The Pink Bonnet: American Crime a Review and Giveaway

The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma is not the typical book I’d select. I usually am not drawn to mysteries, crime, or even covers like this one. However, when I read the description I just couldn’t stay away. Then when I realized it was “based on strange-but-true history” I was riveted. The story had me locked in quickly, the first few pages dove right into the excitement which led to this being a very quick read.

Something sinister overshadows the Tennessee Children’s Home Society

The main character Cecile Dowd is widowed and struggling during the great depression, I don’t necessarily relate to her circumstances themselves; but the description of her child Millie and how she felt as a mother with a busy toddler who just can’t stay out of mischief… that I could relate to. I think this fact is why when the story takes a dark turn and Millie falls into the “clutches of Georgia Tann the corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director” I felt like my own child was in danger.

I loved how Tolsma weaved together the suspense, mystery, and adventure. Honestly I felt like the faith aspect did not play a major role and when it was mentioned it was more like a fleeting or added thought or sentiment. This didn’t bother me as I feel like faith can be that way in our lives sometimes. However, if someone picked this up to read a historical fiction or mystery not realizing it had a faith element they might be taken aback by the inserted spiritual thoughts, or if the reader selected intentionally to read a “Christian fiction” with hopes of being encouraged or challenged spiritually I didn’t feel this story provided that.

All that said the story itself was fascinating. It made me want to learn more about this terrible piece of history and I thoroughly appreciated the “Author’s Note” at the end which included pieces of what was real and what was added by the author for the sake of the story.

The story will whisk you away, and definitely enraptured me in the adventure and suspense of whether or not Cecile Dowd will ever be reunited with her daughter. I hope you’ll enter the givewaway below in hopes of winning a copy of the book and an Amazon gift card.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit Bloggers for providing me a copy of the book. All opinions shared here are my own.

About the Book

Book: The Pink Bonnet

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Historical, Suspense

Release date: June, 2019

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.

More from Liz

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series.

In book two, The Pink Bonnet, Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child? Find out in The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma.

The True Crime Behind the Story

Georgia Tann was a woman who ran an adoption agency in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1924 until 1950. It is estimated that, in that time, she kidnapped over five thousand children and sold them to the highest bidder. She even advertised the children in the newspaper, especially around the holidays. Some of the nation’s biggest celebrities adopted through Miss Tann, including Joan Crawford, Dick Powell, and June Allyson. Learn more about Georgia Tann HERE and visit www.TrueColorsCrime.com for more exclusive content.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, June 20

The Becca Files, June 20

Livin’ Lit, June 20

The Power of Words, June 21

Christian Bookaholic, June 21

Godly Book Reviews, June 21

Spoken from the Heart, June 22

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 22

For HIm and my Family, June 22

Blossoms and Blessings, June 23

Inspired by fiction, June 23

Mary Hake, June 23

Connie’s History Classroom, June 24

Moments, June 24

Simple Harvest Reads, June 24

Daysong Reflections, June 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 25

For the Love of Literature, June 25

Remembrancy, June 26

As He Leads is Joy, June 26

Emily Yager, June 26

Genesis 5020, June 27

Reader’s Cozy Corner, June 27

Carla Loves to Read, June 27

Inklings and notions, June 28

Changed by Him, June 28

Bigreadersite, June 28

Through the Fire Blogs, June 28

Inspiration Clothesline, June 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29

Pause for Tales, June 29

Hallie Reads, June 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 30

For the Love of Books, June 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

janicesbookreviews, July 2

Older & Smarter?, July 2

By The Book, July 2

A Reader’s Brain, July 3

amandainpa, July 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Pink Bonnet!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e331/the-pink-bonnet-celebration-tour-giveaway

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