The Green Dress

Written by Liz Tolsma

Narrated by Justis Bolding

Death plagues the Robinson family
When Harriet Peters came to Boston four years ago, the Robinson family took her in like one of their own, and
Harriet became closer to Lizzie Robinson than her own siblings. Now 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-theneighborhood 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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980047353

Liz Tolsma

Bestselling author Liz Tolsma loves to write so much it’s often hard to tear her away from her computer. When she closes her laptop’s lid, she might walk her hyperactive Jack Russell terrier, weed her large perennial garden or binge on HGTV shows. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and together they adopted three children. She’s proud to be the mom of a US marine.

Reviews for The Green Dress

[Yvette Bonett · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not a bad story, but dragged on with the same thing happening & no one stopping it. There wasn't much doubt of the killer (or suspects). Although Harriet is a sweet person, I found her to be either completely niave, stupid or living in a bubble, it's frustrating, especially with Tommy's case! There were so many signs... Narrator was good and changed voices for the characters. making them believable. All in all didn't mind listening to the story.

[Theresa Bruening · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Story was good but the narration was annoying and there were phrases repeated too often.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once again, the most recent True Colors book brings to life a piece of American history I had not previously known—and it is fascinating.Since coming to Boston, Harriet Peters has been a part of life with the Robinson family and has seen the mysterious illness that continues to steal life after life. Now that her best friend, Lizzie Robinson, is nearing death’s door, Harriet is determined to find answers—but just may be putting her own life on the line to do so.The Green Dress is a mysterious, suspenseful story as Harriet, with the help of the new doctor, Michael Wheaton, uncover the truth behind the Robinsons’ illness. I enjoyed my time reading it (even if the history is all quite tragic) and definitely look forward to more of this strange-but-true series.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author Liz Tolsma has written a chilling tale of a serial killer of the worst kind: a wife and mother who killed her husband, several children, and other family members, apparently to benefit from their life insurance policies. The Green Dress would seem to be the product of an author's active imagination but it is actually based on the true criminal case of Sarah Jane Robinson, a woman who killed eight people over a course of five years before she was finally stopped. Tolsma weaves the historical aspects of the Robinson case into a fascinating story that has two fictional characters trying to discover just what is happening in this household. Harriet Peters and Dr. Michael Wheaton are the people who begin to suspect that these illnesses, and eventual deaths, might be more than just coincidence or a family curse. Tolsma offers a tantalizing glimpse of the sick mind behind such unthinkable acts and even though the details of the illnesses and deaths are disturbing, this story has so much more. Readers are also given a message of faith, hope, and the sweet promise of a happy future for Michael and Harriet. The Green Dress is an intriguing combination of fact and fiction and a wonderful addition to the True Colors True Crime series. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance and I especially enjoyed how Tolsma used the green dress in the title to create another shocking revelation to this story!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Get out of the house.There’s a fine line between providing enough detail and delving into the realm of the macabre when relating a horror story, especially when that story is true. The True Colors series by Barbour Publishing focuses on historical tales of true American crime, written as fiction but based on actual events. Often the main character is invented by the author to serve as an eyewitness to the crime, which makes for an interesting interpretation because while the narrative becomes biased according to that character’s viewpoint, it also increases the mystery as readers experience everything alongside the protagonist.This was certainly the case for me as I read Liz Tolsma’s “The Green Dress.” So far, this is the only book in the series about a crime that I was not at least somewhat familiar with already, which was exciting in and of itself. I will admit that I figured out the crime and the whodunit by chapter two, and I was concerned that I would lose interest, wondering how the book could go on for 26 more chapters. However, my fears were unfounded, and I read almost all of it in one sitting. Tolsma’s talent shines through in this fact alone, as well as in the necessarily redundant nature of the tale’s occurrences. I was never once bored! I did, though, want to shout at the characters a few times so that they would see things that seem blatantly obvious to us as vicarious readers. What I appreciated most about this story is how Tolsma weaves together the historical truth, the faith element, and the color theme into one seamless tapestry. Everything coalesced and worked together well, which is no easy task when writing with so many elements already fixed in place from the outset according to the series parameters. One particularly touching moment in the story addresses Harriet’s concern about whether she is good enough to go to heaven, to which Michael replies, “Did He love you enough to send His Son for you? He did, didn’t He? Then that’s all you need to know. No more fear. Because, though I pray the Lord gives you many more years here, when it is your time to leave this earth, you can have assurance of where you will spend eternity. It’s not what you did. It’s what He did.” I love that this is included in the story because so often we forget that we are saved by grace, not by anything that we do. May our faith, like Harriet’s, grow and increase as we experience the magnificent power of the Savior’s love.I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have loved all the books in the True Colors series and I think that this one has been my favorite. This book showed the horror that this poor family went through with a mother that only thought of money. I like how Harriet and Michael were worked in to the story. This story made me sick in some ways to see how horrible some people really are. I could not put this story down. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Aha! This was a crime I could solve, I thought. Each book in this True Colors series is an historical American crime fictionalized to reach and even educate a wider audience than the bare, macabre facts in a dusty tome. So, I was game. Liz Tolsma is creator of this fact-turned-fiction tale aptly named The Green Dress.Ready, Set, Go. The cast of characters was listed at the front. The year is 1886, and we first meet Harriet Peters as she hurries to the sickbed of her best friend, Lizzie Robinson. Much consternation abounds, as Lizzie’s symptoms exactly match those of other family members who suddenly fell ill and died. Doctors are mystified by the repeated identical deaths occurring solely in the Robinson household until a fresh-faced doctor is called in.This was certainly another incredible crime. It wasn’t caught, largely because people refused to even consider all possibilities, though those evidences were staring them in the face.“Outward appearances don’t always reflect a person’s character.”If only... Harriet had taken Lizzie’s words to heart, “No debt in friendship.” You can be sure I heard those words and may or may not have screeched them aloud...more than once.Liz Tolsma does a great job with the story’s pacing. From the first sentence to the last, I was captivated. I really did figure out some of the crime, but the whole timbre of the novel was such that I had to stay up late to finish it in one sitting. No putting this one down.I enjoyed the romance development between Harriet and Michael Wheaton. I especially liked seeing Michael grow in confidence and follow up on his hunches. Speaking of hunches, Harriet ignores some of hers in the novel. I disagree with the author’s view about where those hunches came from. As a Christian, God could certainly make sure Harriet heard an audible voice.Because death was a common occurrence in this story, the question of assurance of salvation is addressed.Ending notes in a tale like this are essential, and the author shows both her great research and care with this superior project.The whole scenario sounds like something out of our time, not the 1880’s. Alas, for me, Tolsma has the final word or twist. Good for her. The clues were all laid, I just didn’t put those pieces together. Well done, Ms. Tolsma. This could have been a great Twilight Zone episode.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Green Dress, by Liz Tolsma, is part of the True Colors series which are fictional stories based on true American crime. Having read the previous books in the series I was looking forward to reading The Green Dress and was not disappointed. The author drew me in immediately as, in the first few pages she describes a desperate note written to Harriet, asking for her help. Set in the late 1880s in Boston, the book tells the heart-wrenching story of a family who is being decimated by a mysterious illness. The who, what, why, and how of this tale is well told by Liz Tolsma and kept my interest to the end, wondering if Harriet would end up like her desperate friend Lizzie, if Doctor Wheaton would figure it out before it was all too late. The characters are realistic and either likable, relatable, or despicable. Dialogue flowed seamlessly without sounding forced. I had a hard time putting the book down and pretty much read it in one sitting. The story pulls on the reader’s emotions, shock and horror, anger and revenge, sorrow and compassion. It is a thought-provoking book and I look forward to reading more from this author.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.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Green Dress, by Liz Tolsma, is part of the True Colors series by Barbour Publishing. This story takes place in Boston in 1882. Harriet flees her home to avoid a marriage she does not want. She meets the Robinson family at church and they take her in and help her find a job. Just as she has gotten her business going, her only true friend Lizzie Robinson become ill with the same symptoms that took her father, aunt, uncle and sister. When Harriet is asked to be with Lizzie, she calls in the new doctor in town, Michael Wheaton, hoping he can help Lizzie as no other doctors were able to help the others. This is a great series of stand alone stories that are based on real crimes that have taken place in history. The crimes are well researched and used as the basis for the fictional stories. This story really grabbed my attention and held it right to the end. I did not want to put the book down as I kept wondering who could be poisoning the family members. The writing is so clear, it is easy to imagine the surrounding and even sense the desperation in finding out what is happening before another family member dies. The parts of the story I enjoyed the most are the struggles Harriet has with caring for the family, yet knowing something is not right. Another is how Michael's younger years have affected him, even into his adulthood. I would highly recommend this story, and the whole series, to anyone who enjoys crimes stories and history. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am enjoying this series that lets readers into a world of crime and what it might have been like to be there when it happened. This story was particularly interesting to me because of the weapon of choice to murder. It is a slow and painful way to die.Harriet is overwhelmed when she learns her dear friend becomes very ill. It was unnerving to learn other members of the family had died much the same way. Every time I read that someone had become ill I knew what was about to happen. The author does an amazing job of detailing the deaths and leaving a trail of suspects. The historical period was very vivid and I felt myself travel make in time to stand beside Harriet.It was eerie to read that Mrs. Robinson continues to sew on a green dress. I had to find out what the significance the dress was to the story. I needed to know why Mrs. Robinson had premonitions about the deaths. It was a little weird that she thought her dead husband had something to do with the mystery. The story gave me chills as I continued to read. The author keeps her readers interested with subtle hints of the mystery and what the green dress had to do with everything. The ending is a shocker and be prepared to say “I didn’t see that coming.”"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Get out of the house while you can....Imagine hearing that statement inside your head - several times. Would you be inclined to act on it if it meant life or death? The True Colors series teaches us some rather bizarre history, some of which is almost impossible to believe. It seems, from the observational point, that those unfortunate folks who found themselves in these situations would be inclined to leave town as soon as possible. However, as life is, most of us would have trouble believing that such evil exists and thus would remain.Harriet Peters arrives in Somerville, Massachusetts all alone. Finding a new family in the Robinsons, she slowly built her life in a new place. When members of her new family die of a mysterious illness, she looks to the new doctor in town to figure out what is killing them. Will their investigation bring further harm or can a diagnosis be found?Once again I have learned that history can be hard to believe at times. This digital copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.

[lindz2012 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Green Dress is about a woman who is staying with the Robinson family. There seem to be strange illnesses or deaths occur. It seems to be about a woman named Sarah Jane Robinson. What is going on in the house is strange.Harriet seems to bring in a Dr. Weaton. She moved into the Robinson family household but things seem to happen more once Lizzie passes away. But we do not know who it is. As the story goes on and more death occurs. The suspicions rise. Who is killing the Robinson family members and why?The author does a wonderful job of having you trying to figure out the culprit. You get a history of some of the members. What a way to show some true colors in some folks. This story has you wanting to turn the pages and rooting for the heroes to save the day. You are pulled in emotionally as well. I was guessing Dr. Beers or even Mrs. Robinson. Can Michael and Harriet save the Robinson family members or will it all go bad?

[cassiesbooksreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is Christian Historical True Crime. It is the latest book in the wonderful Christian True Crime series published by Barbour. A story of death and murder in a family with constant danger, suspense and a clean romance. This book has a strong Christian message of hope in this life and promise of the life to come. I found the murder plots simple, with an expected ending but not knowing exactly who was involved kept it exciting. The characters were somewhat unusual and each had their own interesting stories to tell. The Author’s note is excellent and reveals even more of the story.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4 Stars

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book I've read by Liz Tolsma and again, I was not disappointed. This is also her second book in the True Colors series. This series is based on strange but true crimes committed in America.Liz Tolsma writes in a way that keeps your attention but is not nail-biting intense. I like this very much as I tend to read at bedtime. This book kept my interest throughout. I did not feel that there were any unnecessary passages or too-long or too-in-depth situations. The story flowed well.Her main characters were well developed but in a way to keep you guessing to who the guilty was. You felt like you knew these characters as you would know your neighbors that were not close friends. They were believable.The editing was done very well also. This is important to me as I do not like having to re-read something to understand it because of wrong words or incorrect punctuation. I always am thankful for good editing, especially in an ARC book.I am thankful to NetGalley and Barbour Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book. I am not required to review this and I am really not required to leave a positive review. I give this book a 4 out of 5 star review. A 3 star book is good and a 5 star book is beyond excellent, this book is in between so a 4 star.