DNF. I thought this book was really cool, just not for me! I’m not a big fan of mysteries, but this did intrigue me for a bit. I’d definitely recommend to any other historical fiction/mystery lovers though.

When I saw the title of this book I assumed that it was going to be some kind of ghost story. Not usually my kind of read but when. I read the synopsis it definitely intrigued me enough to request it. I’m glad I did, I really enjoyed this book. I find that books that flash between different times and characters can be a bit hit and miss, sometimes I find myself drawn into one story and kind of resenting having to read the other one to get back to it. This book was definitely a hit because I really enjoyed both of the timelines and characters. The ending wasn’t predictable either, I thought that I had some of it figured out but actually I was pretty off base and one of my favourite things is reading a book that can surprise me and this one did quite a few times! I will be checking out the authors other books after this one, I highly recommend if you like reading something with mystery and good characters.

Wow just wow! The story was full of deception, apprehension, secrecy, and a little romance thrown in for good measure! I have been intrigued by Author Jaime Jo Wright’s titles and have been eager to add one to my TBR pile. I was not disappointed. The title fit the story perfectly and I appreciated the split timeline. Being an animal lover, I fell in love with sweet baby elephant, Lily. This author has a down-to-earth writing style, and I appreciated the thread of hope and forgiveness woven throughout the storyline. I am absolutely a new fan. Be prepared for late night reading turning page after page trying to put the pieces together! You do not want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and the author. No review was required, and the opinions are my own.

Jaime Jo Wright definitely knows a good way to mix historic and present-day mysteries. I love seeing how the stories of the two eras come together and how a mystery of the past continues until today. This one totally kept me up at night to see how it would turn out.

One thing that really stood out to me in this book is the extreme diversity of characters. I sometimes have a hard time remembering individual characters, but that totally was not the case here. Every single character was vivid in their unique characteristics and traits.

I could really identify with Chandler. Not her “stupid mistakes of the past,” but her daily energy and health struggles (though I don’t have Lyme). I’m very thankful for authors who include realistic health issues in their books.

There is no surprise that this story deals with ghost talk. Sometimes, in obsessive details. I’m okay with ghost-talk. However, I’m not quite okay with it being left unresolved and no finalized fact. Coupled with that, there was also a character who discussed “negative energy” and “had connections” that were slightly disturbing for a Christian book.

The spiritual message actually left me confused. In thinking back over it, I think it boils down to the fact that spiritual truths were delivered by human opinion rather than solidified by the foundation of God’s Word. Like, each character had to accept for themselves what was truth in their situation, with their understanding. In a way, each character was so very well developed in that their perspective of God was all different. But I think that is also a grave danger, because this is the message the readers are receiving. There has to be the foundation of God’s Word for truth, regardless our feelings, regardless our upbringing, and regardless our opinions. For instance, one character believed in God, however, “But I do have a mind. And, I do have . . . well, I have my ways to support myself, I do, and I know I ain’t perfect, and maybe I don’t do everything to make God smile, but I still believe in Him. And I try to make good choices, when I can.” And then later, she quoted her grandmother, saying, “If we were all good and flawless, then Jesus wasted His blood.” But it was used more as an excuse for continuing a sinful lifestyle rather than being redeemed and sanctified for God’s glory.

The romance was a fairly good balance. There were a few kisses mentioned, but I didn’t feel like there was extreme passion between the love interests. However, there were many references to women of questionable character and ways men handled women.

I wouldn’t advise teens to read this because of the confusing spiritual content and the story revolving around loose morals.

*I received this book from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review.*

With thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC.
Description
1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.
Review
Very well handled dual timelines story. Pippa in 1928 and Chandler in present day are well described and believable characterisations of women who know their own mind but are battling real or perceived obstacles. The mystery and murders are well plotted and the pace kept my interest throughout. Overall this was a satisfying read and I would read other work by this author.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is an excellent historical fiction novel that presents itself as a dual-timeline and kept me interested and entertained from beginning to end.

I enjoyed the 1920s storyline with Piper, a young woman raised in the circus with a physical deformity. I also enjoyed the contemporary plotline with Chandler Faulk, a woman working for her family to renovate/flip property. Both women are separated by time and circumstances, yet are similar in many ways. Both are trying to find acceptance, a place to belong, and their purpose in life. The author added complexity to the stories with a murder/mystery and a touch of a paranormal feeling.

It was fascinating to read more about the Circus culture from the early 1900s, and it almost gave a whimsical but yet dark/gothic/sinister tinge to the overall feeling as well. The author was able to artfully pull off the ability to weave two storylines together effortlessly, all the while keeping it simple, yet complex and fascinating. Definitely a winner.

This is the first time that I have read anything by this author, and I am thoroughly impressed. I look forward to more books from her in the future.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Instagram, Amazon, and B&N accounts immediately.

Another great duel time plot by Ms. Wright. Very well written. I was never a fan of duel time plot until I started reading this author’s books. She masters it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my honest opinion.

Really bummed to DNF this one at 30%. But neither MC are compelling to me at all. The pacing seems tedious and I find myself not wanting to pick the book up. I've finished 2 or 3 other books while I read this one so I am letting it go.

This book was told with dual timelines. I thought the present day time line was more interesting than the past.
It was a bit confusing at times, there’s a lot of characters to keep up with.
I thought the synopsis of the book sounded good, I like ghost stories. This book was just a bit too confusing for me
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy

There was then and there is now. Confusing? You would think so but Jaime Jo Wright does a masterful job of weaving a murder from 1928 into the present
Channing is a single mother who is trying to raise her only child while battling a dangerous disease.She works buying and flipping abandoned buildings . Simple right ? Not even for a minute!
Piper is a handicapped young woman in 1928. She was adopted by the owner of a circus after she was cast out by her birth parents.
So far so good but hang on, it only gets better. Throw in a ghost and a serial killer and the story just get better.

I enjoyed this one very much, the action doesn't stop. I just couldn't wait to read this for the end. When you read this prepare to read a book you just can't put down.

This was a very well written, heartfelt, mystery who done it, multi timeline story. I enjoyed both Pippa, Chandler and Hank, the big guy. The switching between time lines was done very well and both had a great story to tell.
I felt that I also learned quite a bit about the workings of a circus. I never really thought about the financial benefits of a newborn animal, but I can now see its importance. Everyone has a history, some hold secrets that will come out at some point. Rarely do I read a book twice, but this one may be one that deserves it. Really good story.
I have several other Jaime Jo Wright books to read and certainly looking forward to them.
I want to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest unbiased opinion. This is a 5-star review. Highly recommend.

I have always liked the Circus and the whimsey that can be associated with it, though the only time that I have been to it was when I was a young child. I have to admit, as an adult, I can see how there is a darker side to it as well. Jaime Jo Wright explores a bit of both sides (though, mostly the mysterious and dark) in this story. It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked! I enjoyed both the historical and the present day stories as they showed how very connected the present is to the past, especially in a small town. Another winner from Wright!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

“The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus” is Jaime Jo Wright’s 5th novel and all are in a dual time era and she is certainly good at writing this way. One time frame is historical, in the 1920’s as in the circus and the other one is contemporary. These two stories, parallel in many ways. Each centered around a circus’s main headquarters and the small town it resides in. Secrets, suspense, even a murder or two, and so much more. The characters from both the historical and the contemporary are presented in such a way that you feel you are right in the scene with them. So real and believable. We have Pippa Ripley, a girl with a deformed leg who was adopted as a baby by the famous Riley Circus owner who has always felt that she belonged to the circus and has a deep longing to know who her parents are and she is sure they were part of the circus……Then we have Chandler Faulk, present day, working for her uncle’s real estate building, and trying to prove to her family that she can manage single motherhood and also the project of renovating the Circus Train Depot and its buildings in Bluff River City, turning it into something profitable. But she becomes distracted because of the haunted building she has to work in and also the museum seems to be haunted with past members of the Ripley Circus. Tales of a serial killer, was there one? But then Chandler discovers a hidden skeleton in the train depot museum…..This is a super good mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat as you keep reading to unravel the mystery of the Haunted Circus…..Thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for letting me read and review this interesting novel

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright is a wonderful story! It's a duel timeline set during present day and 1928 while the circus is at their home base. Great characters and wonderful atmosphere for a mystery to unfold.

1928 Pippa Ripley is the adopted daughter of the owner of the Bonaventure Circus. Raised in a privileged background but unhappy because she wants answers about who her parents were, as she knows that she was born to someone from the circus. In her search she helps with a wounded baby elephant, a romance and discovers a killer.

Present day: Realtor Chandler Faulk, is trying make sure that the circus' train depot will be restored for it's historical value and not be torn down. In search of the history of the area she finds clues about the mysteries and the history of the circus all while trying to keep herself from losing her job, raising her son and struggling with her health.

Wonderful reading. I have really enjoyed all of Ms. Wright's books. The time period is interesting and her writing is detailed and informative. I can't wait for her next book.

I received this book from the author and Bethany House Publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was an amazing story in many ways! Dual timeline stories are not easy and can sometimes be confusing, but Jaime Jo Wright is a master in this genre! The plot flows naturally from present day to a almost a century ago… The plot is a complete pageturner that will keep you intrigued, at the edge of your seat, and wanting to know more about how can this complex and haunting story will unfold in both scenerarios.
Pippa Ripley feels like an outcast. Her adoptive father is the owner of the Bonaventure Circus, but she was once part of the Circus family and then left abandoned as a baby at the Ripley’s family doorstep. She has lived a life of privilege since, and even if she was accepted into this wealthy family, in spite of deformed leg and all, she has never felt loved or that she belongs. She has always acted on her father’s orders and her mother’s instruction, so she doesn’t know who she really is. She’s even been offered in marriage to a man she doesn’t love. Will she always have to do what others expect from her? So when she starts receiving mysterious missives from an elusive man called the Watchman, she is sure he’s the connection to her family origins, so she keeps this relationship a secret and tries in vain to discover who he is. This search leads her to Jake, a circus employee, who is bent on avenging his sister's murder by a man who resembles the little she knows about the Watchman. Is the Watchman worth pursuing in order to discover her real identity or is she walking into the path of a serial killer? Also, her family depends on the survival of a newborn elephant, who has been injured and to which she feels a bond. Can she nurture him back to life? Or will the baby elephant’s death be the Circus undoing?
Chandler Faulk, present day, working for her uncle’s real estate building, and trying to prove to her family that she can manage single motherhood (she adores her son and will never part from him), has on her hands the proyect of renovating the Circus Train Depot and its buildings in Bluff River City, turning it into something profitable, be it a touristic historical attraction, or flipping it into something else profitable. But as she begins to research the property, she discovers it posseses haunting and terrifying secrets. A woman murdered by a serial killer who seems to haunt the place… And then there’s Hank Titus, a man who appears everywhere she turns and who is trying to solve the mystery of his uncle’s missing sister, which he claims has something to do with this old place… He seems to want to help her too, but is he a safe person to trust? Then, when her autoinmune disease activates, and they start to discover clues to the unsolved murders of the past, she wonders if this too much for her and if she’s calling in for more trouble she can handle or a danger that can threaten her life and her son’s…
The story was a complete page turner, and I can really say this was a book I couldn’t put down! It was not only the mystery of the murders, the angst of the serial killer, or the spookiness of the circus ambience. It was the main characters on both timelines that pulled me in. Pippa’s hidden dream of belonging, of being accepted as she is, it was tender and so heartwrenching. I was really rooting for her the whole book, she deserved to be truly loved, and that totally immersed me in Jake’s story, intrigued to know if he was her match. Could he overcome his revenge desires in order to become the man Pippa needs? Two broken souls… Are they broken beyond repair? And I also loved Chandler’s character. So resilient, and her love of her son so fierce that she was willing to do anything to keep and provide for all his needs. Hank was a mysterious character at first, but I found myself loving him too. Above the mystery and haunting of the story, this was an inspirational story about who we really are: children of God, loved unconditionally by Him as we are, broken and hurting. It’s a story of forgiveness, of second chances, of redemption. The journey that take the characters to real spiritual freedom was a sight to behold. Epic! I love how this autor’s stories bring redemption to the most grieving and struggling of characters, and it shows me how we can all heal our wounds in the Real and True Healer, God.
This is a story you shouldn’t miss! I would give it more tan five stars if I could! Can’t wait for the next story from Jaime Jo Wright!
I received an advanced copy of the book from the Publisher vía NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. All opinions here are completely unbiased and totally my own.

Yes finally a unique story! I love the diverse cast of characters and issues. I also enjoyed how the author gives a perspective from both the past and the present. I am not fond of circus themed stories but this one is an exception. I rooted for not only the humans at times but also the elephants. I loved the weaving of the heartfelt, suprising/thrilling, spooky, and hope. I had read reviews that criticized how some christian elements were not shown correctly or left in the air but, that did not bother me since this is a work of fiction and not all christians agree on the same views and interpretations. I also feel for a correct standpoint of christian belief on the subjects it is not for a fiction book to explain all that instead it is the job of scripture and theology and the church so i was good with how the book went. I much enjoyed the story. Thank you to the author and to netgalley for letting me read/review the book.

This book was so good! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. The author brings the book to life with her words and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book. Loved it! Thank you Bethany House via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow.
Just wow.
Okay, I know I need to say more than that, but I’m still wrapping my mind around all the twists and turns of this beautifully crafted story. And that was after losing sleep because I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. You just have to read this one. Full review is at my website.

I received this book complimentary as a member of the author’s launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

Jamie Jo Wright is my favorite author when it comes to Christian suspense.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, like all of her novels, has a dual timeline. In the present, Chandler, a young, single mother, travels the country working for her uncle. It's up to her to determine if she thinks a property he's bought should be razed and rebuilt upon or restored to its former glory. The Bonaventure Circus buildings, particularly the train depot, are the latest project. In 1928, Pippa Riley, daughter of Bonaventure Circus's owner, is engaged to be married to the man her father's chosen for her. Pippa is surrounded by unrest and secrets.

As much as I want to tell you every amazing detail about this book, I won't! Believe me when I say, you will want to discover all of the amazingness yourself! I will tell you that this is a must-read.

When I read Wright's novels, and I'm reading the "past" parts, in my mind, things look foggy and gray and creepy. Though I picture it in color, of course, it's always muted. This is just how well Jamie Jo Wright gets the mood across to the reader. She doesn't actually say, "It was a dark, stormy night...." but the way she weaves magic through her words just leaves me feeling as if I've been transported to the past and then spit out into the present which is full of color and light again. Needless to say, I absolutely love that feeling!

In addition to having this amazing atmospheric mood, The Haunting at Bonaventure circus also has completely believable characters. No matter how big or how small a part they play in this novel, they are totally fleshed out. They've got unique personalities. Subtle quirks and habits set them apart from each other. You'll miss them (well like 87% of them) when you reach the end of this novel.

I cannot recommend this book enough. You will want to sit down and devour it in a day. It will stay with you long after you've read it, and that's true about all of Wright's novels. I have read them all and highly recommend them.

A unique story line enhanced by skillful writing has produced a book that sets the reader on an emotional journey within a haunted train station that housed a circus in the early 1920's. The circus life was a rough existence for the society "rejects" that lived and worked under the big top. Each person had a story that had brought them here, joining a family built of circumstance and shared miseries. Pippa was such a girl. Raised by the circus owner and his wife after her own parents could not face raising a child with disabilities, she spends much of her part of the book trying to figure out who her parents are and becoming a part of a killer's plans. Her story could easily have ended there.
Fast forward to current times where a young woman finds herself working at the now derelict train station to restore it while building a good life for her young son. The past has no intention of remaining buried, using the young woman's presence to uncover a killer's identity.
A truly fascinating book that is unique, yet familiar enough to keep the mystery building and readers guessing just how everything will come together in the end. But it does and you will LOVE how Jaime Jo Wright brings every thread together at the end.