“The Curse of Misty Wayfair” by Jaime Jo Wright ~ Book Review

“The Curse of Misty Wayfair” by Jaime Jo Wright

Duel-Timeline Novel

Review copy through the publishers/author

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

 

 

About the Book:

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother–who is battling dementia–compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns–and with it, Heidi’s fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

Goodness. Gracious. I’m quite sure that I resembled a wide-eyed owl upon completing this book! Just when I thought I had figured it out, I was wrong, and there was a different twist! And that brings me to how impressed I am with the authors writing ability. Like…how?..! This book and its plot is SO intricate and so detailed and complex, and yet it all weaves together so brilliantly and flawlessly – both the historical story and the present day story.

The characters themselves are each complex as well.  Historical heroine, Thea Reed, has lived her life as an orphan, not knowing her real parents. Her journey to find her identity is captivating, to say the least. Present day heroine, Heidi Lane is on the path to find her identity too, though in a different way. Having grown up in a Christian family, she still felt like a misfit. There was a theme and even a quote in the present day story that made me relate well to Heidi. The quote said: “But, Heidi had to admit, it was nice to finally be heard.”

I felt that this was actually a timely thing for me, and agree with that – it is nice to be heard, to know that there are others who are willing to listen and make us feel validated.

The overarcing theme of our identity and where it is truly found was beautiful. It unfolded at a good pace, and is a very lovely reminder.

I can’t continue without at least mentioning some of the other characters though, such as Simeon (past timeline), Rhett (present day), Connie (present day), and Emma (present day). Simeon is a sweetheart; felt for him immediately. Rhett could be a bit annoying at first (Heidi thought so too, so I’m not alone!), but I grew to love his character. Connie (Rhett’s mother) was amazing, and I adored her daughter (Rhett’s sister) Emma. <3 All amazing characters woven together.

And I loved both storylines pretty equally. Not sure I had a favorite…I love historical stories, but the present-day one was just as good!

There are many creepy things that occur in this novel that might give you a few shivers. I don’t generally take delight in reading eerie novels, but I know I am in for an enjoyable – and impressive – ride when I pick up one of Jaime Jo Wright’s books. As I said, her plotlines are just amazing, and nothing is as it seems until the very end. With each book, I’ve been a little more flabbergasted at how it all comes together.

But do prepare yourself….while things indeed aren’t what they seem, those things and events can still be a bit creepy. ;) Definitely worth the read, though! Thoroughly enjoyed “The Curse of Misty Wayfair”!

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.

“Who I Am With You” by Robin Lee Hatcher ~ Review/An I Read With Audra Blog Tour

“Who I Am With You” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.

Review copy through I Read With Audra blog tours

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

 

(clicking on the above graphic will lead you to the giveaway. Ends tomorrow -25th.)

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About the Book:

 

For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.

Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.

Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination. 

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.

Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I’m very glad I tried my first Robin Lee Hatcher book – “Who I am With You” is such a sweet read, with writing that feels very familiar in style for me.

I loved the realistic characters and the realistic events and struggles they went through, and yet how it wasn’t overwhelming when they struggled. I didn’t feel like there was anything unnecessary or unrealistic. It was a very touching romance story, slow and sweet.

Jessica is still recovering from many hurts involving her husband and daughter’s car crash and the history preceding it. Ridley is recovering from lies spoken about him and false claims regarding his actions on a political campaign. It was a delight to watch both of them find their healing in a way that was both separate from each other and yet connected at the same time.

At the end of each chapter, we also get to read about Jessica’s great-great grandfather, Andrew Henning. She has inherited his Bible, which connects her to him, and we as the reader feel connected as well as we read along with his life. I thought having his story at the end of the chapters was a lovely touch and not at all overwhelming or hard to switch over as some split-timeline stories can be.

I was also pleased that faith was interwoven frequently and beautifully throughout the entirety of the novel. It was definitely a Christian piece, in that if you took away that strand from the novel, the story wouldn’t hold together as well, and I appreciated that so much! When I read Christian Fiction, I want to see God in it and I did with this book. It wasn’t thrown in your face, but it was done very well and I enjoyed it.

Looking forward to the next book in this series!

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com, Facebook: robinleehatcher, Twitter: @robinleehatcher and Instagram @robinleehatcher.

“In the Shadow of Croft Towers” by Abigail Wilson ~ Book Review

 

“In the Shadow of Croft Towers” by Abigail Wilson

A Regency/Mystery Novel

Review copy through BookLook Bloggers

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

 

From debut author Abigail Wilson comes a mysterious Regency tale of secrets and spies, love and treachery.

Orphaned Sybil Delafield jumps at the opportunity for a position at the mysterious Croft Towers. She believes she was hired to act as companion to a dying woman, but a highway robbery and a hostile welcome from the Chalcroft family cause her to wonder if she was actually hired to help someone spy for France.

An unsolved murder adds intrigue to this already secretive family, and Sybil recognizes Mrs. Chalcroft’s handsome grandson as one of the infamous highwaymen who robbed her. Sybil must determine if this man’s charming smile and earnest eyes speak the truth or if he is simply using her like others in the house. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and Sybil must decide who to trust while also coming to terms with the truth about her own past.

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

What a captivating read! Goodness. I didn’t want to put it down, especially as the plot got going. I loved that it was written in first person – that is one of my favorite styles, and it just draws me in immediately. The writing style itself was lovely too, fitting into that time period just beautifully.

We are instantly drawn into our heroine’s plight. Sybil has a sweet, and curious nature. I love how the book starts out – a highway robbery! And might I say, I was in love right then and there with a certain person. You’ll have to read it to find out who. ;)

The mystery held up till the very end and was handled quite masterfully. The entire plotline was really well done!

And I loved the characters. Oh I loved them so much. Except for a bad apple or two. I don’t want to ruin anything because it was all so fabulously played out that I don’t wish to ruin it for any readers! But I definitely would recommend the read. It was enchanting, and so much like a beloved British period drama – loved it! And I have a new book-boyfriend, which is always so lovely! Quite honestly, I was smitten from the beginning with him, and I would very much like my own Mr. Mystery (I’m sure you can guess who he is, but I will withhold his name just to be safe. ;)).

After finishing, I was a bit saddened to find that really there was no faith thread whatsoever. It was a very clean and wholesome book, one which I loved VERY much, but there were lots of instants where a message of trusting God could’ve been implemented very well. So that was the one and only thing that brought it down a half star.

But otherwise, it was a completely lovely novel and I eagerly await more from this author!!

 

“Through a Glass Darkly” by Jack Lewis Baillot ~ Book Review

Before I jump into my review I want to say that I loved this book so much. Yes, I will say that again in my review, but I really mean it – it has stuck with me and I want to read it again already. ^.^  I had the privilege of reading a pre-released copy, meaning it is not yet published. But I very much hope that it will become published this year, as it is one I can’t wait to recommend to others!
As it isn’t published yet, there isn’t a proper cover for it. So with the author’s permission, I am using a MOCK cover I created for posting my review. It is not the final version or even one of the versions possible. Just some fun I had after reading. :) Anyway, on to the review!

 

 

 

“Through a Glass Darkly” by Jack Lewis Baillot

Not yet published

Add it on GoodReads

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

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About the book:

Adam Clark has just returned from the war in Iraq. He has come home to a family which has rejected him and wants nothing to do with him. He feels all he has left is the house his grandpa left him and the God he put his trust in. Dealing with PTSD because of what he experienced in the war, Adam sometimes wonders how he will get through each day.

India Lee struggles with PTSD for different reasons. Suffering trauma from her past, India is often scared to leave her house. Depressed and lonely, her only companion is her older brother Jared and her only occupation her little flower garden. She doesn’t trust her new neighbor anymore than she trusts anyone.

Then comes the day when Adam steps outside his own shell to help India. A small act of kindness changes their lives and sets them on a path which could bring them healing if only they are willing to open up and face their broken pasts and their present pain. Their battles are long and frightening, but both believe God can bring them through the darkness until they see the light face to face

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My thoughts:

How does one even begin to write a review for a book that is filled with so much heart, and emotion, and struggles. I won’t lie: it was a hard book to read. And yet, so much easier to devour than to set down. I read it every spare minute I had. And my heart broke for these characters, and for the story it tells of real life people too.

I loved this story. Not because it was happy and fluffy but because it is real, and beautiful, and hopeful. And it hurts. But I found it beautifully healing as well.

Characters India and Adam immediately became relatable for me. I instantly cared about their journey, their lives, and really everything about them. I wanted to hug them and possibly not let go (they wouldn’t like that, but….).

And I was so proud of them at many turns! They complimented each other so well. They were not perfect, but no one is, and I think that is one of the things that drew me to them so much. Because they were more than believable, they were entirely realistic. And I loved them for it.

India was amazing to me – with all she dealt with, she was still so brave. Same goes for Adam. Their courage, especially when facing their past was inspiring.

I really do have all the love for this book, and I hope it will be published with utmost haste. It made me tear up, feel everything they felt, and cheer them on.

I wasn’t ready for it to end – I thought I had a few more pages left, so that was sad. XD But it was an excellent ending, and so full of hope.

The struggles in this novel are so real, and I absolutely applaud the author for writing this with so much honesty, truth, bravery, and gentleness. It was so well written, and I was blessed by reading it. <3 One of my favorites for 2018!

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*Because of the heavy topics touched on in this novel, I would recommend for ages 16+, but that is just my personal age recommendation, and obviously also depends on where a person is at themselves.

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