The Purple Nightgown

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 5
Plot development: 5
Characters: 5
Enjoyability: 5
Ease of Reading: 5

Overall rating: 5 out of 5

This True Colors series is absolutely fascinating.  I've always been interested in true crime stories and this is right up my alley!  I have a book based on the story featured in The Purple Nightgown.  That book is Starvation Heights and it's very comprehensive.  I love how Lawrence brings the story to life here.  I look forward to the next in this series.

*My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley.  I was not compensated and the opinion in this review is my own.

A fantastic addition to the True Colors Series.  Well written plot and character dynamics.  I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Stella suffers from severe migraines. She would do just about anything to not have them. There are days she can't function and stays in bed. When she discovers and reads a book by Dr. Hazzard, she decides to go to her clinic in hope of finding relief from her ailment. 
Being there is nothing like she imagined. The patients are Literally starved. They gi weeks with out food and endure hours of enema treatments. 
What she sees, hears and discovers about the people who run the clinic could be the last thing she does.
Strong characters and great story. Written about some actual people and events that occurred.

I had not read an of the authors work so I was unsure of what to expect. I chose this because I'm enjoying the 'True colours, True crime" series.  These are only a series based on the fact that they are fictionalised versions of real crimes. This means that they can be read independently.

In some ways the way that the murders were written about made it hard to read (my imagination was adept at picturing the scene) but what the murdered people went through was horrific. However, the book was well written and I did enjoy reading it (apart from the afore mentioned imagination on my part). 

I will be reading more from this author. This author and the series are worth a read. I got this book in exchange for a free honest review.

"Sometimes you just have to stand still and face what comes head on. And trust that God will guide you." Stand still.
This is so very true. You can't keep running away because eventually it will catch up with you. Secrets will come out.
It's always best to face your problems head on because this way it will give you a peace of mind.
This book is the weirdest and best one yet. 
They just  keep getting darker and darker with each book in this series. That's OK because this is my favorite series by far. I have learned so many new things from this awesome series.
I felt sorry for Stella. I can relate to her through her many migraines and all. I still admired her courage through her endurance and trials..
Yes, I didn't care for Dr. Hazzard and I'll leave it at that.
There are some surprises in this story that I never saw coming and those are what I like in a book. 
This story will keep you riveted to your seat to see what happens next. 
Trust me it didn't disappoint.
I recommend this to those are loving this series or for new readers that are sure enjoy this series.
My thanks to Barbour publishing for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Purple Nightgown was a thrilling story. It was the first true crime novel I’ve ever read and it literally kept me up at night. Stella and Henry have been friends since childhood but their social economic status separated them and prevented them from taking their relationship in a romantic direction. Henry resolved himself to being Stella’s chauffeur as she took different outings in an attempt to rid her body of the migraines that plagued her. Hope seemed to be in reach when she started reading a book by Dr. Linda Hazzard, if toted the miracle cure of fasting to aid in ridding the body of toxins thus curing all ailments. Stella’s dream came into reach even further when she discovered that Dr. Hazzard had a treatment facility right outside Seattle. Of course, even though Henry wasn’t keen on the idea he agreed to take Stella to the facility to see if it was a good place to receive treatment. In Stella’s desperation for a cure she resolved to stay for treatment even though Henry thought it was a sketchy place. The horrors that Stella witnesses at this facility will most likely play over and over in my head. 

A.D Laurence did a mesmerizing job of weaving together and intricate and thrilling novel that left me thankful that this was my first true crime novel. It had all the elements, which made  me “deliciously scared” and also intrigued by the inevitable romance that developed between Henry and Stella.

Another intriguing story, with suspense and romance, based on real crimes. This one had moments edging on horror, yet not without hope. The author draws a clear picture of the main character's desperation to be healed from debilitating migraines; desperate enough to try anything.

"She wasn’t alone. Not really. God, in all His vastness and unbounded love, saw her."
Stella's experience at the institute grows darker on one hand, as she feels trapped there and alone. Her epiphanies of faith bring a wonderful contrast of light in the darkness, as she realizes God has not abandoned her. The tension grows tighter in the last half and the main characters rise to the challenges, overcoming fears, taking risks to help others. Henry proves himself to be a terrific hero and a true friend. He had me cheering him on, especially towards the end.
I was especially interested in this installment of the True Crimes series because it took place in the county where I live. I had heard about the institute and shudder to think of what went on there. Ollala was quite remote at the time.
Recommend to readers who like historical suspense with faith and a little romance.
4.5 stars

THE PURPLE NIGHTGOWN by A.D. LAWRENCE is a true crime story that takes place in 2011.
Stella Burke suffers badly from migraines. When she reads Linda Hazzard's book, Fasting for the Cure of Disease, she gets Henry Clayton, her uncle Weston's chauffeur who is her best friend, and Jane, who has looked after her since she was a child,to take her to meet Dr Hazzard. Despite Henry's bad feeling about Linda Hazzard, she decides to go for treatment in her clinic in Wilderness Heights. When Stella sees what is going on there and experiences "treatments" that are pure torture, she wishes she had listened to him.
It is a story about greed and cruelty of the worst kind, but Stella's faith in God sustains her.
Both Stella and Henry have compassion for those in need, especially for orphaned children. Henry was taken in by Stella's parents when he was a child, for which he is very grateful, and he cannot bear to see children who have no hope and nowhere to go.
I highly recommend The Purple Nightgown as a suspenseful thriller with a strong Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Lawrence does a fantastic job at bringing early-1900s San Francisco to life! I love San Fran--especially its history and geography--and enjoyed how she paints the city in earlier years. And how fun to see parts of western Washington appear, too; a neat surprise. (Having grown up in Washington, I did chuckle a bit at some of the commentary on Washington weather and geography; Olalla is quite a bit southwest of Seattle, on the Kitsap Peninsula, and neither is particularly close to "the coast" [which I assume to be the Pacific coast, as we wouldn't label Puget Sound "coastal" per se]).

Washington geography aside, "The Purple Nightgown" tells about a piece of history even us Washingtonians don't know much (if anything) about. A shocking story, to be sure, and I could definitely appreciate Lawrence's reference to Anne Shirley being "deliciously scared" in the afterword! (I'd even already been drawing parallels between one character here and Marilla Cuthbert, so the L.M. Montgomery reference was doubly apropos.)

Fast pacing, interesting characters, and well-researched history combine for a compelling read. Well done.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Purple Nightgown is the first novel I have read out of the True Colors series, and now I am intrigued enough to read more stories of true American crime. I had a difficult time putting the book down! I will say I was a little concerned if the book would be too gory or disturbing given the genre, but will it is very suspenseful, it is not overly unpleasant. It is shocking to think that most of the details in the story regarding Linda Hazzard’s methods are true. The romance between Stella and Henry is sweet and I was rooting for them throughout the entire story. I look forward to reading more in the series.

Wow! This book was not what I was expecting. 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. 

I would recommend this book to those who like suspense, mystery, and some romance. This book definitely has it all!!!

I really loved the characters in this book. I especially loved Henry! I was cheering for him from the beginning to the end! I loved the way he cared for Stela and those dear kids! Stella was a character that I connected with right off the bat. 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. 

*I received this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.*

I am absolutely loving this series of true crime novels. I have found out about incidents that are entirely new to me and this was no different. The start was a little slow, but quickly picked up and with it, the tension increased. I found myself racing through every page and hoping that our heroine would survive the book. 

The (real) murderer was compelling and very evil. The way that the victims were treated was handled well for a Christian fiction novel while maintaining the realism necessary for a suspense novel. The subject was handled well and made for an entertaining read.

Once I got into the story I couldn't put it down. My heart was racing and I found myself absorbed in the story and frankly trying to influence the story,


I look forward to each and every one of these books in this multi author series. 

I received a complimentary copy of this from NetGalley and this is my honest review

5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating

I've read one other book in the True Colors series and I have to say that I love this book in the series!  Wow!  As horrific as the story is, the book and story could not be more well-written.  The characters were so real and I couldn't help but like Stella and Henry.  I was rooting for them to be together and just kept hoping for it, but Stella is on a journey to find help from the awful, nearly constant migraines that she is experiencing in 1912.  I can't imagine being so hopeful of treatment and finding that you're in a place of death and abuse. 

 This book is well worth the read !  Check it out!  I don't think you'll be disappointed. This book is based on a true story. 

I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and Barbour Fiction.   All opinions expressed are my own.

The Purple Nightgown by A.D. Lawrence is a Christian historical crime suspense that will get your heart racing. It is the tenth book in the True Colors series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The effects of the novel on the reader’s mind is heightened because the crimes are based on true crimes from the early twentieth century. I actually found the book mentally very scary – it could happen to any one of us and this is horrifying.
We see the importance of trusting God and believing His words. We may feel alone but God walks alongside us for He has promised to never leave us.
Prayer is important. “Prayer was a gift.” Sometimes we do not know what to pray but God hears the longings of our heart. “Despite the wordlessness of her prayer, peace wrapped her in a warm embrace.” God’s peace is a gift too. We can experience it in spite of external circumstances.
The pursuit of wealth and power pollutes lives. There is nothing wrong with having money and using it for good. It is the love of money that corrupts.
Within the novel we see the importance of taking care of the poor. There are some philanthropic hearts within the tale whose eyes are opened to the suffering on their own doorstep.
The leading lady is forward thinking, supporting the ideas of the suffragettes in 1911. She has an inner strength and a relationship with God that sustains her. Her character flaw is her stubborn will that at times blinds her to good hearts but she basically has a heart of gold that sees others and not dollar signs.
The Purple Nightgown was a frightening read as we witness evil masquerading as good walking alongside actual goodness in society. We need to stay focused on God and trust Him at all times. Sometimes the battle is not ours but His. We need only to stand still.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Great book! 

5 star

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

Another intriguing story, with suspense and romance, based on real crimes. This one had moments edging on horror, yet not without hope. The author draws a clear picture of the main character's desperation to be healed from debilitating migraines; desperate enough to try anything.
"She wasn’t alone. Not really. God, in all His vastness and unbounded love, saw her."
Stella's experience at the institute grows darker on one hand, as she feels trapped there and alone. Her epiphanies of faith bring a wonderful contrast of light in the darkness, as she realizes God has not abandoned her. The tension grows tighter in the last half and the main characters rise to the challenges, overcoming fears, taking risks to help others. Henry proves himself to be a terrific hero and a true friend. He had me cheering him on, especially towards the end.
I was especially interested in this installment of the True Crimes series because it took place in the county where I live. I had heard about the institute and shudder to think of what went on there. Olalla was quite remote at the time.
Recommend to readers who like historical suspense with faith and a little romance.

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

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

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

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

The Purple Nightgown is a book I will read more than once , it was that good. 
Many moments that will have you thinking .

Fasting for health benefits has been practiced for thousands of years but in 1911 Linda Burfield Hazzard took it to extremes at Wilderness Heights, also known as Starvation Heights by locals in Olalla, Washington.

Stella Burke was desperate for a cure for her migraine headaches so when she saw Linda Hazzard’s book Fasting for the Cure of Disease she had new hope. Her childhood friend and driver, Henry Clayton, and her lady’s maid Jane, were dubious, but Stella was determined. She was totally unprepared for the nightmare ahead.

The characters were believable. I either loved them or hated them with few exceptions. Robby was one of my favorites. Uncle Weston confused me as he went from hard nosed to soft and pliable. I think Linda Hazzard was true to the real character. Not someone I would want to know.

If you enjoy novels based on real history with some horror , drama and hold your breath moments, this could be a book for you. 

This is a good addition to the True Colors Series published by Barbour Publishing who supplied me with an ARC through NetGalley.