I love an author who can intermingle the past and present with breathless ease. The book made me feel like I was time traveling and witnessing the 1900s and the escapades of revival and mystery layered deep in the roots of the people in the town. I can remember when I was younger going to tent revivals. My dad was a pastor so he was invited to speak at some. It was so hot under the tents and I always thought people were strange there. As a child I didn't understand what was going on and I was always ready to run out of the revival and hide as soon as the shouting started. I can just imagine this same type of atmosphere during this story.

Libby is quite a character. She works with her dad at the paper and discovers obits of people before their death. I call that creepy but intriguing. The author is a master at subtle hints and weaving stories within stories. She has the ability to jump from the past to the present with precision while never missing a beat. It must have been hard to keep the two story lines flowing with intensity. I applaud her for her technique to achieve a high level of mystery that is like puzzle pieces fitting together to complete a picture.

Annalise is very different and I immediately was drawn to her. She has a dark secret that many don't know about. It has kept her away from God and she is riddled with guilt. I can relate to her because there was a time I was completely lost and knew my mistake would never be forgiven. Annalise will open doors that have been closed for many years. Will she find healing from her past? Garrett is a thorn in Annalise's side and has played a big part in her bitterness. Why has he come back to town? Will he help Annalise solve the mystery behind who is causing her to lose sleep? I feel that danger surrounds her and I was on the edge of my seat the deeper the story drew me in.

I loved learning about genealogy and how in depth the author took the past and present and started to connect the dots. It is not an easy task and very detailed records must be maintained to prove who is related to who. The story goes much deeper in mystery as characters past and present play detective. I loved how the two women each carried a deep secret that has caused them to feel guilty and ashamed for years. Secrets always come out and like a rushing wave, cause damage . I loved the theme of the book about sin and forgiveness. Christians tend to judge others but forget they are not perfect themselves. This is the author's best book yet.


"One may carry guilt and shame with them for years, only to discover that while they attempted to dodge God's judgment, they instead cheated themselves of His forgiveness."


I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

Historical fiction with a mystery separated by a century, Gossamer Grove is home to two strong, but realistic female protagonists who find themselves threatened by secrets, betrayals, and the question of God's grace. Written with beautiful prose and atmosphere, Jaime Jo Wright has created a masterpiece worthy of the Edgar Allen Poe quotes throughout her book. While her first book, "The House on Foster Hill" was excellent in and of itself, this book takes it to the next level of literature, with thought provoking phrases I was prompted time and again to underline and annotate. Gossamer Grove is a small, quiet town, but filled with sinful people. For a book so filled with edge-of-the-seat mystery, I didn't want it to end! But when I finally read the last chapters, I was so pleased. I don't want to spoil it, but there is a surprising love story twist at the end of the book that is SO perfect--a love story for people like me who don't like love stories. It's raw, witty, awkward, and weird, but so, so right (Wright).

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a spine tingling mysterious romance that takes place in two time periods - cool eh? - I just love when that happens. It is about forgiveness, fear and forgiveness in the sight of terror, and the most important mainstay of this book is Faith - with all that was going on with the character's lives and how they would like to keep it that way. The main characters (Annaliese and Libby) were dealing with the past and the present. - Annaliese lives in one time and Libby lives in the other.) The author did an incredible thing - she was able to bring the town to life - in both time periods - you are able to see them clearly and concisely - she also is able to bring History to life for you as you read on. The book is intense and greatly relying on Faith which increases the value of the story. The town has a nasty old secret and the Characters are also with their own secrets as well. What are they? Do they learn to lean on each other as things get more dangerous with every movement they make? The town has a fight going on between two different opinions on GOD - led by two different traveling preachers. Something started when they got to town - tearing the town apart but that isn't the worst that happens - this is where the thriller/mystery begins - You wouldn't believe it if I told you - the two lady's work on solving the crime living a century apart - now how breathtaking it is. It is dangerous, damaging, deadly - very deadly, calculating and being very careful or you could be the town's next problem. Will she listen to CHRIST or move on her own? Will the town's own sick secret win out - become the norm? Will that person who is doing this going to get away with it? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

This book is amazing! I loved the historical part of the story the best, since parts of it were based on true events. I couldn't put this story down, since I just had to know how it ended for both Libby and Annalise! I highly recommend picking this one up!

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond was my second book by Jaime Jo Wright, and I liked even better than The House on Foster Hill. Wright chooses to write two stories one in the past and one in the present, but both often parallel each other in terms of the lessons learned but arrive at the same lesson through different circumstances. In 1907, Libby Sheffield faces a mystery of obituaries showing up and forecasting their death as the body count increases. She must discover who is behind it all as her own obituary arrives signalling her pending death. In the present, Annalise Forsythe, faces a dead body of her own who happens to be clutching a picture of her even though she has never met the deceased. The two stories are linked throughout time, and filled with an intricate plot. Fans of Heidi Chiavaroli may enjoy Wright, but Wright focuses more on suspense and mystery than romance. Wright's next book is The Curse of the Misty Wayfair (January 2019), and has already been added to my To Be Read pile.

I've never read a book quite like The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. Moving between two centuries was fascinating but a bit difficult for me. However, the story is well written and interesting. Jaime Jo Wright's research into old-time tent revivals adds a mysterious and at times frightening aspect to the story. The twin revivalists, based on real people—provoke thought about how the approach of teaching Jesus matters and adds a dark note of suspense to an already mind bending story. I loved the part of the story where redemption steps into the lime light. Annalise's story made me want to turn the pages faster to see what happened next. The characters learn some hard lessons, but in the end..well I can't tell you that. You'll have to read for yourself. If you enjoy suspense and mystery mixed with history, you'll want to read The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House by way of NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This dual timeline book had me sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails as I quickly paged through the story...
This is a book I've been waiting to read, for what felt like a very long time. And then--I got my paperback copy and an audiobook copy both the same day. So I started reading. And then, when I had to lay my book down and get some work done, I switched to the audio version. (Although I quickly discovered that for this book, I preferred reading the book...I could make the story happen faster that way...and I didn't want to wait too long... ;) ) Once I finally got a hold of this book, I had to read it. FAST. It was absolutely spellbinding, attention-grabbing, immensely intriguing, and filled with nail-biting suspense.

I loved the dual timelines.

I think Annalise was my favorite character. She was very well portrayed, like a real person. Her fears. Her guilt. Her past.

The way the two times tied together was incredible.

The suspense level was unreal. There were so many twists and turns, and the entire story line was very unexpected and unpredictable.

I had to keep reading until the end, because I just couldn’t wait to find out what was coming.

Creepiness galore, and yet, it was just the right amount.

Edgar Allan Poe pulled into pre-obits. People supposed to die. Some do, others don’t, just exactly what is going on, and who is behind it?

The sleepy little town of Gossamer Grove has always been good at making everything look good on the surface, but maybe it is time for the people to face reality and be honest with themselves.
This is a masterpiece of humanity, the good, the bad, and Jesus.
I love Jaime Jo Wright's books and anything else she writes will be on my must read list!!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

“The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond” by Jaime Jo Wright was an engrossing read! It caught my attention from the first page and continued throughout the entire book. This book goes back and forth from in the 1900's to modern day. I loved how Jaime wove things that happened back then to things that are happening now. There is light mystery throughout the whole book. I couldn’t wait to find out what really happened in the 1900's to now.

This is the 2nd novel I’ve read by Jaime Jo Wright, and it won’t be my last. I also enjoyed the 1st one immensely. If you like good, clean books with some light mystery thrown in, you will love this book.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

The Reckoning At Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright is a gripping contemporary and historical Christian suspense which I loved.
The dual timelines of present day and 1907 have parallel stories that link across the years. Both have characters drowning in guilt and unforgiveness as secrets threaten to overwhelm. "It is a horrible place to wallow when you cannot forgive yourself." We punish ourselves and forget all about grace. "Without... grace, it was hard to crawl out of that pit." God's grace covers all our sins. "Grace is receiving what we do not deserve." God's grace is available for all who truly believe.
Faith in God must be genuine and from the heart. Faith is not just for Sundays and giving the appearance of faithful. Faith is to be lived out every day. God sees our hearts.
We must not judge others and find them lacking. Any judging and convicting is God's job. Ours is to love as He loves us.
Within the novel the revival of 1907 has its roots in fact. Fiery preachers contrast with those who lovingly correct.
Love and loyalty are present in the novel. There is a beautiful friendship in 1907.
The sins of the parents do not revisit the children. Children are a gift from God, no matter how they are conceived.
Another fabulous story from Jaime Jo Wright that has murders and mysteries down the ages to solve. I was totally gripped and guessing throughout.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Wow! This book was absolutely enthralling. I was torn between wanting it to end so I knew the answer to the mysteries and wanting more of the story. I couldn't put it down! It had a couple of jaw dropping moments for me (which is unusual!) and the way Jamie Jo wove this story was so exciting and mesmerizing. She pens unusual stories and they draw the reader in and they don't let go! This story was fascinating, enjoyable, and perfect for listening while I was in the car. I can not recommend this story enough if you like a great mystery...and it's bonus because it has two in two different times entertwined!

The Reckoning of Gossamer Pond is a story of grace. Both Libby Sheffield's journey to grace in the early 1900's and Annalise Forsythe's in current times were painful but necessary. They had to learn to forgive themselves for their past mistakes, but first they had to bring them into the light and face them. This was made much more difficult by living in a town which was keeping more than its own share of secrets.
Jaime Jo Wright has once again demonstrated her prowess in writing time split novels. The smooth flow with which she transitions between time periods, and the intricacies with which she ties them together make her a standout author in this genre. Wright has given her readers historical romance, contemporary romance and suspense all together in one delightful package. She has created characters that are intriguing and that have depth. The reader can easily identify with the circumstances of their lives and the difficult choices set before them. Wright puts forth an honest picture of the church with its beauty that God intended as well as its ugliness caused by our fallen natures. As was previously stated, this novel is a story of grace. Who among us doesn't need that?
I thank NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me with a copy of The Reckoning of Gossamer Pond in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

THE RECKONING AT GOSSAMER POND by JAIME JO WRIGHT is a fascinating read, and one cannot help getting involved with the characters that make up the story as their secrets are gradually brought to light.
We are taken through the history of Gossamer Grove from 1907, when Libby Sheffield and her friend Calvin find Deacon Harrison Greenwood hanging from the rafters, to the present day when Annelise Forsythe is left a trailer full of photos, mostly of herself, by Eugene Hayes, a homeless man who was a vet of the Vietnam war.
Annelise and Libby's stories run parallel, and, as they dig for the truth, so many secrets are uncovered, including their own.
The Greenwoods are a proud family who see themselves as founding fathers in Gossamer Grove. They, together with Annelise's parents, will do anything to escape scandal. When Annelise Forsythe and Garrett Greenwood own up to their sin they are able to start on the path towards forgiveness. However, there is someone who will do anything to thwart Annelise's plans to build a homeless shelter for people like Eugene Hayes, who society has forgotten.
Libby also has someone who plays on her guilty feelings. This, together with the strange obituaries, are making her feel very vulnerable. The twin revivalist brothers, with Jedidiah's judgmental preaching, cause havoc in the town. Libby also needs the message of grace that was freely given on the cross, in order to be set free.
This is a mystery thriller with a good Christian message and I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

How I've looked forward to Jaime Jo Wright's new book! I enjoyed her previous one so much that I could hardly wait for The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond to come out.
It took me a bit of time to get into the story—to start liking the characters, but by the end of the story I loved them.
At first, I found everything about the obituaries a bit bizarre. I could not figure out who had written them for a long time. There were so many people who could have done it. When I thought I had figured it out, I was thrown off and started doubting all over again. It kept me reading and playing detective in my mind.
Secrets, sin, murder fear and shame - but also friendship and lost love make this a delightful mystery that would make a great movie as well!

I didn't know if it would be possible for The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond to possibly live up to Jaime Jo Wright's debut novel The House On Foster Hill but it definitely did. I can honestly say that this one is just as good, maybe even better than the first one, and it proved once again that Jaime is a beautiful storyteller who's definitely mastered the art of the dual timeline.

In the Reckoning at Gossamer Pond, scary events are unveiling in 1907 and during the present time, and it all intertwines in one big, dark and deadly secret that's spanned the town for many generations, and some will go to extreme depths to keep the dark secrets hidden at any costs.

When a book starts out with an Edgar Allan Poe quote, you know you're in for a spine tingling, scary ride, and that was definitely the case. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish trying to piece together who was behind the horrific events plaguing the town in both the present and the past. In 1807 the murders appear to be triggered by the arrival of twin revivalists who are calling for an extreme reform of Gossamer Grove, and Libby Sheffield finds herself in the center of everything when obituaries of people not yet deceased keep appearing at her father's newspaper office. In the present day, Annalise Forsythe's life takes a shocking turn when the town recluse is found dead in his trailer with pictures of her wallpapered all over his trailer, and soon her quest to find answers turns deadly when someone starts targeting her to keep her from finding out the truth at all costs.

Just like The House On Foster Hill, the Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a thrilling, keep you on the edge of your seat suspense novel that will keep you guessing, and have you unable to put it down. I love how well Jaime Jo Wright can write a dual time line without it ever feeling confusing to the reader, and she's a master at crafting the story to intertwine perfectly between such different time periods. And the one thing above all else that really stands out with Jaime's novels is the way the faith element is always represented so authentically, that you feel you're on the character's journey right with them.

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a fantastic follow up novel for the author, and an extraordinary story in its own right. Jaime Jo Wright is fast becoming a favorite author of mine, and I look forward to seeing what else she has up her sleeves for her readers in the future.

I highly recommend picking this one up when it releases, but I highly suggest not reading it right before you go to bed as I can almost guarantee Jaime's crazily spooky mystery will have you up all night!

Thanks so much to Bethany House and NetGalley for allowing me to advance read this.

I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ahh, delicious! I love the atmosphere Jaime Jo Wright creates in her stories—the kind of atmosphere that gives you goosebumps and has you constantly looking over the character’s shoulder, or maybe your own! Whilst not falling strictly within the Gothic genre, there’s definitely a Gothic feel to this novel—family secrets, past and present; death and unexplained (though not supernatural) happenings; a run-down trailer with a strange collection of obituaries and photos; and the mysterious Jacobus Corbin, who inspired a constant internal tug-of-war between wariness and fascination. And then there’s that constant sense of suspicion and anticipation that prickles the back of your neck and dances across your shoulders…

The time-slip format worked really well in this novel, allowing the reader to observe the historical events as they played out at the same time as the contemporary characters are trying to discover what really happened. And yet the plot kept me guessing on both counts! The historical story was particularly intriguing thanks to the twin revivalists, Jedediah and Jacobus Corbin—who, I might add, were based on actual historical persons. If you’re one of those people who doesn’t bother with the author’s notes at the end of the book, make an exception for this one. Truth really does make the best fiction at times! But I was equally invested in the contemporary story, thanks in no small part to the presence of Garrett Greenwood and the personal history between him and Annalise.

However, one of the things I loved most about this novel was that sin was a character in its own right. Hidden sins, weaknesses, and brokenness—these were the true spectres that haunted Gossamer Grove and needed to be brought into the light of day, even after the human villains were discovered. And a final word on the romance: subtle, but very well suited to the characters and the tone of the story.

Can’t wait for the next book from this author!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The first book I read by Jaime Jo Wright was The House on Foster Hill and I became hooked on this author. Her first book was so good and I didn't think it could be possible that she could write a better book but she did. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a stand-alone novel. It is a dual time-line mystery/suspense novel. There are mysteries happening in both timeline, the one that was 100 years ago and the present age. Both are set in the town of Gossamer Grove. There was many surprises and twists and turns in this novel. I started reading one evening and then got up the next morning early and could not put this book down until I read the last page. Both storylines kept me involved. I had to see how the two storylines were connected. In the modern time a man is found dead in his trailor with pictures of Annalise plastered all over the walls. This is enough to creep anybody out. Someone does not want Annalise to investigate and mysterious things keep happening. In the story from 100 years ago a couple of people died under unusual circumstances. Both people were connected to the Greenwood family. I loved both Libby's story and Annalise's story but I think it was the story of Annalise that interested me the most. This novel was not heavy on romance so if you are looking for a romance story this is not the book for you. There is a little but it does not play a huge part in the story.

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is due to be released on July 3, 2018. Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me a digital copy of this book to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own and I was not compensated to read this book.

I enjoyed The House on Foster Hill last year, so I was really excited for Jaime Jo Wright's latest release, The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. It was awesome and did not disappoint. I think I liked it even better than her first book.

This story features a dual timeline following Libby, the daughter of a newspaperman who's working for her dad in 1907 and Annalise, in present time, who owns her own coffee shop and runs a food pantry for the needy. Both timelines were compelling and I was equally invested in them both.

I knew I was going to like this story when it began with a quote by Edgar Allan Poe. There was a haunting feel all throughout. There were many mysteries and a town full of secrets that were demanding to be revealed. I was utterly captivated and can't wait for Jaime Jo Wright's next release.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.