Having read, The Gold Digger and The Green Dress in this True Colors Series, I was glad to have the opportunity to read The Purple Nightgown. A.D. Lawrence is a new author to this reader and as with the other stories, this was no different. Not one who has an interest in crime stories, this story was and experience in crime, suspense and romance that kept you on the edge of a tinge of horror.

This story was well and held my attention from beginning to end. From the gruesome Dr. Hazzard who has no value on human life and those who live under her nose i.e., her husband and son who say not one word of her cruelty. There is so much suspense and mystery surrounding this character, her victims and Stella, the heroine who has a kind hearted and relies on her Christian faith. She is also hopeful of the treatment to rid her of her migraines. Unfortunately, she has contrary to the dismay of her chauffer and long-time friend. Although there is the bad, there is good that comes to the heroine. She finds romance with Henry although he has his shortcomings as a suitor. There is so much in this story that I prefer not to say anymore.

If you like true crime, this is must read that grabs and thrills you. I recommend the read to those who love historical suspense with a Christian base in faith and a smidgeon of romance.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

As some one who suffers from migraines this story hit close to home. That connection made the story come alive (for me) in a way others cannot. I felt every scare, every concern, every moment of the heroines struggles and terror!

Stella has migraines, debilitating migraines and she is at her ropes end. She reads an article about Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa and how they can help and cure her health issues and with all the struggles that Stella has been though she decides to check in and get that help. What she doesn’t know, yet is how the spa employees will take advantage and use her and her wealth in terrible ways. Set in 1912 the author creates a vivid world with facts and places.

This story is true crime, mixed with fiction, set a fire in emotions and hints at horror. I was absorbed, I was taken a back at moments, cheering, almost crying, and loving the hope that filled the pages. This is more then a story of true crime, it is one of a strong woman, light and dark, real friendship, faith against all odds and the triumph of the human spirit.

Without spoilers, this story is for all readers who want a human experience with the telling of a wonderful story. One of my favorite in this True Colors series this story comes alive and captures the reader.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Barbour Publishing and I am leaving an honest review.

All the True Colors can be read as stand-alone since they all involve different crimes. This entry focused on Dr. Linda Hazzard who ran a clinic in Washington where wealthy clients came to starve themselves through fasting, enemas, and massages. Stella is a bit of a progressive young lady with scads of wealth and a bit of an entitled attitude. She also suffers from horrible migraines. Henry is her driver and secretly in love with her. As the story develops, we learn their backgrounds and secrets. I realized this is a true story (looked it up when I finished the book), but it’s just hard to believe that Dr. Hazzard got away with her horrible treatment of her clients for so long. The characters are interesting and you’ll be rooting for Stella and Henry to work everything out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story will have you quickly page turning for answers, how could this possibly happen and then was justice really served?

This is the story of a young, wealthy, young woman, struggling to find her place, and about to inherit her fortune. Stella Burke does have a problem of debilitating headaches.

Her childhood friend and chauffeur is there for her, but can she see the real him?

Stella desperately wants help for her headaches and decides to go to the Hazzard Clinic. Now this is part of the true crime series, and you will soon find your heart in your throat. We are there at the clinic, or known as the Starvation Clinic, run by Linda Hazzard, a quack, and as you are reading, a very scary evil woman.

As we meet the people currently at the clinic you will soon wonder if any will leave alive.

You really need to read this to see how everything turns out, but I for one did not feel justice was served! You also can judge!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

I love the True Color series, I look forward to each new book getting released. I will admit that The Purple Nightgown was not my favorite book in the series. It was a little slower paced and took me longer to fully get into the story. However, it was still very interesting. I knew about Linda Hazzard before reading this book and it was interesting to read about the experience of "Starvation Heights" from Stella's point of view.

May 1911 - Stella Burke is about to turn 25 and receive her inheritance. She suffers from severe migraines & no treatment has been able to give her relief. After discovering Linda Hazards Institute of Natural Therapeutics, she decides to check herself in for a fasting cure. She soon has fears & misgiving about what she sees and hears while at the clinic. Also, she discovers she is unable to leave. This is the latest in the True Crime Series, with a lot of twists and page turners. I was given a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This book was so good!! It is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is full of suspense and drama with a little romance. If you are a fan of historical fiction based on fact you will love this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

This well-written book was horrific in tone, which was due in great part to the horrible events that took place at the “Starvations Heights” Sanitarium in Washington in the early 1910s. I had never heard of “Dr.” Linda Hazzard (she’s no doctor, if you ask me), and I was horrified to learn of her egregious and heinous crimes.

This book is accurate to the information I found on a website, so A-plus for research.

The grisly details of the crimes were too vivid for me.

The evil saturating this story’s plot was overbearing and creeped me out from beginning to end. Because of the overwhelmingly dark tone of this novel, it was hard to hold on to the hope Stella and Henry found to cling to. I’m glad to have done with it.

A couple of good points: I really enjoyed Henry’s portion of the story. For the most part, his was not involved in the medical part of it, so it was a refreshing break from the heaviness of Stella’s scenes. The kids were fun, though the littlest one spoke like a child half her claimed age. Jane was a dear.

This book tells the story of a piece of American history I’ve never before heard, and I’m glad I could learn of it so that I know what traps to look out for, though they may look different in today’s technology-infused society. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Trigger: starvation diet, physical abuse

Content: grisly medical-crime details

4.5 stars for this author's debut as part of the True Colors true crimes series. While I'd heard of Linda Hazzard, the details in this account are chilling and very disturbing. While Dr. Hazzard was a real life character, the main character Stella Burke was fictional. This story followed Stella, who suffered from chronic migraines and visited Linda Hazzard's "clinic" in order to achieve the ever-elusive goal of "perfect health". The longer she stays under Dr. Hazzard's care and sees things that she was not supposed to see, the more frightening her stay at the clinic becomes. Will she be able to escape before she pays with her life?

This book focuses on a criminal who actually lived, a woman posing as a doctor whose cure-all for everything was intense fasting. Today we can look back and see her methods as being absurd, but in the early 1900s when she "practiced", her methods brought out the desperate. It was fascinating to learn more about this crazy crime through fictional Stella's eyes. This book had likable and relatable characters in Stella, Jane and Henry. Henry was the consummate hero, looking out for Stella's best interests and caring for her no matter how she treated him. I did struggle a bit with Stella's conflicting thoughts - she seemed very wishy-washy at times. But that was in large part due to her spoiled, entitled upbringing. When she was alone in her cabin at Wilderness Heights, she found that leaning on the God Who Sees was what she had needed all along. After that point, her wishy-washy tendencies faded away. I loved the faith thread in this one as she had to reach the end of herself to find God, but that He came through for her in a very real way. The book had a satisfying conclusion even though the outcome of Dr. Hazzard's trial did not so much.

All in all, this was a great romantic suspense novel and an enjoyable true crimes read. I would strongly recommend it! Special thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Stella Burke suffers from migraines and has since her father’s death. Her uncle Weston is determined to marry her off to people he thinks are acceptable, but have no interest in her as a person, just her inheritance. Henry Clayton is her dear friend and also her chauffer. Jane is her maid. Throughout the course of this story we also meet Linda Hazzard, her husband Sam and son Rollie, plus Tilda, Wendell, Dora, Margaret, Robbie, Rose and Daisy make up most of the characters we see. Set in 1911 in the state of California and Olalla, Washington this story is about Stella’s quest to rid herself of migraines by going to Linda’s facility called Wilderness Heights and undergoing treatments, which include a starvation diet for a time. Little did she know the extent of that diet. Fast paced story as we meet others at the facility and endure Stella’s treatments right along with her, plus the things she witnesses and her trying to find a way to get home.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This true crime part of this story was interesting, but I had a hard time connecting with the main character. I found myself annoyed by her more than anything else. I have enjoyed several other books in this series, but this one fell flat for me.This true crime part of this story was interesting, but I had a hard time connecting with the main character. I found myself annoyed by her more than anything else. I have enjoyed several other books in this series, but this one fell flat for me.

I love that this color series uses actual events with fictional characters who rely on God to save them.

As with the others, The Purple Nightgown portrays a story about medical malpractice in a fascinating way, along with complex characters. The horrors of Dr. Hazzard and her clinic emerge as Stella fasts in the hopes that starvation will cure her migraines. The reader will spot the charlatans and her deception immediately. They will spend the rest of the book hoping Shella can be saved from her naïve belief that this regiment will be successful.

To learn that in reality Dr. Hazzard continued her dastardly ways after being discovered is amazing. While this story is fictional, the book written by Dr. Hazzard and referenced in The Purple Nightgown, can still be purchased on Amazon. I found this perplexing, as I am sure other readers will as well. I would buy it if the proceeds wouldn’t indirectly benefit her estate.

I found the story of Stella and Henry endearing. The lengths to which a person will go to find relief from pain is explored while showing how the ill person can be taken advantage of by disreputable medical professionals. This story is horrific and yet God steps in to protect believers too.


I received an ARC from Barbour Fiction through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so

The Purple Nightgown
by A. D. Lawrence
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
You Like Them
Barbour Fiction
Christian | True Crime
Pub Date 01 Mar 2021 | Archive Date 01 May 2021

I am a fan of Christian/true crime! This book was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I will recommend the whole series! Thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Great book!

5 star

I enjoy reading the True Colors books. I enjoyed this book also. I have not read anything from A. D. Lawrence before. It was a good book but not my favorite. I did skip a lot in the book and I couldn't tell I was missing anything. It got a bit drawn out in areas and there seemed to be unnecessary "fluff".
But, the basis of the story is totally unbelievable, though true. It's hard to imagine that anyone could do what these people did. The mystery/action part of the book was very intriguing.
The characters were fairly well developed. The editing and proofreading were well done on this ARC book. I was given an ARC version to read and review. The review is totally my own opinion. I was given this book through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.
This is listed in the Christian genre and fits well. It is not preachy but shows how Stella used her faith during very trying time.
I give this a 3 out of 5-star rating. I would recommend this to my friends.

The Purple Nightgown by A.D Lawrence is the next offering in the True Crime series of novels. Stella is desperate to find a cure for her debilitating headaches. Will she find one or lose her life trying? Henry is Stella’s friend since childhood and now works for her uncle as his chauffeur. Will he help her get to a controversial cure? Jane is Stella’s childhood governess and now lady’s maid and friend. Will she be able to save her from a grave mistake? Stella’s mother is deceased and her father a bit distant so Jane and Henry are main supports.
This series is amazing! Each book is a stand-a-lone as each one deals with one true crime. This one happened in the early 1900’s in Washington state. While Stella, Henry and Jane are fictional characters in the story I found I tended to forget that as they were such prominent characters. The story moves along quickly and some parts are very intense as we learn about what was involved in the crime. There is lots of action and suspense throughout. I have to admit I found the ending a bit disappointing but that was real life so no fault of the author. I give this book 5 of 5 stars for the way the story is presented and the continuity between the real life and fictional characters.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Purple Nightgown is an excellent addition to the True Colors Historical Stories of American Crime series. Set mostly in Olalla, Washington this narrative chronicles the story of Dr. Linda Hazzard who lured wealthy people with false promises of healing for her own nefarious reasons. A fast-moving suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, a sweet friends-to-more romance, and an inspiring faith element combine to make a fascinating, unputdownable read! The fictional characters mesh seamlessly with the true historical characters and events. Through the author’s vivid descriptions and superb storytelling skill, I could feel the depravity of Dr. Hazzard who Stella dubbed “wickedness incarnate” and feel the dread and horror that Stella experienced as a patient at “Starvation Heights.” I appreciated the spiritual truths woven throughout the story affirming God’s love and care and the prompting to stand still and let God work. For me, these truths help lessen the intensity of the terrible goings-on at the “clinic”. I highly recommend this book and the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in ebook form from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t enjoy this story. It’s dark and heavy. Stella suffers from migraines. I understand that; I do too. In her desperation for a cure, she goes to a clinic that promises to cure anything. She blindly takes the “doctor’s” word as truth.
The family’s chauffeur is Henry, who has loved Stella since they were children. She’s condescending to him, arrogant and selfish. He doesn’t want her to go to the clinic, and makes her promise not to stay if it doesn’t look right. She promises with no intention of keeping the promise. The treatment turns out to be starvation and torture.
This is based on a true crime that beggars the imagination as to how the quack got away with it for so long, and faced scant punishment. There’s a happy ending, of course, but the whole story leaves me cold.

This addition to the True Colors series is a horrific tale based on 'health provider' Linda Hazzard's evil scheme to 'cure' wealthy clients of their ailments. It's almost inconceivable to understand how people fell for her cure of starving oneself. This story will hold readers' interest to the end. Stella's faith was inspiring. Recommended!

I honestly did not think that I would like this book, but I was wrong. I don’t remember the last time I read a book that held me captivated like this book did. It is disheartening to know that it is based on a true story. That people can be so evil breaks my heart. I was glad that Stella was able to keep her faith through her whole ordeal. It would be so easy to lose hope in her situation. I hope to read more books by this author.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set in the year 1911, when heiress Stella Burke suffers from migraines of unimaginable pain, she is willing to try almost anything to obtain relief, even if it means checking to a "fasting" clinic in Washington State run by Dr. Linda Hazzard. Despite the fears of her chauffer and childhood friend Henry, Stella pursues treatment from Dr. Hazard, only to discover soon enough that the clinic is not everything she had hoped for and the treatments are brutal and cruel resulting in residents who appear as little more than walking skeletons.

The mystery itself is chilling. Dr. Hazzard is a cold, cruel woman who places no value on human life or any life for that matter, and her husband and son simply go along with her. What makes the story more terrifying is that the woman was released from prison after 2 years and went right back into practice despite having no medical degree. More innocents fell victim to her starvation technique of treatment until she finally starved herself when she began to feel ill, making herself her final victim. That surprises me because it means she actually bought into her own lies Crazy. It's also crazy realizing Hazzard's book is still available to be read today as if it's some sort of reputable treatment for ailments. How is THAT even possible?

Stella is a kind, sweet girl who is constantly battling against her headaches, the manipulations of her uncle, and the pushiness of her chauffeur who was her childhood friend. She constantly thinks of herself as selfish and headstrong, when that couldn't be further from the truth. A woman of twenty-four has every right to seek out medical attention, whether her chauffeur agrees with her or not. And she had every right to be an heiress and every right to refuse the suitors her uncle parades before her. One even had the gall to say that he was all for women having the right to vote because it would be like he himself had an additional vote and if his wife didn't agree with his politics then he would not permit her to vote. Nasty, nasty man who I wouldn't wish on any woman, let alone poor Stella.

"In her quest to break free of Dr. Hazzard, had she shifted her focus from God's power again? He had commanded His children to stand still on the banks of the Red Sea, and they had seen a miracle that day. The same God who had parted the waters held her in the hollow of His hand. If God hadn't changed, then the fault lay on her shoulders. Had she truly stood still or waited long enough to see God's delivering power? No. She had seized every glimmer of opportunity, and her headstrong will had brought her to this point."

I take issue with the above paragraph. Stella has nothing to feel guilty about for trying to escape from the evil woman's clutches. Should she have simply laid down and attempted nothing? Just wait for some miraculous intervention? If so then she would not have actually sent the telegram that brought her rescue. I cannot agree with instructions to just sit and do nothing when you're in danger, just like I can't agree with the following statement.

"And every decision she'd made for months - maybe even years - had been dictated by her own wishes. God's plans for her had never touched her mind."

Here's the thing. God uses the desires of our hearts. When we pray, ask for his guidance, and make decisions based on a desire to please Him, that is within His will. Stella is a young woman who prays regularly and seeks the Lord. She is within His will by that very act. It's not sitting around and waiting for some sort of miraculous something to fall from heaven and hit us on the head. It's praying, asking the Lord's counsel, and moving forward in trust that He will use the decision.

Which leads me to Henry. I don't like him. He's constantly berating Stella in his thoughts for being selfish and thinking that he sees a glimmer of selflessness in her from time to time when she does what he thinks she should do. What woman is he seeing? She is not selfish, she simply is suffering from pain and seeking relief. Also, I'm sorry, but the man is her chauffeur. He is not her father or her uncle or any male relative. He has no right to try and hold power over her or refuse to do her bidding when he is a paid employee. If he was truly concerned for her, he would have stayed in the vicinity of "Starvation" Heights and made sure she was safe, rather than thinking she's made her own bed, let her lie in it.

He spent a lot of time making her feel guilty and that was unfortunate because it meant I wasn't engaged in their relationship at all by the end.

Overall, the thriller part of the story was exciting. But the romantic relationship between Henry and Stella bogged the book down to the point where I skim-read most of their sections when they were thinking about each other with the whole "loves me, loves me not" approach. Stella's foolishness also knows no bounds in certain aspects. People are stick-thin and dying and yet she's still not sure Linda Hazzard is guilty of anything until it is almost too late. And who brings their expensive jewelry to a health clinic? "The Purple Nightgown" is still an intriguing read. I enjoyed most of it, all of the spine-chilling bits. If there had been no romance, the story would have been far, far stronger, and more appealing to me.

For those who don't mind this type of sappy romance, and a little bit of excessive preachiness to their books, and are excited to read a historic thriller, then I'm sure "The Purple Nightgown" will be right up your alley. I don't regret reading it and I will keep an eye out for other books by A. D. Lawrence in the future.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy! I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts included are my own.