Jennifer Uhlarik: The Scarlet Pen

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Step into True Colors — a series of Historical Stories of Romance and True American Crime
 
Enjoy a tale of true but forgotten history of a 19th century serial killer whose silver-tongued ways almost trap a young woman into a nightmarish marriage.
 
In 1876, Emma Draycott is charmed into a quick engagement with childhood friend Stephen Dee Richards after reconnecting with him at a church event in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. But within the week, Stephen leaves to “make his fame and fortune.” The heartbroken Emma gives him a special pen to write to her, and he does with tales of grand adventures. Secret Service agent Clay Timmons arrives in Mount Pleasant to track purchases made with fake currency. Every trail leads back to Stephen—and therefore, Emma. Can he convince the naive woman she is engaged to a charlatan who is being linked a string of deaths in Nebraska?

 

My Thoughts:

What a scoundrel!!! In The Scarlet Pen, Jennifer Uhlarik crafted a villain that appears to be suave and handsome, but instead, he has a cold heart with no connections or feelings toward anyone he meets, which is shown over and over again in the plot. I felt so bad for Emma who fell in love with Stephen. This happens to many women today even. Why do women fall in love and stay with men who abuse them? I do not understand it. I know, mostly, because they are looking for validation and the love, but it is harmful to them and God forbid if there is children involved. The plot of The Scarlet Pen was well-crafted and captured my attention the whole time. I enjoyed this story and will recommend it to others. Definitely a story keeper. The romance was okay. It was not my favorite part. I do enjoy the relationship between Clay and Emma. I liked the part where they shared Bible verses to encourage each other. This was a great addition to the True Colors series.

I received a complimentary copy of The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik from  Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

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Liz Tolsma: The Silver Shadow

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.

Denver of 1900 is still a dangerous place to be following the silver crash of 1893. And of out of the dark comes a shadow intent on harming women. Ambitious young Denver newspaper reporter Polly Blythe is searching for the big story that’s going to launch her career. On Friday evening, August 24, 1900, she gets her break when two women are cracked over the head within a two-minute walk of each other. But policeman Edwin Timmer thwarts Polly’s ideas of a serial criminal. . .until the shadowy figure strikes again. Will the reporter and the policeman team up to find the culprit before he strikes too close for comfort?

 

 

My Thoughts:

Silver Shadow by Liz Tolsma has a Jack the Ripper vive to it. The plot is about a mysterious man who attacks women who are found walking through the streets after dark. They are not home where they belong in the evening, so the killer, whose perspective we do see, wants to teach the town a lesson. This story reeks of originality in the True Colors of Historical series because readers actually see the killer’s perspective. Which personally, I actually like. If an author can make me empathic with the killer, then they crafted a wonderful story. With Silver Shadow, I really did not empathize with the killer. He was shunned by his wife, so he decided to treat other women horribly because of her choices. Not a good reason. As for the heroine, she is a brave woman who wants to be a reporter for a newspaper, and even went so far as to put her own life on the line as she researched and tried to write the story about the killer that she did not have the approval to do from the paper’s boss. Overall, Silver Shadow by Tolsma was a nice addition to the series. It fit right in with series’ goals and made for an interesting read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading mysteries or the rest of this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Silver Shadow by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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A. D. Lawrence: The Purple Nightgown

 By Kelly Bridgewater

 Marvel at true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted greed.

Heiress Stella Burke is plagued by insincere suitors and nonstop headaches. Exhausting all other medical aides for her migraines, Stella reads Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Hazzard and determines to go to the spa the author runs. Stella’s chauffer and long-time friend, Henry Clayton, is reluctant to leave her at the spa. Something doesn’t feel right to him, still Stella submits herself into Linda Hazzard’s care. Stella soon learns the spa has a dark side and Linda a mean streak. But when Stella has had enough, all ways to leave are suddenly blocked. Will Stella become a walking skeleton like many of the other patients or succumb to a worse fate? 

 

My Thoughts:

With each introduction to the True Colors of the Historical Stories of American Crime, they have gotten darker and darker. Which personally, I have LOVED. Many Christian fiction straws away from dark horrible stories, but this series, seems to be diving into it more. I love this. I love a good psychological thriller, so it is nice to see some more stories that dive into deeper and more horrible stories. The Purple Nightgown by A. D. Lawrence was scary, yet horrific all at the same time. I loved how this author crafted a character who was going through this horrible incident, yet was still crying out to God for help. It was a good reminder for the readers that is what we should be doing too. God is not the last resort; He should be the first resort. The writing was fabulous. I traveled with Stella to Doctor Hazzard's place and was also horrified at what I saw. Of course, the story has a predictable ending with the nice bow for readers, so they feel comforted. Overall, this is definitely a must read. I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of The Purple Nightgown by A. D. Lawrence  from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Liz Tolsma: The Gold Digger

 By Kelly Bridgewater

In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

 

My Thoughts:

The Golden Digger by Liz Tolsma was a creepy story. I read this story about two weeks before Halloween, and I really dove into the story. I knew who did it way before Tolsma showed us. I believe most fans of suspense novels would have figured this out too. But this in no way stopped me from finishing the novel. I wanted to see how the heroine and hero would come across the obvious clues and uncover what was happening to these poor bachelors. The story was well-written, and I totally became engrossed in the story. This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf. I can't wait to see what other books need to be read to make this series better. I have really enjoyed reading these hidden mysteries from our history. Some have captured my attention, while others left me wanting more. But The Golden Digger was definitely one of my favorite stories in this series along with The Green Dress.

I received a complimentary copy of The Golden Digger by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Liz Tolsma: The Green Dress

By Kelly Bridgewater




About the Book:
Title: The Green Dress
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Historical
Publication Date: June 1, 2020


Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History


True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.
 
When Harriet Peters came to Boston in 1882, the Robinson family took her in like one of their own, and Harriet became closer to Lizzie Robinson than her own siblings. Now, four years later, Lizzie is deathly sick, failing quickly just like several others in her family have done over the past few years. How can so many in one family die from the same mysterious illness? Harriet doesn’t have answers, but she is determined to help the family, bringing in a new-to-the-neighborhood doctor, Michael Wheaton.


As Harriet and Michael close in on the answer, putting their own lives at risk, can the cause be found before anyone else dies?

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

I have really enjoyed devouring this series with American Crimes published by Barbour novels. I have read every single one of them. Some I like more than others. But The Green Dress written by Liz Tolsma was a fascinating read. I had a pretty good idea who was doing the harm to the family members. I don't think Tolsma tried to hide the reality of the bad person from us. I was just in awe over the character's ability to do these things to their family. I loved the writing style. Tolsma took me into the story and the setting with her historical research and allowed me to enjoy the storytelling. The concept of the green dress is the novel is a little creepy. See if, as a reader, you catch it before it is revealed. I did! Overall, The Green Dress was a delightful, yet horrible story about a true event in America's history. Fans of this series should pick this one up and add it to their collection.

I received a complimentary copy of The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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About the Author

Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.

 More from Liz

We’ve all been there—started a letter or an email or even a list, didn’t like what we had, crossed it out or hit the delete button, and tried again. Now imagine that happening when you’re writing a novel.

That’s what occurred with The Green Dress. Finding the perfect place to start a novel can be tricky, but when you’re trying to balance fact with fiction, it’s even harder. I needed the fictional heroine, Harriet Peters, to have a good reason to come into contact with and become close to the factual Robinson family. And I needed for the hero, Michael Wheaton, to meet Harriet early on. So I dove into the story. Five chapters later, the hero and heroine hadn’t yet met. The book wasn’t working.

I scrapped those chapters and started at a different point. At first, it seemed to be going better. I was happy. Until I got to the fifth chapter, when I realized again that the book wasn’t working. Frankly, it was boring. So those ended up in the virtual trash bin. Meanwhile, the clock was ticking on my deadline. I was desperate to find the right starting point, at a place with high tension. Finally, I had an “aha” moment, and the story flowed from there. That’s how the first five chapters (and the rest of The Green Dress) came to be.

 —Liz Tolsma

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, June 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26

deb’s Book Review, June 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 26

A Reader’s Brain, June 27

Rebecca Tews, June 27

For Him and My Family, June 27

Texas Book-aholic, June 28

Back Porch Reads, June 28

Inklings and notions, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 29

Genesis 5020, June 29

Emily Yager, June 29

Christian Bookaholic, June 30

Robin’s Nest, June 30

To Everything There is A Season, June 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 30

Blogging With Carol, July 1

Bigreadersite, July 1

Read Review Rejoice, July 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 2

Life of Literature, July 2

Connie’s History Classroom, July 2

Betti Mace, July 3

Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 3

For the Love of Literature, July 4

Remembrancy, July 4

Reviewingbooksplusmore, July 4

Godly Book Reviews, July 5

Splashes of Joy, July 5

Vicky Sluiter, July 5

Older & Smarter?, July 6

Through the Fire Blogs, July 6

Daysong Reflections, July 6

amandainpa, July 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 7

Pause for Tales , July 7

Just the Write Escape, July 7

Hallie Reads, July 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 8

Blossoms and Blessings, July 8

Spoken from the Heart, July 9

With a Joyful Noise, July 9

Artistic Nobody, July 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fcd8/the-green-dress-celebration-tour-giveaway

Shannon McNear: The Blue Cloak

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.

Based on real events beginning in 1797 — Rachel Taylor lives a rather mundane existence at the way station her family runs along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. She attends her friend’s wedding only to watch it dissolve in horror has the groom, Wiley Harpe, and his cousin become murderers on the run, who drag their families along. Declaring a “war on all humanity,” the Harpes won’t be stopped, and Ben Langford is on their trail to see if his own cousin was one of their latest victims. How many will die before peace can return to the frontier?

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I have really enjoyed most of the books in this series by Barbour. I have never read anything by Shannon McNear, but I have enjoyed this series, so I picked it up. The novel is different, yet wonderful. It fits right into the vein of stories that Barbour is publishing. I enjoyed the writing. McNear is a fabulous writing. She showed the horrors surrounding this story, but in a safe way. No real horror on the pages, but I did shake my head a number of times at the pain Sally had to be feeling. Their is romance between Ben and Rachel, but it isn't overwhelming to the story. It felt just right for this time period and the length of the story. Overall, The Blue Cloak is a delightful story showing the historical crimes and bringing the to life for the readers. I'm glad I read this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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About the Author:

Shannon has been writing one thing or another since third grade and finished her first novel at age fifteen—but waited more than thirty years for her first book contract. In the meantime, she graduated from high school, attended college, met and married her husband, birthed nine children, lost one, taught five to drive, revised that first story innumerable times, and completed six others.

Her first published novella, Defending Truth, in A Pioneer Christmas Collection (Barbour, 2013 & 2015), was a 2014 RITA® nominee. She writes regularly for Colonial Quills, is a member of ACFW and RWA, and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, she loves losing herself in local history. When this homeschooling mom isn't sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. (Taken from Goodreads.)

Grace Hitchcock: The Gray Chamber

By Kelly Bridgewater

Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?

On Blackwell Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.

With her late father’s fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. Do any of Edyth’s friends care that she disappeared?

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?

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock is a delightful glance into the world of insane asylums during the 1900's. I have always known that asylums were some pretty creepy places during the 1900's, but Hitchcock does a fabulous job at showing the horrors that occurred to normal woman who were sent there by the men who claimed to love them. No wonder some of the women actually went crazy. Horrible things and abuse happened to them while they were imprisoned in these places. I couldn't imagine the horror, uncleanliness, and the abuse some of these sane women had to put up with. I really enjoyed how Hitchcock made Edyth a fighter who struggled for her freedom and was willing to help others escape too. I really liked the element of including Nellie Bly in the story too. I knew some of what she did, but this made it a little more realistic. Overall, The Gray Chamber was a quick and delightful read. I enjoyed this book and hope for more mysteries from Hitchcock. If you enjoyed this story, then pick up Elizabeth Blyer Younts novel The Bright Unknown.

I received a complimentary copy of The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Angie Dicken: The Yellow Lantern

By Kelly Bridgewater

In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor she’s assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctor’s next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struck—Josie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.
  What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken is book three in the True Colors of Crime series. While I enjoyed the first two and can't wait for the fourth one, The Gray Chamber, The Yellow Lantern didn't catch my attention as much. It was pretty dry and didn't capture float my attention. The premise was interesting, but Dicken spent too much time setting up the story like a Regency romance novel that I think the suspense element got kind of overlooked. Of course, the happily ever after ending happened between the main hero and heroine, but I wanted a lot more for the suspense element since this is what the series is being advertised as. Overall, The Yellow Lantern by Dicken promised to be something wonderful, but turned into something a little try and not that suspenseful. Even though this edition didn't work for me, I still can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Yellow Lantern

About the Author:

From Amazon

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in England. Now living in the U.S. heartland, she's a member of ACFW, sharing about author life with her fellow Alley Cats on The Writer's Alley blog and Facebook page. Besides writing, she is a busy mom of four and works in Adult Ministry. Angie enjoys eclectic new restaurants, authentic conversation with friends, and date nights with her Texas Aggie husband. Connect with her online at www.angiedicken.com (Taken from Amazon.)