I finished reading "The Purple Nightgown" by A.D. Lawrence and it is good! 4⭐. Stella suffers with migraines and will do anything to be pain free. I have never heard of Linda Hazzard and her fasting techniques from the early 1900s. The story is shocking! I couldn't put it down.

I am really enjoying this series of historical romance with true American crime.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I have yet to read all of the books in Barbour’s True Color series, but The Purple Nightgown is one of the best I’ve read so far. This seems to be A.D. Lawrence’s first novel, and I hope to goodness it’s not her last.

Stella came across as selfish and entitled, and at first, I couldn’t decide how I felt about her. But she has a great character arc. I enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the novel.

Henry is a wonderful hero. He’s sweet, determined, and not afraid to stand up to Stella. His character arc is just as good as Stella’s. He really grew into himself and I was so proud of him at the end. At least, as much as you can be proud of a fictional character…

Stella and Henry make it easy for you to root for them to be together, but the suspense is what kept me turning pages. Lawrence did a great job of making me wary of Linda Hazzard the moment the fake doctor walked onto the page. Most importantly, Lawrence did a great job of making me believe that Stella would actually agree to the treatment. Stella’s strong will, which could serve her well in many instances, is often her downfall, and her stubbornness and pride, as well as her debilitating migraines, made me understand why she was desperate to try the treatment.

Throughout the novel, Lawrence managed to surprise me even though I had done a little research on Linda Hazzard. And every time a new tidbit surfaced or the stakes were raised, I would grab my phone wanting to research Linda again to see if it was true. Lawrence did her research, and it shows. But she doesn’t just dump information into the book willy-nilly. Instead, she uses it to craft a compelling narrative that made it hard for me to put it down.

Overall, The Purple Nightgown is a great read for historical and suspense fans alike.

(Review goes live on the blog March 5.)

After learning as a young child that if you ask a question you usually get an answer, even if it isn’t the one you want, you move on into life expecting solutions for the queries given. This is the case in the latest True Colors book. Stella Burke, a beautiful young lady, suffers from debilitating migraines. All manners of cures have been tried, but all to no avail. It would appear that Dr. Linda Hazzard is her last hope - the one who will finally have the answers.

I must admit, I was unable to set this book aside until I finished it! The so-called cure prescribed by this doctor left me in complete shock, that anyone would subject themselves to this ‘torture’! Even with stories floating around in the area, it took time before this unorthodox and illegal method of treatment was stopped. It is amazing what the mind can devise, which if repeated often enough becomes a legitimate idea or cure.

This ARC was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The impressions and comments given are my own and were in no way solicited.

Soon to be heiress Stella suffers terribly from debilitating migraines. Desperate for a cure, she decides to try Dr. Hazzard’s fasting remedy – a treatment plan that promises to heal your every ill.

Henry, her best friend since childhood and family chauffeur, is set against Stella’s plan, Suspecting the doctor is a con, he cannot see how starving will cure Stella’s migraines and worries that she is being too hasty.

In short time, Stella is a patient at the Olalla spa, known by the locals as ‘Starvation Heights’. Suffering Hazzard’s unorthodox treatment of fasting, daily internal baths, and body massages which are more like beatings, Stella begins to doubt her decision. Terrified by grisly discoveries she stumbles upon, and weakened by starvation, Stella realizes she’s made a grave mistake believing in the integrity of Dr. Hazzard.

Understanding too late that it was out of love for her that Henry was against her plan, Stella desperately tries to reach him to rescue her before she meets an untimely demise. Hollowed by hunger, afraid, and alone, Stella focuses on God, the true healer of every ill. But is it truly too late for even the power of faith to save her?

Lawrence’s research on real-life “fasting specialist” Hazzard and her eccentric, harsh methods is exceptional; brilliantly weaving in a true account of the death of one of the patients and thoroughly detailing depictions of the institute’s gruesome practices.

Compelling, fascinating, unnervingly macabre, The Purple Nightgown grips the reader from start to finish. Like most others in Barbour’s True Colors Series, I read this in one sitting – could not put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the read of A. D. Lawrence’s, The Purple Nightgown.

Opinions expressed are my own.

The Purple Nightgown by A. D. Lawrence is Christian True Crime set in the early 20th Century. The True Colors Series are Books of Historical Romance and True American Crime. This story revolves around a wealthy young woman with little life experience. Thankfully she has faith in God and friends to help her during the terrifying situation she becomes involved in. It is evident from the beginning that Stella will get much more than she bargained for and the consequences are devastating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. 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

The Purple Nightgown is a fabulous contribution to the True Colors series. AD Lawrence’s debut will definitely not be her last release. I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing true story from the early twentieth century. I loved Stella right from the start and was often on the edge of my seat wondering where she was going to be next. There was danger and adventure that had me guessing up until the very end. It is so very good.

I am giving The Purple Nightgown a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction that is based on real events and with a side suspense. I am looking forward to more books from AD Lawrence in the near future. This one should not be missed.

I received The Purple Nightgown from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion

This next installment in the True Colors series gives readers another creepy crime story from American history. The Purple Nightgown takes readers back to the early 1900’s. Stella Burke would do anything to rid herself of terrible headaches. She checks herself into a “spa” run by Linda Hazzard. The promise of healing turns deadly for Stella. Linda Hazzard’s methods include starvation and abuse, and Stella finds herself in a prison that she can’t escape.

I read up on the story surrounding Linda Hazzard, and it’s truly horrifying that she convinced people to pay her money with the promise of healing and instead many people died from her questionable therapies. The author did a good job of shielding the reader from some of the more gruesome details, but still brought the story to life. There’s quite a bit of romance too as Stella finds herself falling for her longtime friend and chauffer. But her station in life prevents them from being together.

If you are a fan of the series, you’ll love the latest in the lineup. I always find it intriguing that the crimes and atrocities in these stories are all based on true events. Most of the time I’ve never heard of these crimes, so it’s interesting to see the authors’ take on the heartbreaking and sometimes horrifying events from the darker side of American history.

Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)

Suspense Rating:
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

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

THE PURPLE NIGHTGOWN by A.D. Lawrence is another hit in the True Colors series published by Barbour Publishing. Though the book started out slowly, by patiently keeping after it, I was not disappointed, reading the last two-thirds of the book in one sitting! It is not a who-done-it book, but rather a book that has you cheering for the underdogs and hoping they will find a way to happiness, despite their dire circumstances of the moment. It is a book where the heroine must learn that trusting God first, in all things, is the only way to be saved physically as well as spiritually. Yet it is not preachy. When you finish the book, you are left with thoughts to ponder about your own live. I would recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys historical Christian fiction. Truly out of the ordinary. A treasure for your library!
I was provided with a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a review.

I've really enjoyed this True Colors crime series, but I have to admit I didn't like this book until the very end. The writing was solid, but the historical subject was just so horrendous that I couldn't wait to mark this one DONE. It is incredible to me what people will do for money and power.

Rich-girl Stella is stubborn and selfish, willing to risk everything for a migraine cure. Chauffeur Henry is just the opposite, patient and kind, prepared to sacrifice even his life for Stella's good. Their lifelong friendship was both strengthened and threatened by a correspondence in which each poured out their dreams...but eloquent Henry kept his identity secret in these letters, using a post office box number for his address. Their relationship comes to a head when Stella breaks a promise and puts her health in the hands of a sadistic woman at a therapeutic "spa," aptly nicknamed Starvation Heights by locals. The best part of Stella's story was her remembering her mother's final illness, and taking refuge in the same Biblical faith that comforted her. I felt the end was a bit rushed, considering all the detail of the preceding weeks.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and was not required to post a review.

1911 Washington

Wow. I found myself thinking did this really happen? This historical fiction series based upon true crimes has been fascinating.

While it took me a few chapters to get into this novel, once I was hooked, I was completely hooked. I was riveted by the crime this novel is based upon.

Stella suffers from migraines and is desperate for relief. She is so desperate that she quickly becomes fixated on one doctor's surefire way to cure ailments. Her chauffeur and friend Henry researches the doctor's practices and urges Stella to study the doctor a bit more before admitting herself to full time treatment. Stella soon finds out things are not quite as they appeared in the advertisements.

I particularly enjoyed that the romance is very secondary to main crime story. Loved the author's note at the end which shared what parts were factual and the outcome for the doctor and facility.

Spine-tingling historical fiction based on a true crime, which made the story all the more unsettling. While this is a fictional account, Ms. Lawrence laces the drama with well-researched historical detail and a faith thread of hope that kept me engaged and invested in the outcome, wondering how the heroine would extricate herself from such evil. I am thoroughly enjoying meeting new authors in this series based on historical American crimes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A.D. Lawrence’s fictionalized story of a true crime at a “health spa” was fantastic. The writing was excellent in bringing about some tense moments. I found my heart racing along with Stella's flight through the forest. I wanted to close my eyes, hoping she could escape from this awful place, hoping someone would help her. But, having your eyes closed doesn’t work when you are reading!

The pacing, the characterization of the diabolical, crazed Dr. Linda Hazzard, and the events that take place at the spa make this a goosebumps kind of read. The romantic element was just right. It was not too much to take away from the story and it added to the mood throughout the story. If you enjoy suspense with a dash of romance, I recommend you read this debut novel by A.D. Lawrence’s in the True Colors series by Barbour.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Historical fiction based on a facility that actually starved people to death. A little romance is woven into the story that reminds you of the Downtown Abbey chauffeur and the 'lady'. Lightly Christian as the characters pray and have faith that God has his hand in them. The events that occur at the facility are difficult to read or imagine but this is the portion that is closer to truth. Not deep in character development, more focused on events.
I was provided an advanced reader copy of the book and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

I chose this book because it was presented as "historical fiction" based on a true crime.  It is indeed set around the crimes committed by Linda Burfield Hazzard and her fasting clinic which was operated in Washington State during the early twentieth century.  Linda Burfield was a quack, swindler and possibly a murderer, who lured patients into her clinic with promises that fasting would cure their ills.  Many of them died, essentially starved to death.

However, the main plot is a formulaic romance.  Stella, a wealthy heiress, loves Henry, her driver, whom she has known since childhood.  He is in love with her as well, but because of their different stations in life, they do not confess their feeling to each other.  Stella, who suffers from migraines, checks herself into the Hazzard clinic, finds that it is not what she expected, and that people are dying.  When she tries to leave, she is thwarted by Dr. Hazzard.  In the end, she is rescued by Henry, they admit to their mutual love.  As Stella is approaching her twenty-fifth birthday, she will have control of her fortune and can marry as she chooses.  Hooray!  Together they decide to found a home for orphaned children (as well as raising some of their own).

The plot was predictable and the characterization superficial. A situation that should have seemed full of suspense, somehow fell flat. There is a thin veneer of Christianity, but no deep spiritual struggles or insights. If you're looking for some light escapism, you may enjoy this.  I found it disappointing.

This was a chilling book! It certainly kept my interest and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was alittle irritated with Stella and wanted to shake her a few times. I enjoyed the story! Definitely recommend this series of books!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

A twisted, but compelling, look at how far some people will go for total healing. Stella suffers migraines and has tried everything to bring relief. It is in her desperation that she reads about Linda Hazzard’s spa in Washington. Stella determines to try it, despite her best friend and trusted confidant, Henry’s, pleas to see reason and question the claims that are just too good to be true. Shortly after arriving, Stella realizes that all is not as it seems and attempts to leave. The story digs a hook and will not let go until you turn the last page. There are various potential plots to keep you guessing, enough romance to leave you rooting and a perfect balance of inspiration to leave you thanking God for the power of prayer and good friends.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

**I received and voluntarily read an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I had previously read several stories and a book based on the same story as "The Purple Nightgown".
The story was easy to read and follow, but I wasn't a fan of the author's writing style.

4.5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Purple Nightgown is proof that true crime comes in many forms, and this is as intense and gruesome as any shooting or stabbing, if not more so. It retells the story of the crimes of quack doctor Linda Hazzard, who duped her patience into “healing” fasting regimens that ultimately killed them. The fact that she could manipulate so many and that she wasn’t punished more severely for her crimes stunned me as I learned about the case while reading the book. And the fact that many of the peripheral characters were real and they did perish in the manner described…it is truly disturbing.

With the two main characters, I loved seeing the balance between Stella, who gets taken in by this =dangerous trnd before becoming suspicious, and Henry, who is more skeptical throughout. I rooted for them to come together, because of their friendship and care for one another, exacerbated by his deepening concern for her.

This was a dark, yet hopeful tale of historical suspense, depicting a survivor of such a dark, brutal crime. If you love true crime, you won’t want to miss this.

This is the fourth book in the true colors series and I enjoyed it as I did the others.
I had never heard of this case before, but it was just as disturbing as the others I've read.
Though these cases are dark, the authors always show the hope in the situations.

The Purple Nightgown by A.D. Lawrence is a Christian historical crime suspense that will get your heart racing. I was literally sitting on the edge of me seat wondering what was going to happen next!!! It was so intense!!! It was a little bit creepy at some points but I enjoyed it all the same. As she was at the institute and began to relies what a dark and awful place it was, I was glad to see her put her trust in God.

A.D. Lawrence did an excellent job on this book and I am very glad that I took the opportunity to read it.
Well written plot with very good character dynamic. I highly recommend this book.
*I received this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.