Going into the story, I didn’t know that it was based on real people and events until a few chapters in. I really had to hold back until after I finished the book before I explored said people/events, but I’m glad I did. I really recommend that you start this book without any preconceived notions and get engrossed in the writing.

This novel is well written, meticulously researched, and so captivating. Hadlock brings things into perspective, particularly the prejudiced views of women in the 1800s. It’s a perfect blend of fictional storytelling and history. Of course, I got frustrated on the limited choices that women had back then and can see how far women have come on our battle for equal rights. Following Bessie’s story really got my emotions all mixed up. I would recommend this especially if you’re looking for a gripping historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley, SparkPress, and BookSirens for providing an advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I feel like I had two completely different experiences reading the first and second portions of this book - the first half I was completely engrossed and couldn't put it down, then the second half I found the paranormal turn to be odd and the legal portions to drag on. Bessie at times was a frustrating character as she was so easy to manipulate, but overall I did enjoy the book and the glimpse into a time period I don't often read much about. I also appreciated the 1800's feminist angle!

A historical fiction account of Diamond Bessie, which is a great departure from many of the current historical fiction on the market in that it doesn’t relate to WWII. We follow Bessie’s life to learn how she leaves home disgraced only to find herself through work that is considered a disgrace. But, the work allows her to champion for herself rather than depend on a man. It’s a great story with a significant shift midway through the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

I enjoyed this story. This is my first book by this author which I look forward to reading more from them in the future. This is a well written story about a young woman who is determined to prove she worth more than just someone to marry. I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. She was inspiring as well as determined to make it know there is so much more to her. She is my favorite of the story and just made the story for me. I enjoyed reading this story and how fast paced it was. This is an engaging story that had me coming back for more. There is great growth of the characters as well as the plot throughout the story. The author's use of details gave the story a realistic feel as well. This is a page turner and worth the pick up for sure. A great story that is true to life. I highly recommend this book.

What I loved about this story is that is based on real life. Annie/Bessie is a woman who falls on hard times, alone and needing to support herself, she finds herself pregnant and in a “undesired “ status. Women in these days were expected to be shunned by society for their failing morals. Annie has no choice but to seek out a convent house for mothers and babies. The baby is removed from her care after birth and Annie devotes much of her time, trying to get her place back in society and support herself whilst looking to find her daughter.
She meets her savior and thinks she’s found love and stability only for it all to lead to heartbreak and betrayal.
I absolutely loved this book. It would make an enjoyable movie. I found the research and characters in the book well sourced for the time period and the tone and pace just right . I couldn’t get enough of this book and the fact that is based on a true story and true account hooks me even more.
Loved it.

The Lives of Diamond Bessie is a story about a young Irish immigrant who got pregnant out of wedlock and resorted to prostitution to survive. The narrative was fast paced and depicted the plight of women during their time — the reality of what they faced and the injustice that is prevalent even until today. I didn’t expect the plot twist, however, which can be either good or bad depending on your preference.

What I didn’t enjoy much about this story is the main character herself. I felt that Bessie is gullible and easy to manipulate, which made me detach from her. Though the latter part felt dragging and frustrating, I think that is generally the point because that is how it usually works in this broken and crooked world that we live in.

Nonetheless, this book is perfect for those who like to read historical fiction with a blend of paranormal and mystery.

Thanks to Netgalley and SparkPress for providing me an e-arc for an honest review.

liked this book until I figured out that it was based on true events, then I loved it! Although the author portrayed the life of a prostitute a bit more easy than I expect that it was, I found the book realistic in the sense of the times. I do hope and wish that the afterlife was anything like the book but I suspect that it is not.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I DNF this book. It just wasn't what I was expecting as I was very excited for the plot. The character of Annie was interesting and gripped my attention but everything surrounding her just felt flat to me.

A historical novel based on true events, The Lives of Diamond Bessie was a well written and engrossing novel written by debut author Jody Hadlock. I really enjoyed followed Bessie’s journey, even into the afterlife. I would recommend this book, especially to historical fiction lovers.

I was drawn to this book because of how gorgeous the cover was and the minute i started reading this book i was drawn by the author's writing as well.
Jody's writing is very easy to read and dive deep into sending you back in time and feeling like you're with Annie and seeing life through her eyes
I loved this book so much and I'm sad it's done but I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next read.

TW- Physical abuse
This was a difficult book for me. Extremely depressing and sad. It seemed like nothing good could ever happen to the MC. It was heartbreaking to follow her on her journey as she us separated from her child right after childbirth.
It is based on a true story which makes it even more terrifying. I can't articulate my thoughts more precisely because I couldn't enjoy the book because of its dark themes.
Read it if you like reading historical fiction genre.

I received this an ARC through Netgalley. During the first half of the book, I was so caught up in it, I couldn't put it down. The tragic story of Annie, going from being an unwed mother in which her daughter is taken from her to becoming a prostitute named Bessie in order to provide for herself was just heartbreaking. Once Bessie enters in to marriage is is where it started to fall apart for me. I enjoy paranormal stories and that wasn't my issue, just felt like it dragged on more then it needed to. I wish I could leave a better review

Based on a true story. This is the story of sixteen-year old Annie Moore, a young Irish immigrant who becomes pregnant and is sent to a convent for fallen women. Her daughter is taken from her to be placed for adoption. When Annie realizes she cannot get her daughter back, she escapes from the convent. This is the 1800s and she has difficulty finding a job, no references, no family, no chances. She is rescued by some kind ladies and when she is stronger, she discovers she is staying in a house of prostitution. Given a chance to earn a living, she becomes one of the most popular of the ladies. She never gives up the hopes of re-uniting with her daughter.

Diamond Bessie is gifted wonderful presents from her customers, including one gentleman who knows how to make her feel special. She eventually marries him, where the story takes some strange twists. Hadlock has done a lot of research about Diamond Bessie, the various houses where she worked, and the gentlemen who employed the services of these women.

Book Review:
The Lives of Diamond Bessie by Jody Hadlock

What's better than a historical fiction book about a 19th century high class prostitute? One where she later becomes a ghost who haunts her killer for revenge! Add in that it's based on a true story and I'm in heaven!

I really liked the storytelling and was hooked right from the beginning. The trauma of Bessie's life is immense but yet fascinating at the same time. I loved that she made the best of her situation and managed to make a decent life for herself, was able to travel, choose to wear beautiful clothes, even though she could have given in to temptations and ended up in a less classy house leading a very different life.

The Lives of Diamond Bessie releases on April 5th, make sure to check it out!

Thank you @netgalley and #sparkpress for this ARC!

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I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel hit a little too close to home for me. It's a good read for any woman who has let a man who says he loves her, but only takes in the relationship.

I don't read a ton of books set in the 1800s, so I wanted to pick this one up. It was absolutely not what I expected in the best way. I was super invested in Bessie's story and her desire for revenge. I was super intrigued by the events surrounding this story and was really pleased to hear it was based on a real person! That is one of my favorite things about histfic is learning about events and people from the past that I wouldn't have ever come across in any other way. Some of the topics are definitely adult in nature, and there are a number of content warnings, but this one was one I was glad to have been able to read! Looking forward to reading more by this author.

Fantastic book! I especially enjoyed how Bessie came back (do not want to spoil it). Learned about a new person… the writing was very engaging!

Based on a true story, Annie Moore becomes Bessie Moore after delivering a baby and having to resort to prostitution. The convent took her baby and her goal is to get her back, but life makes other plans.

I read this in one day. It was very hard to put down! I didn’t realize it was based on a true story until the end, so I then went into a wiki wormhole. I loved how this book flips in a different direction towards the end. It was unexpected but so entertaining!

“It seemed a woman could only survive in this world with the help of a man. And no reputable man wanted a woman who’d borne a child out of wedlock. Even if I claimed to be a widow, I still wasn’t as desirable. It seemed I was out of options.“

The Lives of Diamond Bessie comes out 4/5.

A tale of strength, love, revenge and... Ghosts?

This is a 19th century fiction tale based on the true story of Irish immigrant in America, Annie Moore. She was sent to a convent for getting pregnant at 16, was badly treated, gave birth only to have the child taken away from her. Out of anger and dejection, she decided to run away and try in any way to get her child back. At a time when job opportunities for women are scarce, Annie ended up working as a courtesan, changing her identity to Bessie. And becoming one of the most sort after courtesans in town. Bessie holds herself as someone with pride and she was quite a badass. Until she somewhat fell in love. (in fact imo her vulnerabilty with love got her in the first situation which landed her in the convent) She got swayed, fell in love with the wrong man and then things happened.

Which also in a way made the story go abit awry for me. I love horror and supernatural stuff but i didn't feel it with this one. I won't say much more cause i don't want to give anything away. But i actually did love this right up to that point. The writing was really good though,i won't deny. It gripped me and i was so rooting for Bessie! I so loved her! Reading on the marginalised situation with women back then was also a good lesson, which is something that still happens in our time and age unfortunately. The opportunities might be more but the discrimination and patriarchal bullshit still exists. How Hadlock also made this story inspired by real events her own, fabulous! I just wished the last third still had me thrilled.

Thank you @Natgalley and SparkPress for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read "The Lives of Diamond Bessie" not having paid much attention to the synopsis, When the big event of the story took a twist about halfway through and the perspective shifted, and I was absolutely floored. I gasped aloud. This was an excellent mix of historical fiction and ghost story, and I was captured by the writing. Our protagonist's story felt incredibly relatable in spite of the 150+ years between her life and my own, and her struggles and obstacles felt real and tangible. A truly enjoyable read. I hope to see more historical fiction from this author!