The Green Dress

In this faith-filled historical romance, Tolsma (Spring of Thanksgiving) takes a provocative peek into one family’s past. It’s 1882 and destitute teenager Harriet Peters is taken in by widow Sarah Jane Robinson. Harriet becomes a sister in all but name to Sarah Jane’s daughter Lizzie, and after four years with the Robinsons, Harriet moves out and opens a millinery shop. Then, several members of the Robinson family die from a mysterious illness, and when Lizzie takes ill, Harriet, a woman of deep faith and devotion, returns to be by her side. Michael Wheaton is a young doctor with a deep secret, and after he begins treating Lizzie, he starts asking uncomfortable questions about the nature of the illnesses and raising suspicions about foul play. He also quickly falls in love with Harriet—and falls out with the Robinsons. Though the mystery and its solution are heavily foreshadowed and frustratingly predictable, Tolsma’s meticulous characterizations and use of period detail make for a pleasant inspirational drama. Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray, Steve Laube Agency (June.)