One of the most fascinating historical periods that I enjoy reading about, is the 19th century in the US. I also love reading true crime and this book is an homage to both!
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Pregnant out of wedlock, Annie Moore, was sent away in shame to have her baby in a convent. When the nuns took her baby, she chose to escape wanting more for herself and in order to survive she resorted to prostitution.
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As a highly desired demi-mondaine, Bessie became her “performing name”. She enjoyed the luxury this life gave her and spoiled herself with jewels and fine garments. After a few years, she steadily hoped one of her wealthy suitors would take her away from this life.
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While living in a New Orleans brothel, she met Marie Laveau and Marie warned her of a man and gave her some gris gris to ward off danger.
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Bessie finally meets a man and he happens to be the son of a very rich family and she follows him in hopes to leave the prostitution life behind her and to become a fine lady of society finally.
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Things don’t go as planned for Bessie, but as the story goes you can’t keep a good woman down, no matter how hard one might try!
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This was so freaking good y’all! Jody Hadlock’s writing was brilliant and I flew through this book so fast! Based off a true story, it’s one of the reasons why so many people love, read and wonder about paranormal life.
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Do not pass this book up, you will not regret it! ( )

16 year old Annie Moore runs away from the Magdalene Convent after her newborn baby is taken from her. Unsure where to go and what to do, she is found half dead by some friendly ladies of the night. After she recovers, she desperately looks for work, but ultimately turns to prostitute.

I don't want to give anything away, but I absolutely loved the twist. It was completely unexpected and absolutely original! The characters were well rounded, dynamic and felt very realistic. I did feel that the jumps in time were a bit much, I would have liked more detail about Bessie's day-to-day life. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars. ( )

Excellent. Engaging. Well done. Definitely recommend! ( )

The Lives of Diamond Bessie follows young Annie Moore after she's sent to a convent for being pregnant out of wedlock. Suffering through having her daughter taken from her, she escapes and vows reunite with her at any cost. Eventually, the cost resorts to her becoming a high-end prostitute. Doing what she must to survive, Annie still dreams of getting married and leaving the life she has behind. When the opportunity arrives, she encounters the ultimate betrayal. Mixed with a paranormal twist, Hadlock writes a very creative historical fiction novel.

This book left me conflicted when it comes to my rating. I really appreciated the blending of the paranormal with historical fiction. It is extremely creative and well researched, with appropriate gaps to fill in the areas where we have no written history to go off on. I would love to see more hist. fiction with a new type of twist, such as this one. Unfortunately, I did not feel connected to the characters. I did not feel there was enough character development through intimate details and backgrounds, especially in the beginning. It felt too fast paced at times, more like factual explaining rather than becoming close friends with the character through their struggles. Overall, though, this was an entertaining read and I am excited for more to come from the author. ( )

True story, turned thriller, turned legal drama with a touch of magical creativity, this genre crossing book is one fascinating read!

In a time where women having a career was unheard of, this story of survival sheds light on the struggles and dangers of being a single woman, pregnant and out of options. When Bessie's seemingly knight in shining armor proves to be a devil in disguise, the plot takes a very intriguing twist making the rest of the story just as compelling.

Fast paced and unputdownable, this well crafted novel kept me engrossed start to finish. I hope this debut is the beginning of great things yet to come from this author!

P.S. The author did an amazing job researching Bessie's life, be sure to read the Afterword!
*Thank you BookSirens, Jody Hadlock, and SparkPress. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ( )