The True Colors series is a collection of historical romance novels based on strange true American crimes. Next up, The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock!
about the book
The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock (True Colors)
Step into True Colors — a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
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?
goodreads | amazon | bookdepository | christianbook | bookbub
my thoughts
We modern-day book lovers tend to toss around the popular L.M. Montgomery quote in jest, “She is too fond of books, and it has turned [or addled] her brain.” However, unconventional behavior has historically, on occasion, held more dire consequences than light-hearted teasing.
Edyth is an immediately endearing character who exudes kindness, wit, and an adventurous spirit. I especially admire her independent nature and generosity. Edyth’s bright personality and sharp mind intensify the stark disparity of her abruptly altered circumstances. My heart aches for the many victims of such asylums.
The Gray Chamber is every bit as chilling as its cover yet, as all proper romance novels should, this story also possesses a satisfying happily ever after. I highly recommend this book for its historical value and heartfelt plot.
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
Grace Hitchcock is the author of The White City
She has written multiple novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing.
She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History.
Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit her website!
True Colors series
Don’t y’all love these covers, reader friends?!
Be sure to add The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock to your tbr!
What’s something a jealous and nefarious relative might have you committed for?
Faithfully Bookish 
I just love this series.
LikeLike
I am with you, it has just the right amount of suspense for me!
LikeLike
I really liked this book. Loved the balance of humor/quirk with the very creepy subject matter.
LikeLike
I agree! I’m not normally a fan of creepy but I enjoyed this one very much!
LikeLike