Not too bad as a historical romance since there was very little romance to speak of. But not quite as detailed as some HR that I have read in the past. The author could do with a little more research into the era. Interesting part is that is was set in my home town and the surrounding Chicago suburbs. I didn't realize this when I picked it up. My interest was in that it was set in an asylum and included Mary Todd Lincoln in the story. I have read other books about her and wanted to see a different, though fictional, view. Overall decent plot and character development. ( )

1875, March, in Oak Park Illinois Isabelle Larkin is living a contented life as a newly engaged lady. Until by chance she sees her fiance commit a crime. As she fears for her life as no one believes her story she is convinced her only solution is to have herself committed to a sanitarium by faking a breakdown. But can this really solve her problems, and what will be consequences of her actions.
Soon of the characters in the book are based on real people, which added to the historical side of this captivating story. I also like the characters of this easy to read historical thriller.
A NetGalley Book ( )

**I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway**

Loved this book! Kept me reading too the end and I wanted more! ( )

For more of my reviews, visit: www.veereading.wordpress.com

I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

With my ever-expanding book list, I find it hard to keep up with deadlines, and have a healthy work balance. But what I've come to realize is that this has made me a better reader. It takes me less time to become absorbed in a book, and I am able to tune out everything around me and read quickly and efficiently, thereby finishing books at a steady and fast pace. However, this ability depends on how interesting the novel itself is. Let me just say that this novel was interesting enough that I finished it in the span of a few hours!

Oak Park, Illinois, 1875. Isabelle Larkin knows what she wants her future to be like and who she wants to spend it with. She has decided, to the delight of her mother, to marry Gregory Gallagher, a charismatic and politically ambitious man who seems to truly care for her. While she doesn't love him, she knows she will have a stable future with him, and is looking forward to their marriage - until she witnesses him committing a terrible crime. Unable to face the prospect of marrying him, Isabelle begs her mother to call off the engagement... but no one believes her. In order to escape this marriage, Isabelle feigns a mental breakdown and pretends to be mute so that she can be removed from the house and installed in Bellevue sanitarium. There, she finds a friend in another patient: Mary Todd Lincoln, whose husband was assassinated. For now, Isabelle feels safe as she maintains her image of a madwoman. But eventually, the truth must come out...

I quite liked this novel, with its mix of thriller and historical fiction! I've been meaning to read a book in this genre, so this novel gave me the perfect opportunity! The background detailing was very interesting, and I liked that the author didn't dwell too much on the historical aspects, and kept the story moving forward. The characters in this novel are stereotypical and can be taken at face value, but in the case of this story, it actually worked as an advantage; it allowed me to focus on the story itself rather than get caught up in back stories and deep (and meaningless) character development. The story itself is simple, not like the complex thrillers I am accustomed to, but it was such a refreshing change! For once, the author isn't trying to throw in every plot twist possible! The author decides to stick to one course of action and follows through with it, allowing the story to stay interesting and not get muddled. That's my favorite thing about this novel; I was able to just enjoy the story moving along and didn't need to think too much or even wonder what the author was trying to get at - because everything was clear as day! And sometimes, a novel like this is exactly the kind of distraction one needs! Overall, this was a well-written story with an interesting plot that is set in the 1800s. It is charming, fast-paced, and simple yet entertaining. If you are looking for any of those things, then give this novel a go! ( )

Reading the synopsis of this book, I was intrigued to read more. I enjoyed every bit of this story. It is historical fiction/romance. What interested me was that it takes place in the late 1800's. Isabella pretends to be mute and willingly has herself committed to a sanitarium to escape the fiancee she saw commit a horrible crime. Of course, no one believes her and she is limited in controlling her own destiny in a time when women are taught to marry well and quietly exist.

While in the sanitarium, she meets Mary Todd Lincoln. President Lincoln's wife was indeed in a sanitarium for many years due to depression and anxiety. This book was enjoyable due to its fascinating setting and some real life characters.

I received a complimentary copy for review from the Goodreads giveaway program. ( )