The Gray Chamber

Another thrilling story in the True Crimes series! A romantic suspense that swept me up in the reading and held my rapt attention throughout. I couldn't read it fast enough! 
"Fear not, for the Lord will be with you."
   I found myself quickly attached to the main characters, and held my breath when it seemed all hope was lost.  A few Bible verses and prayers of the  characters, especially when in peril, kept the story from becoming too dark, and brought inspiration to the tale. I shudder to think that some of these events actually happened. The treatment of the mentally ill in the 1880's and corruption of the system were horrible. Nellie Bly's account and her part in the tale was well done, adding authenticity to poor Edyth's experience. The conclusion was done smoothly, with a gentle wrap up, making for a very satisfying read. 

Recommend for readers who enjoy historical romantic suspense with faith, and based on real events.  For further reading about the historical treatment of the mentally ill, I recommend Jane Kirkpatrick's book, One Glorious Ambition, about the work of Dorothea Dix.
 5 stars!

As soon as I saw that this was the next book in the series I knew I HAD to read it. The cover first caught my attention and than reading what the book was about I knew it would be good.I loved the character of Edyth. She was amazing. Her spunk was unrivaled. The fact that she didn't care what society thought made her so unique and in the time of 1880's would have been scandalous. I loved how her character evolved throughout the book but still remained true to herself.Bane was so amazing! His steadfastness throughout the book is what makes people keep reading! I mean who wouldn't love a man you can fence? I have always loved sword fighting so I immediately loved this character. As the book went on I only loved him more!I found my self reading very quickly through parts because I had to find out what happened next. I highly encourage people to read this book.I had heard of this story from history before I had read this book and was fascinated by the history this book is based upon. Readers know that though this is fiction things like this actually happened in real life! This book showed how we need to trust God in all things, be still and know Him and Scripture Memorization is so important. Storing up God's Word in our heart! This author is new to me BUT will certainly be among my favorites! I couldn't put this book down. I read it in 3 days or less!

Heart-Breaking wonderful tale.

this books is amazing, i was enthralled from the first page i couldn't help but devour this book. it is a tale of amazing strength and love. Edyth is a strong independent character that you cant help but support through-out the story.
even though the characters are fictions the story is based on true advents and this story make you realize how easy it was back then to fob off a relative simply by saying there insane. i am still reeling from this epic tale. 
at the end the author even refers to the book that she used as reference and i love that because it  opens my reading to books i wouldn't normal venture in.
this is a ten star review its a shame i can only give it five stars. i will be following this author and cant wait to read more by her.

I rarely buy multiple copies of the same book, but this is going to be one of them! I have the ebook and I am buying the paperback. This story was AMAZING!! This is my second story from this author and she is firstly becoming a favorite, must read, instant click author. 

This is a historical romance with American crime and a few Christian verses. This book was addictive, informative, heartbreaking and redemptive! I loved how the author wrote a true crime story, with romance intertwined and made me believe in the power of love again.

Psychology and pre-war medical treatments and laws are a particular interest of mine (and romance) this book covers all of those and is perfect for a great many readers. It was scary just how fast and with such little proof the main character was committed to the hospital. I had goose bumps reading this. Edyth is a strong lady and I was passionate about her getting her HEA. 

This story was brilliant in its prose and form and addictive in its plot and characters. I could not have loved this story more. I highly recommend it to all readers (history lovers, medical loves, romance lovers, Victorian lovers and the rest)! I had the extreme pleasure of receiving an ARC from NetGalley and I am leaving my honest review. This is going on my book gift list for sure!

The Gray Chamber is a page turning tale of greed and betrayal. Edyth Foster was not your typical socialite. She was adventuresome.  She loved fencing,  riding her velocipede, drawing and painting, though she might be impulsive, she was not insane. How could she prove that from Blackwell's Island?  
Deception, betrayal, abuse, and danger battle against truth, honor, courage, and love. WOW! I could not put this book down even when the hair on the back of my neck stood up!

I loved Poppy, Nellie Bly and Raoul. Grace Hitchcock has done an excellent job with a difficult reality that isn't completely left to history. 

I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was  under no obligation to post a review.

I am really enjoying the True Colors series from Barbour Publishing!  The Gray Chamber did not disappoint! First of all this cover is really haunting and really reflects the atmosphere that is created in the book.  The story was intriguing and the characters were smart, capable, and easy to like.   This novel really showcased some of the unfair and brutal treatments that some patients endured on Blackwell Island.  It was chilling.  As soon as Edyth entered the asylum I felt tense and anxious.  There was such a sense of hopelessness to her situation, but she didn't lose hope in spite of her dire circumstances.  There were several intense and suspenseful scenes in this book that had me on the edge of my seat!  I was happy with the conclusion of the book and also felt like I had learned a bit of history within the context of this story.

This was my introduction to the True Colors series, and I was hooked from the get-go! The fact that it is based off true stories makes it all the more compelling.

We meet Edyth Foster, an eccentric young woman who is about to come into a large inheritance. But there’s a catch, and Edyth soon finds herself locked away behind the cold, cruel walls of the Blackwell Island Lunatic Asylum. Desperate to escape and be reunited with the man she loves, Edyth sets out to reclaim her life before it’s too late.

The story is told through two voices: one of Edyth and the other, her dear friend and fencing master, Bane. I found both characters’ perspectives complemented each other well as they puzzled and mused over their predicaments. It also felt fairly cinematic as I was reading, like I am already casting the Gray Chamber movie in my head! 

Overall, I quite enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more from the True Colors series! Thank you to Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy!

Really outstanding book!  Edyth is a definite person!! We understand her and are rooting for her all the way through the book!  The descriptions of the asylum and its keepers are horrifying!  Totally interesting!!

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. I am really enjoying this series-historical fiction based on real events. What a great concept! This story takes place in 1877, and involves the horrific conditions at the insane asylums. Edyth, who will inherit a fortune when she turns 25, is under the care of her uncle and aunt. In order to keep her from inheriting the fortune, they have her committed to Blackwell's Island in New York. If she is declared insane, her uncle will get all of the money and everything she is going to inherit. While she is there, she meets Nellie Bly, who is undercover to report on the terrible conditions at the insane asylum. Edyth also has a boyfriend named Bane. This is the story of how Bane and Nellie rescue Edyth from Blackwell's Island. Lots of excitement and some romance. Another winner in this series!

Words can not do this book justice! Grace Hitchcock is a magnificent story teller, her books will captivate your heart. Stories woven around true historical crimes brings shock and emotions from its readers. I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down until completed. The suspense, betrayal and heartbreak had me captured in its pages. The sweet life giving romance and faith in God brought closure to such a harrowing tale. This book will have you clamoring for more from this author!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

This historical fiction was filled with suspense which kept me turning pages.  I absolutely loved the development of the wonderful relationship between the hero and heroine. This romance is not straight forward but it is definitely swoon worthy!  Hitchcock creates these unique and memorable characters and puts them in this gripping storyline.  The heroine is strong, resourceful and not at all what society would expect.  I would want her in my corner.  I appreciated the faith lessons learned during such incredibly difficult circumstances, such a great reminder of the true value of trusting God.  I don’t want to forget to mention the fantastic use of humor throughout this engaging story. Hitchcock is a talented writer and as I finished this book I knew that it had been time well spent.  I will be watching for her next novel.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I’m a sucker for the unconventional underdog and got very drawn in to this story for that reason. But, I stayed for the plucky heroine, the sweetness of a love story, the gentle reminder of the Father’s presence and the promise of good hopefully triumphing over evil. I was not disappointed! This book takes a fascinating look into the practices of the infamous Blackwell Island mental asylum in the 1800’s  which definitely makes one shudder as well. Spoiler alert. God always wins! #gracehitchcock #thegraychamber #blackwellisland

Epic and heart wrenching:
What an amazing book! The writing style was great, with the story flowing well and it drew me in right from the very beginning. It was disturbing and difficult to read at times due to the injustice and sad subject matter; yet I wanted to keep going in order to see how things turned out. There is plenty of angst and it wrenches your emotions but it is also a story about trusting and relying on God during hardships.The treatment of women and the mentally ill (actual and falsely accused) was shocking and deplorable. It made me count my blessings and appreciate anew all that has been bestowed upon me!
I enjoyed reading about spunky and quirky Edyth and the love and dedication bestowed upon her by Blane. All in all an enlightening and enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I loved Grace Hitchcock's book "The Gray Chamber."The story developed at a good pace and kept me intrigued as to what would happen next. I loved the ending!!  I normally don't read a lot of stories with a "love story" but this book was different and kept me reading from the time I started!  
Grace has a great writing style and I look forward to reading more books by Grace Hitchcock.   If you like historical fiction based on true history you will love this book.  

I downloaded a copy of this book through Net Galley via the publisher with no fee and no compensation in the hopes of an honest review. My opinion is entirely my own.

My Thoughts on The Gray Chamber:

Wow. I have been loving this series and read this one as soon as it came through as an ebook through Netgalley. It's amazing. So amazing. Okay, so maybe I should say more about the book but I'm still reeling with what a great read it was and it's a super-fast read too. I could not put it down.

On the one hand, we have a social debutante who has this huge fortune left to her from her dying parents.  But it's still controlled by her uncle until she comes of age.  Her uncle has married and she's not so sure of the aunt but even though they're not the best of friends she gives her the benefit of the doubt.  The new aunt also has a daughter that she's not sure she'll get along with but she actually gets along really well with and loves. 

Edyth thinks the best of people which is probably her biggest downfall.  She also is a bit eccentric and doesn't much care what society thinks.  This seems to be a theme with being declared mentally ill in the past and it's a loophole her uncle is willing to take to get his hands on her fortune.  

Poor Edyth is in love with her fencing instructor(one of those eccentric things is that she loves fencing and takes lessons).  Just as they are beginning to see each other as more than friends tragedy strikes.  He must race against time to find and free her while she merely tries to survive with her life intact.  

Add in more fun and suspense when doctors are bribed and controversial treatments are tried.  Oh and an undercover journalist in Nellie Bly enters the story which is a great bit of fun and suspense as well. 

I really loved this book.  I've loved all of the books in this series actually and can't wait to read the ones that come next.  I highly recommend the entire series and hope you'll read them all.

This book held special appeal to me though as it discusses mental health and how the world both viewed mental health plus how they treated it.  Women were often deemed mentally ill or unstable for things such as inheritances, men wishing to remarry, or simply being a bit peculiar. Even just having your own opinion might have you locked up.  As a mental health nurse, I love learning more about what this area of medicine was like and how it's progressed. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from 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.

I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley.  All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
This was a super historical, romance story.  It is part of series, but I have not read any of the other books.  However that is not a problem.  This story stands well on its own.  Edyth is an excellent leading lady, and shows a great deal of spunk and attitude.  She is very relatable too, and you are quickly cheering for.  The writing style is well done and the storyline is thought out well.  I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

Wow! This book had me sucked in from the beginning. While I knew what was going to happen before it actually happened, the story was so well executed that I didn’t mind. I loved the originality of Edyth. Bane may have been a little too perfect, but he was a solid character as well. Finished it in one day, because I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this to those who love historical suspense.

I received a free copy from NetGalley, and these opinions are my very own.

This was another great addition to the True Colors series. Although Edyth was a fictional character, her story was based on real events and the unfortunate untold stories of many. With raw emotion and gut wrenching circumstances, this is a read I won't soon be forgetting.

While the name Nellie Bly is often associated with the exposing of the horrors that happened behind the walls of insane asylums, I actually liked to see that she was more of a supporting character in this instead of the leading role. It breathed life into some of the people she would have encountered  and gave them their own story.

The further I got into this read the more my blood boiled over Edyth's predicament. What was more infuriating was knowing that what she went through was just a glimpse at what others truly experienced. My heart desperately sought for justice to be served and it kept the pages turning rapidly until I had finished the entire book.

This was such an easy read to get sucked into and it's one that I highly recommend. I know that this is one that's going to stay with me and I look forward to reading more from the series in the future.

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

A chilling fictional account based on true happenings at the Blackwell Lunatic Asylum in NYC back in the late 1800's. Women were forcibly committed for any reason, and not expected to ever leave.

Edyth Foster, a woman of 24, was under the guardianship of her uncle after her parents died in an accident. She was a likable, unconventional young woman who rode her bicycle around town, wore different clothing, and took fencing lessons from Raoul Banebridge, whom she fell in love with.

Her uncle, wishing to collect her large inheritance before she turned 25, had her committed to the asylum. Conditions were so deplorable, it was hard to read knowing that these things really happened back then! The scenes of the mistreatment were real, having been documented by Nellie Bly who went undercover as a patient for 10 days there and wrote about it.

Edyth's faith was displayed in her prayers and reading Bible verses while an inmate. I hesitate to call this Christian fiction, as so little was mentioned until much later in the book, but it was an excellent read. You will be glued to the pages! It is quite dark, suspenseful, and it does have a bit of romance.

I could not put this book down and finished it in one day! (less)

What a chilling account of how things were for women during the 1800's!  I was amazed and astonished to learn so many things about women's' rights (or lack thereof).  While this book is a fictionalized account of Edyth Foster, it contains true aspects of how life was for women.  There is also the storyline of Nellie Bly, a real-life journalist who managed to get herself committed to an insane asylum in order to uncover how women were being abused.  I absolutely couldn't put this book down.  

I'll definitely be looking for another book in this series True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime

The authors name is appropriate for this novel. This is a romantic, historical, detective, and definitely horror story all rolled into one. This is one of those books that if it was a movie, you would be yelling at the screen. Don’t believe him, or shush, keep quiet and dude follow your instincts. And in certain scenes you’d want to keep yours eyes shut, but you look anyway, because you know that part of the horror was historically true. That’s how I was reading this book. I wish to thank #netgalley for giving me an advanced ebook copy-so I could recommend (or not) this book to you.

This is a historical romance about American crimes that were committed in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Hitchcock has based her fiction on strange but true crimes committed in 1887. This one deals with an insane asylum on Blackwell Island in New York. Thus it insured that none could escape as the only way was a ferry to ride and of course they couldn’t do that. There was a lighthouse with a beacon if they attempted to swim…..The story deals with a young heiress who is in the care of her uncle until her 25th birthday, which is only a few months away. Through devious means and much money he successfully has her committed to the asylum with the promise of the doctors that they can do a treatment that will erase her memory forever, thus insuring that she will always be held there. Hitchcock has done much research about the asylum on Blackwell island and has written a most interesting novel with very believable characters. There is danger, intrigue and a delightful romance also to warm the heart.  She describes the horrid conditions and abuse these poor souls faced daily with no hope of ever leaving. You will not want to put this book down. …….  I received a complimentary copy of this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc., and was under no obligation to write a review.

I could not put this book down. I felt like I was right there with Edyth and Bane, cheering them on, gashing when things went wrong and urging them to figure everything out. I am very excited to read the rest of the books in the True Colors series and I will be keeping an eye out for more books by Grace Hitchcock!

A chilling look at how far greed can blind and drive selfish, depraved, loved-ones. I loved Edyth’s free spirit and eccentricities as she lives her life to the fullest. Edyth knows she is different than others and she has embraced this fact, until she decides to accept the help of her cousin to help win the heart of her dear friend, Bane. As she draws near to her birthday, where she is set to receive the fullness of her inheritance, her eccentricities are exploited and used against her to trap her in her uncle’s nefarious plan: disappearance and admittance to Blackwell’s Island. 
Edyth is determined to escape and Bane is just as determined to find his missing friend. This story captivated my attention and refused to be put down until finished. There were some twists that surprised me and kept me hooked all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed this next installment in the True Colors series. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book and all expressed opinions are solely my own.

This is such a well researched story and true,there was really a place like this! Thankfully we didn't live back in this time they could put you away just on a word! This woman endure so much heartache torture that was not called for! You have so many emotions going on in this book her life and you feel like you are right there with her! Very well in the description of the people ,places and  emotions! Have tissues ready you will need them I never heard of this place but there has been more places like this that people want to admit and the treatment of human beings!!  Hopefully we have learned and will be no more!The romance,the crime you tell me!!

The Gray Chamber is a fascinating—and disturbing—look at the infamous Blackwell Island asylum. Richly detailed, Hitchcock does a masterful job of weaving in historical facts alongside the fictional story of heiress Edyth Foster, whose eccentricity is declared insanity so that her uncle can steal her fortune. This story will leave you shaking your head in horrified disbelief—and grateful to leave in a world far away from Blackwell Island.

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

This has been one of my favorite books so far this year.  It is beautifully written.  I did not want to put this book down.  How would you like to have a life and then find out that someone could control what was going to happen to you.  This happens to Edyth.  She is happy being an eccentric woman and doesn’t know what horrors can lurk in a bad mans heart.  Can Edyth survive the horrors of an 19th century women’s lunatic asylum.  I don’t know how anyone survived inside a lunatic asylum in that day and age.  I loved the characters.  I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishers for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Edyth Foster is a talented, eccentric heiress, who doesn't give a whit what society thinks! She fences, rides her velocipede, and doesn't wear a corset or often even a hat. Her fencing instructor Bane knows she is a world class opponent, but hasn't thought of her in any other way for years since he started teaching her as a young girl. So far, it has escaped him that she is now a woman of five and twenty and drop dead gorgeous as well! When he does realize that fact, What follows is not what you might expect...including treachery, revealed past secrets, a Pinkerton agent and Nellie Bly! I won't spoil the story, but it is a wonderful read!

Will the love of money bring evil in, like a stalking lion, after siezing its prey will hold on with unrelenting force? Or will love find a way to overcome evil and be victorious, and fight tooth and nail for freedom?   

The GRAY CHAMBER, by Grace Hitchcock, in my opinion, is one of her best books yet! Don't get me wrong, all of her books are good. With this one she caused an explosion of pure emotions to hit every page. Some scenes truly came to life with action and surprise! That is what makes her books so outstandingly great. The way she mixes the true facts with fiction and brings the whole story to life is what makes her unique skills as a writer stand out. Some chapters I read faster than others because of that overwhelming urge to find out what was about to take place, so that kept me turning the pages faster. When Edyth was dumped into the cold icy water, I felt it! The heartbreak, when she found out the truth of what was happening at the institute. The sadness and hurt because of betrayal! The intense pain and mental anguish! Who could she trust? Who would be able to help her? Edyth and Bane are two wonderful and beautiful characters and will stay in my memory for a long time. I simply loved this story!   

Our story begins in New York City in the Fall of 1887, on a happy note, but picked up speed as the plot developed and went into deep, sudden emotion. (This is what made the story so real.) Edyth Foster pedaled her velocipede down Fifth Avenue toward the fencer's club. Once there she started her fencing class with her instructor, Raoul Banebridge. The two had been friends for years. But something was about to change all that. Edyth did not realize, nor see how the wickedness of some was to play a big role in her life until it was too late. Truly a five star read!

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

When I saw this series about stories based on real life historic crimes, it definitely peaked my interest.  The past 2 books was however just okay for me, but this book definitely exceeded my experience again.

Edyth was such a vibrant lively character who was misunderstood because she did not fit the box society wanted to fit her into.  Bane came across as a bit of a self-focused and shallow man who only focused on a women's external beauty, but he did win me over in his never ending search for Edyth.

I loved the interactions between Edyth, Bane and Lavinia.  The author gives an interesting voice t the characters.  Then she took a difficult subject of life in an asylum and brought it to life.  The way the author wrote the story made me feel Edyth's fear, betrayal and lost of hope.  It is horrific to see how women were treated ad wrongly placed in asylums just because.  The suspense was nail-biting and I found myself flipping through the pages to see how everything will end.

This was a great addition to the series and one of my favourite installments.  The other also being by this author.

Looking forward to continue with this series.

This was an enjoyable read. On one side, it was a sweet romance between Edyth and Bane. On the other side, it was a nefarious scheme to get Edyth committed to an insane asylum with all of its dark secrets.

I didn’t find it as suspenseful as some of the reads I’ve had recently. It had dark threads, due to the hidden secrets and total freedom of those in authority of a 19th century asylum. I personally found this fascinating and definitely believe its truth—it is heartbreaking that it’s true.

The Christian thread grew stronger as the story progressed. I really appreciated the depth and use of Psalms and trusting in God no matter how dark things got.

The romantic thread was sweet. It came and went in depth, more prevalent in the beginning and the end. There were some kisses, but not much more.

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*

Wow. The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock is another great addition to the True Colors series, which is written by a variety of authors. The author immediately sweeps the reader up into the story with intense family dynamics and the independent spirit of the heroine, Edyth. I loved the suspense as the unthinkable happens and Edyth is, as the book blurb tells, committed to an insane asylum. I knew it was coming, and yet it was heartbreaking and horrifying to see how the author plays it out. Interest was kept high with the intensity of Edyth's experience and wondering how in the world will she get out of these awful circumstances, or even will she get out alive. I had a hard time putting the book down. I enjoyed the fencing angle of the story and thinking about how it would be for a woman in the late 1800s to be involved in that sport. The author does a masterful job of depicting the social injustice of mental healthcare during that time in history. I am looking forward to the next book in this series of historical stories of American Crime and readers who like romance mixed with intrigue and danger will not want to miss this one. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

This is a series I have been sticking it out with. Each book is written by a different author and the books are based on a true crime that happened in America. The first few books I wasn’t a fan of but the blurb always sounded so interesting I kept giving them a shot.
I am really glad I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book before this one and LOVED this book. By far that is my favorite that I have read in this series.
Grace is a new to me author but I found her writing engaging and her storytelling spot on. She developed characters I couldn’t wait to get back to and I didn’t want to leave.
If you enjoy historical romance with some intrigue this is a must read!

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

A fantastic and horrifying story! What I love best about historical fiction is a story wrapped around true events. And The Gray Chamber delivers.
“Nellie Bly took an undercover assignment for which she agreed to feign insanity to investigate reports of brutality and neglect at the Women’s Lunatic asylum on Blackwell’s Island.” [taken from Wikipedia] 
Ms. Hitchcock’s Edyth was subjected to false accusations of insanity and subjected to confinement at Blackwell’s Island. The betrayal of a loved one was unthinkable—and yet it happened to countless women.
Much of the dialogue felt stilted and awkward, and I questioned some of Edyth’s actions and choices. Then again, she was clearly more headstrong than I.
The duel of the heart between Edyth and Bane was well-parried, a true to life romance. The characters were authentic, the circumstances sadly realistic.
I loved Edyth’s quirky nature, and her socially unacceptable (for the era) skill at fencing. 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Gray Chamber, Grace Hitchcock

Sometimes it's difficult to write that Five Star Review, because honestly, all I want to do is tell everyone they need to go out and buy this book.

So, that's what I'm doing.  Hey, Everyone?!?  Go out and buy this book!

The Gray Chamber is a gripping page-turner!  This book has it all - romance, intrigue, suspense, charming lead characters and superbly written bad guys! 

I couldn't put it down! 

This is the first story I've read by Grace Hitchcock.  It definitely will not be my last!

The Gray Chamber is available NOW - visit Christian Book to purchase your copy!

 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not obligated to leave a review.

 
The Gray Chamber is the fourth book in the True Colors - Historical Stories of American Crime.  This is a completely stand-alone novel.  

Content Note:  While key scenes were written as delicately as possible, those sensitive to physical and mental abuse may wish to proceed with caution.

The Gray Chamber is the second novel I have read by Grace Hitchcock. Her debut, The White City, was a treat, but this novel exceeded my expectations. Hitchcock has grown as a writer, and I am so very pleased because now I have another must-read author of historical mystery/suspense to add to my list! The Gray Chamber is part of the True Colors series which draws inspiration from true life crimes in our nation’s history. In this installment, the book centers on the horrific conditions of the mental health industry of the late 19th century. Nellie Bly exposed the abuses in her newspaper expose’ and subsequent book. Hitchcock took those experiences (and used Bly as a secondary character) to create a very personal portrayal of the arbitrary, and sometimes sinister, nature of commitment to the notorious Blackwell’s Island in NYC. Main character Edyth Foster is delightful in her eccentricities and independence, but those traits land her in the mad house. The abuses she faces and the peril she seeks to escape kept my attention riveted. This book was unputdownable. Her love interest was also especially swoony and a true hero as he seeks to free her. The historical details were spot on, and I found myself googling to find out more. The Gray Chamber was intense at times, and to counter that Hitchcock added a bit of levity at just the right moments. Edyth’s spunk and perseverance won my heart. As Edyth’s situation became more and more desperate, her reliance on God became more pronounced. Trust at the darkest of moments was difficult, but the truth that God fights for us when we cannot shines through.

I highly recommend The Gray Chamber for those interested in true crime, historical fiction, or just a really good story. I look forward to more from this talented author.

Oh boy. Hang on for a ride! This book is intense. It’s so hard to believe these things really went on. That a woman could be institutionalized on the whim of her guardian is incredible. And the horrible way they were treated made me furious. Yet God used this time to bring about some necessary changes both in Edyth and in the system.

Fictional character Edyth Foster really irritated me sometimes. Way too trusting, and too willing to openly flaunt societal norms, she made a lot of trouble for herself. Yet with such a warm heart that you can’t help but love her. And her fencing master was a true, swoonworthy hero.

This is a compelling read with a romance that will leave you breathless. It also left me with a desire for honest journalism once again. I highly recommend it!

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

What a marvelous read, could not put it down. It was gripping, suspensful and fast paced. Grace Hitchcock is a magnificent story teller, and I quickly became caught up in her characters. This book was woven around true historical crimes and really stirs the emotions! I read this book in 2.5 hours in one sitting. I really enjoyed this read!

This story was so well done.  I couldn't put it down.  I was outraged to think that people could so easily be committed to an asylum, that doctors would willingly conspire with family to do so, and that those patients would then be treated so horribly.  But the story wasn't told in a heavy way that left me feeling hopeless.  There were characters determined to stand up for what was right and change things.  There was also some lighthearted moments that endeared the characters to me right from the start.  This book does an excellent job of educating as well as entertaining the reader.

I love this series so much! Based upon events that happened in the past, each book can easily be read as a standalone. This book revolves around the infamous Blackwell Island, an asylum for the insane. 
When a young woman is committed there, she has to fight to prove that she isn't insane.During her stay she meets another patient, Nellie Bly, who eventually exposes the horrific treatment endured by all those unfortunate enough to find themselves lodging there.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.  @barbourpublishing #bookstagram

The Gray Chamber is part of the True Colors historical fiction series. I read one other book by a different author in that series and hoped this one would be as good.  I was not disappointed!  Inspired by a true story, Ms. Hitchcock skillfully blends real-life characters and events with the fictional ones.  This book set in 1887 chronicles the story of a fictional heiress Edyth Foster who is unjustly committed to the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island by her Uncle in an attempt to gain control of her fortune and Raoul “Bane” Banebridge her long- time friend and fencing instructor who comes to realize his true feelings for Edyth just before she suddenly disappears.  
The suspenseful plot twists and turns with deception and betrayal along side perseverance, faith, and love and flows at a suitable pace.  The events at the asylum are depressing and disturbing but are handled in a tasteful  manner. The characters are well-developed and memorable and vivid descriptions add life to the story.  The faith element permeates the story with scripture and prayers as Edyth’s confinement grows her faith despite the circumstances.  Edyth says, “This place has stripped away the layers of thick skin, and I am raw, for I have had no one or nothing to lean on here but the Lord.”  
This was a page-turning, can’t-put-down, finished -in-one-day read for me, and I highly recommend it.
Ms. Hitchcock is a new author for me, and I look forward to reading her other book in this series The White City and her novellas.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

This was a very interesting book.  The characters were fully developed and the historical background was amazing.  The myths and history of mental institutions has not been fully comprehended and all of it has not come to light yet.  This book after reading it wants you to find out more about the history of these institutions.  The greed and false impressions are truly mind boggling.  This was a very well written and researched book.  I cannot wait to read the next one by Grace Hitchcock and her fellow writers in this series of books True Colors.  Truly a book that should be read.

When I read a book, I rarely read much of the description, because I like very much to be surprised by almost everything. But if you are the type who doesn’t mind certain details being given away, then go ahead and read this excerpt from the description of The Gray Chamber (SPOILER ALERT!!!!) ….   

"At the asylum, she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?"

The reason I’m glad I didn’t read the description, is because I enjoyed suddenly finding out that the poor soul in the asylum with Edyth was Nellie Bly. I don’t know a lot about her, but I do know that she was instrumental in revealing the horrors that people render to people who are unable to defend themselves.

And as long as we are messing with spoilers, I’ll say this: One thing I liked about this story is the resolution didn’t happen in the last two pages of the story. We got to see good resolution, people moving on and upward, being stronger than they were before.

SPOILER ALERT ENDS HERE:

Let’s start with what I didn’t like. I didn’t like that it was so good, I stayed up much too late to read until I could find a place where the story settled enough that I could stop reading and go to sleep. What I didn’t like was the horrible knowledge of being reminded of the cruel and awful way people treat their fellow human beings. But these are all things that we need to be reminded of fairly regularly, so we pray for the many unknown, faceless and helpless victims all around the world. O Lord, return quickly.

What I did like: I liked how the story was written, the attention to detail in the words and writing makes it stand out in my mind as true quality writing. I liked Edyth’s eccentricities, not willing to cram herself into the corset of the “upper crust”. Just because she inherited a large sum of money didn’t mean she had to meander in and out of boring social parties and marry some rich dandy.

I liked how she learned the importance of hiding the Word of God in her heart. And learned how precious it is in times of distress and need. I liked how she learned to rest in God, even in the worst experience of her life. It didn’t mean she sat and did nothing, but she allowed God to still her, calm her until the right time for her to take action.

It doesn't take me much thought to rate this a 5 star!!!

I received this book as a gift. I did not receive any compensation for reading and reviewing it other than a really great read!