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True Colors #3
The Yellow Lantern: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime
In 1824, Josephine Clayton is considered dead by everyone in her Massachusetts village — especially the doctor she gas assisted for several months. Yet, she is still very much alive.
After the doctor’s illegal dealing with his body snatcher to obtain her body, Josephine awakens, positioned as the next corpse for his research. To cover up his crime, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. They strike a deal — Josephine 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 the body snatcher procure her replacement.
At the mill though, Josephine is praised for her medical remedies among the other female workers, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager, Braham Taylor. 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?
After the doctor’s illegal dealing with his body snatcher to obtain her body, Josephine awakens, positioned as the next corpse for his research. To cover up his crime, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. They strike a deal — Josephine 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 the body snatcher procure her replacement.
At the mill though, Josephine is praised for her medical remedies among the other female workers, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager, Braham Taylor. 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?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
37 people are currently reading
3795 people want to read
About the author
Angie Dicken
19 books194 followersAngie 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. You can connect with her
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
May 16, 2019
Josephine Clayton (Josie Clay) had a passion for healing herbs. She was happy "...among the scents, textures and memory of a less complicated time." "Mourning had taught her that living proved more difficult", especially after her mother's death. Josie worked as medical assistant to Dr. Chadwick. Chadwick was too quick to operate on a patient who was transferred from a sickbed, a patient "...who doesn't have much longer on earth."
Josie fell victim to the doctor's deception. "Dr. Chadwick with knife raised stood over her in his coat of dried blood...Sir please, I am alive." In exchange for her life, "she had agreed to assist in remedies and ailments. The messy business of exploring stolen bodies for clues and cures was something she'd not expected. But when her father was taken to debtor's prison, she had no choice but to stay and earn his way out." Alvin Green, farmhand at the Clayton's farm said, "Your father does not owe money. He owes bodies...you are replacing him at the graveside."
Josie's cover was to apply for a job at Gloughton Mill in Massachusetts. The year was 1824. Packed in her luggage were a black veil and ebony gown, mourners garb. Newly hired mill girl Josie would spy on the cotton factory operations. Soon, Josie Clay was "rising on the platform of stubborn compassion with a work ethic to admire." Her work ethic and healing skills did not go unnoticed. She ministered to a mill girl injured on the job and mixed elixirs for several sick girls. Manager Braham Taylor had definitely noticed. "A dormant protection woke up in Braham with great force."
Josie was trapped in a web of lies and deceit. Posing as a mourner and being a lookout for the body snatchers was a way to ensure successful grave-robbing. When Braham's beloved aunt died, Josie insisted on spending the entire night by her graveside. Aunt Myrtle's grave remained undisturbed.
Josie needed to break free from this immoral resurrection business.
"The Yellow Lantern: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime" by Angie Dicken could arguably be classified as historical fiction, historical romance or Christian romance. The novel seemed to be more about the girls work at the cotton mill and less about systematic grave-robbing. Examination of one's moral compass cannot be understated.
Thank you Barbour Publishing, Inc. and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Yellow Lantern".
Josie fell victim to the doctor's deception. "Dr. Chadwick with knife raised stood over her in his coat of dried blood...Sir please, I am alive." In exchange for her life, "she had agreed to assist in remedies and ailments. The messy business of exploring stolen bodies for clues and cures was something she'd not expected. But when her father was taken to debtor's prison, she had no choice but to stay and earn his way out." Alvin Green, farmhand at the Clayton's farm said, "Your father does not owe money. He owes bodies...you are replacing him at the graveside."
Josie's cover was to apply for a job at Gloughton Mill in Massachusetts. The year was 1824. Packed in her luggage were a black veil and ebony gown, mourners garb. Newly hired mill girl Josie would spy on the cotton factory operations. Soon, Josie Clay was "rising on the platform of stubborn compassion with a work ethic to admire." Her work ethic and healing skills did not go unnoticed. She ministered to a mill girl injured on the job and mixed elixirs for several sick girls. Manager Braham Taylor had definitely noticed. "A dormant protection woke up in Braham with great force."
Josie was trapped in a web of lies and deceit. Posing as a mourner and being a lookout for the body snatchers was a way to ensure successful grave-robbing. When Braham's beloved aunt died, Josie insisted on spending the entire night by her graveside. Aunt Myrtle's grave remained undisturbed.
Josie needed to break free from this immoral resurrection business.
"The Yellow Lantern: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime" by Angie Dicken could arguably be classified as historical fiction, historical romance or Christian romance. The novel seemed to be more about the girls work at the cotton mill and less about systematic grave-robbing. Examination of one's moral compass cannot be understated.
Thank you Barbour Publishing, Inc. and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Yellow Lantern".
August 4, 2019
True crime has always fascinated me although I don't get a chance to read it as much as I used to.
This series of books Barbour has out, True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime fascinates me and each story in the series is based off of a truth.
This story really fascinated me in the sense it's different than most stories I read in it's topic coverage. It deals with grave robbers, how's that for putting it out there?
I love historical stories, they are my favorite but I do love reading topics that are not widely covered and this is right up my alley.
I am hoping to read more nonfiction books soon to better my understanding of this.
I look forward to reading more books by this author soon!
Published August 1st 2019 by Barbour Books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This series of books Barbour has out, True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime fascinates me and each story in the series is based off of a truth.
This story really fascinated me in the sense it's different than most stories I read in it's topic coverage. It deals with grave robbers, how's that for putting it out there?
I love historical stories, they are my favorite but I do love reading topics that are not widely covered and this is right up my alley.
I am hoping to read more nonfiction books soon to better my understanding of this.
I look forward to reading more books by this author soon!
Published August 1st 2019 by Barbour Books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 4, 2020
I feel like Angie Dicken is really hitting her stride as an author with this one! The symbolism with the yellow lantern is deftly woven into the story and Josie’s peril is so vividly portrayed. Of course I suspected a great deal of what happened at the end as far as who some of the players were, but the final crimes I didn’t really see coming because I didn’t think they would be quite that bold. Whew!
The romance in the story is chaste and secondary to the story of Josie’s peril and the other crimes in the story. I was glad that it didn’t end up overshadowing the mystery and that the suspense carried through the story so nicely.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this story as well as the next book this author writes.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
The romance in the story is chaste and secondary to the story of Josie’s peril and the other crimes in the story. I was glad that it didn’t end up overshadowing the mystery and that the suspense carried through the story so nicely.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this story as well as the next book this author writes.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
May 25, 2019
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley gave me a complimentary copy of this ebook. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Wow. From beginning to end, this story swept me away, into the gothic night of 1820s Massachusetts, where graves were being robbed… and hearts shattered.
The opening scene was so shocking and vividly written with powerful wording that I knew I was in for an adventure vintage actor Peter Lorre would probably have starred in as a show-stealing secondary character. The further in I got, the more I found to love about the book. That first impression of creepy gothic vibes grew stronger with each fresh turn of events. Yet, there was a thin thread of hope that tenuously broadened and lengthened until the final page revealed it wasn’t a thread alone but the complete foundation upon which the whole book was compiled.
I’m interested to see more from Mrs. Dicken. Are all of her stories so vividly told? Do they each sweep the reader away to another moment in time? Has she written any other gothic tales… or will she? This is definitely a genre in which she shines.
Wow. From beginning to end, this story swept me away, into the gothic night of 1820s Massachusetts, where graves were being robbed… and hearts shattered.
The opening scene was so shocking and vividly written with powerful wording that I knew I was in for an adventure vintage actor Peter Lorre would probably have starred in as a show-stealing secondary character. The further in I got, the more I found to love about the book. That first impression of creepy gothic vibes grew stronger with each fresh turn of events. Yet, there was a thin thread of hope that tenuously broadened and lengthened until the final page revealed it wasn’t a thread alone but the complete foundation upon which the whole book was compiled.
I’m interested to see more from Mrs. Dicken. Are all of her stories so vividly told? Do they each sweep the reader away to another moment in time? Has she written any other gothic tales… or will she? This is definitely a genre in which she shines.
August 29, 2019
How The Yellow Lantern Grabbed My Attention Immediately
Like the others in the series, the black and white cover with its single pop of color captures your interest and makes you want to know more. What about a lantern could possibly be related to a crime?
Well, the subject matter might beg for one. I mean, grave robbers and bodysnatchers? EEEP!
Painting a picture as creepy as you could hope for without being the thing of nightmares (it doesn’t go that far), The Yellow Lantern has a strong opening that makes you instantly sympathetic to the main character.
That’s important because part of the story didn’t work for me. Most of the book is absolutely wonderful, but Josie/Josephine spends most of the book trying to convince us why she is going along with this scheme. The words make sense on paper—without it, her father is in trouble. Unfortunately, that doesn’t show for some reason.
I spent most of the book ignoring her protestations that she must do what she doesn’t want to do and just focused on relationships and how they were going to put a stop to this body-snatching business.
And that part of the book was excellent.
In fact, I loved the characterization of all except one of the antagonists. He was a little “too evil” if you will. I saw where Dicken worked to show why he would consider himself “the hero of his version of the story,” but I never “got there” with it.
Still…
Written in a beautiful blend of modern casual with enough historical flair to keep it from being anachronistic feeling, The Yellow Lantern offers a well-written story of disappointment, determination, and a tiny bit of detective work. Only a few small things pulled me from the story—the way Josie called her employer by his first name relatively early and his terms of endearment before any formal declaration had been made. Even in America in 1824 among factory workers and managers, that is a bit… casual, from my research.
But it’s minor, and frankly, the way Barbour seems to love short books, I imagine it was necessary. What Dicken did brilliantly was make a relatively short book (I’m guessing 65k at most) feel like a much longer story without ever letting it drag.
Additionally…
While I did read the synopsis, I didn’t catch the year the book was meant to take place. With it featuring factory work and a girl wearing a “shirtwaist,” I imagined late 19th/early 20th century. That made for some confusing moments until the date fully hit my mind.
That’s just past the Regency period! It took time for me to wrap my brain around that.
The only other thing I think the book lacks is a connection to a known criminal. Unlike the other two books in the series, this isn’t about a specific person but a type of crime.
Absolutely not sorry that I requested a free review copy and I’m thrilled to say that I really liked the book—almost loved it. Now I’ve found another author I need to read more of. Angie Dicken pairs well-written and tempered description with an engaging plot and delightful characters to keep you riveted to the page.
Like the others in the series, the black and white cover with its single pop of color captures your interest and makes you want to know more. What about a lantern could possibly be related to a crime?
Well, the subject matter might beg for one. I mean, grave robbers and bodysnatchers? EEEP!
Painting a picture as creepy as you could hope for without being the thing of nightmares (it doesn’t go that far), The Yellow Lantern has a strong opening that makes you instantly sympathetic to the main character.
That’s important because part of the story didn’t work for me. Most of the book is absolutely wonderful, but Josie/Josephine spends most of the book trying to convince us why she is going along with this scheme. The words make sense on paper—without it, her father is in trouble. Unfortunately, that doesn’t show for some reason.
I spent most of the book ignoring her protestations that she must do what she doesn’t want to do and just focused on relationships and how they were going to put a stop to this body-snatching business.
And that part of the book was excellent.
In fact, I loved the characterization of all except one of the antagonists. He was a little “too evil” if you will. I saw where Dicken worked to show why he would consider himself “the hero of his version of the story,” but I never “got there” with it.
Still…
Written in a beautiful blend of modern casual with enough historical flair to keep it from being anachronistic feeling, The Yellow Lantern offers a well-written story of disappointment, determination, and a tiny bit of detective work. Only a few small things pulled me from the story—the way Josie called her employer by his first name relatively early and his terms of endearment before any formal declaration had been made. Even in America in 1824 among factory workers and managers, that is a bit… casual, from my research.
But it’s minor, and frankly, the way Barbour seems to love short books, I imagine it was necessary. What Dicken did brilliantly was make a relatively short book (I’m guessing 65k at most) feel like a much longer story without ever letting it drag.
Additionally…
While I did read the synopsis, I didn’t catch the year the book was meant to take place. With it featuring factory work and a girl wearing a “shirtwaist,” I imagined late 19th/early 20th century. That made for some confusing moments until the date fully hit my mind.
That’s just past the Regency period! It took time for me to wrap my brain around that.
The only other thing I think the book lacks is a connection to a known criminal. Unlike the other two books in the series, this isn’t about a specific person but a type of crime.
Absolutely not sorry that I requested a free review copy and I’m thrilled to say that I really liked the book—almost loved it. Now I’ve found another author I need to read more of. Angie Dicken pairs well-written and tempered description with an engaging plot and delightful characters to keep you riveted to the page.
July 29, 2019
I love the concept of this series and the first novel, The White City, was very well done. The next two have missed the mark for me. In The Yellow Lantern the subject matter is at once gruesome and fascinating. The story line and romance, however, didn't hold my interest after the initial pages which were engaging.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 8, 2019
True Colors is a series of books by various Christian authors based on historical crimes. This particular novel is based on the body snatching that took place during the 1800's as doctors tried to gain possession of cadavers in order to learn more about the body and how it worked as well as the variety of diseases that caused death.
Angie Dicken is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed this story but the plot line did not pull me in with its suspense as well as the first two did. I also would have liked a little more historical background as to the whys and wherefores of the body snatching, and I would have liked to see a little bit stronger suspense element. I also felt as though the Christian thread was not as fully developed as it could have been.
I did enjoy the characters of both Josie and Braham. Each of them was trying to overcome problems that arose from their past. For Josie, it forced her into making decisions she didn't really want to be part of. Whereas Braham had to push himself to stand up to Gerald and prove that he was not the person he appeared to be. I especially liked Alvin and the role he played as the repentant sinner.
The historical detail on the cotton mill and its workers was quite interesting and obviously well researched. I felt horrible that these young girls and women put in such long hours (usually about 14 per day) under such poor circumstances.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Angie Dicken is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed this story but the plot line did not pull me in with its suspense as well as the first two did. I also would have liked a little more historical background as to the whys and wherefores of the body snatching, and I would have liked to see a little bit stronger suspense element. I also felt as though the Christian thread was not as fully developed as it could have been.
I did enjoy the characters of both Josie and Braham. Each of them was trying to overcome problems that arose from their past. For Josie, it forced her into making decisions she didn't really want to be part of. Whereas Braham had to push himself to stand up to Gerald and prove that he was not the person he appeared to be. I especially liked Alvin and the role he played as the repentant sinner.
The historical detail on the cotton mill and its workers was quite interesting and obviously well researched. I felt horrible that these young girls and women put in such long hours (usually about 14 per day) under such poor circumstances.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
July 21, 2019
The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken is a book in the series True Colors, Historical Stories Of American Crime.
The Yellow Lantern is seen as a symbol of light and life and if it is extinguished—Death!
Josie Clayton learned the art of healing herbs from her mother. She also told Josie that the symbol of Lilacs is first love. “ Mother told her to always remember her first love — Christ, the Creator and Comforter.”
Josie has always tried to do what is right, even working to get her father out of debtors prison. Now forced into something illegal in order to once again save her father, Josie is conflicted. “She was stuck between two men- one whom she’d loved all her life, and one who stirred something inside her she’d never felt before. Her loyalty to one was an inevitable choice at the expense of the other. How could she choose between affection and her very own blood?”
“Josie walked beneath the shadow of a secret, one that would astound any kind, upstanding soul.”
She goes to work in a cotton mill run by Braham Taylor. Braham is trying to navigate the management of the mill and some troubling family situations.
When Josie is accused of something nefarious, will she be able to clear her name and win back the trust of one she holds dear?
The level of suspense didn’t seem to let up, making for a wonderful gothic tale about grave robbers.
This story never failed to keep my interest. I learned about early cotton mill work and the customs and attitudes of the early 1800’s. The author captured the era through the fascinating descriptions and the believable characters.
*I received this ARC book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The Yellow Lantern is seen as a symbol of light and life and if it is extinguished—Death!
Josie Clayton learned the art of healing herbs from her mother. She also told Josie that the symbol of Lilacs is first love. “ Mother told her to always remember her first love — Christ, the Creator and Comforter.”
Josie has always tried to do what is right, even working to get her father out of debtors prison. Now forced into something illegal in order to once again save her father, Josie is conflicted. “She was stuck between two men- one whom she’d loved all her life, and one who stirred something inside her she’d never felt before. Her loyalty to one was an inevitable choice at the expense of the other. How could she choose between affection and her very own blood?”
“Josie walked beneath the shadow of a secret, one that would astound any kind, upstanding soul.”
She goes to work in a cotton mill run by Braham Taylor. Braham is trying to navigate the management of the mill and some troubling family situations.
When Josie is accused of something nefarious, will she be able to clear her name and win back the trust of one she holds dear?
The level of suspense didn’t seem to let up, making for a wonderful gothic tale about grave robbers.
This story never failed to keep my interest. I learned about early cotton mill work and the customs and attitudes of the early 1800’s. The author captured the era through the fascinating descriptions and the believable characters.
*I received this ARC book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
October 26, 2022
I enjoyed this one. It had a classic feel to it without reading like a classic.
I did not connect with the character, however. I saw a sweet little thing but nothing remarkable. Her love of herbs and uses were the most compelling thing about her but I wanted to know more. The slow but quick developing relationship between Josie and Braham was an interesting one. At time I felt like I was getting two different characters with Braham.
The villains of the story- I loved how Alvin was a character that you weren't sure where he stood. It left me doubting and in a mystery where the "whodunit" is more about seeing it unfold, than guessing who it is, its nice to have a characters that is a bit more mysterious. I will say, that even though you know what is going on with the whole Grave Robber enterprise, not all is at it seems.
As a whole, I enjoyed it. There were a few instances where I just glazed over the sections, but that could be because I was so tired but wanted to know the ending. I mean, that's a good review point right there! ;)
I did not connect with the character, however. I saw a sweet little thing but nothing remarkable. Her love of herbs and uses were the most compelling thing about her but I wanted to know more. The slow but quick developing relationship between Josie and Braham was an interesting one. At time I felt like I was getting two different characters with Braham.
The villains of the story- I loved how Alvin was a character that you weren't sure where he stood. It left me doubting and in a mystery where the "whodunit" is more about seeing it unfold, than guessing who it is, its nice to have a characters that is a bit more mysterious. I will say, that even though you know what is going on with the whole Grave Robber enterprise, not all is at it seems.
As a whole, I enjoyed it. There were a few instances where I just glazed over the sections, but that could be because I was so tired but wanted to know the ending. I mean, that's a good review point right there! ;)
October 29, 2019
The first pages was captivating, waking up after being buried (which I'm certain is quite a few peoples' fear) to almost being murdered...this set up an expectation for a thrilling ride. Sadly, the suspense ended there until the last 10% of the book.
The story was still interesting and with Braham and Josie as main characters with their own struggles to overcome, made for an entertaining read. The supporting characters, especially the ladies, added to the entertainment.
The plot of the grave robbers were quite surreal. If I didn't know that it was based on true facts, I would think this was quite a great fictional idea - the fact that it actually happened added to the gloomy feel of the story. There was quite a few hints of who was behind everything and I guessed everything way before it was revealed. Not sure if that was the author's intent but it did subdue the revelations and suspense.
Still a very interesting story and series. This series is more mystery that suspense and would be recommended to people who like "real-life-crime" stories.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
The story was still interesting and with Braham and Josie as main characters with their own struggles to overcome, made for an entertaining read. The supporting characters, especially the ladies, added to the entertainment.
The plot of the grave robbers were quite surreal. If I didn't know that it was based on true facts, I would think this was quite a great fictional idea - the fact that it actually happened added to the gloomy feel of the story. There was quite a few hints of who was behind everything and I guessed everything way before it was revealed. Not sure if that was the author's intent but it did subdue the revelations and suspense.
Still a very interesting story and series. This series is more mystery that suspense and would be recommended to people who like "real-life-crime" stories.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
August 22, 2019
True crime books offer a different type of story. This fictionalized account is based on events occurring in the early 1800s as doctors desired corpses to examine in order to learn from human bodies. The only trouble was, they had to obtain them illegally by robbing those recently buried. A dangerous business—as this novel portrays. Not only did people perform such thefts, they sometimes were willing to kill too. In this story, Josie finds herself forced to participate so she can save her impoverished father. The plot and characters seem authentic and chilling. Wondering how she will ever escape keeps the pages flipping. The book would make a scary movie. In addition to the accurate historic elements, the author throws in an unlikely romance yet makes it believable. We also observe growth in several characters, which always makes them seem more real. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
September 26, 2020
4.5 stars
"In my village, there were thieves in the night . . . . . Body snatchers."
Is it possible to look upon one's grave and yet remain very much alive? Such was the life that Josie Clay, formerly known as Josephine Clayton, was living, but it came with a price. The fact that she lived and breathed upon the table of a snatcher meant that another had to take her place; a cruel trade-off for the sake of her penniless father.
Travelling away from her hometown to find employment while she watched and waited, Josie unintentionally becomes fond of her employer, Braham Taylor. Unexplained accidents seem to plague his cotton factory and Josie's skills as a healer draw her into an unwanted limelight. Soon Josie comes face-to-face with a nearly impossible decision, forcing her to search the depths of her heart, and to plead with the only One who truly holds the power over life and death.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Expect to hold your breath many times over while turning each page of this outstounding story!
"In my village, there were thieves in the night . . . . . Body snatchers."
Is it possible to look upon one's grave and yet remain very much alive? Such was the life that Josie Clay, formerly known as Josephine Clayton, was living, but it came with a price. The fact that she lived and breathed upon the table of a snatcher meant that another had to take her place; a cruel trade-off for the sake of her penniless father.
Travelling away from her hometown to find employment while she watched and waited, Josie unintentionally becomes fond of her employer, Braham Taylor. Unexplained accidents seem to plague his cotton factory and Josie's skills as a healer draw her into an unwanted limelight. Soon Josie comes face-to-face with a nearly impossible decision, forcing her to search the depths of her heart, and to plead with the only One who truly holds the power over life and death.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Expect to hold your breath many times over while turning each page of this outstounding story!
April 30, 2020
This was another true crime book about a subject I have heard about, grave robbing, but not really read anything about. So for that reason I was excited to read this one. Although, I have to admit the first bit was a little confusing to me just because it was a lot of characters in different settings all at once, but once Josie got to the mill, it seemed to level out to where I was enjoying the story being unfolded.
This is the story of Josie Clay, a young woman trying to repay her father's debt. The debt of a body, the job as part of a grave robbing ring. It was mortifying for her, it went against her beliefs, and she had to save her father. But when it comes out that she has the gift of healing, the use of herbs and potions, does she gain the eye from the mill manager, Braham. But when his beloved aunt falls ill and then some of the other mill workers, Josie is put in a place she never wishes to be and the chance of losing the one person who believes she is a good person.
Once I got past the initial hump, I enjoyed this book very much. I will look forward to reading another by Ms. Dicken.
I receive this from Netgalley and was not compensated for my review.
This is the story of Josie Clay, a young woman trying to repay her father's debt. The debt of a body, the job as part of a grave robbing ring. It was mortifying for her, it went against her beliefs, and she had to save her father. But when it comes out that she has the gift of healing, the use of herbs and potions, does she gain the eye from the mill manager, Braham. But when his beloved aunt falls ill and then some of the other mill workers, Josie is put in a place she never wishes to be and the chance of losing the one person who believes she is a good person.
Once I got past the initial hump, I enjoyed this book very much. I will look forward to reading another by Ms. Dicken.
I receive this from Netgalley and was not compensated for my review.
August 9, 2019
When Barbour introduced the True Colors series, I was immediately intrigued. True crime is an interesting genre, and one that I have both read about and watched documentaries about over the years. Having a basis of factual information, this subject tends toward more neutral ground with regard to narrative voice and presentation, and part of what makes True Colors so unique is the Christian aspect. The characters and precise situations are fictional, but the crimes themselves actually happened, and the merging of sordid history and Christian perspective offers a different angle and a novel approach. This has become my favorite Barbour series, with Daughters of the Mayflower a close second.
“Heaven stank of tallow and shone a honey glow.” From that inimitable first line, Angie Dicken’s “The Yellow Lantern” shoots out of the gate and doesn’t relent until the final page. There is no easing into the plot; rather, readers find themselves thrust headlong into a nightmare situation straight from the nineteenth century. Being buried alive was a legitimate concern in the years before modern technology and an increasing understanding of the human body, and in this age of nascent medical knowledge, doctors needed fresh bodies to advance their studies—bodies supplied to them by aptly-named body snatchers. In 1824 Massachusetts, Josephine Clayton unwittingly finds herself a part of this practice after being quite literally taken for dead and buried and ending up on the table of her employer, Dr. Chadwick. In order to save her own life, she must agree to go to work at a factory mill and pose as a mourner to signal a body snatcher to obtain her replacement. However, her circumstances become more convoluted as she finds herself drawn more deeply into a web of deception.
“The Yellow Lantern” sets forth a plausible scenario in which Christian, good-hearted people may become ensnared in conspiracies and duplicitous dealings. Josie experiences remorse and a stinging conscience as events escalate: “No matter if she played the part of a mill girl, she could not ignore the tangled thread of deceit that wrapped around her soul as tightly as the cotton on the bobbins”. Her proficiency as an herbal healer conflicts with the job she is to perform, as does a budding romance. The description of the cotton mill, with motes and dust thick in the air and obscuring the windows, is eye-opening, as is the lack of recourse for those without positions of authority and prestige in society. Not knowing whom to trust adds to the suspense, creating a sinister, murky atmosphere and making this a very difficult book to put down. Fans of true crime, factory life, nineteenth century customs, and romance will not want to miss out on this illuminating book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review.
“Heaven stank of tallow and shone a honey glow.” From that inimitable first line, Angie Dicken’s “The Yellow Lantern” shoots out of the gate and doesn’t relent until the final page. There is no easing into the plot; rather, readers find themselves thrust headlong into a nightmare situation straight from the nineteenth century. Being buried alive was a legitimate concern in the years before modern technology and an increasing understanding of the human body, and in this age of nascent medical knowledge, doctors needed fresh bodies to advance their studies—bodies supplied to them by aptly-named body snatchers. In 1824 Massachusetts, Josephine Clayton unwittingly finds herself a part of this practice after being quite literally taken for dead and buried and ending up on the table of her employer, Dr. Chadwick. In order to save her own life, she must agree to go to work at a factory mill and pose as a mourner to signal a body snatcher to obtain her replacement. However, her circumstances become more convoluted as she finds herself drawn more deeply into a web of deception.
“The Yellow Lantern” sets forth a plausible scenario in which Christian, good-hearted people may become ensnared in conspiracies and duplicitous dealings. Josie experiences remorse and a stinging conscience as events escalate: “No matter if she played the part of a mill girl, she could not ignore the tangled thread of deceit that wrapped around her soul as tightly as the cotton on the bobbins”. Her proficiency as an herbal healer conflicts with the job she is to perform, as does a budding romance. The description of the cotton mill, with motes and dust thick in the air and obscuring the windows, is eye-opening, as is the lack of recourse for those without positions of authority and prestige in society. Not knowing whom to trust adds to the suspense, creating a sinister, murky atmosphere and making this a very difficult book to put down. Fans of true crime, factory life, nineteenth century customs, and romance will not want to miss out on this illuminating book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review.
August 19, 2019
The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken is a Christian historical crime novel that has its base in fact. Angie Dicken has used her imagination to weave her marvellous tale.
The book surrounds the topic of grave robbing to serve medical advances. This was rife in the United States and England in the nineteenth century. The tale is set in 1824. It was a horrific practice from which the leaders of it became wealthy while the poor did the despicable acts. The Yellow Lantern is part of the True Colors Crime series.
There is the theme of trust. Trust does not come easy when it is the wicked who wield the power.
There are times when the only thing we can do is to pray. “I have not forgotten You, Lord. But where are You in all this?” The world seems so black that even God seems absent but he is not. He has promised to never leave us.
It is important to make time for God in our lives. “Her garden… had been a footstall for prayer and praise.” We all need that place where we can connect with God. When we are close to Him, we can experience true joy. “A prayer burst in her heart.”
There are some kind and gentle hearts in the novel, hearts that seek to do good at all times.
Traditional medicine was supplemented with herbal remedies that had been passed down through the generations.
For me, the novel seemed reminiscent of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights as there was a very similar family dynamic.
The Yellow Lantern was an entertaining, though horrifying read especially so as it was based on historical fact.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The book surrounds the topic of grave robbing to serve medical advances. This was rife in the United States and England in the nineteenth century. The tale is set in 1824. It was a horrific practice from which the leaders of it became wealthy while the poor did the despicable acts. The Yellow Lantern is part of the True Colors Crime series.
There is the theme of trust. Trust does not come easy when it is the wicked who wield the power.
There are times when the only thing we can do is to pray. “I have not forgotten You, Lord. But where are You in all this?” The world seems so black that even God seems absent but he is not. He has promised to never leave us.
It is important to make time for God in our lives. “Her garden… had been a footstall for prayer and praise.” We all need that place where we can connect with God. When we are close to Him, we can experience true joy. “A prayer burst in her heart.”
There are some kind and gentle hearts in the novel, hearts that seek to do good at all times.
Traditional medicine was supplemented with herbal remedies that had been passed down through the generations.
For me, the novel seemed reminiscent of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights as there was a very similar family dynamic.
The Yellow Lantern was an entertaining, though horrifying read especially so as it was based on historical fact.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
August 12, 2019
The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken is very unusual in the sense that it is part of the book series called True Colors-fiction based on strange-but-true history. It starts out in 1824, Josephine Clayton is considered dead but she is alive. Shockingly, she is forced to spy for grave robbers!
That in itself is a topic new to me.
Josie gets caught up in a scheme, only to help save her father's life, by submitting to going to the newly buried grave sites to pretend to be a mourner while the body snatcher does his work. It may sound morbid but I found this book to be so interesting and informative. (It actually made me wonder about today's burials).
There is some clean romance between Josie and her mill manager Braham. She is forced to work at the mill so she is nearby the cemetery due to all the factory "accidents".
Josie has a wonderful gift for providing medical remedies that she learned from her mother and her desire is to help others which she does quite well.
This is the third book in the True Colors series and I'm looking forward to reading the next ones. It was hard to put down this book at night since sleep didn't seem as important to me as reading the next chapter, etc!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
That in itself is a topic new to me.
Josie gets caught up in a scheme, only to help save her father's life, by submitting to going to the newly buried grave sites to pretend to be a mourner while the body snatcher does his work. It may sound morbid but I found this book to be so interesting and informative. (It actually made me wonder about today's burials).
There is some clean romance between Josie and her mill manager Braham. She is forced to work at the mill so she is nearby the cemetery due to all the factory "accidents".
Josie has a wonderful gift for providing medical remedies that she learned from her mother and her desire is to help others which she does quite well.
This is the third book in the True Colors series and I'm looking forward to reading the next ones. It was hard to put down this book at night since sleep didn't seem as important to me as reading the next chapter, etc!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
August 11, 2019
What interested me about this book is that it is based on true events! I had heard that the essential oil "Thieves" got its name because grave robbers stealing bodies would use a mixture of natural oils to protect them from catching any diseases while handling the dead bodies. Obviously stealing someone's body is a horrible action, but I am glad for the modern understanding that viewing corpses is extremely useful to nurses and doctors in helping to fight and cure sicknesses. Very interesting indeed.
As for the storyline of the book, it got a little cloudy in the middle and towards the end. I think the author was trying to do too many things and it got a little muddy. There were two extremely tender moments between Josephine and Graham which were lovely but otherwise there was a lot to follow and sift through. I think the story was ok overall, but it could have been so much better with some adjustments.
Also, personal pet peeve here, Josephine is supposed to have blonde, curly hair and blue eyes, and the cover model on the book looks like she has dark, straight hair and dark eyes. Eh.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
As for the storyline of the book, it got a little cloudy in the middle and towards the end. I think the author was trying to do too many things and it got a little muddy. There were two extremely tender moments between Josephine and Graham which were lovely but otherwise there was a lot to follow and sift through. I think the story was ok overall, but it could have been so much better with some adjustments.
Also, personal pet peeve here, Josephine is supposed to have blonde, curly hair and blue eyes, and the cover model on the book looks like she has dark, straight hair and dark eyes. Eh.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
August 7, 2019
3.5 Stars
In an effort to save her father, Josephine Clayton (Josie Clay) takes a position at a factory. Braham Taylor, the factory foreman, prides himself in gauging the characters of the people he hires. Yet, his newest employee is a mixture of challenge and mystery as well as strength and vulnerability.
As Josie (unsuccessfully) tries to blend in and play her part in a conspiracy, mysterious accidents are occurring within the factory walls.
I thoroughly enjoyed the romance in The Yellow Lantern. The slow build between Josie and Braham from distrust to admiration and the swinging pendulum between the two created some intense moments as well as some sweet ones. And the peek into the life of mill workers was interesting.
There were also a few challenges with this book. The number of characters is overwhelming at times and keeping track of who is who requires some brainpower. The sabotage of the factory equipment could have been fleshed out more, and the grave digging aspect was fairly disjointed throughout the book (at least until the end).
All that said, I know this is the first suspense Angie Dicken has written, so it’s a decent first attempt at the genre. Plus, I’m a fan of romantic suspense that’s heavy on the romance and definitely appreciated that aspect of this book.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In an effort to save her father, Josephine Clayton (Josie Clay) takes a position at a factory. Braham Taylor, the factory foreman, prides himself in gauging the characters of the people he hires. Yet, his newest employee is a mixture of challenge and mystery as well as strength and vulnerability.
As Josie (unsuccessfully) tries to blend in and play her part in a conspiracy, mysterious accidents are occurring within the factory walls.
I thoroughly enjoyed the romance in The Yellow Lantern. The slow build between Josie and Braham from distrust to admiration and the swinging pendulum between the two created some intense moments as well as some sweet ones. And the peek into the life of mill workers was interesting.
There were also a few challenges with this book. The number of characters is overwhelming at times and keeping track of who is who requires some brainpower. The sabotage of the factory equipment could have been fleshed out more, and the grave digging aspect was fairly disjointed throughout the book (at least until the end).
All that said, I know this is the first suspense Angie Dicken has written, so it’s a decent first attempt at the genre. Plus, I’m a fan of romantic suspense that’s heavy on the romance and definitely appreciated that aspect of this book.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 2, 2019
This book took me back to 1824 when medical science was archaic and grave robbing was popular. As I started this book I had a chill going up my spine. I had no idea grave robbing was a real thing let alone it was something that was done for research. I felt like I was reading a Gothic romantic mystery.
Ms. Dicken writes a mystery like Agatha Christie. I was on pins and needles the entire time. I kept turning pages late into the night attempting to figure out the mystery.
Josie and Braham were a great hero and heroine and the cast of characters that Ms. Dicken placed around them at the cotton mill complimented them and the story. Liesel the little bobbin girl is adorable and I could just see her running around the mill when called.
I loved watching Josie use herbs in caring for the girls at the mill. She'd learned about herbs at her mother's knee so it was enjoyable to watch her come into her own as a healer.
Overall this is book is exciting, suspenseful, romantic, and has everything that I love in a historical romantic mystery. I learned about cotton mills, grave robbing, and the beginning of our medical sciences.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with Angie Dicken's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms. Dicken writes a mystery like Agatha Christie. I was on pins and needles the entire time. I kept turning pages late into the night attempting to figure out the mystery.
Josie and Braham were a great hero and heroine and the cast of characters that Ms. Dicken placed around them at the cotton mill complimented them and the story. Liesel the little bobbin girl is adorable and I could just see her running around the mill when called.
I loved watching Josie use herbs in caring for the girls at the mill. She'd learned about herbs at her mother's knee so it was enjoyable to watch her come into her own as a healer.
Overall this is book is exciting, suspenseful, romantic, and has everything that I love in a historical romantic mystery. I learned about cotton mills, grave robbing, and the beginning of our medical sciences.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with Angie Dicken's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 24, 2019
Love love love this series!!! It's managed to tie together several of my favorite things: true crime, historical fiction, and Christian fiction. Highly recommended!
July 29, 2019
See Full Review At: https://joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com...
Step back in time to 1824 when medical science is rudimentary at best and exploratory science is booming. A dead body on the black market was worth a small fortune, and once you started down that path, it was impossible to navigate the twists and turns to find your way out.
When Josephine Clayton wakes up on the doctors examining table, with him standing over her ready to perform the post-mortem. Her life is spared, but she is ruthlessly thrown into a dark secretive ring of body-snatchers. Eager to find her way out of the endless maze of dead-end scenarios Josephine goes along with the plot to provide 1 body in place of her own on the condition that the person isn’t murdered. But will she find the price too high? Working at a cotton mill as a cover for her secret mission, she reluctantly makes friends and quickly realizes that the spider web she has found herself in only tangles around her tighter.
I enjoyed learning more about the cotton mill and meeting the girls that worked there. Each element of this story is so carefully crafted and realistic. I felt like I was part of that world. I could almost hear the steam of the machines as they roared to life and see the bits of cotton floating in the air. I could see little Liesel, the bobbin girl sitting along the wall with her basket, ready to leap up and help at a moments notice.
With vivid characters and an exciting plot, this page-turning romantic suspense will keep you up late into the night, turning pages and trying to discover what will happen next. I loved the unexpected twists and turns!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Step back in time to 1824 when medical science is rudimentary at best and exploratory science is booming. A dead body on the black market was worth a small fortune, and once you started down that path, it was impossible to navigate the twists and turns to find your way out.
When Josephine Clayton wakes up on the doctors examining table, with him standing over her ready to perform the post-mortem. Her life is spared, but she is ruthlessly thrown into a dark secretive ring of body-snatchers. Eager to find her way out of the endless maze of dead-end scenarios Josephine goes along with the plot to provide 1 body in place of her own on the condition that the person isn’t murdered. But will she find the price too high? Working at a cotton mill as a cover for her secret mission, she reluctantly makes friends and quickly realizes that the spider web she has found herself in only tangles around her tighter.
I enjoyed learning more about the cotton mill and meeting the girls that worked there. Each element of this story is so carefully crafted and realistic. I felt like I was part of that world. I could almost hear the steam of the machines as they roared to life and see the bits of cotton floating in the air. I could see little Liesel, the bobbin girl sitting along the wall with her basket, ready to leap up and help at a moments notice.
With vivid characters and an exciting plot, this page-turning romantic suspense will keep you up late into the night, turning pages and trying to discover what will happen next. I loved the unexpected twists and turns!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
August 29, 2019
I appreciate this series of novels based on true crimes from the past. This one deals with grave robbing, a practice used by physicians doing research and schools training doctors. Bodies were always at a premium and grave robbing was frequently deemed necessary.
The novel got off to a bit of a rough start for me. It took a while for me to understand the context and the direction of the plot. How Josie became apparently dead and survived being buried is still a mystery to me. I would have appreciated more background information there. Once the novel got going it was okay but it did seem to bog down in the middle.
I felt a weakness of this novel was that it dealt with the general crime of grave robbing rather than a more specific crime and criminal, as the others in this series. I think that made for a much broader story line than I would have liked. I liked the other two novels in the series much more than this one. The strength of the novel was the historical information about cotton mills and the women who worked there.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The novel got off to a bit of a rough start for me. It took a while for me to understand the context and the direction of the plot. How Josie became apparently dead and survived being buried is still a mystery to me. I would have appreciated more background information there. Once the novel got going it was okay but it did seem to bog down in the middle.
I felt a weakness of this novel was that it dealt with the general crime of grave robbing rather than a more specific crime and criminal, as the others in this series. I think that made for a much broader story line than I would have liked. I liked the other two novels in the series much more than this one. The strength of the novel was the historical information about cotton mills and the women who worked there.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 1, 2019
Author Angie Dicken tells a tale which is both chilling and makes you pull for the main characters as they are so likable.
It's hard to describe this story as it sweeps you away to another time and place, 1824 in Massachusetts. Josie, the heroine, is forced to work with a less-than-savory character in their search for medical answers. As the story unwinds you hold your breath, as the tempo increases while the pages fly past your fingers.
It combines the perfect notes of chilling scenes, burgeoning love, and a heroine to empathize with. I've had the pleasure of reading all of her books, and this one is as fantastic as the others she's written.
I'm not saying anything else, because, you need to read this for yourself.
I received this book from the publishing house and was under no obligation to write a review.
It's hard to describe this story as it sweeps you away to another time and place, 1824 in Massachusetts. Josie, the heroine, is forced to work with a less-than-savory character in their search for medical answers. As the story unwinds you hold your breath, as the tempo increases while the pages fly past your fingers.
It combines the perfect notes of chilling scenes, burgeoning love, and a heroine to empathize with. I've had the pleasure of reading all of her books, and this one is as fantastic as the others she's written.
I'm not saying anything else, because, you need to read this for yourself.
I received this book from the publishing house and was under no obligation to write a review.
September 26, 2020
Disjointed in the extreme
Very poorly written attempt at shining light on the grisly practice of body snatching to sell to medical researchers in the 1800’s. The text was choppy, and it was difficult to keep up with the plot due to things like poor grammar with antecedents (who was this talking about?) A reference to prayer hardly made this inspirational in light of the initial actions of the heroine and the irrational behavior of so many of the characters. Flowery descriptions of the emotions of the two main characters were way overdone and fell flat. I found this book to be a failed attempt to turn an historical situation into an inspirational novel.
Very poorly written attempt at shining light on the grisly practice of body snatching to sell to medical researchers in the 1800’s. The text was choppy, and it was difficult to keep up with the plot due to things like poor grammar with antecedents (who was this talking about?) A reference to prayer hardly made this inspirational in light of the initial actions of the heroine and the irrational behavior of so many of the characters. Flowery descriptions of the emotions of the two main characters were way overdone and fell flat. I found this book to be a failed attempt to turn an historical situation into an inspirational novel.
May 6, 2019
I think this story line, especially where relating to grave robbery, had the potential to be much more interestingly written. The book starts off strong with Josephine awakening in a terrifying situation and draws the reader in, but I found the bulk of the story when she is working as a mill girl quite dull. I did enjoy the historical vision of women working in mills during this time period and the highlighting of unsafe work conditions.
Advance copy provided by Netgalley.
Advance copy provided by Netgalley.
January 22, 2020
*received free copy from netgalley for honest review* I've read the first book for this series, tho the matter you read them doesn't matter, these are considered to be a romance so its a shocker I like this series so much but they are tasteful and not annoying about it! Liked the characters and I have a thing for books about grave robbers lol not my favorite one but its on my list of top 5 now!
October 12, 2020
This is another addition to the True Colors series. Each book is historical fiction, dealing with crime that is based on true stories or events. This one is set during 1824 and deals with grave robbing. When Josie wakes up on the table of a doctor ready to perform and autopsy or other medical research, she begs to be spared. Because she was buried and assumed dead, he had paid grave robbers for her body. In order to be spared and to help her father who is almost headed to debtor's prison, she agrees to relocate to a town with a cotton mill, and when someone dies in an accident, she will assist another man in robbing the grave. Unfortunately, Josie has a conscience and is unable to follow through. She also begins to have feelings for the manager of the factory, Braham Terrance, and wants to do what is right. When Braham finds out she has some medical knowledge, he utilizes her skill to help the workers. All does not go well with the women at the factory, Braham or Josie.
I liked Josie's character. She wanted to help her father, but was struggling with her morals and beliefs. As she started to fall for Braham, she struggles, as she knows she is lying to him and feels she is not worthy. Braham is a great character and I really liked him. He was handsome, honest, hard working and caring. It was easy to see how Josie fell for him. There is an undercurrent of family dysfunction and nastiness that added a bit of drama to the story. I knew about grave robbing form tours I had taken of old cities and graveyards, but this story put a face onto those issues and explained a bit more as to why this was carried out. This story was dark and had a bit of a gothic feel, but Josie and the women at the factory added emotion and hope to this story. The ending was well done and pulled together several things that I was suspicious about. I enjoyed this one with its romance, hope, and criminal aspect. A nice addition to this series.
I liked Josie's character. She wanted to help her father, but was struggling with her morals and beliefs. As she started to fall for Braham, she struggles, as she knows she is lying to him and feels she is not worthy. Braham is a great character and I really liked him. He was handsome, honest, hard working and caring. It was easy to see how Josie fell for him. There is an undercurrent of family dysfunction and nastiness that added a bit of drama to the story. I knew about grave robbing form tours I had taken of old cities and graveyards, but this story put a face onto those issues and explained a bit more as to why this was carried out. This story was dark and had a bit of a gothic feel, but Josie and the women at the factory added emotion and hope to this story. The ending was well done and pulled together several things that I was suspicious about. I enjoyed this one with its romance, hope, and criminal aspect. A nice addition to this series.
August 9, 2019
I am loving this series by Barbour Books! The Yellow Lantern is the third book in the series and WOW each of the three authors have written fantastic books. If you haven't read the first two (which I think you should,) it's okay to start with this one because each is a stand-alone novel.
This story takes place in 1824, Massachusetts and from the first page I was a little freaked out to be perfectly honest but not in a creepy way but in an interested I must keep reading way! Body snatching was an all too real thing that I didn't know that much about but thanks to the authors subject matter I discovered it was in fact quite real. Luckily for our main character, Josie she was spared a horrible fate when she awakens and a deal is struck where she is sent to work in a bobbin factory.
I really became caught up in the story once Josie is working and helping the mill workers with her herbs and catching the attention of the factory manager, Braham. She seemed to flourish and that was one of the most heartwarming parts of the book. I also loved, Liesel the young bobbin girl who was one of my favorite characters in this book. This is a book that you have to take your time with because there are so many things happening throughout and you'll want to savor each and every moment.
So, if you're looking for a book that has parts that will have you on the edge of your seat, while learning things you may not have been fully aware of or just a well written, fascinating book then this is one you will definitely want to read.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
This story takes place in 1824, Massachusetts and from the first page I was a little freaked out to be perfectly honest but not in a creepy way but in an interested I must keep reading way! Body snatching was an all too real thing that I didn't know that much about but thanks to the authors subject matter I discovered it was in fact quite real. Luckily for our main character, Josie she was spared a horrible fate when she awakens and a deal is struck where she is sent to work in a bobbin factory.
I really became caught up in the story once Josie is working and helping the mill workers with her herbs and catching the attention of the factory manager, Braham. She seemed to flourish and that was one of the most heartwarming parts of the book. I also loved, Liesel the young bobbin girl who was one of my favorite characters in this book. This is a book that you have to take your time with because there are so many things happening throughout and you'll want to savor each and every moment.
So, if you're looking for a book that has parts that will have you on the edge of your seat, while learning things you may not have been fully aware of or just a well written, fascinating book then this is one you will definitely want to read.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2019
"The Yellow Lantern" by Author: Angie Dicken is a fiction story based on true crime. I cannot imagine stealing dead bodies or having the body of a loved one stolen. I guess I can understand the need for it because of helping doctors advanced healing and medicinal purposes. But, to murder so they could have bodies, makes me shiver. But, that is exactly what this book is about.
This book kept me reading till the very end. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning when Josephine awakes and finds she is about to be cut on from the doctor after being buried because she was thought to be dead.
This is a love story, historical and suspense novel that really has a surprising ending, well the love story isn't surprising, but the mastermind of who is really doing the grave robbing is.
I probably would not have picked this book to read if it wasn't for the book tour because the subject is just too morbid for me to think about or read about but after reading it, I am recommending it to all readers who likes a story that starts out with danger and seems like it couldn't possibly have a happy ending, with lots of twists in the middle to keep you believing that you are right and that nothing good could every be good in these characters life ever again only to be proven wrong.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
This book kept me reading till the very end. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning when Josephine awakes and finds she is about to be cut on from the doctor after being buried because she was thought to be dead.
This is a love story, historical and suspense novel that really has a surprising ending, well the love story isn't surprising, but the mastermind of who is really doing the grave robbing is.
I probably would not have picked this book to read if it wasn't for the book tour because the subject is just too morbid for me to think about or read about but after reading it, I am recommending it to all readers who likes a story that starts out with danger and seems like it couldn't possibly have a happy ending, with lots of twists in the middle to keep you believing that you are right and that nothing good could every be good in these characters life ever again only to be proven wrong.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
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