The Curse of Misty Wayfair

There are so many things I want to say about this book. None of them seem to do justice to the storyline or the fluidity of the writing. The dual time periods and storylines were each intriguing on their own, but mirrored together created the a desperate need to follow both Heidi and Thea on their journeys. Also a plus for me, is the mental health and stigma associated with anxiety, depression, and autism address in this book. My son is on the spectrum and there were many aspects of the storyline that caught me and brought tears to my eyes with the beautiful way Jamie Jo Wright brought light to Autism and the progress society has made in a short time in reference to mental health. After finishing this book I had to get her first two and read them as well. You will not be disappointed. I’m already in the midst of re-reading this one.

Take a journey in the early 1900s with Thea Reed when her job as a post-mortem photographer leads her to a mental asylum. Thea is intrigued with the groundskeeper at the asylum, Simeon Coyle and turns to him for answers about the legend of Misty Wayfair. A ghost that is said to be that of a murdered woman that continues to haunt the asylum.

In present day, Heidi Lane returns to her family when she learns her mother has dementia. However, when strange things happen wherever she goes, Heidi begins to wonder if she is the one being haunted. Heidi fears for her life, but receives support from an unlikely source to help her reveal the truth behind the legend of Misty Wayfair.

Jaime Jo Wright has become a MUST read. She is already at the top of the list in Christian suspense. However, the deep spiritual layer woven into her stories take her books to another level that is uniquely her own. For those that have heard things like her books are about dead people or ghosts... there is always a reasonable explanation for anything that might seem too far fetched. Anyone that doesn't read her books is simply missing out on some of the best Christian fiction available today!

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

You’ve got to wonder about a mind that can produce the thrilling kind of stories Ms. Wright produces, but I just happily devour each and every one. From an abandoned mansion, tragedy at Gossamer Pond or an abandoned insane asylum, each book just gets better and better and better.
I would call the theme for this novel searching. In this wonderfully crafted time split, each character is searching for their mother, and what they realize least of all is that they are also searching for their true identity. Heidi Lane (Present day) is searching for a grain of coherence in a fog of dementia that her mother now lives in. Thea Reed (Past character from 1908) is simply searching to see what happened to her mother. She was dropped off on the doorstep of an orphanage. The lonely, orphaned girl takes on a traveling photography business when her benefactor passes away - a most unusual business and one that you would probably not find today. She photographs dead family members as a keepsake for the remaining family members.
Present day Heidi hasn’t seen her family in years, but returns at the request of her mother via a note that says she’s in danger. Heidi has never really felt like a part of her family, and success has simply failed her. Sinister and dangerous things begin to happen that alienate her even more from her older sister. A mysterious photo album obtained from the local antique store ties some of the mystery together, and she purchases it after finding a photograph that looks IDENTICAL to her.
The asylum outside of town is what ties this story all together. Although in present day the asylum is abandoned and falling down, the story takes us back to the early 1908 where there were patients still in residence there.
This is a well-defined dual time novel that will definitely keep you reading all night if you’re not careful. Don’t worry about not being able to figure out which timeline character you are reading about, the author does an excellent job of making it crystal clear which era/character you’re reading about. If you’re looking for mystery and suspense, this is for you. Chances are that you won’t figure it all out until the bitter end! I know I didn’t and I loved every minute of it.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. However, I am in no way required to give a positive review and all ratings and thoughts about the book are completely my own.

This book was absolutely amazing! In typical fashion for this author, this book was a dual timeline mystery where the full story only unfolds once both timeline mysteries are solved. Also, in true Jaime Jo Wright fashion, the mysteries had a serious "creep factor" element in them. I'm hyper sensitive towards those things, and could therefore not read this one at night (as is, I still had creepy ghostly dreams a couple of nights while reading this one!).

This book follows the story of Thea Reed, who in 1908 was a traveling post-mortem photographer and Heidi Lane, who in present day, is the family black sheep and prodigal daughter, so to speak. Both of them make their way to the small town of Pleasant Valley, WI, based on a letter received about their family history. Both go to this small town that boasts of a lumber mill, an asylum built in the woods, and a legend of a familial curse that come by hauntings. They go seeking answers about their pasts and their tales end with them finding so much more - about themselves and their Creator. It doesn't hurt that they both find love along the way, though the romance thread is pretty subtle.

This book touched on some more sensitive topics, including treatment of the mentally ill, anxiety disorders and living with someone with autism. The author researched these topics well and handled them with finesse. This book also plumbed the spiritual depths and spoke to the difference between legalism and grace. I really appreciated the spiritual arc in this book and it really spoke to me where I am as well.

I've been a HUGE fan of Jaime Jo Wright since I read her debut novel about a year ago. I believe The Curse of Misty Wayfair is her best yet. The legend in the story is about a ghost and I honestly didn't know until the very end whether or not the ghost was real. This was one that stuck with me any time I would put the book down. While I was at work, I was thinking about the characters and the story line and wondering what was true and what wasn't. The mark of a good story is how well it sticks in your subconscious and since I was dreaming of Misty Wayfair, it tells me that it was pretty stuck in my subconscious. :) The emotions (and yes, the creep factor) went pretty deep, and because of that, the underlying message hit just right. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery, historical or contemporary fiction, I would highly recommend this one!

Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was not obligated to write a positive review and the opinions contained herein are my own.

This book was absolutely amazing! In typical fashion for this author, this book was a dual timeline mystery where the full story only unfolds once both timeline mysteries are solved. Also, in true Jaime Jo Wright fashion, the mysteries had a serious "creep factor" element in them. I'm hyper sensitive towards those things, and could therefore not read this one at night (as is, I still had creepy ghostly dreams a couple of nights while reading this one!).

This book follows the story of Thea Reed, who in 1908 was a traveling post-mortem photographer and Heidi Lane, who in present day, is the family black sheep and prodigal daughter, so to speak. Both of them make their way to the small town of Pleasant Valley, WI, based on a letter received about their family history. Both go to this small town that boasts of a lumber mill, an asylum built in the woods, and a legend of a familial curse that come by hauntings. They go seeking answers about their pasts and their tales end with them finding so much more - about themselves and their Creator. It doesn't hurt that they both find love along the way, though the romance thread is pretty subtle.

This book touched on some more sensitive topics, including treatment of the mentally ill, anxiety disorders and living with someone with autism. The author researched these topics well and handled them with finesse. This book also plumbed the spiritual depths and spoke to the difference between legalism and grace. I really appreciated the spiritual arc in this book and it really spoke to me where I am as well.

I've been a HUGE fan of Jaime Jo Wright since I read her debut novel about a year ago. I believe The Curse of Misty Wayfair is her best yet. The legend in the story is about a ghost and I honestly didn't know until the very end whether or not the ghost was real. This was one that stuck with me any time I would put the book down. While I was at work, I was thinking about the characters and the story line and wondering what was true and what wasn't. The mark of a good story is how well it sticks in your subconscious and since I was dreaming of Misty Wayfair, it tells me that it was pretty stuck in my subconscious. :) The emotions (and yes, the creep factor) went pretty deep, and because of that, the underlying message hit just right. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery, historical or contemporary fiction, I would highly recommend this one!

Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was not obligated to write a positive review and the opinions contained herein are my own.

A legendary curse is the key to the secrets that haunt two women in this eerie timeslip tale. A mysterious photo, cryptic messages, an abandoned insane asylum and a legendary ghost play a role in just a few of the many delicious spine-tingling moments as Heidi's search for answers parallels Thea's quest a century before. Each individual story's threads are masterfully woven together to create a hauntingly beautiful tapestry. Ms. Wright's ability to build the suspense equally between both stories keeps her readers invested in both story-lines. While the ghost of Misty Wayfair held me spellbound, it was the story of brokenness, the story of healing and finding purpose from our Creator that spoke to this reader's heart.

Since her debut novel, Jaime Jo Wright will remain one of the authors whose books will always be on top of my TBR.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ms. Wright has expertly crafted this brilliant story! She seamlessly weaves the past and present of this dual time-line tale. Her attention to detail will have you cautiously looking out your windows and checking your locks.

Ms. Wright has a remarkable ability to convey spiritual truths that will challenge you to go deeper in your own walk. These nuggets of truth will stay with you long after you have finished the book.

Jaime Jo Wright is an author not to miss! I look forward to reading more of her phenomenal novels!

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

With this gripping story, Wright has raised the standard for this genre. Jaime Jo Wright uses wonderfully descriptive language to create a mysterious setting for her suspenseful tale. I especially enjoy how Wright intricately connects the stories from the two time periods. The characters were created with care and I appreciate that Wright handles those dealing with illness with honor and respect. Hopefully, the author’s accurate depictions and poignant lessons will lead to more compassion in our world. This book grabbed my full attention because I did not want to miss one word and I won’t miss her next book. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

With each stroke of the pen Ms. Wright creates a work of art that draws you into a world of mystery that spans from 1908 to present day. I love the way the dual time line is woven together so intricate that you never miss a beat while reading. I find the subject of mental illness and how it was treated so heartbreaking, but love how well researched it is. This book captures your attention from page one and eerily draws you into the story. The subject matter of mental illness, dementia, and being orphaned are dealt with in a sensitive manner and is very thought provoking. Not a run of the mill read, this is unpredictable with secrets and twists and turns that are captivating. This author has become a force to be reckoned with and deserves many accolades for her stellar writing style. I loved Thea and Heidi and how their stories are intertwined like two trees gnarled together after a century. Absolutely will be on my top ten books of 2019.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Every creation was intended for a purpose. In broken places, beauty could be found.”

I’m going to be coming back to this quote and its purpose in the book, but first I want to tell you about this story. Jamie Jo Wright has written an incredible book. The storyline is seamless as it flows back and forth between Thea and Heidi, who live a century apart. Every detail is important and finds its place perfectly in both their stories. This book is riveting, and by turns it’s heart-rending, compassionate, and hopeful. It’s also spooky. The story involves a ghost, and the author keeps us guessing as to whether it’s real or imaginary. Much of this book is devoted to both Thea and Heidi finding out about their true family, and even though they live in different time periods, the legend of this ghost has an impact on their search for the truth. This book is certainly a page-turner. Several of the characters can only be described as “creepy” and that only adds to the overall mood as you read.

Now, back to the quote. There are several characters in the book that society would consider “broken”. Jamie Jo Wright has done some good research on mental illness and the horrific ways that people who suffered from this were treated in the past. One of the characters is autistic and another has panic attacks. All are treated with great compassion by the author. The spiritual /inspirational theme of this book is that God has a purpose for each one of us. Even if our lives are beautiful, God shows us the beauty in our brokenness.

Although this book does has its scary factor, I came away from reading it with a sense of compassion and purpose. This one well deserves a five star rating.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.