This series has been very intriguing and somewhat unsettling. They can be read as a stand alone book, but I think you should read them all for the vast knowledge of historical people who were devious and uncaring. This story has all the makings of a horror film. I was so engrossed in the story that everything faded around me.

For those who suffer from migraines will understand the desperation Stella felt in seeking treatment for hers. The story is set in 1911 where modern technology had not been archived yet. Poor Stella was coming to a point where she couldn’t function and needed to find relief somehow. The author gives a little background on Stella and how her uncle was trying to marry her off. In a few short years she would inherit enough money to be set for life. I think most of the men who wanted to marry Stella only wanted her money.

When we are introduced to Dr. Linda Hazzard I felt chills go up and down my spine. Her unorthodox ways to cure patients were nothing short of torture. Stella believed the doctor can get rid of her migraines and signs herself in to the place that has becomes an evil prison for patients. It was hard to read the different treatments patients went through and I cringed when I read about starvation and other things I don’t want to mention. The staff was horrible and perhaps a little brainwashed. The doctor was down right crazy and alas the scripture, “the love of money is the root of all evil,” fits this story perfectly.

Linda in her twisted mind thinks she has the cure for diseases and insists that fasting is the answer. Patients became skeletons as their lives slipped away. Linda’s plot to steal their wealth was sheer madness. Stella finds herself crying out to God for help. Her time praying and asking God for forgiveness brings her peace and strength. I loved how the author has a strong message of faith in the story and shows how we all need to never give up. He is always there with us.

I loved Henry and his unconditional love for Stella. Although he felt like he would never be good enough for Stella he still watched out for her. They share a dream of opening a home for children who have lost their parents and no one to care for them. Henry’s part in the story was my favorite because it depicts a person who sees past the outward appearance and sees the beauty that is inside. His determination to save Stella from the awful place she is illustrated beautifully. When he goes to save her the story takes on a heightened tension as the staff and doctor try to stop the rescue. The story is edgy, dark and hard to forget. The author writes with passion and with this true account of history gives hope to those who feel alone.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This was a very interesting read. The fact that is is also based on a true story makes it scary. That a woman could get away with what shew as doing to people is unbelievable, but it really did happen.

A.D. did a great job bringing this story to life and developing our two main characters. Although, Stella does seem a bit naïve, but I think that was the point, she was sheltered and privileged.

Henry’s love for Stella was sweet. He was so torn as to what to do an how to handle the situation he found himself in.

Overall, another good book to add to this series.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

The True Colors series has done it again: bringing another dark tale of true crime into an eerie and riveting read. I really enjoy the author's notes on these stories as some of them are so bizarre how can they be true history? But they are and make for some chilling reads.

This one is about a woman by the name of Linda Buzzard who touts herself as a doctor and helps people get rid of the toxins in their bodies that are making them unwell. She is really a quack and her methods are harming the patients more.

Stella Burke is a young rich woman who suffers from debilitating migraines. I frequently get bad headaches and a migraine or two, and just reading about Stella's was giving me phantom pains. I certainly understood her reasoning of checking out Buzzard's health clinic and wanting to get rid of the pain. Unfortunately Stella did not listen to wise advice which was coming from the man who loved her.

Henry, who is below Stella's station in life, loves her and he cannot stand to see her in pain. They grew up together and he has stuck by her side as a true friend. But he is understandably concerned when she checks into this unorthodox clinic. And the stories and rumors he is hearing is making him pretty sure he needs to rescue Stella.

Don't read this one late at night or right before bed, it is pretty creepy. And the treatments...my goodness and the evil behind this woman is one for bad dreams.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This is book 10 of the true colors series, each book of the series is of a Historical crime that have been written about to tell the stories of the victims. Stella suffers from migraines and is at her wits end to get better. She reads a book about Dr. Linda Hazzard and how she has this miracle cure for every ailment. When Stella is determined to go to Dr. Hazzard and have her treatments, she has no idea that she will be starved and held against her will. Henry who works as Stella's chauffer and is in love with Stella, totally disagrees with this and is very uncomfortable about the Dr. Will Stella survive this treatment? Can Henry get through to Stella and save her from being mistreated?

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a true historical mystery. This story is very touching and is a page turner to the end. I stayed up very very late just to finish the book, I couldn't put it down. I was worried when starting this book that I wouldn't be able to read if it had any torturing, (not my reading), it was done in a very gentle way and kept made you feel for the people involved. Another great book in this series, it is amazing that these stories really happened, each book makes you think and count the blessing you have. Can't wait until the next one... what will it be about?? ...... Very well done.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

I am so excited to talk about another book in the True Colors series! This is the fifth book in the series I have read and it did not disappoint. In case you are wondering True Colors is a series of Historical Romance and True American Crime. The books do not have to be read in a certain order as they are all based on different crime events in history. In this one we are introduced to Linda Hazzard who ran a "clinical spa" in Washington State in 1912.

Our fictional main characters are Stella and Henry. Stella has recently lost her father and is set to inherit her father's company once she turns of age. Her uncle is in charge of the company and doesn't let her have a say on how it is run or listen to any of her ideas. He believes she should be a dutiful wife and is constantly trying to set her up. He is a real jerk. Stella also suffers from what I would consider chronic migraines. She wants relief but cannot find it anywhere until she starts reading a book by Linda Hazzard about her amazing spa. Henry is her childhood friend and is her chauffer. He is in love with her but can't truly express his feelings for her due to his standing in society.

Stella decides to go to the spa and while there she quickly finds out that things are not what they seemed. Strange things start happening. She sees deaths and people disappearing. She clings to God and the hope that Henry will come to her rescue. I was shocked that Linda Hazzard got away with so much for such a long period of time.

I really enjoyed this story and it was my first by A.D. Lawrence. You can tell she enjoys writing this genre and she did some great research for it. I will definitely be adding her to my to-be-read authors list!

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This true crime historical story at times proved difficult to continue reading as the author describes the horrific treatment Dr. Linda Hazzard performed at her so-called spa. I had heard of this doctor and her belief that severe fasting would cure ailments, but the insane woman pushes past propriety and performs torture on her unsuspecting patients. How could such a scheme continue so long without anyone putting a stop to it? Too often in this novel, Stella faces a black moment, with ever-increasing tension and suspense. The cruel medical staff seem to have no regard for human life. Usually, villains have some sort of redeeming quality, but not so in this book. However, the love story thread offers a redeeming hope within this tough tale, and there is also a strong faith element. The main characters seem quite alive. The author made it all feel too real—the producer of nightmares. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #ThePurpleNightgown #NetGalley

This is an incredible novel of faith growing amidst horrifying circumstances! Part of Barbour’s multi-author True Colors series, I was introduced to an author I have not read before who did a fabulous job on this intriguing tale. It includes some fictional characters while highlighting true perpetrators of terrible crimes. It is very well-written, with what, under other circumstances, could be a beautiful setting. The characters are so well defined that I could feel Stella’s mounting fear and despair.

Stella had suffered from debilitating migraine headaches for several years. She has tried many doctors and remedies, and when she read of the success of fasting, she insisted on trying it. Having grown up in affluence, she has never wanted for anything except, having lost both of parents, loving interaction. When Stella learned Dr. Linda Hazzard had a clinic outside of Seattle, she was determined to go. In her defense, people who suffer from conditions resulting in chronic, debilitating pain will try almost anything, and there were few treatment options in 1911.

The doctor claimed that poor digestion was at the heart of any physical ailment, especially when one has been a meat eater. Cleansing the digestive tract would be key to getting well. For as long as it takes, the treatment included a total fast, even 40 days or more. And that was the kinder of the abuses her patients were subjected to.

Henry was an almost lifelong friend of Stella. Due to their different stations in life, Henry was the family chauffer. Most of the time she treated him as the friends they have always been. When it came to going to this clinic, which he adamantly protested, she ordered him to take her there, and lied about taking her back if something does not seem right.

Stella always wanted her life to amount to something more than being a pampered heiress, and she would come into her inheritance in just over a month. She hoped to no longer live under the restrictions of Uncle Weston. Perhaps she will even reconsider her friendship with Henry, as Weston continues to remind her of their differences.

The first day she is there, Stella peeked into a room where she heard the doctor’s voice and saw the body of a dead woman. That was only the first one; she saw one person being killed. She heard tales of things going on and saw how emaciated the women become. Still, they were denied food. Stella finally wanted to leave, but was unable to, learning that the coded wires she asked to be sent to Henry were never sent. She saw a will that had been drawn up in her name, and the doctor wearing her mother’s amethyst earrings that were stolen from her room. It will take a miracle for her to get away alive.

Stella learned much about herself during many hours of introspection; she was not who she really wanted to be. She examined her relationship with the Lord and read her Bible with a new awareness. This impressive novel has been very well-researched and written regarding the historical period, crimes, and amazing faith. The author shares who is real or based on real individuals and eases the full nature of the crimes. The ending is excellent, although it is tragic that so many lives were lost. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written historical novels based on true crimes that include faith, growth, seeking God’s will, and romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This series has been amazing! I hadn't heard about the history behind this story before picking it up, so I found it fascinating. Well written and researched.

I'm loving the True Colors series so much! The Purple Nightgown is my favourite one so far, though I've only read about half the series. This book had the perfect amount of spookiness and suspense, enough to keep you on the edge of your seat but not so scary as to make you want to put it down. It also had a nice dash of romance which to me can only improve a book lol. I loved both Stella and Henry, they were beautifully flawed characters which made them seem real and relatable. And the beach scene in the final chapter was just so lovely.

The Purple Nightgown is part of the True Colors series based on horrendous true stories in the past! You will be intrigued by this story of heiress Stella Burke who suffers from severe migraines. When Stella learns of a spa that offers treatment through starving the migraine, she is willing to try. You will not believe the horrible treatment or things that happen at the spa! Remember this was a true place! This is not a happy little story but it is intriguing! I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Delightfully creepy! The Purple Nightgown was everything I hoped and more. Stella found herself in dire straights, yet she plunged ahead and did her best to escape. The romance did not overwhelm the story, and I was able to fully appreciate the depth of struggle Stella faced with her desire to be free of her migraines.
Henry met every challenge, and I could not have asked for a better hero in this story. The faith element was distinct enough I did not find it lacking and I enjoyed the subtly woven threads of love and deceit.
I admit, I read the book in one sitting. Once I started reading, the story took on a life of it's own. I can only imagine the amount of pain a person would have to endure while attending one of Hazzard's clinics and the way she twisted thoughts into beliefs that they were becoming well was wonderful done. All together, an engaging debut novel.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This is book ten in the True Crimes series. I’ve read them all and can’t get enough. They’re wonderfully written and make you truly believe you’re there in the book, but also it’s true. That feeling that this really happened! Yes, they have added fiction books because they’ve been embellished on, but they’re still a true crime.

I love a good suspense and crime book and knowing that these are based on true crimes makes them all the better. In this book, we travel back to the early 1900s to a young woman who suffers from headaches which are really migraines. She’s tried everything the doctors can think of and nothing helps. She’s desperate.

And then enter the spa and Linda Hazzard’s therapy to help cure everything that ails you. This really just involves abuse and starving people, but while Henry(chauffeur but also a friend) doesn’t feel right leaving Stella she insists. Stella is also an heiress. Every attempt of Stella to communicate with the outside world doesn’t work and no one can get into her either.

How will Stella survive? Can Henry find a way to save her before it’s too late? And what else is really going on in this place?

This is a wonderful book that read quickly. I always look forward to the next book coming out and immediately binge-read it. They don’t have to be read in order as they’re not building on each other but rather each is their own stand-alone books only tied together by the true-crime aspect.

The Purple Nightgown is definitely a must-read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! These are books I shall keep around to let my daughters read as they get older as well. Though I’ve already been passing them around to close family as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

The Purple Nightgown, by A. D. Lawrence, is the tenth book in the True Color Series. This is a fictional series written by different authors that is based on strange crimes in history. This story is based on the happenings that take place at the Hazzard Spa in Washington in the early 1900’s.

Stella’s father has recently passed away. On her upcoming birthday she will inherit. Until then her uncle is in charge of her father’s holding and refuses to listen to ideas Stella has. She suffers from terrible, almost constant headaches and goes to the spa to get relief. Instead she witnesses deaths and strange happenings. She turns to prayer and has faith that her chauffer, Henry will come for her. But she is not aware that while she is gone, her uncle has terminated his position.

This is another great story in the series. This is a well researched story that is well written with strong characters. The story shows the extremes people will go to be relieved of physical ailments. I enjoyed the message of faith, prayer, and devotion. I also enjoyed the secondary story of Henry and Jane helping others. I’m really enjoying this series as it give a different look at what happened in history.

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

The Purple Nightgown, by A.D. Lawrence, continues the excellent True Colors crime series and is another gripping story taken from the pages of crime history. This particular story is in regards to the Institute of Natural Therapeutics, in Washington state. A supposed health spa run by Linda Hazzard in the early 1900s, and yet what happened on the premises was far from healthy. The author has crafted her characters well. Stella is a wealthy young woman, beset by frequent migraines and is desperate to try anything to have the headaches stop, even fasting...but fasting to the point of starvation?? Henry, the family's chauffeur, is a wonderful hero, in love with Stella and wants only the best for her and yet he has a secret that may damage their relationship forever. The author adds a little chuckle to the story as she plays on names in the book, Buzzard for Hazzard, Starvation Heights for Wilderness Heights. The plot moves well with twists and turns to keep the reader's interest high until the edge-of-the-seat end of the story. Will Henry be able to rescue Stella? The Purple Nightgown, with its intrigue, murder and theft at the spa, and a sweet romance, is a perfect blend of mystery and tender moments, and the result is an entertaining and satisfying historical romance. Readers who love historical fiction will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own.

This book was chilling and suspenseful and kept my interest! It was my first read from this author and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the characters and was happy with the plot and conclusion. No spoilers, but this book was intriguing until the end! I would happily read this author again! This book was a great addition to the series.

This is a little different from what I expected, but, when based on an idea from a true story… Fact with fiction.. A winner! This lady has been afflicted with headaches for a very long time. She has been searching for any help and has tried everything she has found that just might offer relief. Finally, she reads an article how fasting under the care of this Dr. can be a cure! When she signs into the clinic she has no idea of what her treatments would entail.. I felt like crying when page after page we are told of the happenings of her treatments in this clinic. What an ending!

This story had my interest from the beginning. I certainly empathized with Stella having suffered with migraines for years, although not on a daily basis, I can see where she would do anything to make them go away. Henry I thought was such a good friend to her, knowing his status would not be approved.

After hearing of Dr. Linda Hazzard and her fasting methods to cure all ailments. Having suffered from debilitating migraines for years Stella saw this as the end to her agony,no matter what anyone said to sway her mind. Being the friend he was Henry went along with her, knowing she wanted to feel better, despite not having good feelings about the situation. However, Dr. Hazzard and her clinic were anything but normal medical practices.

I liked Stella and Henry, despite Stella’s status and being naive, I felt she did seem to grow more independent and mindful of how things really worked. Henry, though being a orphan himself, seemed to have a big heart, although at times that were important had doubts. But together they seemed to work together. Though I have heard of Dr. Hazzard and her quack medical beliefs I did not know much, so for that I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

The Purple Nightgown by A.D. Lawrence is a historical fiction, part of the True Colors series. Stella Burke suffers from frequent migraines and has tried many things to get rid of them. She reads a book by Dr Linda Hazzard of her treatments at her spa in Washington state. She is also due to inherit a fortune upon her next birthday, just weeks away and looks forward to her independence from her uncle who regularly brings suiters by in order to marry her off, none of which appeal to Stella. Her chauffer, Henry, who is also her child hood friend drives her to Dr Hazzard’s spa, although he felt it was unsafe for her to go. The treatment people receive includes starvation. Stella quickly learns of terrible things going on there, but is kept there against her will.

I could relate to Stella as I have frequent migraines and try almost anything to get relief. The sad thing about this book is that it is based on true events. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Purple Nightgown by A. D. Lawrence

The Purple Nightgown is based on a true story – and that makes it really scary. People that are suffering can be convinced of things that sound too good to be true as a result if their desperation. This plot magnifies that probability. Well written with great characters, I enjoyed this story. The location was nice and well described. I really appreciated the inspirational messages in this story. From the book: “Show me what to do. Keep me safe. ….if that’s not the path You have for me, put me on the right one.” There are a series of the books based on true crimes. Www.True ColorsCrimes.com. I would recommend this book for mystery fans, true crime based fiction readers, historical fiction fans and inspirational fiction readers. This book was provided through Celebrate Lit, the publisher and author for my review. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.#NetGalley #ThePurpleNightgown

10th book in the True Colors series of historical suspense novels based on true crimes. Each book in the series is a stand alone, featuring a different horrific crime in history. The novels are fictional but built around the true crimes so you find yourself wondering which parts are true. At the end of each book, the author gives background and information to answer your questions.

When a wealthy heiress checks into a Washington state "health spa" in 1912, all she wants is relief from her migraines. These headaches have disrupted her life to the point she will try anything and believe anyone. This particular spa believes fasting will cure every evil. Owned and operated by Linda Hazzard, many of the patients will never leave, succumbing to worse than their original complaints.

The books contain a faith based element that helps off set the evil contained in every story. Each book has been a 5 star read.