All of Jamie's books that I have read have an eerie feel to them and this one is no exception. The story goes back and forth between the present and turn of the century Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. The subject matter centers around an assylum. It also includes post-mortem photography. This book really has a creepiness factor that is quite compelling. I promise you'll come away from it with a whole new appreciation for the subject matter.

What I appreciate about Jamie's writing is that while I was reading the story I kind of felt a tension that made me a bit uncomfortable. I kept thinking is she going to go down the "woo woo" trail and start in with spirits and ghosts? She doesn't. There are characters that believe in those things but the overall story doesn't promote that. It really is just a fascinating read about subjects that are interesting in a creepy way. I enjoyed it and look forward to her next book.

his is my third book from Jaime Jo Wright and I can only say that every time she outdones herself!
Her books are always character driven, deal with deep and difficult issues, a turmoil of emotions, all this while engaging you in a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat and inspire you to live your faith to the fullest at the same time!
It’s a strange combination but Jamie manages it masterfully and this book has been hard to put down since the first page. There is so much you want to know, things that are not fully resolved until the very end and they keep you guessing.
Jamie is an expert in dual time storylines and she manages to keep your interest in both stories and tie them together piece by piece.
This split time story develops with Thea in 1908 and Heidi in 2008. Both women struggle with identity issues, Thea an abandoned orphan who doesn’t know who she really is or who her mother was, and Heidi, a young sibling who has never fit in her excessively expectant family. Both arrive at Pleasant Valley in an emotional search of self discovery but they never expect to find themselves connected to a century and a half old legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman inmersed in a dramatic family feud who is mysteriously known to haunt the town and avenge the Coyle descendants.
It’s an intricate story of self knowledge and identity that will take the characters in a journey of discovery of their self worth. A worth that can never be based on your origins, achievements, illness, circumstances that surround you, but in God’s infinite love for each of His children. It was a beautiful journey of self discovery inmersed in a mysterious but realistic drama.
The characters felt real and relatable. The way Heidi deals with her anxiety and family issues, the way Thea deals with her fear of discovering her real past, it’s all very realistically portrayed that you find yourself rooting for each character in their quest of self discovery. The way depression and dementia was treated in the past was enlightening and it made me see how we cannot judge people when we don’t know what they are battling inside.
I really enjoyed this story! I totally recommend it to anyone. It deals with some delicate issues, but it is done with respect and it has an inspiring message that it’s completely revealed at the end.
The mystery might be a bit creepy and suspenseful, but nothing excessive, it just chills your skin and makes you look behind you or at a shadow in the window... !
One of my favorite reads and looking forward for her next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I was scared. Should I continue, I thought? Is finishing really worth the danger? But I continued on...
I continued reading The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright because I really wasn’t in any danger. However, there were many times while reading about the secrets and the mysteries in this book, that I forgot that I was in the safety of my comfy recliner in my cute little house with my two “guard” dogs outside. No, I really thought I was back in 1908 with Thea Reed trying to figure out what was happening in the town of Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. I was solving the mystery of the curse that seemed to be hovering over certain residents. And then I was in current times, but still in Pleasant Valley, with Heidi, trying to figure out how the mysteries of the past and the present day were linked. I admire Mrs. Wright for the way spooky way she worded the story. There was an eerie tone to the book that really added to the mysterious events. I admit that I get scared easily, but I really was so scared reading this book that I wondering if I was too scared to finish the book. It probably didn’t help that it was foggy outside while I read. However, I kept on going because I just had to know what happened! And once the end was reached, I decided I really liked this book. Now, I need to go read the other books by Jaime Jo Wright! I recommend this book for those who enjoy historical mysteries, with a little romance and a lot of spookiness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sometimes it’s hard to put thoughts into a review for a book. There are many positive and glowing words that I can use to describe Jaime Jo Wright’s book, The Curse of Misty Wayfair, just as with her the two previous novels. Yet, I’ve been struggling to put a review together.

The best word I can choose for my review is IMPACTFUL. As a massive fan of her writing, I found myself impacted in ways that I did not expect. I also realized that I could not shorten my thoughts into one simple paragraph or two, which is why my review may seem rather unusual in some of its approach. I’d rather focus on how a book made me feel, what it made me think about, and how/if it changed me.

My only negative isn’t the book itself, but that I didn’t enjoy the narrator. I felt her voice was ‘too proper’ or ‘formal,’ and that she spoke too slowly. I listened to it at a speed of 1.25 because it was too drawn out for me. It wasn’t the voice or delivery that I had imagined or expected for this book. Perhaps it is personal taste, but her past narrator was much more to my liking. I felt this book deserved a stronger delivery.

Fortunately, the book was beyond strong enough to stand on its own. My conclusion was a 4&3/4 out of 5 stars. The scenes from the two time periods played out in my head like a movie, despite my dislike for the reading performance.

As with her novels before, this book has the split-time element with the two females a century apart. Both Thea and Heidi have relatable aspects in their nature. Even the secondary characters raise questions and ultimately showed me not to assume anything, as with real life. Both struggle with their identity and their place in this world. That is something we can all admit to in some manner, if we are honest with ourselves.

Jaime weaves a story with characters that have layers, both admirable and questionable. I found myself wanting to peel away those layers to know who they are. Various scenarios ran through my mind as I tried to uncover the mystery and curse of Misty Wayfair and her tie to both Thea and Heidi. While I was correct in some areas, I was surprised in others, much like life.

Jaime has that delicious “creep” factor without ultimately delving into the weird and questionable. She somehow entices the “willies” and then manages to explain it all alway in a manner that makes sense. She leaves you thinking more deeply about a serious subject matter, along with several other important elements. You find yourself impacted. Changed.

Yet, she also interjects some humour into the book, which may seem odd for the genre. However, she makes it fit so perfectly. For example,there is Heidi’s wry and sarcastic suggestion to monosyllabic Rhett about needing some sparkle in his life. It leaves the reader giggling and nodding in gleeful support.

We’ve all been touched by mental illness in our lives, whether directly or indirectly. We’ve come so far from yesteryear, yet so much misunderstanding and ugly stigma remains after all this time. Secrets, judgments, stereotypes, and assumptions are all still in play today, even with all the education and information out there.

This book highlights the frustration, complexities, and individuality of mental illness. However, it doesn’t stop there. We are reminded that we are all human and have our failings, as well as our strengths. There is still a person, a unique creation, underneath the trappings of a mental illness. Our biggest obstacle in understanding lies within us. We also see how dishonesty, secrets, and half-truths can easily and ultimately create a more complex and difficult path, even more so than the puzzle of mental illness.

Today’s world focuses so much on identity and has wreaked havoc with the overwhelming options. There is a quote from the book that summarizes the book and the search for answers so well. Our identity first and foremost lies in our Father, the one who created us.

“We weren’t created to find our identity in life. We were created to discover our Creator.”


*I was provided a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I love a good mystery, and this one was pretty good. There was a good balance between creepy, interesting, and dramatic. I admit that in the beginning the differing time periods between chapters confused me, but after I got used to it, I enjoyed it. I liked all the characters in the book, which is unusual for me. I thought the tension between Vicky and Heidi was realistic, but found it frustrating at times. I wish they would have just talked to each other. But near the end of the book you find out why they couldn’t. 

I really enjoyed the historical viewpoint of the book, and the characters in Thea’s time. Simeon was a very interesting person. I thought the mystery was well written, but the reveal about who was actually behind the deaths of the Coyles was a bit disappointing. It seemed like it was revealed so quickly within the moment. I don't know what I would have preferred, but I suppose it felt like it wasn't really focused on. I would've thought ore action would've happened in the moment. I knew there was something wrong within the families, obviously, and I figured Heidi’s issue before the end of the book, but not the specific details. This was a fun read.

I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries, historical fiction, and clean Christian books. Well worth the read.

I’ve been a fan of Jaime Jo Wright’s books since her debut story, The House on Foster Hill. Her ingenious and intricately woven stories pull me right in from the beginning and won’t let go. I must admit, though, that I stick to daytime reading when I’m engrossed in one of her books, because they tend to be creepy with a gothic feeling. Wright excels at penning dual timeline stories. She’s also a master at creating complex, multi-layered characters. The main characters in this story were vividly drawn, and I could picture them easily in my mind. Stellar secondary characters add greatly to the suspense.

Wright has woven the two storylines intricately together and revealed the mystery skillfully layer by layer to the amazing culmination. Her unique writing voice is perfect for this genre. With a gripping plot, a unique historical setting, memorable characters, and subtle inspirational messages woven in, this book is definitely going to be on my list of top reads for the year.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com!



My Impressions:

I first discovered Jaime Jo Wright last year when my book club read The House on Foster Hill — a unanimous thumbs up from the group. After reading her sophomore offering, The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond, it became apparent that Wright would become a must-read author. The Curse of Misty Wayfair, another dual-time line suspense with some serious creepiness, has confirmed it! If you like suspense, mystery, a bit of romance, and some really weird goings-on, you will love this book. Another 5-star read from this talented writer.

The legend of Misty Wayfair has been circulating in the town of Pleasant Valley for over 150 years. Each successive generation in the Northwoods of Wisconsin has added to the myths, while speculating on who she was and how she was murdered. Her haunting of a local family has led to even more gossip and innuendo — just what were the Coyle’s sins? And while the details are lost in the murkiness of time, Misty never forgets!

Two women strive to uncover just who Misty Wayfair is, and why she is tied to each of them. Both Thea Reed, who in the early 1900s has the very interesting (and creepy) job of photographing the dead, and Heidi Lane, a modern-day woman with anxiety issues, are tied to the dead woman, though neither knows how. Like Misty, they feel identity-less, one an orphan, another a misfit in her family. In fact, identity — what it means and who (or Who) establishes is it — is the underlying theme of the novel. Wright beautifully expresses the concept of a Creator who gives each of us a unique identity because of who He is, not who we are or what we do. As Thea and Heidi search for answers to the mystery of Misty Wayfair, they come to understand more about themselves and their relationship to a God who loves, cares, and provides. There’s another message in the novel concerning the identity we assign to others. A number of labels are given to past and present characters — melancholic and crazy just two. While many of the characters suffer from maladies of the mind, I found myself thinking that while convenient labels may explain what a person is going through, they do not define who that person is. Wright gave me a lot to think about. As one character states — Beautifully and wonderfully made. No exceptions.By The way, secondary characters shine in this novel. The Curse of Misty Wayfair can be described as atmospheric, but I think I prefer just plain creepy (there’s that word again), but creepy in a good way. There are no graphic scenes involving knives in a shower, but the chills continued to run up and down my back. I puzzled and puzzled, and was pretty much wrong about many of my suppositions. That’s a big plus! I love to be surprised by twists and turns, and this book did just that.

My book club will be discussing The Curse of Misty Wayfair later this year. I cannot wait! I anticipate some really good conversations. I also CAN. NOT. WAIT. for another book by Wright.

Very Highly Recommended

Audience: adults.

This story sort of blew me away! It was so much more than I expected it to be, and it was wonderful. Not only was the story well-crafted, with the parallel lives of the two main characters kept easily separated, so as not to be confusing, while merging ever closer with each turn of the page; but also, this book opens a dialogue about generational mental health and all of its implications. Very relevant for today.
Beyond that, I am so impressed with Wright’s story craft. I love how she begins by showing you waves rolling in on the beach of each life involved. Then she follows the ripples back to the moment the stone was dropped, showing how one moment, one decision, can change the entire landscape along the shore of so many lives.
This is so much more than a ghost story, so much more than a historical fiction, so much more than literary fiction. It is a story that can touch your heart and change you for the better, if you’re willing to let it.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishing and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own!

This book was everything you wanted in a suspenseful novel. A little romance. A little adventure. A little Mystery. A little Suspense and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought the topic of depression was talked about in an informative way. Thea and Heidi were interesting to get to know. Each one added depth to the story.

I can't wait to read more books by Jaime.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair is the second book I’ve read by Jamie Jo Wright, so I knew I loved her writing style. The House on Foster Hill was the first, and I definitely recommend it! My mom loved it too!

First off, let me say how much I love the cover of The Curse of Misty Wayfair, and when you read it, you’ll find that it is perfect for the book! This book is perfect for Gothic novel lovers as well as contemporary fiction lovers. It jumps back and forth from the early 1900s to the present day.

THEA
From the moment you start reading, you are going to be hooked! The story begins with Thea Reed, a traveling photographer with a unique service to offer: she photographs the recently deceased. Yes, people used to do that. Thea traveled to this Wisconsin town for a specific reason. She wants to find her mother who left her on the steps of an orphanage years ago.

Thea finds temporary employment and goes on a search for her mother. Her search leads her to the legend of the curse of Misty Wayfair. Since the last post-mortem photograph she took was of a member of the Coyle family, she is befriended by the sister of the deceased and eventually the brother as well. She finds out that the curse is specific to the Coyle family, but she has no idea what she will uncover about the curse and her mother.

HEIDI
Thea’s story is slowly uncovered over a hundred years later when Heidi moves to the town where her sister and brother-in-law now live. Heidi’s parents moved there before her dad died to take on a small pastorate. Heidi’s sister is not thrilled to have her there. There are 15 years between them, and Heidi’s always felt like the black sheep of the family. The only reason she comes home is due to the fact that her mother, who is suffering from dementia, sent her a mysterious letter about a secret from the past.

Heidi doesn’t want to visit. She puts off heading to her sister’s inn and stops at an antique shop to kill time. This is where she discovers Thea. Or at least a photo that Thea took. The photo is what leads Heidi down the rabbit hole in search of answers to her past where she hears the legend of the curse of Misty Wayfair.

I absolutely love The Curse of Misty Wayfair. I’m a huge fan of Gothic novels. Even if you aren’t, remember that this book is inspirational fiction too, so it’s got a wonderful message. The redemption story is evident throughout the novel as are themes of works versus grace. So you get that creepy Gothic vibe along with a modern inspy romance vibe. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that there’s romance in both Thea’s and Heidi’s lives. You’ll have to read it to find out more!

I love the historical aspect of the book. The author uses some actual historical events such as the undercover investigation that Nellie Bly did to uncover the horrible treatment of asylum patients of her day. The Curse of Misty Wayfair really made me want to dig into my family’s history. It’s amazing what you can find out! Maybe when I get some free time…

Make sure you’ve got plenty of free time when you start reading this one because you’re not going to want to put it down!

This is the third book I've read by Jaime Jo Wright, and I think it's my favorite so far. I loved the creepy insane asylum setting. She did such a good job setting the mood and building the characters. I preferred the historical time line a little over the contemporary, but they both had intriguing mysteries and engaging storylines. I didn't see the end coming for either of them.


A little warning, this is essentially a ghost story. I have heard a couple of reviewers say this book was too scary for them. I didn't have that problem, and I read primarily at night. Still, if you don't like scary stories you might want to give this one a pass, or read it with the lights on.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

With her third full-length release, Jaime Jo Wright cements herself in the place of must-read eerie suspense authors. Even more impressive, she does it not one, but two time periods!

In The Curse of Misty Wayfair, Wright explores the treatment of mental health issues in 1908 as Thea Reed works to uncover her history. Did someone living in the asylum in Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin give birth to her? More than 100 years later, Heidi Lane returns to Pleasant Valley at the behest of her mother. Yet, the woman is suffering from dementia and can’t give Heidi the answers she desperately longs for.

Both Thea and Heidi are searching for their identities. While Thea doesn’t know her true family, Heidi doesn’t feel like she is accepted in hers.

Wright ties these two stories together seamlessly and the truth behind the Misty Wayfair legend kept me guessing until it was revealed. The characters are engaging, the story line is unique and well-paced, and the supporting characters give extra depth to the story. With books like this, Wright has a long career in front of her.

P.S. If you are easily spooked, be sure and read this one with the lights on.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I was captivated by Jaime Jo Wright's first novel....eager to read her next story. She did not disappoint me at all. Jaime Jo Wright is now one of my must read authors. Love her work. I'm sure you will too.

“A coolness settled over her, chilled from the awareness of being very alone and yet, not alone at all.” If a quote could sum up the feelings evoked when reading Jaime Jo Wright’s latest time slip novel, this would be it. Two women, a century apart, searching for answers about who they are are joined together by a mysterious “curse.”
Some may ask, “How can a ghost story be Christian fiction?” Wright is a master storyteller in this genre. There are definitely ghostly characters and creepy happenings, but the ultimate solution points not only the characters, but the reader to the One who created all, knows who we are, and where we came from.
I cannot recommend Jaime Jo Wright’s novels high enough for those who enjoy a little “eerie” in their Christian fiction. This one is a winner!

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright is a beautifully written story about understanding who you are.

Thea Read is looking for her mother that dropped her off at an orphanage when she was very young. In her search, she ends up at Pleasant Valley and tangled up with the Colyes. She ends up searching the mental asylum to see if her mother had been there.
Thea’s story is what saved this novel for me. She felt it was so important to find her mother and her history to know who she is. She meets an older couple that help her realize that doesn’t matter as much as Who’s you are.

Current day we have Heidi. I am probably in the minority here but I could not like Heidi. Even at the end of the novel I could not like her. She was an adult brat and played the victim throughout the entire novel. She was selfish and reckless.

I enjoyed the addition of Emma to the storyline. It was very well done and she was an endearing character as well as her mother, Connie and her unconditional love.

All of that said I rated the book a 5 because it was amazingly written. The story line between both centuries was woven together beautifully. The author surprised me which is a thrill for me.
I recommend reading it. It will not be your typically read. I thank Rebecca M for recommending it to me. Because I may have stopped with the annoyance of Heidi had it not been recommended by someone I trust. It was WELL worth the read.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair makes three from three for Jaime Jo Wright, as far as I’m concerned, and this one could just be my favourite yet, for a number of reasons. To begin with, it’s another deliciously thrilling mystery. I mean, imagine discovering a photo album with pictures of dead people in it. That would be creepy enough. But then imagine one of those dead people you’re looking at is your doppelgänger. Seriously creepy! And it gets creepier still, if you can believe that!

Secondly, I love the way mental illness plays such a central role in this story, both historically and in the lives of some of the key characters. Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression have not been well understood in the past, and even with all our awareness today, it can be difficult to understand what it is like for those who live with it. Heidi was a fantastic character for this reason. Not only did she give the reader great insight into what anxiety can be like, but I loved the way she grew throughout the story in her view of herself and the way she responded to confronting situations.

And since we’re speaking of brilliant characters: Rhett. I’ve enjoyed Jaime Jo Wright’s atypical heroes in the past, but Rhett has rocketed ahead to steal first place. He’s grouchy, extremely taciturn, and more than a little Hulkish, but talk about a man of hidden depths. He definitely made those times he decided to talk count, and boy did his actions speak loud and clear. I found myself continually anticipating the next time he would appear in a scene, and that anticipation only became more acute as I got further through the story!

And goodness, I’ve barely even scratched the surface of this story, not to mention the historical parts with Thea and Simeon! It, too, held plenty of mystery and chills as well as the beautiful message that regardless of the tragedy and the sorrow, there is a design to our lives. That even if we are deemed “different” or “cursed” or “afflicted” in some way, we have been created for a purpose.

If that all sounds like a lot for one story, you’re probably right! But somehow Jaime Jo Wright has woven it all together into a story that’s perfectly paced, eminently readable, and thoroughly satisfying.

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 Curse of Misty Wayfair
by Jaime Jo Wright
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 22 Jan 2019


I am reviewing a copy of The Curse of Misty Wayfair through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


Thea Reed vowed to find her Mother someday. She was left at an orphanage as a child. As a grown up her search takes her place to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin in 1908. Clues take her to mental asylum. Thea uses her experience as a post mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in taking photographs of the patients and uncovering the secrets in the mental asylum.


A hundred years later, Heidi Lane gets a troubling letter from her Mother whose battling dementia the letter is compelling Heidi to go to Pleasant Valley in search of answers for her own questions about idenity. While there she catches sight of the ghost of a woman who haunts the ruins of the asylum in the woods, the long standing story of Misty Wayfair returns and Heidi ends up fearing for her life.

Two women across time, seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse?


I give The Curse of Midty Wayfair five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

The author has captured a story that intensifies with each page. I absolutely love the way she weaves the story from the past to the present. She has a way of making the story flow with ease while grabbing the readers full attention. The details in the story pop off the pages and I really felt like I was a part of the story watching it unfold.

Thea is a wonderful character who didn't have a great life. Growing up in an orphanage was very hard and its easy to see how someone would feel abandoned. I love the time period set in 1908 with Thea on a journey to find her mother. Her job as a postmortem photographer really sent shivers down my spine. Such a creepy thing to have to do, but I guess people wanted to remember their loved ones even in death. The asylum was very intriguing and I felt darkness and despair through the hallways of such a sad place. The treatment of the patients at the asylum is deplorable and oh how I ached for them. When one of the characters describes the asylum as, "Hell cannot be much worse than being banished to a place such as this," the author painted a picture that I will never forget. Thea encounters a curse that seems to have been placed on a family called the Coyles. Just reading about the curse made me want to run and hide. Can you imagine unexplained deaths in your family and sightings of a ghost of a woman who was murdered? Thea has to continue her journey even if it puts her in danger or if she crosses path with the mysterious ghost.

When we travel to present day, we encounter Heidi who has wants to find out why a strange letter from her mother has been put in Heidi's hands. They certainly haven't had the best relationship. As her mother slips more in to dementia , will Heidi find out why her mother is so desperate to see her? Heidi does seem to run when things get to hard for her so I wasn't sure how long she would stay in town. The connection between Thea and Heidi is written with such deep history and really made me want to help them both.

One of the things the book talks about is mental illness. It is a subject many people are uncomfortable discussing. The author handles it in a compassionate way . I'm glad the author brings to the surface about this issue and how we need to be more caring and understanding of someone going through a mental issue. The stigma of mental illness seems to not have changed much, but there is always hope.

Thea and Heidi are both trying to find out about their path and seek confirmation that they were not a mistake. The faith elements in the story are strong and give people hope that God is always right there with you in good times and bad. When I hurt I shut down just like one of the characters did. I get worried that I will be made fun of or feel inadequate. All this stems from my childhood , just like the characters. Will Thea and Heidi find the answers they need to heal from their past? The story is beautifully written and I loved how it emphasized that we are all important.

Mental illness is something that has been misunderstood for centuries, but as I read this book I soon discovered that really its the unknown that scares us. We need to keep our eyes fixed on God and let Him guide us. The ending of the book is filled with compassion and ties up all loose ends very gracefully. This story has opened doors to mental illness and shined a light on how easy a person can feel unwanted, lonely and scared. The author has written her best story to date in this intriguing journey of faith and hope.

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


" We weren't created to find our identity in life. We were created to discover our Creator . In doing so, our identity is defined."

This book completely creeped me out! I purposely read it during the day, but still got spooked by household noises!

Wright's dual-time mysteries are so intricate and detailed. It was a fun challenge to keep up with all the characters and clues as I read them. I did start to figure out a few things as I read, but nothing like the real answers she provided at the end!

I was very impressed with the autistic character of Emma. She reminded me of a student my school had last year. I also truly fell in love with Rhett. I know that wasn't the purpose of the book, but I'm a fan of romance in books so I'm glad there was a tiny bit!

Another thing I love about Wright's novels is her ability to make us think about the past. Our country's treatment of mental disorders has been awful in the past, but in many ways isn't much better now.

If you enjoy mysteries and spooky stories you won't want to miss this one!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Jaime Jo Wright offers readers another dual time story that no one will be able to put down until they read the last word.

Jaime Jo Wright has fast become my favorite new suspense author with her complex stories that delve deep into the lives of some very interesting, albeit fictional, characters. She takes the time to properly set the scenes in each time period and includes just enough details or revelations in each chapter to ensure that you read on into the next one. Although dual time periods have not been a top choice of mine before now, I am truly enjoying Ms. Wright’s stories much more than others I’ve read. She begins her latest story in 1908 with a young woman in search of her family history. Thea Reed was left at an orphanage as a child by a mother she barely remembers and has never found again. Returning to the area of Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin where her mother was supposedly last seen, Thea begins her search. But funding her stay requires her to use her post-mortem photography skills at a shop in town. The death of a young woman in town brings Thea into contact with the Coyles, a family who’s history is shrouded in rumors of death and betrayal. Working alongside Simeon Coyle will allow Thea access to the mental asylum near town that her mother had some connection to, though she still doesn’t understand how. The search brings on danger and a revelation of who Thea’s mother really was and why she was in such a terrible place. In present day Pleasant Valley, Heidi Lane has returned to her hometown after receiving a strange letter from her mother. Given that her mother has advancing dementia, Heidi finds the cryptic message a draw she cannot avoid. But coming back to Pleasant Valley is not on her list of things she ever wanted to do. With her father a pastor and her mother the church secretary, Heidi always felt that she could never measure up or keep up with all the rules. Her much older sister Vicki seemed to be the perfect child and never in trouble. Somewhere along the line, Heidi decided that since she couldn’t seem to meet their demands, she would quit trying. Since leaving Pleasant Valley, she has sought her own way of life, finding some contentment in the fact that her life is her own, even if her faith is a little lacking. Returning has brought back all the unpleasant memories and the distance between Heidi and Vicki seems colder and more pronounced. Searching out the answers to her mother’s letter clues brings Heidi into the lives of the Crawford family, a mostly welcoming family in town. Rhett Crawford seems to be reserving judgement about Heidi, cautious for the sake of his Autistic sister. However, his willingness to help Heidi search out answers gives them both a chance to know each other better. But the more Heidi finds out, the more secrets are revealed, until the last answers will only come if everyone is honest about the past. Along the way Heidi will also discover a God who loves her and made her just the way she is, with no long list of requirements to meet before acceptance is offered. I don’t want to give away any of the really important parts of the story as it is written so much better than I could tell. Ms Wright has a gift that she is using to share the love of God with others and it is wonderful to see. The incredible tension she includes in her stories is so well-crafted that I found myself unknowingly holding my breath. And there was no way I could put the book down until I had finished the last page. Her spiritual lessons are woven so naturally into the story that if they had been left out it would have felt incomplete. I love when authors portray genuine faith as a journey that we are all on and one that no one completes until they get to Heaven. I will definitely be adding a physical copy of this book to my shelves and highly recommending it to others. I am also very much looking forward to the next story coming soon from Ms. Wright.

I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.