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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.
thebookscript's review against another edition
4.0
Premonition at Withers Farm is a creepy dual time line tale with endless corn fields, serial killers, haunted basements and old farmhouses with a dark history. Both of these are set in the same small town decades of year apart but still both have that spooky atmosphere.
"Life was waiting to be discovered from the ashes. It was time to stop burying herself and to live."
1910: When a young woman is found dead in a cornfield..a self proclaimed spiritualist, a hobbyist healer and a doctor will come in close proximity to death...whether they like it or not.
Present: Another death and another "coincidental" connection. Molly has been barely living her life. Ever since her miscarriages...her mental health is at an all time low and her marriage is no where near the wonderful connection and comfort it used to be.
I felt like the pacing of this book was very well done. It held my attention in both timelines...dropping just enough clues to keep you guessing even when I still wasn't able to guess anything at anything at all! This was such a clever blend of mystery, horror, ghosts and family. I loved the relationships in both timelines and the completely different romances in each as well. As each character works to bring down the killer I was holding my breath wonderful who it could be!
There is horror but there is also healing. I really appreciated Jaime's attention to Molly and Trents marriage and how that was mended.
The perfect blend of Christian elements were also added to each time line that didn't overtake the story but only added to it as both main characters are struggling who who they need to be.
My first Jamie Jo Wright but 100% not my last!
"Life was waiting to be discovered from the ashes. It was time to stop burying herself and to live."
1910: When a young woman is found dead in a cornfield..a self proclaimed spiritualist, a hobbyist healer and a doctor will come in close proximity to death...whether they like it or not.
Present: Another death and another "coincidental" connection. Molly has been barely living her life. Ever since her miscarriages...her mental health is at an all time low and her marriage is no where near the wonderful connection and comfort it used to be.
I felt like the pacing of this book was very well done. It held my attention in both timelines...dropping just enough clues to keep you guessing even when I still wasn't able to guess anything at anything at all! This was such a clever blend of mystery, horror, ghosts and family. I loved the relationships in both timelines and the completely different romances in each as well. As each character works to bring down the killer I was holding my breath wonderful who it could be!
There is horror but there is also healing. I really appreciated Jaime's attention to Molly and Trents marriage and how that was mended.
The perfect blend of Christian elements were also added to each time line that didn't overtake the story but only added to it as both main characters are struggling who who they need to be.
My first Jamie Jo Wright but 100% not my last!
randikaye's review against another edition
5.0
Jaime Jo Wright has such a way of telling stories that are haunting and eerie, making the reader question what is reality and what is not... all while keeping God in the story as well. I honestly can not think of any other authors in Christian fiction who create the types of stories that she does, and as such, I always look forward to reading them, just as I looked forward to reading this one.
I must admit this was a tough one for me to read. To be fair, I knew it might be based on the description. As someone who has dealt with mental health issues following recurrent miscarriages, I could relate to Molly's character all too well. I was very glad that the book description was upfront about this, as it can be a very triggering topic and there have been many times where the subject comes up and takes me by surprise. I debated reading this book knowing this upfront, but again I do really enjoy this author and I had hoped that knowledge would prepare me beforehand. I am so glad that I gave it a chance because it was a wonderful read, but I did find myself having to take frequent breaks for this reason.
This is not the only tough or controversial topic brought up in this book. It discusses grief and mental health with honesty and grace. It also digs into the world of mediums and spirits in a way that is not typical in a Christian book. As such, I know many may not enjoy it at all... but I encourage readers to give it a chance, because again, the author really does a great job of making the reader question what is really going on... and in this particular book does broach the topic that God wants us to stay away from such things. I think it's a very fine balance... but I personally felt like the subject was handled well.
Overall, I thought this was a beautiful book. While it took me a while to get through it due to my own personal struggles, the outcome was so very much worth it.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
I must admit this was a tough one for me to read. To be fair, I knew it might be based on the description. As someone who has dealt with mental health issues following recurrent miscarriages, I could relate to Molly's character all too well. I was very glad that the book description was upfront about this, as it can be a very triggering topic and there have been many times where the subject comes up and takes me by surprise. I debated reading this book knowing this upfront, but again I do really enjoy this author and I had hoped that knowledge would prepare me beforehand. I am so glad that I gave it a chance because it was a wonderful read, but I did find myself having to take frequent breaks for this reason.
This is not the only tough or controversial topic brought up in this book. It discusses grief and mental health with honesty and grace. It also digs into the world of mediums and spirits in a way that is not typical in a Christian book. As such, I know many may not enjoy it at all... but I encourage readers to give it a chance, because again, the author really does a great job of making the reader question what is really going on... and in this particular book does broach the topic that God wants us to stay away from such things. I think it's a very fine balance... but I personally felt like the subject was handled well.
Overall, I thought this was a beautiful book. While it took me a while to get through it due to my own personal struggles, the outcome was so very much worth it.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
heidirgorecki's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Super creepy, not predictable, excellently written, and so hard to put down.
I enjoyed the main characters of Perliett in 1910 and Molly in present day. Perliett was a great stubborn and not-afraid-of-confrontation female character, and her antagonistic relationship with George made for great banter and character growth.
Molly’s timeline was emotional and heartbreaking. Her character development felt relatable and had me empathizing with her, as she battled with her grief, and shame, and brokenness. Her story was just so well done and it was so easy to be invested in it. Her friendship with Sid was terrific and love that it was emphasized, since gnat can make such a difference when we are struggling like she was.
I thought the views on spiritualism and psychic events based in truth was very well done. I liked that it wasn’t all tied up with bow completely because there’s plenty God keeps a mystery, but the rest was so well conveyed and contrasted.
And, as one of my main requirements of a good mystery are, it was not predictable. Really enjoyed it and I’d say it’s one of the better mystery/thrillers I’ve read.
I enjoyed the main characters of Perliett in 1910 and Molly in present day. Perliett was a great stubborn and not-afraid-of-confrontation female character, and her antagonistic relationship with George made for great banter and character growth.
Molly’s timeline was emotional and heartbreaking. Her character development felt relatable and had me empathizing with her, as she battled with her grief, and shame, and brokenness. Her story was just so well done and it was so easy to be invested in it. Her friendship with Sid was terrific and love that it was emphasized, since gnat can make such a difference when we are struggling like she was.
I thought the views on spiritualism and psychic events based in truth was very well done. I liked that it wasn’t all tied up with bow completely because there’s plenty God keeps a mystery, but the rest was so well conveyed and contrasted.
And, as one of my main requirements of a good mystery are, it was not predictable. Really enjoyed it and I’d say it’s one of the better mystery/thrillers I’ve read.
stephalee4's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.25
kriste's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the excellent treatment of mental health and sorrow from miscarriage. Oh the chickens!
kiwilizzi's review against another edition
5.0
Perfection. I don’t have anything bad to say. This book is fantastic. While I gave her first 2022 book 5 stars as well, I liked this one more. Definitely not as disturbing as Lost Lake, but still a great mystery. I loved it. Perfect October read.
Perliett and George were so perfect. I loved their dynamic with the integration of Jasper. I also loved that Wright chose to use a married couple in her present day story. It was different from her previous books I’ve read, and I really appreciated Molly and Trent’s story as well.
Perliett and George were so perfect. I loved their dynamic with the integration of Jasper. I also loved that Wright chose to use a married couple in her present day story. It was different from her previous books I’ve read, and I really appreciated Molly and Trent’s story as well.
rnr516's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
themorbidlibrary's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars.
Spoilers ahead. I will not reveal anything big - most of the review vaguely alludes to plot, structure, and characters.
---
The premise of this book is what got me to pick thus up - I am a sucker for mysticism, spiritualism, and crime all rolled into one. I found the pacing to lag at times, and felt like I had to slog through some parts to get to the good parts. I liked the mystery and felt like things were not too heavy-handed. My biggest issue besides pacing is totally a personal thing - I did not realize this was a "Christian Fiction" book when I began it. I deeply dislike having religion meshed into my narratives in such an overt way - especially the misogynistic and hateful Old Testament style of Christianity, which I avoid on principle. But writing about women's "instinctual obedience" to men immediately knocks stars off for me. It's gross. But if your beliefs align with those of the subset of Christianity described in this book, maybe it's for you.
---
Again, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars.
Spoilers ahead. I will not reveal anything big - most of the review vaguely alludes to plot, structure, and characters.
---
The premise of this book is what got me to pick thus up - I am a sucker for mysticism, spiritualism, and crime all rolled into one. I found the pacing to lag at times, and felt like I had to slog through some parts to get to the good parts. I liked the mystery and felt like things were not too heavy-handed. My biggest issue besides pacing is totally a personal thing - I did not realize this was a "Christian Fiction" book when I began it. I deeply dislike having religion meshed into my narratives in such an overt way - especially the misogynistic and hateful Old Testament style of Christianity, which I avoid on principle. But writing about women's "instinctual obedience" to men immediately knocks stars off for me. It's gross. But if your beliefs align with those of the subset of Christianity described in this book, maybe it's for you.
---
Again, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
aprilslibrary's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Life was waiting to be discovered from the ashes. It was time to stop burying herself and to live."
What a thrilling, creepy ride! Jaime Jo Wright is known for her suspense, but this one really gave me the shivers!
In 1910, Perliett is a rural healer. The doctor in their area does not condone her helping the people in their community. It doesn’t help that her mother is a “spiritualist” who claims she can help people talk to their long gone loved ones. Some suspicious killings happen and Perliett finds herself in the middle of it all!
In present day, Molly and her husband purchase a new farm. Molly is dealing with depression due to multiple miscarriages. She begins seeing and hearing things that cannot be explained. Events lead her to dig more into her husband’s family tree!
I really love how these stories blended together. There are some very intriguing twists and turns. This book is full of atmospheric moments and is definitely a spooky read. It was a little hard for me to read Molly’s pov because I’m pregnant and her anxiety was making me anxious for her. I can see how some of her feelings and emotions would be triggering for someone who has gone through what she did in the story. This was a fantastic read if you are in the mood for a little scare! As always, it is wrapped up in the end with all valid explanations! I love that about Jaime’s books.
What a thrilling, creepy ride! Jaime Jo Wright is known for her suspense, but this one really gave me the shivers!
In 1910, Perliett is a rural healer. The doctor in their area does not condone her helping the people in their community. It doesn’t help that her mother is a “spiritualist” who claims she can help people talk to their long gone loved ones. Some suspicious killings happen and Perliett finds herself in the middle of it all!
In present day, Molly and her husband purchase a new farm. Molly is dealing with depression due to multiple miscarriages. She begins seeing and hearing things that cannot be explained. Events lead her to dig more into her husband’s family tree!
I really love how these stories blended together. There are some very intriguing twists and turns. This book is full of atmospheric moments and is definitely a spooky read. It was a little hard for me to read Molly’s pov because I’m pregnant and her anxiety was making me anxious for her. I can see how some of her feelings and emotions would be triggering for someone who has gone through what she did in the story. This was a fantastic read if you are in the mood for a little scare! As always, it is wrapped up in the end with all valid explanations! I love that about Jaime’s books.