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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright is a dual timeline novel. The book moves between 1910 and the present day. It is supposed to be a spooky, mysterious novel with dark overtones (it is at times and other times I thought it was overdone). The author created a dark atmosphere with the neglected farmhouse with gravestones used for part of the foundation. I struggled to get through the story. The writing style did not make the book easy to read (I found it awkward). I also did not like the characters (you know you do not like the characters when you hope the killer will get them). I did make it through the book to the end (chocolate was required). In 1910, a woman claims she can communicate with the dead and see spirits. In the present day, Molly begins to see things as well. The way it is written, you wonder if they are telling the truth or is there a more logical explanation. The mysteries can be solved before the end (one is a cinch to figure out). There is romance as well (just what you want in a spooky story). Molly and her husband, Trent have grown apart since her miscarriages. Trent is ready to move on, but Molly is still grieving. The two need to find a way back to each other (why not get back together while creepy and scary things are happening to you). As you can tell, The Premonition at Withers Farm was not for me. I suggest you download a sample to judge for yourself. The Premonition at Withers Farm is an eerie tale with a ramshackle farmhouse, a creepy cornfield, AWOL women, scary seances, a dead woman in a ditch, and a gravestone foundation.
libraryghostie's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
I really dislike this book. It was recommended in a Christian book group. I bought it, forgot about for six months, and then picked it up again. 200 pages in, I remembered that I’d been told that this book is Christian fiction, but I was really confused and looked it up on Goodreads because it didn’t seem like Faith was a strong point until the last 80 pages when God was brought up several times a chapter. I did not appreciate that the book is about women, but neither character was strongly developed and both were pretty weak. I assumed from the description that Perliett would be a strong woman who knew what she was doing, but she spends 400 pages swooning over two men and handing out quack remedies. None of this is what I was led to expect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Gore, Stalking, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Medical content, Body horror, Infertility, Confinement, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Animal cruelty, and Misogyny
Minor: Forced institutionalization
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
The Premonition at Withers Farm is probably the first title by this author which has not been made into an audiobook. I can, in part understand why. It covers some very controversial content most notably Spiritualism, which was rising in popularity in the early 20th century.
The protagonist’s mother holds seances in her house for money and publicity. I will say that this content, although explored, isn’t glorified, or encouraged: it’s treated from a biblical standpoint as something people shouldn’t dabble with. The novel also goes into the reasons why many people were drawn to spiritualism, and how the inability to deal with grief and loss in a healthy way could be exploited.
The modern protagonist, Molly, was struggling with postpartum depression after several miscarriages. Except, she didn’t really understand what was happening to her or how the condition could impact her when she had lost her children before birth.
I was compelled by the central mystery of this story (Jaime Jo Wright’s books are always thrillers) which wasn’t predictable at all and the exploration of life, death, guilt, shame, and the secrets within families.
I did think some of the romantic elements felt a bit contrived or inappropriate at times, though. I’ve felt that about some of the other books by this author and I sometimes wonder if the romance is even necessary since her books are good enough as dual timeline thrillers.
That said, the modern protagonist is already married, so it’s not a traditional “romance” in that regard.
This novel also covers matters relating to mental health, in this case the complex and controversial subject of psychopathy. Some have complained that mental illness is used as an “excuse” for behaviour of characters, but I think this represents a misunderstanding of mental illness as whole. In the case of this book the idea that psychopaths are born not made comes into play: this is something which has been explored by psychologists, as psychopathy seems to be the only psychological condition which has no identifiable cause and may be genetic.
I’d recommend this title for all fans of the author and thrillers. I had some major issues with her last book which thankfully are not present here. It managed to be spooky and gripping without resort to graphic violence or descriptions of violence and returns to being more of a psychological thriller.
Thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for this title. I wasn’t required to write a review, and all opinions are my own and given freely.
The protagonist’s mother holds seances in her house for money and publicity. I will say that this content, although explored, isn’t glorified, or encouraged: it’s treated from a biblical standpoint as something people shouldn’t dabble with. The novel also goes into the reasons why many people were drawn to spiritualism, and how the inability to deal with grief and loss in a healthy way could be exploited.
The modern protagonist, Molly, was struggling with postpartum depression after several miscarriages. Except, she didn’t really understand what was happening to her or how the condition could impact her when she had lost her children before birth.
I was compelled by the central mystery of this story (Jaime Jo Wright’s books are always thrillers) which wasn’t predictable at all and the exploration of life, death, guilt, shame, and the secrets within families.
I did think some of the romantic elements felt a bit contrived or inappropriate at times, though. I’ve felt that about some of the other books by this author and I sometimes wonder if the romance is even necessary since her books are good enough as dual timeline thrillers.
That said, the modern protagonist is already married, so it’s not a traditional “romance” in that regard.
This novel also covers matters relating to mental health, in this case the complex and controversial subject of psychopathy. Some have complained that mental illness is used as an “excuse” for behaviour of characters, but I think this represents a misunderstanding of mental illness as whole. In the case of this book the idea that psychopaths are born not made comes into play: this is something which has been explored by psychologists, as psychopathy seems to be the only psychological condition which has no identifiable cause and may be genetic.
I’d recommend this title for all fans of the author and thrillers. I had some major issues with her last book which thankfully are not present here. It managed to be spooky and gripping without resort to graphic violence or descriptions of violence and returns to being more of a psychological thriller.
Thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for this title. I wasn’t required to write a review, and all opinions are my own and given freely.
turquoiseavenue's review against another edition
5.0
A hauntingly, beautiful masterpiece! Jaime Jo Wright never ceases to amaze me, taking readers on a chilling, atmospheric experience in every new novel she releases. The Premonition at Withers Farm is a fantastically frightening mystery involving a serial killer hiding among the Michigan cornfields of 1910 which simultaneously unfolds alongside a modern day murder in the same farming community. Wright kept me on the edge of my seat, fully immersed in her story, devouring the pages as quickly as possible in a way that both entertained and entranced me!
HIGHLIGHTS: Murder, Mystery and an Eerie Overture · Grief and Depression · A Protective, Serious Hero · A Heroine Wrestling With the Truth · An Old Farmhouse · Haunted Cornfields · A Flock of Chickens · The Power of Love · Faith and Healing After Loss
WHAT I LIKED: Absolutely Everything. From the first line in this novel, Wright captivated my attention (which is why I keep returning to her novels time and time again - they’re simply irresistible!). She masterfully creates an enchanting story world that is haunting and terrifying without feeling “too real” by wooing me with her multi-layered main characters who grapple with problems and experiences that are all too relatable. In this novel, she maintained a high level of suspense, dabbling with a provocative glimpse into the spirit world, grief, depression and the afterlife.
Wright carefully addresses seances and the summoning of the spirit world, something I do not condone and was even skeptical reading about in this novel. My intrigue and natural curiosity demanded a practical answer for these matters and Wright delivered.
I thoroughly enjoyed both the historical aspect of this story and the modern day story with the way they intertwined in mystery and perplexity. Wright maintained a certain level of intensity throughout the novel that held my attention captive, wanting to know the truth (and person, or being) behind it all. Her characters wrestle with questions that are relevant today and there were some deep elements of faith interwoven throughout, making this a novel that offered hope and eye-opening insights that align with Scripture. I identified closely with Molly’s character and my heart broke for her struggle. The full circle aspect of her story and the rebuilding of the relationship between her and her sweet husband, Trent, was both rewarding and uplifting.
This novel is well-balanced, well-paced and well-written. The story unfolds in a way that begins dark and mysterious yet is easy to follow, offering moments of lighthearted humor, peace and connection before delightfully returning to a deliciously eerie, heart-pounding suspense that is truly like none other in the Christian fiction world. Indeed Wright has found her niche and she is a master at it. If you’ve read one Wright novel, you’ll understand (and want to read them all!).
SUMMARY:
Overall, another fantastic, hauntingly eerie tale. If you are a reader who enjoys provocative suspense, dark stories that dabble in delicate subjects and offer strong truths with faith, light and hope then you’ll love this novel! This is a definite recommendation from me, with a small note to consider this novel’s content and triggers. I would caution that this novel might be heavy for someone whose grief or depression might be fresh. Regardless, I felt that Wright delicately and wholeheartedly brought light and hope to her novel that readers will find uplifting.
Content and Trigger Warnings: Miscarriage, Serious Postpartum Depression, Grief and Loss, Seances, Ghosts and Apparitions, Murder of Young Women, Serial Killer
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
HIGHLIGHTS: Murder, Mystery and an Eerie Overture · Grief and Depression · A Protective, Serious Hero · A Heroine Wrestling With the Truth · An Old Farmhouse · Haunted Cornfields · A Flock of Chickens · The Power of Love · Faith and Healing After Loss
WHAT I LIKED: Absolutely Everything. From the first line in this novel, Wright captivated my attention (which is why I keep returning to her novels time and time again - they’re simply irresistible!). She masterfully creates an enchanting story world that is haunting and terrifying without feeling “too real” by wooing me with her multi-layered main characters who grapple with problems and experiences that are all too relatable. In this novel, she maintained a high level of suspense, dabbling with a provocative glimpse into the spirit world, grief, depression and the afterlife.
Wright carefully addresses seances and the summoning of the spirit world, something I do not condone and was even skeptical reading about in this novel. My intrigue and natural curiosity demanded a practical answer for these matters and Wright delivered.
I thoroughly enjoyed both the historical aspect of this story and the modern day story with the way they intertwined in mystery and perplexity. Wright maintained a certain level of intensity throughout the novel that held my attention captive, wanting to know the truth (and person, or being) behind it all. Her characters wrestle with questions that are relevant today and there were some deep elements of faith interwoven throughout, making this a novel that offered hope and eye-opening insights that align with Scripture. I identified closely with Molly’s character and my heart broke for her struggle. The full circle aspect of her story and the rebuilding of the relationship between her and her sweet husband, Trent, was both rewarding and uplifting.
This novel is well-balanced, well-paced and well-written. The story unfolds in a way that begins dark and mysterious yet is easy to follow, offering moments of lighthearted humor, peace and connection before delightfully returning to a deliciously eerie, heart-pounding suspense that is truly like none other in the Christian fiction world. Indeed Wright has found her niche and she is a master at it. If you’ve read one Wright novel, you’ll understand (and want to read them all!).
SUMMARY:
Overall, another fantastic, hauntingly eerie tale. If you are a reader who enjoys provocative suspense, dark stories that dabble in delicate subjects and offer strong truths with faith, light and hope then you’ll love this novel! This is a definite recommendation from me, with a small note to consider this novel’s content and triggers. I would caution that this novel might be heavy for someone whose grief or depression might be fresh. Regardless, I felt that Wright delicately and wholeheartedly brought light and hope to her novel that readers will find uplifting.
Content and Trigger Warnings: Miscarriage, Serious Postpartum Depression, Grief and Loss, Seances, Ghosts and Apparitions, Murder of Young Women, Serial Killer
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
blessedjess's review against another edition
3.0
Told in duel timelines this faith based suspense/thriller novel gives a satisfying thrill to anyone looking for a clean thriller. Told in duel timelines the characters are likeable and the mystery of the two murders keeps one engaged. This is the second book I have tried by this author and while I appreciate the faith based mystery it just doesn't quite live up to other thrillers I've read. A good solid read though. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e copy for an honest review.
beegirl90's review against another edition
5.0
This was genuinely a great book! It had a thrillingly compelling mystery that kept me up way late in the night. I love the way she tied things together as usual. The moral and spiritual discussion was very timely and well done.
caitiep92's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
This was Jaime Jo Wright's creepiest tale yet, and I loved it! I was glued to the pages and reading as fast I could. It's the kind of book I just can't get enough of. It deals with some spooky and dark things, but in the end, shines the light on the goodness and glory of God.
This dual timeline follows Perliett in the past and Molly in the present time. Perliett was a self-taught healer whose dad was a devout Christian, and Mom a devout spiritualist who conducted seances and talked to the dead. You could say she's a bit conflicted because of her parents' differing views on the afterlife. I thought George was a great counterpoint to her mother. He was full of wisdom and Biblical truths. He might've been a bit gruff at times, but I was drawn to him nonetheless.
I felt like I got to know Perliett better and faster than Molly, but that really fit with their personalities. Molly was depressed and going through a lot, so she didn't let anyone close to her. I think that's why, in the beginning, I enjoyed the past timeline more than the present. It wasn't long though before I was equally intrigued and invested by both.
I think I probably say this with every new Jaime Jo Wright book, but this one's my favorite one. It was so engaging, so spooky, and yet so full of God's light. I can't recommend it highly enough. It's definitely going to make my "Best Books of the Year" list.
I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
This dual timeline follows Perliett in the past and Molly in the present time. Perliett was a self-taught healer whose dad was a devout Christian, and Mom a devout spiritualist who conducted seances and talked to the dead. You could say she's a bit conflicted because of her parents' differing views on the afterlife. I thought George was a great counterpoint to her mother. He was full of wisdom and Biblical truths. He might've been a bit gruff at times, but I was drawn to him nonetheless.
I felt like I got to know Perliett better and faster than Molly, but that really fit with their personalities. Molly was depressed and going through a lot, so she didn't let anyone close to her. I think that's why, in the beginning, I enjoyed the past timeline more than the present. It wasn't long though before I was equally intrigued and invested by both.
I think I probably say this with every new Jaime Jo Wright book, but this one's my favorite one. It was so engaging, so spooky, and yet so full of God's light. I can't recommend it highly enough. It's definitely going to make my "Best Books of the Year" list.
I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
morgangiesbrecht's review against another edition
5.0
This just might be my new favourite Jaime Jo Wright novel—I had no idea this story would be so profoundly what I needed.
A marriage on the rocks. Murders unsolved. The atmosphere. The mystery. The crinkly chills I get up my spine. Yup. I am here for it. (Random aside, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the story was giving some “Murdoch Mystery” vibes… can’t explain exactly why but it just did & I’m not mad about it.)
As for the mystery itself, one of my hunches paid off, which makes me happy, but Jaime is one of the few writers I enjoy being stumped by, so it’s a win regardless! Also, I adore the subtle & yet realistic way she writes romance into her tales.
Yet beneath the chilling mystery and thrilling twists is a story about grief—learning to feel it & to move on… and learning to live again. “Life was waiting to be discovered from the ashes. It was time to stop burying herself and to live.”
And also about the danger & fragility of relying on spiritualism. Having questions doesn’t mean a lack of faith, it means we can take our questions and doubts and hurts to God.
“What need do we have of God if we can build our own bridges to eternity?”
A Jaime Jo Wright book always makes me think of autumn, shadows, cosy sweaters, chilly evenings by the fireplace, and basically all the autumn things… which I am more than ready for despite the current heatwave.
A note for sensitive readers: I found the “spookiness level” comparable to Wright’s other stories. But ya know, maybe don’t read in the dark… or at night… or home alone… or anything crazy like that. Not speaking from experience or anything, haha.
A marriage on the rocks. Murders unsolved. The atmosphere. The mystery. The crinkly chills I get up my spine. Yup. I am here for it. (Random aside, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the story was giving some “Murdoch Mystery” vibes… can’t explain exactly why but it just did & I’m not mad about it.)
As for the mystery itself, one of my hunches paid off, which makes me happy, but Jaime is one of the few writers I enjoy being stumped by, so it’s a win regardless! Also, I adore the subtle & yet realistic way she writes romance into her tales.
Yet beneath the chilling mystery and thrilling twists is a story about grief—learning to feel it & to move on… and learning to live again. “Life was waiting to be discovered from the ashes. It was time to stop burying herself and to live.”
And also about the danger & fragility of relying on spiritualism. Having questions doesn’t mean a lack of faith, it means we can take our questions and doubts and hurts to God.
“What need do we have of God if we can build our own bridges to eternity?”
A Jaime Jo Wright book always makes me think of autumn, shadows, cosy sweaters, chilly evenings by the fireplace, and basically all the autumn things… which I am more than ready for despite the current heatwave.
A note for sensitive readers: I found the “spookiness level” comparable to Wright’s other stories. But ya know, maybe don’t read in the dark… or at night… or home alone… or anything crazy like that. Not speaking from experience or anything, haha.