entitlement to understanding we are all equal in God’s sight and learning to totally depend upon Him. Henry is just lovable in all his protective, caring ways. Jane’s actions surprised me.
Warning: it may be hard to sleep after reading this book! The true historical notes at the end are a real bonus. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts. All opinions are my own.

I've enjoyed the True Colors books that I've read - fictionalized stories based on historical true crimes. This one was unusual and interesting. The author did a good job of portraying the life of a woman suffering from chronic migraine headaches, making believable the heroine's desperation and willingness to try unknown, extreme treatments.
The other characters at the spa were realistic and interesting. I enjoyed the young hero's spunk and personality, too.
The unregulated state of medical and therapeutic facilities was fascinating history to read. It's hard to imagine such a scenario happening now. The gruesome treatments (not for the faint of stomach) are described vividly. The whole evil plot, transitioning to theft and fraud, unfolds naturally and believably.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries and thrillers - especially medical fiction. It's a quick read, with some spiritual content. The research is meticulous, with an interesting author's note at the end.

Don’t Read this at night

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this debut author, but The Purple Nightgown did not leave me disappointed in any way. In fact, I may have to give it a warning.

First off, I want to go on record for saying that if this is the kind of storytelling we can expect from A.D. Lawrence, then every book she writes will be on my TBR list. There wasn’t a detail she left untouched. Her beautiful alliteration left me turning the pages well into the night, waiting for what was waiting for my imagination to gobble up next. From the tender moments between Stella and Henry to the chilling sights of “walking skeletons” in Linda Hazzard’s house of death. The story was startlingly beautiful.

The more tender moments that the author sprinkled throughout the story helped my mind settle after reading some of the horrors described in the “clinic”. Like Henry’s heart for the orphans and his willingness to teach them and care for them. Or Stella’s secret admirer’s encouraging words that help her during dark times and the laughter of her childhood with Henry. It all helped balance the good and the bad.

The one thing that struck me is how real this was. People suffered at the hand of this crazy woman, Linda Hazard. When I first saw the words, “Walking Skeletons”, my mind immediately brought up images of humans standing icy a wired fence in striped pajamas–my heart shattered. As I read the bit of history at the end, I could only wonder how much of this woman’s books did a certain ruler read and how evil does one has to be to come up with these things.

The genre says Suspense, I would call it a phycological thriller. There was so much more to this wonderful story than just sitting on the edge of your seat.

**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicities. Views expressed are my own and a positive review is not required (but freely given–Bravo!).