Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed on 6/22/2019 + 157 more book reviews

Liz Tolsma has written an impressive novel in the True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime series. I have read some, but not all, of Tolsma's previous books because they have dealt with the Holocaust. While she is an excellent writer and handles that subject in a compelling way, I just have a hard time reading stories in that setting, so I was excited to try this one. Although still not a subject easy to read about, Tolsma has written a fascinating page turner that combines fiction with real-life events. I was engaged emotionally from page one of this action-packed story and could hardly put it down.

The Pink Bonnet reads like a wonderful suspense thriller, until it sinks in that it is based on historical true crime â the story of Georgia Tann, who ran a Memphis adoption agency from 1924 to 1950; then it becomes chilling and haunting. Children she perceived to be from inadequate homes or parenting situations were literally stolen and given to families who could pay well. Even those who were supposed to care â politicians and others in authoritative positions â were corrupt and easily bribed to turn a blind eye. That this could go on for 25 years is horrifying.

Into this backdrop we meet Cecile Dowd, a young widow with the odds stacked against her, struggling to care for her three- year-old daughter Millie. Cecile is a loving mother and making things work out, when suddenly she is betrayed by a âconcernedâ neighbor and Millie falls into the hands of Georgia Tann. Cecile and Millie are characters every reader will be drawn to, so easy to connect with. And then there's Percy, a lawyer working with Tann, who begins to suspect that all is not right with this adoption agency. I loved the connection between Cecile and Percy, a sweet and growing relationship in an otherwise dark story. I also appreciated the spiritual overtones of God's unrelenting seeking for us.

The Pink Bonnet is a riveting, suspense-filled story that drove me to do some online research into this crime. I look forward to much more of Liz Tolsma's writing. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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