Oh, my! Last week I read The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock and I was hooked from the first page. It is a fascinating story about a young woman who was orphaned when she was ten and put under her uncle’s guardianship. He manages her vast wealth and everything seems fine until he remarries and his new wife discovers he can inherit all her money if she is committed to an insane asylum. Here’s the back cover copy:
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.
With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.
At the asylum, she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?
This was a fast-paced read that kept me up past one a.m.! I really enjoyed reading about Edyth who aspired to be a fencing master and catch the eye of her fencing coach, Bane. Of course, this was something her uncle could use against her because fencing and challenging a man to a duel after he insulted her were not things a normal womon did in the late 1880s. Edyth was very trusting and totally caught off-guard when her uncle had her delivered to the insane asylum. Being the independent woman she was, Edyth thought she could take care of the matter by herself. I loved the way Hitchcock brought faith into her story. At the asylum, Edyth learned to depend on God. The romance was sweet and I enjoyed seeing Bane come to realize his long-time friend was a beautiful young woman. This was a great book that I believe readers will enjoy, even when they are on the edge of their seats.
Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a print copy of The Gray Chamber. In the book, Edyth has to come to the end of herself before she can let go and let God. What do you think it takes for us to let God work out our problems?
February Winner: Heather.
Winner of Dr. Mabry’s book, Critical Decision: Betti Mace
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Comments 30
I’m not a big fan of reading historical fiction (movies are fine; go figure). I must say the premise is interesting, especially the Nellie Bly angle. Learning to rely on God for our help and strength is a positive for me.
Author
Since I don’t normally read historical, I’m comfortable saying I think you would really enjoy this book. It actually sparked an idea for a contemporary book for me! Thanks for dropping by.
I also enjoyed this book and especially the scenario of including Nellie Bly and her contributions to exposing such injustices. You’ve captured the story well.
Author
Thanks, Delores. I really enjoyed this book! Always good to ‘see’ you here.
In order for me to step back and allow God to step in, I generally have to get to the end of myself. I am trying to work on this, but I still manage to fall short some days. This book sounds like a very interesting read; I am looking forward to it!
Author
I think getting older–after years of going it alone–helps us to see God is more than capable, Heather. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I must admit your review has stirred my interest. Fully relying on God is something we are instructed to do, but is sometimes difficult because we think we can handle it ourselves. We usually have to come to the end of our rope to fully trust Him.
Author
Suzanne, I’m not a huge fan either, but this book captivated me from the beginning. And reminded me to take things to God first, not last.
I think that sometimes it takes us trying everything and failing before we turn to God. Some of us learn to go to him first and not last.
Author
Absolutely, Sonnetta! Most of the time I do that…but sometimes it takes coming to the end of myself to realize I couldn’t solve a problem on my own. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I find that if I can’t do anything about a situation then I have to fully turn to God. I like to read contemporary fiction but I did win this book in a giveaway but haven’t read it yet. No need to enter me in the drawing.
Author
I agree, Gloria! And I think you’ll really enjoy it!
I already have The Grey Chamber and must admit it was one of those books you just can’t put down! I think leaving everything in God’s hands is something I need to do daily. It was so good to read how Edythe gave it all to the Lord.
Author
Hi Betti! I so agree it’s a great book. And I enjoyed that part, too.
I have read all if the True Colors books that are published. I love historicals. Especially if they have suspense in them. I agree that sometimes we need to get to the end of ourselves before we rely on God. Maybe that is why some difficulties are in our lives. ( I have this book)
Author
I’ve read The White City, Paula. I’ll have to check out the others. Thanks for stopping by.
This book is on my list of books to read. It sounds really interesting. I have read some of the other books in this series and enjoyed them.
Author
I need to go back and read the other books, Erika. Thanks for stopping by.
I think many people have to do as Edyth did and come to the end of themselves before they will allow God to take charge. Whether they literally reach that point, that depends a lot on the person. Some are able to recognize the need and let God take charge before they reach that literal place.
Author
I agree, Edward! And I’m getting there as well. 🙂 Always good to see you here!
This was such a great book. I love Historical fiction.
Author
I’m getting there, Lucy, with books like Grace’s! Thanks for stopping by.
I believe we must all come to the end of ourselves. When we are empty of ourselves, then He has room to do what only He can do.
Author
Totally agree, Caryl! So glad you stopped by!
Just let go and let God handle it!
Author
Good thoughts, Shelia! Good to ‘see’ you here!
Wow, this sounds like an awesome story! I’ve read a few books about Nellie Bly, so that has really peaked my interest. Thanks for the recommendation!
Author
Nellie Bly has a small role in the story and that’s one thing that makes it really interesting! Good to ‘see’ you here!
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing. I came looking for the pub date for Standoff.
Author
Hi, Joyce! Pub date for Standoff is May 5, 2020! I am really excited about the release. Thanks for asking!