The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken

I’m delighted to share my review of The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken of the True Colors series today! She stopped by a few weeks ago with a fascinating guest post!

about the book

The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken (True Colors)

Josephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
Step into True Colors – a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

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 Terrance.

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?

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my thoughts

Jeepers creepers, grave robbers?! I think my shivers just shuddered in horror! Fortunately, our heroine feels the same way and the plot doesn’t linger overly long on the more disturbing aspects of this historical American crime. Let’s be honest, the fact that Angie Dicken is able to create a compelling romance in a story of grave robbers is pretty stinkin’ impressive!

Josephine is a complex character who vacillates between vulnerability and moments of confident strength. Her struggle between hopelessness and determination touched my heart. Her compassion and healing skills are a stark contrast to the callous hard-heartedness of the body-snatchers (never thought I would have a reason to use that phrase in a review!). Josephine’s journey to freedom and strength in faith is deliciously sweetened by her encounters with a chivalrous man of integrity.

The Yellow Lantern was historically interesting, suspenseful, and surprisingly romantic (given the lingering subjects of graves, bodies, and death)! I definitely recommend this book and look forward to future stories from the author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

about the author

Angie Dicken

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England.

Now living in the U.S., she’s an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer’s Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie.

She lives with her husband and four children in the Midwest where she enjoys exploring eclectic new restaurants and chatting with friends over coffee.

Visit her website or connect with Angie on facebook or twitter!