The Green Dress (True Colors #6) by Liz Tolsma

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.

In Boston, 1886, Harriet Peters commissions Sarah Jane Robinson to make her a new dress. Both widows are struggling to make ends meet, and they strike up a quick friendship. Harriet feels sorry for Sarah Jane, who has suffered so much loss in her life. But Harriet’s friend, Dr. Michael Wheaton, has concerns that death seems to follow Sarah Jane in mysterious ways Still, Harriet can’t imagine any deceit in her friend, who she comforts through the deaths of her daughter and nephew. Will Harriet’s trusting nature lead to her own demise as a persistent stomachache starts to plague her?

Kindle Edition, 239 pages

Published June 1st 2020

by Barbour Books

3.5/5 stars

The Green Dress is book 6 in the True Colours Series, it is a series that takes real (and sometimes unheard of) historical events and turns them into a historical fiction story.  They aren't long books, which given the theme of some is fine. Right now there are approximately 12 books in the series and so far I have only read The Pink Bonnet, which after finishing that heartbreaking story made me pause in this series. Each book is a standalone so they can be read in any order and they are also written by a variety of Christian authors.

The Green Dress is the story of Harriet Peters, taking place in 1882 Boston. Her best friend has died suddenly and what follows is a story of her family and a mysterious illness that appears to be following them.

Given that this is based on fact makes the story all the more sad and horrendous. What follows was an entertaining read as I watched Harriet not just on a journey to figure out what was going on but also one that showed her commitment, strength and determination. Though I kinda figured out what was going on, it was the why and other bits that surprised me.  Harriet's faith journey also followed her through this process with a touch of romance.

The Green Dress released in June 2020 and is part of my Reading Off My Kindle Challenge

Review: The Pink Bonnet: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime (True Colors) by Liz Tolsma

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child.

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

 Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

 How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?

Kindle, 256 pages

Published June 1st 2019

by Barbour Books 

***

This is the 2nd book in the Historical Stories of American Crime series, each book is a stand-alone. I liked the premise for both this series and this book. Georgia Tann was an unknown to me and what she deliberately did has left me somewhat speechless (author notes at the end were informative).

Liz Tolsa is not a new author for me, it was nice to get reacquainted with her writing again. This book is a little shorter than her usual fare and given the subject I think it was the right fit. Any longer would have dragged this story out and I don’t think my emotional side could have handled it. I’ll say this book is not for the faint of heart, there is a strong subject matter of abuse here and at times hard for me to read.

I struggled to connect with the players here, well except Millie - I loved her. I didn’t feel the emotions that this story warranted and seeing reviews it would appear the issue is me.

Though the ending was somewhat predictable I struggled with some unresolved plot points, without giving too much of the story I needed some closure and felt a little cheated - but based on history it couldn't really be changed.

The Pink Bonnet is a story of a mother’s determination, it’s a dark period in history that will stay with me for a long time.  Not one of my best reviews, but seriously I needed to get this written and move on to something cheerful and try to put this out of my mind.

Thank you to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

Irene and Rand come from very different walks of life.  Will they find common ground in their fight to survive?

Irene has grown up in the jungle as a missionary with her Aunt Anita, but now she and countless others are imprisoned by Japanese soldiers at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines. Irene and her aunt are safe there, and she keeps busy with her duty of delivering censored messages to the camp's prisoners, but like everyone else, she prays for the war to end and for her freedom.

Rand is a wealthy, womanizing American, whose attempted escape from the internment camp has put himself and others in danger. When Rand and Irene's Aunt Anita meet one another in the hospital, Irene learns more of his story and her heart is determined to save his family.

But the danger outside the walls of the hospital worsens every day, and life in this exotic place is anything but luxurious. Can Irene find Rand's family before they disappear forever? And can a humble missionary woman and an arrogant man find common ground in the face of their biggest fears?

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: February 2015 by Thomas Nelson 

ARC - negalley

*** (I liked it)

The location of Remember the Lilies is what drew me to this book,  I have been reading more these days involving World War II.  This book takes place at an Internment Camp in Manilla just after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Also I previously read Snow on the Tulips by this author and really enjoyed it.

This book showed how the war affected those rarely written about (at least that I have noticed).  One of the things that stuck me and what I liked was the real and authentic details shown of life at this camp.  The treatment of the prisoners and all that they had to endure. The struggles they faced at the hands of the Japanese, the moral and physical hardships that seemed never ending.

Though I found parts of this story predictable that did not take away from my enjoyment.  However I did struggled a little here some of the characters.  I had a hard time connecting with both Irene and Rand.  Their interaction felt forced and just didn't feel realistic at times.  Maybe a little less dialogue and more emotion, they lacked the depth that I felt was needed.

All in all an entertaining read that will appeal to those interested in WW II and Christian fiction.

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

In a time of unprecedented darkness and fear, Cornelia must decide if saving a stranger’s life is worth risking her own.

In the twilight of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, the Germans have taken everything Cornelia had to give, even what was most precious to her. Now Gerrit Laninga—a man who puts God and country above all else—arrives at her house, needing help. She is terrified for herself and terrified for her family, but most of all, terrified of the pain she might feel again if she allows herself to love Gerrit. Her hope is to be free from her paralyzing fear.

Gerrit is a known and hunted Dutch Resistance member. When he comes to Cornelia’s home for shelter, he’s drawn to her strength and kindness. When he asks her to contact the local Resistance on his behalf, she refuses. Gerrit is determined to find a way to continue his underground work without putting Cornelia or her family in harm’s way.

When things start to unravel and Gerrit’s life depends on her actions, she must summon her courage and learn to depend on the perfect love that drives out all fear. But will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom?

Paperback, 326 pages

Published August 2013 by Thomas Nelson 

***1/2

I never used to read that much about World War II, especially after reading books like The Book Thief, Between Shades of Grey and The Invisible Bridge.  Plus knowing the atrocities committed by the Nazi I just needed to stay away for a bit.

What I am finding these days is a wide array of books showing the war from the other side.  Those courageous enough to fight back in any way they can.  Snow on the Tulips is a look at the Netherlands during the final days of this conflict.  Some sat and waited for the war to end, surviving on ration cards, minding their own business. For others there is the underground, the Resistance.  Some get involved on purpose and for others its thrown in their face. 

It's almost the end of the war, but Cornelia and Gerrit do not know this.  This book shows a vivid portrait of life in the Netherlands, the emotions when a loved one is no longer there.  Hiding those you love from the Germans and knowing who you can trust and who you can't.  This is the authors debut and I think that she is off to a good start.  There were times I felt it dragged a little, but the author shows that she knows her subject matter and wrote an interesting and believable story.

It's Christian fiction which I think added the story,  it's wartime and sometimes all you have left is your faith. 

  

“Courage is not a feeling. Courage is an action.”

Another reason I was drawn to this book is simply the fact that my parents lived in the Netherlands during this war as a young married couple.  My dad was a German POW for 2 years as well.  My parents never talked about the war and this book was a glimpse for me of what life might have been like for them. 

P.S. - it's the cover gorgeous?!