Beauty

by Kris Calvert

*Inspired by actual events*From 1911 to 1933, 166 patients, mostly mentally challenged girls, left the Rosewood Asylum for the Feeble Minded outside of Baltimore, Maryland under writs of habeas corpus to unknowingly become slaves for the bluebloods of Baltimore society. When it was finally discovered, only 102 girls could be accounted for—the other 64 were never located or heard from again.When Eliza Lovelace bought a turn of the century home in Baltimore, her only wish was to bring the building that seemed to call to her, back to life. A novelist and part-time house renovator, she and her artist boyfriend, Ray, have decided to give their on again-off again relationship the loving care it deserves by moving in together, and away from New York City.But the house on Park Avenue is filled with secrets and when strange things start happening, Eliza becomes unknowingly entangled in a malevolent past and entwined with another soul. Staring down the face of pure evil, something inside the beautiful home she’s mortgaged her life on wants her dead. Between the world that Eliza can see and the one she can only feel, lies the truth of Park Avenue. Can the shared bond between two women separated by one hundred years be the key to saving both their souls? After all, one girl’s dream could be another’s nightmare.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2015

About the author

Kris Calvert is a former copywriter and PR mercenary who after some coaxing, began writing novels. She loves alliteration, pearls and post-it notes. She’s married to the man of her dreams and lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s Momma to two grown kids, and is also responsible for one very needy rescue pup. When she’s not writing, she’s baking GF cupcakes.

Reviews

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heart-wrenching, yet heartfelt horror. After Ray and Eliza move into an old home, they find that there is evil that has been brought back to life through the renovations of the house. There is an extreme amount of cruelty that had occurred in the past, leaving Ray and Eliza eventually to find out the truth behind the sinister history of their residence. The writing was considerably well done, and the characters were interesting and totally detailed. There's truth behind this story and I truly feel for those in the past who have actually been through the abuses of this type of facility. The story held my attention from beginning to end. I'd like to read much more by this author. All in all, a very intense thriller. :)

[Crissy Sutcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another home run by Kris Calvert!! This is a fantastic, fast paced read. I could not put it down!! Beauty is such a great character to read about, so much going on in her young life you find out along the way as you read. Poor Eliza and Ray have quite the adventure when they bought their new home, but what a ride they have along the way of renovations. all in all, this book has very strong, characters, and such a great story line. (and the fact that this is based off of real, true events makes it a bit creepy, and i love it)

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

I began Beauty around Halloween and had to put it away because it really disturbed me. I took a deep breath and decided to just get over it! I survived Stephen King, didn't I? So I picked it up again and am so glad I did. What a great story about a possible outcome to one of the darkest times in the history and treatment of those that were considered mentally ill. Calvert takes us back and forth between Lizzie and Beauty and tells a story of evil and beauty. Highly recommend.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal thriller that's based on true events (which makes it even creepier). It isn't just about a haunted house, it's much more. I love how you get the point of view of each woman. How different their lives are, but drawn together by the house. I know my butt would have been out of that house immediately! There were some parts that actually gave me goosebumps. Definitely a daytime read - with the lights on & doors locked!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty Indeed!

So as I began this book I had no idea it was going to be such a great read! I was scared but compelled to keep turning the pages! Another great book!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Interesting story, well written. Not at all what I expected. It was eerie and shows truth is stranger than fiction

[Marlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much!!

[Janet Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book to read. The intensity, suspense and surrealism has you captured through the story. I highly recommend this book.