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hugbandit7's review
4.0
What a combination - historical romance and true crime! The true crime is based on Nelly Bly's secret admission to an insane asylum in the late 1800s to reveal the truth behind the conditions and how women were treated. Let's just say I'm glad I didn't live during that time frame because men really thought women were fragile and not sane. Frightening is really the word.
When this book first starts, it is like most other romances. Edyth is a woman of means despite the fact that her Uncle controls the pursestrings. She is in love with her fencing instructor and has been for many years. He doesn't see her as more than a friend until a party when her cousin helps her dress for a ball and is a sight to behold. This is where the story gets interesting. Edyth and Bane admit their attraction for one another and Bane has decided to court her. Her Uncle has discovered a loophole in her parent's will and decides that Edyth needs to be diagnosed as insane. What happens from there is where the story really gets interesting. Edyth tries to escape the asylum with the help of a few friends. Bane is trying to find her because she has just vanished and he doesn't believe the stories he is being told by her Uncle.
I found the story to be engaging and fascinating and I liked the tie to an actual event in history. The author even discusses what she changed to make it fit the actual events. I"m now intrigued to read the book about Nelly Bly's time in the asylum and what she encountered. I can't believe women were treated this badly a century and more ago, but I know it did happen. It makes me appreciate what I have now in this time and how far women have come in this world.
We give this 4 paws up.
When this book first starts, it is like most other romances. Edyth is a woman of means despite the fact that her Uncle controls the pursestrings. She is in love with her fencing instructor and has been for many years. He doesn't see her as more than a friend until a party when her cousin helps her dress for a ball and is a sight to behold. This is where the story gets interesting. Edyth and Bane admit their attraction for one another and Bane has decided to court her. Her Uncle has discovered a loophole in her parent's will and decides that Edyth needs to be diagnosed as insane. What happens from there is where the story really gets interesting. Edyth tries to escape the asylum with the help of a few friends. Bane is trying to find her because she has just vanished and he doesn't believe the stories he is being told by her Uncle.
I found the story to be engaging and fascinating and I liked the tie to an actual event in history. The author even discusses what she changed to make it fit the actual events. I"m now intrigued to read the book about Nelly Bly's time in the asylum and what she encountered. I can't believe women were treated this badly a century and more ago, but I know it did happen. It makes me appreciate what I have now in this time and how far women have come in this world.
We give this 4 paws up.
55_sallymander's review
5.0
The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock
Barbour Publishing
Jan 1, 2020
ISBN: 1643522353
Pages: 256
Jan 1, 2020
Reviewed by: mrsboone4
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Gray Chamber is about the poor, helpless women who end up trapped on Blackwell Island, New York, at the Lunatic Asylum. It is the true story of Edythe, an heiress, who has many unorthodox pastimes, like Fencing and Velocipede riding. Her uncle is the caretaker of her fortune, until she turns 25 or is married. Her aunt is bound and determined to get rid of Edythe, because they want all the advantages that Edythe's money will bring them.
They have Edythe condemned to Blackwell Island's Mental Hospital in New York, a few days before she turns 25. Her fencing instructor has just realized that he loves her and does not give up hope, that Edythe will be found. Edythe has a very difficult time blending into the population of Blackwell's Island, especially since she has been given or allowed every opportunity to develop her own interests.
Edythe meets a couple of young women in the asylum; journalist Nellie Bly who is there undercover to report of the treatment of the inmates and the reasons that they are imprisoned. She befriends another young girl, who does have some mental issues, but Edythe finds out, that no one deserves the treatment they are subjected to every day, on the island.
Edythe does eventually, with many, many people helping her to escape from the island. It is very sad, how very little it takes for women to become inmates. When Edythe's life is straightened out and she is securely married, she puts time and money back into the island, to make the lives better and much more tolerable for the women and men who live there.
The Gray Chamber is a foreboding room on the island. It's said, that once you go into that room, you never return, because the doctors and nurses steal your memories.
Well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Barbour Publishing
Jan 1, 2020
ISBN: 1643522353
Pages: 256
Jan 1, 2020
Reviewed by: mrsboone4
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Gray Chamber is about the poor, helpless women who end up trapped on Blackwell Island, New York, at the Lunatic Asylum. It is the true story of Edythe, an heiress, who has many unorthodox pastimes, like Fencing and Velocipede riding. Her uncle is the caretaker of her fortune, until she turns 25 or is married. Her aunt is bound and determined to get rid of Edythe, because they want all the advantages that Edythe's money will bring them.
They have Edythe condemned to Blackwell Island's Mental Hospital in New York, a few days before she turns 25. Her fencing instructor has just realized that he loves her and does not give up hope, that Edythe will be found. Edythe has a very difficult time blending into the population of Blackwell's Island, especially since she has been given or allowed every opportunity to develop her own interests.
Edythe meets a couple of young women in the asylum; journalist Nellie Bly who is there undercover to report of the treatment of the inmates and the reasons that they are imprisoned. She befriends another young girl, who does have some mental issues, but Edythe finds out, that no one deserves the treatment they are subjected to every day, on the island.
Edythe does eventually, with many, many people helping her to escape from the island. It is very sad, how very little it takes for women to become inmates. When Edythe's life is straightened out and she is securely married, she puts time and money back into the island, to make the lives better and much more tolerable for the women and men who live there.
The Gray Chamber is a foreboding room on the island. It's said, that once you go into that room, you never return, because the doctors and nurses steal your memories.
Well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
melli80's review
5.0
even thought I have other books in the series something about this one really called to me! now i know what it was it was the mystery/romance and suspense of the story. at first i was skeptical because i didnt really see where the story was going but then by the middle i was hooked and needed to know the fate of the MC. would she ever get out of the asylum would she reunite with the man she loves, would he ever find her..
the story flowed really well and the author told a wonderful story, i love learning about things in history and this has made me want to learn more about the history asylum that this book is based on.
thank you to the Publisher for allowing me to receive a copy with no obligation to write this review.
the story flowed really well and the author told a wonderful story, i love learning about things in history and this has made me want to learn more about the history asylum that this book is based on.
thank you to the Publisher for allowing me to receive a copy with no obligation to write this review.
betherin02's review
5.0
full review featured on FaithfullyBookish.com
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.
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.
kristinasshelves's review
3.0
I struggled to connect with this one and switched over to the audiobook for the last half. I was interested in seeing a fictionalized account that paralleled Nellie Bly's experience at the now notorious Blackwell Island, but this veered into an almost feminist story that sat weird in its setting (1800s). I did however enjoy that this serves as a prequel for Jude Thorpe, a character in the other book in this series written by this author.
travelerswife4life's review
5.0
Loved this interesting mystery!
I loved the last book I read by Grace Hitchcock "The White city" and this one definitely follows along the same lines of greatness :) I loved the main characters, and I thought them to be very relatable characters with some fun quirks. I enjoyed the flow of the story, the mystery of it, and the heart stopping suspense :) It will definitely go down as one of my favorites.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, funny moments, and superb suspense. I highly recommend this book!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I loved the last book I read by Grace Hitchcock "The White city" and this one definitely follows along the same lines of greatness :) I loved the main characters, and I thought them to be very relatable characters with some fun quirks. I enjoyed the flow of the story, the mystery of it, and the heart stopping suspense :) It will definitely go down as one of my favorites.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, funny moments, and superb suspense. I highly recommend this book!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
bethanyyoung86's review
Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by Barbour Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It has a very compelling storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. Edyth's plight as a women viewed as an inconvenience and sent away to an asylum is heart breaking and the twist and turns in the book kept me engaged the whole time. No spoilers but the book is worth the read. :)
I enjoyed this book a lot. It has a very compelling storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. Edyth's plight as a women viewed as an inconvenience and sent away to an asylum is heart breaking and the twist and turns in the book kept me engaged the whole time. No spoilers but the book is worth the read. :)
angelkat556's review
4.0
This was a very good book! I liked the main characters, Edyth and Bane (Raoul). I really enjoy strong female characters, and Edyth definitely was one. Her uncle treated her really badly, and Edyth just grit her teeth and held onto her faith in order to make it through. Bane was also a strong character, and he did everything in his power to rescue the woman he loved, but it was definitely Edyth who was my favorite. I also enjoyed Nellie, for reasons I won't go into here (because of spoilers). All in all, if you're looking for a good Christian read or don't mind a little scripture in a story, pick this book up! I'm glad I did. 4 stars!
belovedbrat's review
2.0
first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2020/02/review-of-gray-chamber.html
Title: The Gray Chamber
Author: Grace Hitchcock
Series: True Colors
Chapters: 25
Pages:256
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Publisher: Barbour Books
The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock is the newest Installment in the True Colors. I’ve been finding this series hit or miss for me. I either love the book or I don’t. This one was a mix for me. I enjoyed the story and learning about this point in history. And what would get a woman sent to an asylum and in researching my own family genealogy I’ve actually discovered how easy it was for a husband to get rid of a wife or any other “problem female” in the family.
However, even though I loved the story and secondary characters I didn’t really care for either of the main characters, but to me that didn’t take away from the story and think most readers will be fine with it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Title: The Gray Chamber
Author: Grace Hitchcock
Series: True Colors
Chapters: 25
Pages:256
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Publisher: Barbour Books
The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock is the newest Installment in the True Colors. I’ve been finding this series hit or miss for me. I either love the book or I don’t. This one was a mix for me. I enjoyed the story and learning about this point in history. And what would get a woman sent to an asylum and in researching my own family genealogy I’ve actually discovered how easy it was for a husband to get rid of a wife or any other “problem female” in the family.
However, even though I loved the story and secondary characters I didn’t really care for either of the main characters, but to me that didn’t take away from the story and think most readers will be fine with it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
bestinsuspense's review
5.0
For Fans of Suspense, Historical Fiction, and True Crimes
This is the fourth installment in the True Color series which takes strange historical crimes and turns them into suspense-filled fiction stories. Grace Hitchcock’s The Gray Chamber focuses on a dark period in the late 1800’s surrounding the poorly run women’s lunatic asylum called Blackwell Island.
Edyth Foster’s life is about to take off. She’s set to take over her parent’s estate after their death, and she finds the love of her life. But her uncle get her falsely committed to the asylum where Edyth withstands the horrible conditions. She meets Nelly Bly, an undercover reporter, and the two try to stay alive in the asylum.
The Gray Chamber puts readers right into the middle of these historical events. I hadn’t actually heard about Nelly Bly until reading The Gray Chamber, and the story surrounding Blackwell Island is creepy in its own right. But the author adds the lovable and quirky Edyth to the plot and readers endure the heartbreaking conditions of the asylum right along side her. Edyth’s spunk challenges the societal norms of the time period with her dress and actions. She even takes up fencing, which wasn’t a thing women did in the 1800’s. Edyth isn’t the damsel in distress, which made her plight all the more harrowing as she fights for her life from inside the asylum.
The Gray Chamber is intriguing and full of suspenseful twists. Sadly, much of the elements in the story happened. If you love true crimes, this is one novel you don’t want to miss. The fast-paced action plus likable characters makes this a must read.
I received a complementary ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the fourth installment in the True Color series which takes strange historical crimes and turns them into suspense-filled fiction stories. Grace Hitchcock’s The Gray Chamber focuses on a dark period in the late 1800’s surrounding the poorly run women’s lunatic asylum called Blackwell Island.
Edyth Foster’s life is about to take off. She’s set to take over her parent’s estate after their death, and she finds the love of her life. But her uncle get her falsely committed to the asylum where Edyth withstands the horrible conditions. She meets Nelly Bly, an undercover reporter, and the two try to stay alive in the asylum.
The Gray Chamber puts readers right into the middle of these historical events. I hadn’t actually heard about Nelly Bly until reading The Gray Chamber, and the story surrounding Blackwell Island is creepy in its own right. But the author adds the lovable and quirky Edyth to the plot and readers endure the heartbreaking conditions of the asylum right along side her. Edyth’s spunk challenges the societal norms of the time period with her dress and actions. She even takes up fencing, which wasn’t a thing women did in the 1800’s. Edyth isn’t the damsel in distress, which made her plight all the more harrowing as she fights for her life from inside the asylum.
The Gray Chamber is intriguing and full of suspenseful twists. Sadly, much of the elements in the story happened. If you love true crimes, this is one novel you don’t want to miss. The fast-paced action plus likable characters makes this a must read.
I received a complementary ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.