Wright is THE best author at writing dual timelines. Both parts are fascinating and always seem to be connected in some way.

In the past, Pippa struggles to believe that anyone really sees her. She was abandoned on the Ripley’s doorstep and taken in by them but knows her father doesn’t care much for her other than to control her. Yet she knows that someone is watching over her. Who that is, and what their intent is, is the question.

In the present, Chandler wants to renovate the old circus depot while hiding the fact of her illness. She quickly comes to realize that she needs help even though she doesn’t want to admit that. She undergoes about the creepiest thing that could happen to a person and is forced to lean on the man who bothers her the most, Hank.

The circus has always been a place of mystery and magic. While it has come under scrutiny for animal abuse and while some feel it made a mockery of people who were created with physical abnormalities, it was also a place where people could feel at home, like they belonged to this family. This book does a good job of showing that tension.

While the book started off a little slow, it quickly grew in intensity and suspense. There were huge twists that took me by surprise. I like that. I wish there had been a little more on Pippa after her story left off. It was a great read. I’d highly recommend it.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is another great read from author Jaime Jo Wright. It is a dual time story with mystery and edge-of-the-seat suspense that lures the reader in immediately and doesn't let up. Readers are caught up and compelled and inspired by the lives of the characters and their stories. Wright has permeated the story with mystery, drama, and emotional tension as the intense action is seen from several characters' points of view. I enjoyed how the mystery of a long ago circus murder is woven into a present day ghost story that refused to be put to rest. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is a well-written yet gritty tale of a serial killer, murders, and kidnapping. It is a book that offers a look at how we long to be known, to be seen by those around us--to be loved for who we are. It is a story about family and how we hide our secrets behind illusions and yet, in the best of families we know we are broken and yet we still see and love each other. As one character put it, "We were all meant to be...Providence places you there...who knew God had one of me up His sleeve?" I loved how there was romance woven into the both time lines, romance that is unexpected, fraught with stress and yet so full of tenderness. This is a book that readers who love a great suspense book, one with some 'wow, I did not expect that at all' moments, will not want to miss.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Another incredible time-slip novel penned by Ms. Wright that had me hanging onto every single word that was so brilliantly written. I’ll be honest and admit that I have never been a fan of a circus even as a child. I always felt so bad for the animals in cages but it never occurred to me to think what life was like for the humans involved in the circus. How difficult their lives were which brings me to the story of Pippa Ripley who we meet in 1928 and what a life she had. Filled with questions of where she came from, who are her real parents but most of all why is the Watchman sending her so many mysterious messages?

Chandler Faulk is part of the present-day story, I genuinely liked and her adorable little boy named Peter. Their relationship was true to life and so believable that I could imagine the two of them together. It’s not all fun and games for any of the characters in the book, nope, not at all because Ms. Wright has added so much to the story. There are creepy sounds coming from the old circus building that Chandler’s uncle has purchased and is under renovation, an unsolved murder, a kidnapping and all the juicy bits that comes from the pen of one of my favorite authors.

Overall, I thought this page turning, sitting on the edge of my seat read was one of the most exciting books I have read this year. It has more twists and turns than a wild ride and I was sorry when it ended. I highly recommend this one.
I received a complimentary e-copy of the book. All opinions are completely my own.

Chandler Faulk has a mission at hand: restore an old circus train depot. A place which once promised a home for those outcasted by society. A place where it's history lingers at every corner, it's memory spooks present visitors and takes away what little peace Chandler still has. When she decided to navigate the history surrounding the Bonaventure Circus and all the mystery surrounding it, Chandler bumps into decades-old history and ghosts who do not want to see them unburied. And her determination to not fail, to prove herself capable, might just put herself in the path of a serial killer.

In the early 20th century, the Bonaventure Circus is alive and prospering. Pippa Ripley knows deep in her bones her story is intricately tied to the story of the circus. But growing up as the adopted daughter of the circus manager comes with expectations, and they include keeping as far away from the circus grounds as possible. When Pippa starts receiving cryptic messages from someone who calls himself the Watchman, she believes it to be the perfect chance to discover her own story. And when a baby elephant's trauma ties to Pippa's own story, she discovers a strength in herself to for once not do as she is told, but what she believes to be right.

"The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus" is Jaime Jo Wright at her best! And I believe this is because it is her at her most courageous. It takes a very, very brave soul to write this book. It is a book about second chances. About those awkward steps taken towards reconciliation. But, most importantly, how incessant and potent hope can be. Even in the midst of brokenness, hope prevails, maybe stronger than ever.

"But they weren't loved so much as treasured. And there was a difference between the two. Love sacrificed, whereas a treasure was hoarded."

Such a beautifully penned split-time novel with a huge helping of suspense! Jaime Jo Wright never fails to hold you captive with her lyrical writing, raw emotions, and palpable anticipation. The slow build-up to the murder that happened in 1928 at the circus and the disappearance of a young woman in 1983 is well-done and the details are impeccably intertwined. The plot is complex but still easy to follow, with plenty of surprises along the way. The ending will surely leave you reeling and gasping.... I totally did not see any of that coming. If you enjoy well-written suspense novels, you will absolutely love this book. If you've never tried a dual-timeline suspense novel, this book should be your first.

In 1928 Pippa, the adopted daughter of the circus owner Ripley, has a physical deformity and has always felt unwanted because she was left at the Ripleys' as a baby. She knows that she was born into the circus before being given away and gravitates toward the circus and its performers, longing to find her roots. Her world careens out of control as she works to rehabilitate an injured baby elephant while unwittingly digging into the darker underworld of the circus.
In present day Chandler, a single mother working to restore and renovate historical properties, stumbles onto the mystery and gothic lore that surround the Bonaventure Circus grounds when she heads up this particular project for her uncle. She has a a full plate with her son, an autoimmune disease, and a demanding job but totally unravels when strange and eerie things start to happen at the circus grounds that bring up events of the past.
Both Pippa and Chandler are quite likable and relatable though they're very different women. Jake from 1928 and Hank from the present are great supporting roles in the story and are similar in their brooding, intimidating, masculine ways. The romance in both timelines is subtle and works as a nice subplot to the overarching suspense. The central themes of "being seen and known" and "not being alone" are profound and worthy of contemplation. There is one character who was very much into new-age spirituality regarding ghosts and spirits but her thoughts were balanced out by Chandler's biblical beliefs. Learning about the circus in its prime was a lot of fun.

I received a copy of the book from the author and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

When I picked up Jaime Jo Wright’s latest book The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus I really didn’t know what to expect. The setting is quite different from her previous novels and I was hoping for no circus clichés like creepy clowns. I must say she delivered a gripping novel once again. The setting may be different, but the suspense and the craftmanship is still ever present and there are no creepy clowns.

I consider Wright to be a master of the split timeline novel and of eerie suspense. The old train depot and the wintering quarters of the circus provide the backdrop for two stories that ultimately resolve in a satisfying conclusion. I especially enjoyed all of the less than perfect characters, not all of them circus performers. As with earlier novels, I was kept guessing from page to page and was mostly surprised by the outcome of the novel in twining the two stories together.

I find a dual timeline novel to be a winner if I get so caught up in the story that I am reading that I am almost disappointed to turn the page and find myself transported to the other story. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus was such a novel. I highly recommend this book especially to those readers who enjoy a little creepy with their suspense.

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley from the author. All opinions are my own.

I will admit, I was not into this story at first. I actually didn’t want to keep reading! But, as I got a few chapters in I was intrigued! Pippa is a well written character who you can’t help but root for. As the story progressed, I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen! And honestly, I was completely surprised by the ending! Jaime has a wonderful way of combining the present with the past....with an ending I truly didn’t see coming! It’s another winner!

Seriously, there is no other author that can spin stories quite like Jamie Jo Wright. After reading this one, I found myself in awe once again. The reader is following two complete stories in this split-time novel. The first story revolves around Pippa Riley in the year 1928. She’s a young woman who loves her father’s circus and a baby elephant named Lily. The second story, set in the current day, focuses on Chandler Faulk and her young son, Peter. As these two stories play out side-by-side, it’s hard to imagine how they will join together, but knowing this author, I knew this would happen in spectacular fashion—and it did. I loved the faith theme that emerges from this book: No matter what our circumstances may be, we are seen, known, and loved by God. His purposes for us are always good. It may take a somewhat “spooky” story to make this point, but after reading Pippa’s and Chandler’s stories, you’ll see God’s hand at work in all things.

One other thing: You might want to consider reading this book during the daytime. I did!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

No one writes a time slip mystery-suspense novel like Jaime Jo Wright! I always appreciate how well layered and believable her characters are written. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus revolves around the 1928 family of Pippa Ripley and their family-owned 1928 circus of misfits, workers, and animals whose ghosts of the past converge into the present day life of Chandler Faulk, a single mother running from her own troubled past. With long-hidden family secrets and a serial killer from the past who seems to reappear in the present, Jamie Jo had me rooting for the outcome I prayed was coming! Just when I thought I had it all figured out - BOOM - her ending was full of surprising revelations and a shocking twist. She outdoes herself in this novel bringing to life a cast of characters who want to belong, feel loved, and are searching for their own place in the world. Jaime Jo Wright's lastest novel woven with an undercurrent of faith that brings a message of true love, forgiveness and second chances is one you do not want to miss. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are honest and entirely my own.

“Life was not unlike the wisp of fog that curled around the base of a grave marker, softly caressing the marble before dissolving into the violet shadows of night.”

Opening line of “The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus” by Jaime Jo Wright
Jaime Jo Wright’s lyrical prose adds a whimsical feel to her eerie narrative in “The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus”. Each line lures the reader a little closer and, simultaneously, raises the hair upon the back of one’s neck. A time-split novel, I enjoyed flipping from 1928 to modern day because Jaime does it so effortlessly, the thread weaves elegantly from one time to another linking the mystery at the heart of both.

Pippa is the leading lady of 1928 and her physicality has been judged from birth. Whilst feeling she should be grateful to have a home, she rails internally against the oppressive behaviour of her adoptive father. She longs to spend time at Bonaventure Circus so when an injured newly born elephant responds to her, it begins her journey of finding her inner strength.

In the present day, recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, Chandler is railing against her body and how society, especially her family, will receive the news of the debilitating effect the disorder is having on her. Terrified they’ll take her son from her, she conceals her problems and moves to renovate the old Bonaventure circus train depot. The real estate agent fails to inform her, prior to purchase, of the murder of a young woman in the depot in 1928 or the subsequent disappearance of a young woman decades later. The town believes the depot is haunted and, on her first night, Chandler is called as a neighbour spots a light moving inside. Chandler dismisses mystical intervention and files the case with the police but, over the next few days, strange things keep occurring and she wonders what she’s gotten herself, and her son, into!

I am a huge animal lover so I flinched and read with my eyes “closed” every time one entered the story but, rest assured, the animals are fine! The humans don’t fair quite as well! The murder mystery expands into the hunt for a serial killer and is intriguing, it kept me guessing. Pippa’s father is so well written, I loathed him from the start and wished I could scream “run!” I love the characters of the circus and the town, the smaller characters are beautifully crafted!

I have a chronic pain condition so deeply related to Chandler’s challenges and fears. Jaime Jo has captured the feelings amazingly. She has written the hope of God, the peace only He can give into this story whilst reflecting accurately the struggle it is to live in those promises every day. In the darkness of this story, she finds a way to write an ending of light. There is gentle romance and deep family love which I so enjoyed!

It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommend this one. But ,be warned! I couldn’t stop reading until I knew who did it!

A compelling story weaving the lives of broken, rejected and tormented people--people like you and me--into the sometimes secretive, sometimes sinister, hidden world under the bigtop.

What I loved: the elephants, Peter Pan, the old abandoned buildings, sights and sounds of the circus, an honest glimpse at a chronic condition, and slow simmer of blossoming love. Jaime Jo Wright creates many masterful images, remarkable lines revealing God's truth, and a story fraught with emotion.

Challenges: Pippa's connection to the Watchman in the early chapters did not make sense to me. There seemed to be a slow burn before the real danger threatened (perhaps the result of desensitization in a modern world.) Volume of other worldly/spiritual/ghostly references. (But it is a haunting, right?)

The theme of being seen and being loved by the Father--despite our own perceptions--is a universal truth we all need. This is a book I will want to reread. There is so much more to be discovered.

‘If we were all good and flawless, then Jesus wasted His blood.’ -The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, by Jaime Jo Wright


I received a complimentary copy of this title. All thoughts are freely provided of my own volition.

Wright continues to be an author whose work is layered and full of suspense. Her latest entry into the world of the circus is one that will engage those who love stories of misfits and outcasts. I love that Wright continues to supply female protagonists that seem to be underdogs, but not ones afraid of confronting their struggles. The search for truth is often a undercurrent in both past and present.

Pippa Ridley (1909 heroine) and Chandler Faulk (contemporary heroine) find themselves searching for answers in a past and present that eventually intersect in "The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus." Pippa is trying to create a normal life in 1909, but she has a physical struggle, as well as relational ones. When her friend, Jack, enlists her help in finding out who killed his sister, Pippa is drawn into the unique life of the circus crew and on the trail of a possible serial killer. Will she find out who The Watchman is? Is he the one killing off the circus folk--and what does he know about Pippa's family history? Why does he reach out to Pippa, sending her cryptic letters?

Chandler Faulk's life continues to get more complicated each day. A single mom, trying to do the best she can, Chandler is positive God doesn't care about her any more. How could He--allowing her to struggle with an autoimmune disease--on top of everything else? Chandler attempts to talk her uncle out of purchasing the abandoned train depot, which is purported to be haunted, to no avail. As she begins to investigate the depot and the unusual people who used to walk its halls, she's pulled into an investigation with the property landlord, Denny, and his nephew, Hank. What dark secrets are hiding in the depot? And how do they connect to a series of murders in 1909? Will the Watchman ever be brought to justice, or will someone else suffer for his crimes?

Wright continues to bring her unique voice to her novels. Drawing inspiration from real life issues and sneaking a bit of thriller into the mix, her books continue to be ones that will keep you up into the wee hours-but only if there's a night light on!

I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I am not typically a fan of historical fiction, but I just devour a split timeline story by Jaime Jo Wright because it is filled with such suspense and mystery. The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is no exception. This novel bounces back and forth between 1928 and the present day and centers around Pippa in the past and Chandler in the present. They are tied together by the Bonaventure Circus. As a baby, Pippa was left on the doorstep of the Riley family who were the owners of the circus. In present day, Chandler is overseeing the project to either restore or tear down the historic circus train depot. These two ladies are tied together almost a hundred years apart in a search for truth and justice.

I was so excited when I first saw that the author was writing a story tied around a circus because I knew she could pen quite a story centered around such an entertaining yet possibly strange and mysterious setting as well. Due to circumstances that I don't want to explain for fear of spoiling too much, both Pippa and Chandler are searching for the real identity of a serial killer known as the Watchmen. The Watchmen killed women at various stops of the circus train back in the 1920's. A man was identified and charged as the Watchmen, but did they actually have the right man? You'll have to read to find out. This story had so many twists and turns that just when I thought I had it figured out, the author threw in a new twist. I was totally surprised and blown away by the ending. If you want a story with lots of suspense, some creepy characters, and a bit of romance, then this novel is for you!

I was given a copy of this story by the author and publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

As with Jaime Jo Wright's other books, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is not one to read at night! LOL! It's a perfect read for Halloween time, or frankly anytime you'd like to channel Anne Shirley and get "deliciously scared."

My general appreciation for the book could be summed up in one line near the end (no spoilers, have no fear!): "Sure, they had their differences of faith and foundation, but that didn't eliminate the beauty of kindness." At times I wasn't sure what to make of Bonaventure Circus -- it felt like "The Greatest Showman" movie met Ted Dekker, and I felt so conflicted over that! The supernatural certainly takes front and center at times in the book, which jostled me a little. But jostling can be positive, and it certainly is here.

I love how Wright weaved 1928 and the present day; she maintains her "master of the timeslip novel" in this installment, for sure! I usually prefer one storyline over another in most timeslips, but not so here; every time we slipped into past or present, I wasn't ready to leave the other storyline. To me, that illustrates just how compelling each storyline actually is, and I applaud Wright.

Bonaventure Circus kept me guessing throughout the read, as well. I thought I figured elements out at one point, but was absolutely wrong, and gladly so. Wright throws every timeslip cliche out the window and skillfully rewrites it in this read. Well done.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This dual-timeline story had me in its clutches from the very first moment I started reading. Both Chandler (present) and Pippa (past) are compelling, fascinating, and engaging, and their stories (and the intertwining of them) kept me engaged and guessing throughout. And the side characters were also extremely well-developed and engaging. And the circus as a setting? Bonus.

Jaime Jo Wright is a master of these time-slip stories - of telling two different narratives, switching timelines at just the right moment, and weaving together masterfully, suspensefully, and artfully the two (actually, more than two) mysteries, separated by almost 100 years, leaving enough mystery AND closure in both timelines to satisfy. And the twists? I NEVER would have guessed in a million years how it all ties together (no spoilers :D).

Highly recommended.

This book has enough suspense to keep you reading late into the night, and enough creepiness to make sure your doors are locked and curtains are closed while doing so! I enjoyed this split time story that connects the past and the present to a circus that that has a haunting secret.

Pippa is searching for answers to a family she's never known. She wants to feel that she belongs somewhere and as the story progresses she becomes more independent and finds her voice. All while helping care for a baby elephant that will have you praying for it's health.

Chandler is striving to prove her worth, keep her job, and raise her son. All while struggling with a recent diagnosis that she feels puts all of the above in jeopardy.

Both time periods contain a male that is as loving and protective, as he is gruff and mysterious.

Both are stories of seeking the truth so that lives can move forward. They are stories of coming together to help heal and solve the mysterious that have surrounded the circus in both the past and the present.

Jaime weaves a tale that will not disappoint! My favorite book of hers to date!

Truth must be known, seen, and understood. Only then can a person walk forward , no longer blind and ignorant, but educated....

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely honest and my own.

I don’t enjoy circus stories, but I do love Jaime Jo Wright’s dual story line novels and so I was anxious to read The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. In Wright’s trademark in novels, the reader enters the world of a historical tale and a contemporary story. Pippa Ripley is the adopted daughter of the circus owner in 1928, but feels out casted because she isn’t a circus person and due to a handicap, doesn’t feel as though she truly believes to her adopted parents. Through the love of a baby elephant, Pippa is soon interacting with the circus employees and learns of the secrets being kept.
The contemporary story tells of Chandler Faulk, a single mom, who is struggling with an autoimmune disorder that she wants to keep hidden due to fear of her son being taken away. She works for her uncle in finding commercial properties to flip and she discovers the old circus buildings as her next project, but is soon warned of them being haunted. She knows she must prove the haunting rumors wrong in order to make her remodel successful.
In true Jaime Jo Wright’s style, The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus gives readers some scary, creepy moments and they wonder where the story is headed in the supernatural world. Then, in a way she can only do, the story gives a surprising ending with the intercession of storylines.

This split time book has the suspense, action, and emotions that keep you delving into each new chapter looking for answers and closure for each character. Jaime Jo Wright has turned everything up a notch in this new adventure. Chandler has moved herself and her son to a new town with her job, revitalize the old circus buildings. But as she digs into the old offices and boarding house, secrets are quickly coming to the surface. An old murder, constant break ins that seem to link to the past, and a new health issue that could change everything for Chandler. She is fighting to keep her job out of a competitor's hands, wants her son to have everything she thinks he needs, and does not like admitting her weaknesses and short coming to anyone. But with old murders rising to the surface, Chandler is going to need more help then she ever thought she would. Some one wants these murders left alone and will go to any lengths to see them forgotten once again. The other side to the split time is 1928 Pippa. Her father owns the Bonaventure Circus and insists she stay away from the day to day operations. But she feels drawn to the circus more than any other place, with the Watchman among their ranks increasing her curiosity. There are new, disturbing rumors circulating about danger on the rails as the circus travels the country. Now that the circus is home for the winter, Pippa needs to find the strength to face the questions and darkness that is starting to cover the big top. Each woman needs to learn how to accept help from the people around them. They also need to see the truth of who they are and how to embrace it. Only then can Chandler and Pippa find the place they were always meant to be. The characters are beautifully written, their relationships forming the base for the story. Each person feels like a new neighbor the reader is meeting, and then trying to warn of danger or encouraging to accept offered help.
How do you trust others to help when you see only failure in yourself?
Jaime Jo Wright has another hit on her hands! I was engrossed from the first chapter and could hardly wait to reach the end. The suspense kept the pages eagerly turning, wanting to find the next step in the dangerous dance unfolding on the pages. This book is well worth the heart pounding climax, found in two different time periods which only increases the intensity! I eagerly await the next book Jaime Jo Wright puts out, it can't come soon enough!I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions in this review are completely my own.

I have loved Jaime Jo Wright’s books for over a year now. This is no exception. I loved following Pippa in the circus with Lily the elephant. I felt so attached to every character in the story and so invested in the outcome. I also loved Chandler’s storyline in the current day. I don’t suffer from Lyme’s Disease but I do have daily chronic migraines. I was so appreciative to see a character with a physical struggle and being an active role in the story. there are many things that I love about the plot and characters but I would be here all day explaining them. This is a new favourite book of mine and I can’t wait to read more!I wish I could give this six out of five stars!


I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

If only I could give this book 100 stars rather than only five.
This book, this author, I am so in awe!
No one presents words in quite the way Jamie Jo Wright does.
If you were to give twenty authors the subject matter this book was composed of none would present it in the way this author does.
I read so many books per year that I can truly get burnt out on the sameness of the books, not so with this author's books.
She has just the presentation I am looking for, which is originality. Originality is very hard to find in today's writing world.
A time split novel, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus is a novel of the past colliding with present on a collision course that's frightening yet fascinating . It keeps you reading late into the night as you try to grasp what you're reading and process it. The past is amazingly connected to the present in ways you can't even begin to imagine.
If you don't read this book you are really missing out. I highly recommend it!

Pub Date 01 Sep 2020 by Bethany House Publishers.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.