Jaime Jo Wright Archives - Historical Bookworm

January 6, 2024December 28, 2023

Review: The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jamie Jo Wright

THE BOOK

It promises beauty but steals life instead. Will the ghosts of Barlowe Theater entomb them all?

Barlowe Theater stole the life of Greta Mercy’s eldest brother during its construction. Now in 1915, the completed theater appears every bit as deadly. When Greta’s younger brother goes missing after breaking into the building, Greta engages the assistance of a local police officer to help her unveil the already ghostly secrets of the theater. But when help comes from an unlikely source, Greta decides that to save her family she must uncover the evil that haunts the theater and put its threat to rest.

Decades later, Kit Boyd’s best friend vanishes during a ghost walk at the Barlowe Theater, and old stories of mysterious disappearances and ghoulish happenings are revived. Then television ghost-hunting host and skeptic Evan Fisher joins Kit in the quest to identify the truth behind the theater’s history. Kit reluctantly agrees to work with him in hopes of finding her missing friend. As the theater’s curse unravels Kit’s life, she is determined to put an end to the evil that has marked the theater and their hometown for the last century.

THE REVIEW

Hello everyone who is listening, my name is Katie and I’m from Paperbacks and Ponytails on YouTube. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright, and again thank you to Baker Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read and share my thoughts with you.

I said in my written review that this book was a can’t put down, but shouldn’t be read at night thrilling read from the queen of creepy goodness.

In this book, we are following dual timelines that are connected through family secrets, mystery, and intrigue. In the modern timeline, we are following Kit and her best friend Madison–who wants to save the Barlowe Theater from the clutches of her grandfather who wants to tear it down. So Madison hires a ghost-hunting TV show to bring publicity to the theater. But soon things get turned upside down and Madison is discovered missing. Ghost-hunting skeptic Evan and Kit must work together to uncover what happened.

In the past timeline during the early 1900s, we follow Greta who is from the poorest part of town. She is friends with a few of the upper crust of society. Her friends take her to the Barlowe Theater which is newly built. And during the show at the theater Greta witnesses a baby being thrown from the balcony by a woman in white. But there is no baby to be found and she is presumed to be insane. Along with money troubles, her older brother is killed during the construction of the Theater, and now another brother goes missing with his friends in the Barlowe Theater. These boys are never seen coming back out. What mysteries lie in wait at Barlowe Theater?

I loved this new book by Jaime Jo! It was the perfect amount of creepy and entertaining fun. I really loved both timelines. The historical timeline is usually my favorite in dual-timeline books, which is the case in this book. I was so invested in the characters and what was going to happen to them. I loved both Greta and Kit and couldn’t wait to turn the next page. I dropped everything else to read this book. I mentioned that this book shouldn’t be read at night, it’s not over the top creepy but when you’re reading it at 1 am and you get to the point in a book where it’s a dark and creepy atmosphere and something grabs a character?

You know it’s time to either read quickly or go to bed and wait until morning to finish. It was a five-star, compelling, and highly entertaining read that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. A must read for historical mystery lovers.

Thank you to the Historical Bookworm Show for having me on their podcast to talk about The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright.

THE AUTHOR

Jaime Jo Wright (JaimeWrightBooks.com) is the author of ten novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She’s also a two-time Christy Award finalist, as well as the ECPA bestselling author of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau and two Publishers Weekly bestselling novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her family and felines.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

April 22, 2023April 22, 2023

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

The audio version of this review was first shared in A Bookchat about Forged in Love with Mary Connealy & a Review of Premonition at Withers Farm by Jamie Jo Wright

THE BOOK

In 1910 Michigan, Perliett Van Hilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor convinced she practices quackery. It doesn’t help that her mother is a spiritualist who regularly offers her services to connect the living with their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she must rely on both the local doctor and an intriguing newcomer for assistance.

In the present day, Molly Wasziak’s life has not gone the way she dreamed. Facing depression after several miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband’s purchase of a peculiar old farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a century-old murder case and a web of deception, all made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds inside the farmhouse.

Perliett fights for her life, and Molly seeks renewed purpose for hers as she uncovers the records of the dead. Will their voices be heard, or will time forever silence their truths?

THE REVIEW

The Mistress of the Macabre is BACK and better than ever!

If “The Premonition at Withers Farm” doesn’t secure Jaime Jo Wright her second Christy Award, I’ll eat my hat! Okay, maybe not my hat—because it’s cute and vintage and straw seems rather tough to chew—but I’d certainly throw said hat across the room in shock and dismay.

Why, you ask? I shall tell you, dear reader.

“The Premonition at Withers Farm” showcases Wright’s distinctive style and masterful storytelling at its BEST! Her atmospheric prose envelope the imagination like an eerie mist, and within a few lines, the reader is utterly lost in the story. The gothic tone conjures goosebumps at every turn, and the enthralling mystery makes it nigh on impossible to stop turning pages. Wright’s characters feel like real, complex, vulnerable people, and she’s not afraid to let them ask tough questions about life and faith. As a result, the spiritual themes of this novel are powerful, poignant, and boldly thought-provoking.

If you’re obsessed with true crime and love gothic fiction, you’re sure to agree that “The Premonition at Withers Farm” is a haunting read!

THE AUTHOR

Jaime Jo Wright is the author of six novels, including Christy Award winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She’s also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her cat named Foo; her husband, Cap’n Hook; and their littles, Peter Pan and CoCo.

Read more about Jaime at her website. (www.jaimewrightbooks.com)

Review by ECPA bestselling author Angela Bell is a 21st century lady with 19th century sensibilities. Her activities consist of reading voraciously, drinking copious amounts of tea, and writing letters with a fountain pen. Learn more about her at AuthorAngelaBell.com

October 10, 2022October 10, 2022

A Bookchat about The Premonition at Withers Farm with Jaime Jo Wright & a Review of Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Jaime Jo Wright joins us for a chat about creepy houses, startling historical medical treatments, and her latest release The Premonition at Withers Farm. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

Today’s Pinch of the Past takes us to the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, to explore the history behind a little hidden gem called the House of the Fairies. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. “Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel was everything I’d hoped and more! If you enjoy quick-witted romances and a good gumshoe mystery, you’re sure to agree that Above the Fold is the bee’s knees!” (Full review here.)

Connect with Jaime: Website, Newsletter, Madlit Mentoring, Madlit Musing Podcast, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.

July 12, 2022August 1, 2022

Episode 34: Lynn Austin and a Review of On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

Interview Lynn Austin shares the development of her story Long Way Home. In this gripping portrait of war and its aftermath from bestselling author Lynn, a young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won’t discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Pinch of the Past: Newspapers discovered that train wrecks fascinated their readers, and took to covering them in gory detail, even giving sensational names to individual accidents. One accident involving the deaths of 42 people after a car fell off a bridge and caught fire was called the “Angola Horror.” (Read full article here.)

Bookworm Review: On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright is another great time split story from Wright with characters everyone can relate to—a man battling past scars through addiction and two women from different time periods trying to find their worth and handling that trauma in unhealthy ways. (Read full article here.)

You can connect with Lynn at her website LynnAustin.org, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

July 12, 2022August 1, 2022

A Review of: On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

The audio version of this review was first shared in Episode 34: Lynn Austin and a Review of On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

THE BOOK

1885.

Adria Fontaine has been sent to recover goods her father pirated on the Great Lakes during the war. But when she arrives at Foxglove Manor–a stone house on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior–Adria senses wickedness hovering over the property. The mistress of Foxglove is an eccentric and seemingly cruel old woman who has filled her house with dangerous secrets, ones that may cost Adria her life.

Present day.

Kailey Gibson is a new nurse’s aide at a senior home in a renovated old stone manor. Kidnapped as a child, she has nothing but locked-up memories of secrets and death, overshadowed by the chilling promise from her abductors that they would return. When the residents of Foxglove start sharing stories of whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill, it becomes clear this home is far from a haven. She’ll have to risk it all to banish the past’s demons, including her own.

THE REVIEW

Another great time split story from Wright with characters everyone can relate to—a man battling past scars through addiction and two women from different time periods trying to find their worth and handling that trauma in unhealthy ways. Mental health messages abound without being preachy, and Wright has handled this well in previous novels. While both timelines have strong plots, I tend to gravitate toward the historical arc.

As always—I will keep reading anything Jaime Jo Wright writes because her characters and plots are engaging! You can purchase On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor here.

THE AUTHOR

Jaime Jo Wright is the winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She’s also the PW (publishers weekly)and ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestselling author of three novellas. She brings to life the stories of the past and intertwines them with the present, to bring readers award-winning time-slip novels.

May 23, 2022July 16, 2022

Episode 30: Guest Jaime Jo Wright & a Review of When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

Interview: Jaime Jo Wright is the winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She’s also the PW (Publishers Weekly)and ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestselling author of three novellas. In this episode, Jaime shares about her latest novel, the steller spooky, The Souls of Lost Lake!

Our Pinch of the Past today features the story of the Castillo de San Marcos. In 1513, Ponce de Leon claimed the land he named Florida for Spain. It became an important holding to protect the Spanish ships bearing gold and silver from Central and South America back to Spain. As the French started encroaching on Florida, King Phillip II sent Pedro Menéndez in 1565 who founded the town of St. Augustine. (Read the full blogpost here)

Bookworm Review If you love the premise of time travel, enjoy books with a heroine of strong convictions, and are in the mood for a unique series, pick up When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer. (read the full book review here.)

May 9, 2022July 4, 2022

Episode 28: Guest Angela K. Couch and a review of The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

Interview: Angela K. Couch is the winner of story contests, a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after five munchkins. Join Anglea as she chats with us about her latest WW2 novel A Rose for the Resistance a part of the Heroines of WWII by Barbour.

Pinch of the Past: While we may not know the origin, April Fool’s Day’s popularity for hundreds of years indicates people love having an excuse to get a laugh at their friends’ expense. Here is a pinch of the history behind the holiday and some April Fool’s Day pranks via Television. (Full post here.)

Bookworm Review: If you love books by Erin Bartels, Michelle Griep, and Christina Suzann Nelson, you may enjoy this compelling suspense featuring two women from different time periods who face the shadows of their pasts to find their future. The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright is a must-read. (Full post here.)

April 17, 2022May 9, 2022

The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

About the Book

Wren Blythe has long enjoyed being among the Northwoods, helping her father with programming at a youth camp. But when a little girl in the area goes missing, an all-out search ensues, reviving the decades-old campfire story of Ava Coons, the murderess, who still roams the woods. Joining the search, Wren stumbles upon the Coons cabin ruins and a rotting porcelain doll. But even more terrifying is seeing her name etched on the doll’s foot like a sinister omen.

In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last ten years carrying the mantle of mystery since she emerged from the forest as an eight-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger’s axe. She has accepted she’ll never remember what happened to her family. When a member of the town of Tempter’s Creek is murdered, rumors spread that Ava’s secret is more malicious than previously imagined.

Both women discover that to save the innocent, they must face an insidious evil.

The Review

Although a full grown woman, Ava is emotionally frozen at the age of 10 when she came from the woods dragging a bloody ax. The town, for the most part, ignore her until a man is murdered with an ax just like her family had been. Suspicion falls on her, so the handsome reverend takes her into his protection for fear that a mob might try to take matters into their own hands.

The modern storyline takes place in a Bible camp where the main character, Wren, helps to search for a lost little girl. Losing a child in the wilderness is scary enough without ghost stories creeping from memory to reality. Wren seems to be singled out by a fantom-woman, and when details about her mother come to light she is forced to dig deeper into her past than she ever expected. At her side is her hot boyfriend, eccentric brother, and her closest friend–Eddie.

As mysteries unfold, Wren is forced to look at her entire life in a new light while Ava, in the historical storyline, dredges further into violence and mystery to remember what happened to her family at Lost Lake and finally find herself in the ruins.

If you love books by Erin Bartels, Michelle Griep, and Christina Suzann Nelson, you will enjoy this compelling suspense featuring two women from different time periods who face the shadows of their pasts to find their future. The Souls of Lost Lake is a must-read.

This review was originally shared in episode 28

About the Author

Jaime Jo Wright is a winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She’s also the PW and ECPA bestselling author of three novellas. Jaime brings to life the stories of the past and intertwines them with the present, to bring readers award-winning time-slip novels.