I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.

I really liked this book. It was well written and most of the characters were very likable (except you Forrest!) I liked the way it bounced back and forth between past and present to tie the two stories into one. I did think that Pippa’s story was more interesting than Chandler’s but that’s just my opinion.

I would definitely recommend!

When I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley I was feeling hopeful I’d like it as it isn’t the typical fantasy genre I would pick up in my local bookstore. And boy was I in for a rollercoaster of excitement and suspense. This book may not be magic filled but it certainly is magical. The time split story line of a serial killing spree had me flying through chapters to know what was going to happen to both Pippa and Chandler next! I fell in love with Pippa and Chandler, their companions, the magic of the sweet beasts and eccentric characters of the circus, and I could vividly picture the beauty of the Bonaventure Circus in its prime.

The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus is exactly that, it’s haunting and gripping and incredibly written. I will absolutely be recommending this book to friends and family in hopes that they consume it as I did just so I have someone to talk to about it. Let me just say, no matter how hard to try to solve this mystery, the ending will leave you shocked!

Well done Jamie Jo Wright, I can’t wait to read everything else you’ve written.

Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is a historical fiction told in two timelines a century apart. The characters are realistic with their flaws and obsessions making them connectable. The story is well balanced between mystery, romance and spiritual. The circus being a backdrop, the animals and the performers are given the short straw and more pages devoted to Pippa and her thoughts. The conclusion leaves some loose ends and a little hurried. The plot in the present part could have been tighter. A good historical fiction.

I have been a fan of Jaime Jo Wright’s suspense novels since her very first came out a few years ago. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus has a fresh backdrop and provides as interesting look at the beginning of the 20th century. Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of Wright’s novels is the relatable characters that bring a much needed perspective to issues that aren’t often written about in Christian fiction, and this book is no exception bringing light to the struggles of those living with chronic illness.

The only reason I give four stars instead of five is I felt like the suspense was not quite up to par as Wright’s previous novels. Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and looked forward to the conclusion.

Thank you for granting me the opportunity to review this novel!

I was very intrigued by the concept of this novel, the circus, history and characters all interested me. However, I did find this book difficult to get swept away by. The storyline felt slow and took a significantly long time to develop into something I couldn’t look away from. Both Pippa and Chandler (amazing names!) were dynamic but not all that likeable. I honestly didn’t see the end coming though, and the circus created a creepy and unique background. So it is still worth the read if you have the time and love a slow burning mystery.

Just by the synopsis, I knew this was right up my alley. Who doesn't love a good murder mystery? It also just made me want to re-read Sadie.

Different POVs are not everyone's cup of tea, but I adore them. It is sometimes refreshing to see the same storyline just with a different perspective. The different time periods also give it a good edge. After reading Furyborn it gave me a headstart on dealing with different storylines.

We have Pippa in the 20s, and Chandler in the present day. Just by reading the first few chapters I knew I was going to like them both. They seem to have the the same view on life, and just wanting to make it better no matter what gets in their way. I loved Chandlers passion with re building the old train station, it really does inspire you to try and do something different with your life.

Overall I was hooked on this book from the beginning. The great thing about Netgalley is that I have found so many good books, by just taking a chance. I think we can all learn something from these characters, that no matter what scares you don't give up.

This book is to be read at night to feel the whole murder mystery, haunting and spiritual vibe.

1920s
Pippa is adopted by the owners of the circus, the Ripleys. Her father is a tyrant and Pippa is very much under her thumb. Abandoned by her parents, she longs for a connection and freedom. She only knows that they worked for the circus. A mysterious figues "The Watchman" seems to hold all the answers. But are his intentions pure? What if he is responsible for the string of murders that have been happening. Is it worth risking her reputation and life?

Present time
Chandler is a single mom with an autoimmune disease, who has recently moved to the town where the ancient circus used to be. She is hired to renovate the old train depot. She is trying so hard to do everything on her own. Raising her son, struggling with a disease and to top it all. The buildings and the town she is in seems to be the epicenter of the hauntings of a women who was murdered in 1920s.

I couldn't get into the rhythm of the book at first. The dual timelines flow very nicely throughout the book and then ultimately increase in pace as the book progresses. Both the female leads were quite well written. There was some good character development as it progressed. This book is an emotional gateway into the lives of the people in the circus. The connection between Lily (elephant calf) and pippa was very endearing. Not to mention the mother son bond between Chandler and her son Peter.

Let me say this. I'm very difficult to scare and that expectation I think really hampered me from enjoying the book fully. Otherwise this seems like one of those perfect Halloween reads.
What I also didn't like is that the mixture of murder mystery, the haunting, the excitement and thrill really picks up only after you've finished half the book. The first half of the book was a very slow burn. Which includes the romance as well. It made me almost give up the book untill I reached that point halfway through the book.
Overall I didn't enjoy the book as much as I was hoping to.
⭐⭐⭐/5

Thank you @netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Sadly the book I was hoping for didn't materialise.
The story is a dual timeline set in small town USA with Pippa in the past and Chandler in the present, the past having serious repercussions in the present
It was far too long and drawn out, very slow and heavy going. So many God references I found it hard to stomach. . Pippa is apparently ugly with a deformed leg, Chandler is a single mother with a long term chronic health condition (quite why she has this-no idea- it seemed an odd choice)
Neither Pippa or Candler are particularly likeable.
Thankfully we have outlawed animals appearing in circuses and I was definitely not a fan, in fact felt sickened by the treatment of the elephants. Far too long was spent on this.
The ending was par for the course really, no shocks or surprises

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for given me chance to read The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. I am honoured to be able to give review.

Actually I did felt like some part are kinda slow but nevertheless I still enjoyed it. I determined to know the truth behind the mystery. I could never easily have a thought about the truth behind the mystery.

Overall, those who loved mystery, should try to pickup this book at once ! I enjoyed the present stories more since they finally uncovered the mystery of that surrounding in the circus.

Have some Phantom's vibe too anyway and I will always be able to pickup vibes that exists in books and related to movies. It has to be gotten some inspiration from Phantom. Anyhow, it is not totally same, no worries. Have the Phantom's vibe but different plot has been created.

3.5* I’ll be honest I was expecting more ghosts but overall this was a good book. I was genuinely surprised by the ending. It had me guessing the entire time.
There were A LOT of references to God that, as an atheist, kind of slowed the story down for me but I also recognize that that’s just my personal beliefs clashing with the author’s and that might actually be an attractive theme for some other readers. It just wasn’t for me.

What an interesting and intriguing plot filled with mystery and suspense! A definite page turner with interesting characters and a unique plot.

In 1928 in the hustle bustle of the haydays of the circus. Given up at birth, Pippa was raised by the owner of the Bonaventure Circus along with his wife. Born with a deformed leg and sacrificed to the will of a strict father, Pippa was lost and felt so unloved, always searching for acceptance. She sought out her rendezvous with the ‘Watchman’, a mysterious and elusive man skirting the edges of circus life, who claimed to know about her past. Thinking that he truly cared for her, she sneaked around trying to find out who he really was. Only to find something much more than she hoped for and a truth she wasn't ready to face.

In the present, Real estate developer Chandler Faulk sees the restoration of the grand old circus grounds in Bluff River, Wisconsin as a way to prove herself and to prove her uncle that she is not only capable of being a single mother, but proficient enough to handle this job better than her counterpart Jackson. Then she stumbles on a mystery that spans time and could threaten her whole mission.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is an interesting combination of mystery and Christian fiction. Although, I didn’t see much of the spiritual message in the story except some snippets here and there about believing in the God. However, I like the backdrop of the circus and the bond created between Pippa and Lily, the elephant calf. Both Pippa and Chandler struggle with insecurities and have to learn to trust themselves and the people close to them.

The story is a dual timeline. I like seeing the stories of the two eras come together and a mystery of the past continues until today. I have to admit the ending seems a little bit on the dim side. After creating a well woven plot, a nanny to hold responsible for everything seems a bit redundant. Yet it is highly readable and can be read as a general mystery or suspense novel.

* I received a NetGalley e-copy of this book by the author and Bethany House for my honest opinion. All opinions are personal.

Jaime Jo Wright has carved out her own niche in inspirational fiction, and what a niche it is! I don’t know of any other author who blends time-slip novels with dark suspense (not sure if this is the correct term, but I don’t know what else to call it); each of her books is a compelling, atmospheric, slightly creepy read that keeps the reader turning pages as quickly as they can. The ending of each chapter in this book propelled me forward and made me want to read more, and I really liked the character development. And that cover! It is beautiful, and is probably one of my favorites this year. Highly recommend it and I’m looking forward to whatever book she publishes next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a NetGalley copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A split time novel set almost 100 years apart in a small town that hosts a circus in the off season. Although there is elements of hauntings, the story is about fears, expectations, and the desire for freedom (real & perceived). Beautifully woven together, the story deals with relationships and long lasting perceptions of people and of one's self and how people react to different situations.

Another great book by Jaime Jo Wright. I always love her ability to weave the past and present together in stories that intrigue. This one is no different. I didn't know what to expect with the concept of the circus, and I found it very compelling. I would highly recommend this book by Jaime Jo Wright if you like a book that is equal parts mystery, and suspense, with a little bit of romance thrown in!

Superb! This is definitely a novel with a twist and a “ I didn’t see that coming!” A little mixture of historical fiction, mystery and romance. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this up because I have a thing for books about circuses and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed and the story kept me engaged and interested.

Jamie Jo Wright's writing style reminds me of an old favorite author of mine. Actually a combination of two...Stephen King and Frank Pieretti (I never remember how to spell his name.) This book reminded me of how much I like mystery, supernatural and the overwhelming need to know what happened in the past and how it connects to the future.

I did enjoy the book with a few exceptions...but to give much detail on them would be too many spoilers.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC and the chance to review this book.

i got intrigued by the book description and because i love good mysteries i was in for it and now i love it too! this book served and this is my first time reading from this author, and would love to read more works from them, this was a definitely a solid and good read, a recommend! thank you for the arc provided, it was a ride!

I am not one to be surprised easily but this book caught my attention and didnt let it go to the end of it. I have never read anything by this author before but now that i did, I will look for more. Her style was so pleasant and easy to get into. I cant pinpoint why this isnt a 5 star read for me, i guess i wanted more out of it but just because i didnt give it 5 stars doesnt mean it wont be for you




Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review