Member Reviews
A chilling dual-timeline tale of secrets, treasure, betrayal, and love.
Kailey Gibson returns to Foxglove Manor, a place that holds the key to her painful childhood, alongside her brother Jude who has a brilliant mind for pattern and sequences.
In 1885 Adria Fontaine, at war with her own demons, has been sentenced to Foxglove Manor to search for her infamous father's stolen treasure. But an uneasy presence hangs over the manor, can she escape the darkness with her life?
A highly entertaining and deliciously gothic timeslip novel that skillfully weaves together dual timelines centering around the enigmatic Foxglove Manor which in the present day has been turned into an old folk's home. This book's skillful twists had me guessing until the end, I didn't want to put it down! Mr. Crayne is the perfect tortured hero, noble in an unconventional way, amidst fighting for his own soul, I never thought that I would find myself liking him so much!
Kailey is a strong heroine, she has had to be. I loved her relationship with her brother, Jude, how she is protective of him and sees him as an equal when others don't. Jude is a brilliant man who sees things that others can't, making sense out of chaos.
The author did an excellent job throughout of dealing with difficult topics like addiction, suicide, trauma, as well as questioning and doubting. Axel is a man of few words, but strong faith and I liked how he was there for Kailey throughout their ordeal.
Overall, a beautiful, twisting and at times chillingly gothic tale of greed and secrets. Nobody does this genre like Jaime Jo Wright, who had me equally engaged in both of the timelines and hanging on tight trying to make the connections. A brilliant tale of murder and mystery, On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Well done! I have read each of Jaime's books and I liked that this one was slightly different, with the very gothic feel to it. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by this talented author!
I wasn't prepared for the next level of darkness Jaime took this book. Known for her gotic, ghostly mysteries, this is the first time one of Jaime's main characters was suicidal. It was full of raw emotions that I appreciated. Despite the dark thoughts Jaume offers hope in this page turner story. A great dual time of broken people trying to make sense of life as they grief and try to solve the crimes and suspicious death intertwined.
What a story! On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is a fantastic story that covers two different timelines. The old timeline is 1885 and the daughter of a pirate, Adria, is sent there to find his stolen treasure. She has no idea where it is, but she is there to be a companion to the lady of the manor. There is a more recent timeline, with Kailey and her brother, Jude, who has autism, that go there to work, now that it has been turned into an old folk's home. Both timelines contain a mysterious cypher that is supposed to lead them to the confederate gold, and it takes a long search to discover it. There is very little to almost no romance in this book, but there is a lot of mystery and even a ghosty girl. A great, clean, fascinating tale I really didn't want to put down! What a story!
On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is delightfully creepy and romantic! Gothic tones and atmosphere pepper this split time mystery set on the remote shores of Lake Superior. Jaime Jo Wright’s lyrical style combines with two compelling heroines to contrast the brokenness of human nature and the import of legacy and hope. And the villains I didn’t suspect… I’ll just say I love it when a book surprises me!
The heroines of the story are relatable and likable. Adria, especially, draws compassion for the way she has been treated and the choices she is compelled to make. I like Kailey but I LOVE Jude, her brother. Their sibling relationship is unique and considerately portrayed by Wright, with his autism diagnosis not defining his limitations but rather informing his strengths and making him a key part of Kailey’s purpose. Adria and Kailey’s alternating points of view contrast the differences between history and present day and highlight timeless struggles that are still shared.
The perfectly-paced mystery and journeys of the heroines take center stage, but both are paired with heroes who match them in wits and support. Kailey’s counterpart plays a subtle role at first, but the spark of attraction is there the whole. time., making theirs a slow burn dynamic (and y’all know, I am HERE for the romance!). I love the way he SEES Kailey, listening, noticing the little things, and intuitively acting on his care of her in small ways. Adria’s hero is unlikely in many ways: his demeanor is SO prickly at first, his secrets propel the plot in unexpected ways, and his own history relates to Adria’s life in a surprising fashion. The formality of his name, even, through most of the story adds an air of mystery. Their romantic thread has me realizing a few things about my own reading preferences: I think I have a thing for heroes with long hair (but maybe that’s a list for another day 😉 ).
The concept of war is a clever theme tied in with Foxglove Manor. While the goods Adria seeks to recover originate during the Civil War, the shadow of that event stretches beyond time’s boundaries and influences Adria’s situation. And, in effect, Kailey’s. But the unspoken rivalries and wars between flesh and spirit, between escape and purpose, and between despair and hope are contrasted in a greater sense through both Adria and Kailey’s stories. I appreciate, especially, how pressing on in spite of fears and fighting for life are important themes, too.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
First of all, Jaime Jo Wright is one of my favorite authors. Her books are outside of my usual reading sphere in that they tend toward the darker, haunted side. But I count the days until the next book because they are always so good.
On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor delves into the themes of addiction, depression, and suicide. Challenging themes, but the author handles them straight on. She doesn’t tiptoe or mince words or spiritualize. She wades right into the mess, the struggles, the wrestling with God. And it adds a depth to this story that takes aim at the heart.
None of Jaime Jo Wright’s books are for those looking for lighthearted reads. I usually keep a light on or read them during the day. But I love them. For their truth, their honesty, their realness. And I applaud the author’s bravery at tackling these heavy subjects with such boldness. I hope you’ll read On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor. It was excellent.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Another chilling tale that kept me up way past my bedtime. I was quite curious how Jaime Jo Wright was going to answer all my questions and bring together all the loose ends, but once again, she seamlessly and masterfully weaves together a past and present mystery. I love that the Light is never hidden in the darkness of this story. The reader is challenged to truly see the characters for who they really are, and I appreciated that all the masks were removed. The lake setting was the perfect backdrop for this chilling tale, and I could almost hear the water and feel the icy wind on my face. The love story was not overpowering and just warm enough to permeate the goosebumps that occasionally popped up.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
Lately ive been obsessed with books that take place along the great lakes with mystery that go back and forth with the past and present. And this was so much needed and different i highly enjoyed. And flipped the pages so fast i read it in a few short hours. This was anew to me author i took a chance on and im highly not disappointed. The writing weaved in and out of past and present so i wasnt much confused and followd along easily. Highly recommended
Wright has written another gothic dual timeline mystery and suspense. I love Wright's way of penning her books. There is always mystery and suspense, no matter the year or subject matter. This novel combines modern day with the year of 1855 all taking place in the secluded gothic Foxglove Manor situated atop the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior with the Canadian coast line just across the powerful water. Wright has tastefully woven in the pages an Autistic child who is now an adult and has an integral part in the story. Two women whose life's story parallel each other in this dual timeline novel. It is most interesting to read of their similarities. We have buried treasure, cliffs and caves, underground tunnels, unknown symbols and words hidden within the walls of the old Manor. All of these together makes for an exciting eerie mystery to keep you reading until the final word...... Thanks to the publisher for an early copy and I am pleased tp leave my review.
I know that I will get a page-turning read when I open the pages of a Jaime Jo Wright novel. On The Cliffs of Foxglove Manor was that and more. I was impressed at how she sucked me into both storylines, making me read more furiously with each page. This atmospheric book is what some term a time slip — two interwoven stories with their own protagonists and plot, yet dependent upon each other to tell a whole story. Both in the story set in the 1880s and the one set in present day there figures Foxglove Manor, a place that seems to be its own character. Hiding secrets of pirates and lost treasure, the house sits on the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior, its grounds remote and its facade unwelcoming. Both main characters Adria and Kailey come to the house seeking release. I loved both women and the inner courage they draw from. The two must find the secrets Foxglove Manor hides in order to gain their freedom. Ghostly appearances, threats from unknown assailants, and misdirection abound. I was thoroughly delighted by the surprises Wright includes in the twisting plot. There’s fun history about the lake and its role in the Civil War, not one, but two delicious romances, and plenty of suspense to keep you awake long past your bedtime. 😉 While there are deep spiritual themes that are addressed, I never felt preached at, just prompted to think about the fragility and preciousness of life. And while this novel should be savored, I finished it in record time. So I suggest you slow down and enjoy! I was a little let down when I finally closed the book — I needed more time with Adria and Mr. Crane and Kailey and Axel, and even the mysterious Foxglove Manor!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
Genre: mystery/suspense/timeslip
Deeply chilling and suspenseful yet ending in hope. This story was complex both in plot and characters. For most of the book I felt as if I needed to have all of my lights on in the house to ward off the evil surrounding both Adria and Kailey. This author has a wonderful way of taking two seemingly different stories from two different eras and weaving them together meticulously to intertwine them in a solid message. It was a page turner. I received this book complimentary from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
Two time periods, one goal - find the gold. This is a creepy story filled with ghosts and death. The author weaves a suspenseful story based on the rumors of missing Confederate gold. Readers will enjoy unraveling the complex mystery to the end. Even the smallest detail matters. Recommended!
On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright gives readers two epic tales spanning a hundred years, woven seamlessly into one epic mystery. The story intertwines the lives of two women who move into the manor. Adria Fontaine arrives to Foxglove in the late 1800’s and Kailey Gibson moves into the same manor in the present day. Both women search to unlock the secrets the place holds.
I love the mystery! This story is complex and creates two worlds with odd characters in a haunted backdrop. Jaime Jo Wright’s cinema-like language creates a visual picture like no other author I know. From the scenery to the quirkiness of the characters, I was drawn in from the first word. Mr. Crayne somehow became my favorite character, a cantankerous, reclusive alcoholic living in the rafters of the manor. But nothing is ever as it seems at Foxglove Manor. Despite its creepy ambiance, the story gives readers an emotional depth as we root for Adria and Kailey to find what they are desperately seeking, and it’s more than just legends of Civil War treasure. They are two women in desperate need of healing and restoration. The only issue I had with the story is that when it ended, I wanted more!
Definitely check out On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor. I loved every minute of this crazy adventure!
Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
3.5 stars
I like novels that switch between timelines and POVs.
The story did start slow for me, but as got more into the story my interest grew.
I don't know how she does it, but Wright's books just keep getting even better! On The Cliffs Of Foxglove Manor is the latest of her dual timeline novels, and it is definitely one of her best.
On The Cliffs Of Foxglove Manor tells the stories of 1885 Adria Fontaine and present-day Kailey Gibson. Adria is plagued with despair and the urge to take her own life. After all, with a family like hers, what does she really have to live for? When she is forced to go to Foxglove Manor and live amongst its many secrets and the overwhelming sense of impending doom, Adria has to learn who to trust and who to run from. Could the mysterious man in the turret hold the answers to all she longs to know?
In the present-day, Kailey has returned to the place that has haunted her dreams for most of her life. Years ago, a family "vacation" at Foxglove Manor changed the entire course of her and her autistic brother's lives. She wants--needs--to uncover the secrets from the past if she is ever to move forward. No longer a vacation home, Foxglove Manor's senior residents and the nurses who care for them seem to welcome Kailey and Jude with open arms, but there's danger lurking in the shadows. Who can she trust when the enemy may be closer than anyone could ever have imagined?
On The Cliffs Of Foxglove Manor is a gripping tale of two woman held captive by their circumstances and those around them, but who both find the strength to rise above the challenges they face. The characters are real and raw, as well as full of faith in the God who created and loves them. Like Wright's previous books, there is a huge spookiness factor, while all "ghosts" are the result of superstitions and imaginations. The story grabbed me from the first page and kept me hooked. Anyone who enjoys split-time novels with a good dose of Jesus, romance, and suspense will love this one.
*I received a complimentary copy of On The Cliffs of Foxglove Manor through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
No one writes time slip better than Jaime-Jo Wright. And her stories just keep getting better. This one is simply captivating in the majestic way Wright weaves the tales of two young ladies, living 130 years apart, but drawn together by one forbidding gothic old house, Foxglove Manor, that sits atop the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior with the Canadian coast line across its powerful waters.
This is a tale of hope and love, that one's past doesn't need to determine one's future especially where God is concerned. We have two ladies, Adria Fontaine and Kailey Gibson, both suffering from traumatic experiences, not sure if they have the will to move forward in life. Wright manages their trauma so well with a depth of insight that grabs the reader's heart strings. We have a ghost, lost Civil War treasure, and a mystery to solve to find the missing gold.
And then we have Jude. Oh my! Kailey's older brother. In many respects they are each other's guardian. His insightful mind and own trauma are trapped by his autism. He's instinctive and able to sees beyond what others cannot and loves and accepts in such a beautiful unconditional way. I loved Jude. Bravo, Ms Wright for having the courage to craft Jude.
The story moves seamlessly between the two ladies, the past and the present. The supporting ensemble are superb and each has their place in the mystery and secrets of the Manor. Our two male leads, Phineas Crayne and Axel, are fabulous. Their tenderness towards Adria and Kailey respectively, is beautiful to read. Crayne, in particular, is a wonderful creation. Traumatised from the experiences of being a Civil War prisoner, and now guardian of the Manor, locked away in the turret of this creepy place and trapped in self-loathing and an addiction to whiskey. Adria's initial helplessness captures Crayne's heart. He, too, sees beyond the trauma that ensnares her, and realises she has so much more to give and love.
The mystery of the missing gold carries the story forward within both time zones. It makes us turn pages quickly as both ladies are thrown deeper into the Manor's secrets. Who can solve the cipher riddles that will provide the clue to the gold's whereabouts somewhere within the manor? There are hidden tunnels, surprises behind fireplaces and markings on window frames that only the wise eyes of Jude are able to isolate. It's simply riveting.
The endings are beautifully crafted and the themes of hope, grace and unconditional love are powerfully and delicately woven through the story.
Magnificent, Ms Wright. I hope a studio might option the rights to a movie as it would be fabulous on the big-screen.
I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Bethany House via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.
When her father sends Adria Fontaine to Foxglove Manor to retrieve his stolen treasure, Adria has no idea what terrors the manor holds. Twenty years after the Civil War, the remote estate on the cliffs of Lake Superior harbors secrets, a mangy fox, a haughty woman, an enigmatic groundskeeper, a childish maid, a mysterious man in the turret room, and gold. Gold that will free her from the oppressive obligation to her father and sister.
Adria would do just about anything to find release from her family’s overbearing, cruel presence. Even the unthinkable. The ghost of Dr. Miranda’s daughter Lucy seems to haunt the women who live at Foxglove Manor. Mysterious sounds, sudden illnesses, and attempted murder keep Adria wondering how she will fulfill her father’s directive. The consequence of failure? Institutionalization.
At the tender age of five, someone kidnapped Kailey Gibson for seven hours. But no one believed her. Twenty years later she returns to Foxglove Manor with her brother Jude—who suffers from autism. By accepting a job as a health aide in the isolated retirement home, Kailey hopes to resurrect memories of her family’s ill-fated vacation. And decipher the mystery of Jude’s incessant scribbling of a random string of letters and numbers. The same numbers and letters her kidnapper demanded she reveals all those years ago.
When another little girl gets kidnapped in the nearby town, Kailey’s memories start returning. But how can she piece together the mystery that haunts Foxglove Manor? And how can she reconcile what she knows about the nature of God with the presence of Lucy’s ghost?
Why I Loved This Book
Jamie Jo Wright spins an eerie tale spanning two centuries. The mystery will keep you glued to your seat as you try to unravel the mysterious occurrences and their role in solving the mysteries. When one’s life feels endangered, who does one trust?
I love every book the author writes, and this one joins the rest of my well-loved collection. She skillfully weaves circumstances, mysteries, and suspense into a chilling tale that holds the reader captive to the very end. I would share this book with anyone, even though it’s listed as inspirational. Characters live out their faith (and question it) without ever sounding churchy, sappy, or fake.
Jaime Jo Wright does it again!! I could not put this book down. Such a fantastic back and forth story that will grab your attention at the very beginning and make you feel like you are on the edge of the cliffs.
In 1885, Adria Fontaine is on a mission to retrieve what her father has pirated and return it to him. She must go to Foxglove Manor, a house on the cliff overlooking Lake Superior. This mission is the only way to keep her father from putting her into an institution and Adria is determined to find the treasure. Standing in her way is the mistress of Foxglove, a cruel old woman with more secrets and danger than Adria left behind at home. In present time, Kailey Gibson finds herself and her autistic brother at Foxglove, which has been turned into a senior home, as the new nurse’s aide. When she was younger, her family took a vacation to Foxglove when it was a rental and shortly after she was kidnapped for a day and returned home safely. She has repressed memories of this time but is hoping returning to Foxglove will help her figure out what really happened. To get to the truth, she is going to have to uncover deep, hidden secrets the manor doesn’t want exposed to the world.
Anyone that has ever read a Jaime Jo Wright book knows that you are going to have to set aside a good chunk of time to read and not be bothered. These are the types of books you want to read and never put down. I devoured this book as there is so much good within the pages. Not only am I floored by the way she takes two different timelines and weaves the stories together flawlessly, but each story also holds my interest equally. Some writers focus more energy on only one of the timelines, causing the other to be more dull, but not Wright!. Each of the characters, no matter if they were minor or not, had me vested in their story and wanting to see it turnout for the best. Jaime Jo Wright is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and keeps me aching for more stories and worlds to lose myself in. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a beautifully crafted mystery with lots of depth to it and has a lot of time to set aside to devote to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Jaime Jo Wright's best book yet!!! On the Cliffs of Foxglove manor was a ghostly tale full of secrets, hidden codes, and lost gold. Wright does a great job of creating a gothic, creepy atmosphere with a sinister plot that intricately weaves itself across dual timelines. While it took me a couple of chapters to get into the story -- and to get used to the (at times) flowery writing style -- I sped read my way through the second half of this book, unable to put it down. There is a definitely faith theme throughout the story, and I appreciated that the spiritual conversations felt natural and not forced. Suspense, romance, ghosts, and chills -- if you enjoy gothic-feeling mysteries, I recommend checking this one out!
Wow! What a thrilling tale. I recommend you read it in the daylight. My kids scared me to death... twice! Just by walking through the house. I was so wrapped up on the book, I felt like I was there with Adria and Kailey.
A beautifully written tale of learning to find the value of self and overcoming the obstacles of life with a bit of love thrown into the mystery.
Overwhelmingly ingrossing plot that helped guide the story but never felt rushed or out of place. The characters rang with sincerity and the faith element came through in a way that was engaging and respectful. Absolutely loved it.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.