I love a book set in Michigan, especially on the most mysterious of all the lakes, Lake Superior. If you have ever stood on the shores of Superior, you will know what I mean when I say it holds its secrets and has its dark mysteries. So a gothic suspense set on these shores is a match made in heaven. I really enjoyed this read, which took the reader between two times, set in the same place. Two women, each with their own set of problems. There were so many threads to this story, and each one was as interesting as the next. Definitely a book to read when you want to settle down with a cup of tea and a book with a bit of a spooky vibe.

Adria Fontaine arrives at Foxglove Manor in 1885 to hunt for treasure hidden by her pirate father. A sinister mistress, a ghost, and treasure seekers are just a few of the challenges Adria encounters. Meanwhile, in present day, Kailey Gibson has come to Foxglove Manor to serve as a nurse’s aide and care for her autistic brother, Jude, but the house possesses some of Kailey's own secrets. Kailey had been kidnapped as a child while staying there, and now another child kidnapping has similarities to her own case. Wright has once again created a masterful dual time novel that will leave the reader satisfied and wanting to read the next offering by this author.

1885.

In her father’s eyes, Adria Fontaine has committed an unpardonable sin. He vanishes her to the distant Foxglove Manor where the stench of her actions can taint the family name no further. As compensation, he demands that she recover goods he pirated on the Great Lakes during the war. But evil lurks from every corner, and if her father’s expectations don’t end Adria, the secrets that the manor’s eccentric and harsh mistress hide, will.

Present day.

Kidnapped as a child, Kailey Gibson locked away the terrifying memories, only recalling the abductors promise to return. Determined to drag herself out from under the paralyzing fear that has haunted her since that day, Kailey accepts a position as a nurse’s aide at an isolated senior home set up in a renovated, old manor. When Foxglove’s residents share tales of ghosts, hidden treasures, and death, Kailey realizes she may have sought refuge in the worst place possible.

To anyone who follows me on social media or reads my blog, it is no secret that I love Jaime Jo Wright’s books. With most authors, I can provide my favorite title without a second thought, but with Wright, in the words of Danielle de Barbarac in Ever After, “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens.” The House on Foster Hill and The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond probably contain my favorite plots. Though Simeon (The Curse of Misty Wayfair) is hands down my favorite hero. But On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor, Wright’s latest gift to the world, has arrived ready to rival its predecessors as my favorite setting. A dreary and cold manor, it evokes a Northanger Abbey or Brontenesque vibe even while set in a different time period and continent.

As the story twisted into a convoluted web, deep and dangerous like Foxglove itself, it had me seeing and hearing things right alongside Adria and Kailey, questioning my sanity. At a loss for the culprits’ identities and unsure of whom to trust, my heart raced as the heroines fought for their lives.

With her trademark gothic flare and deliciously creepy writing, Wright reminds readers once again why she is the Queen of Spooky, always keeping the readers on edge but never over the brink.

In addition to the ebook version, I was also fortunate to receive an audio copy. The narrator, Leah Horowitz reads with a clear, easy-to-follow voice though at times her pauses or intonations came across a bit awkward and unnatural. However, that won’t stop me from enjoying it often while I cook, clean, and do other chores that might otherwise be tedious.

By this point, it undoubtedly goes without saying, but I definitely recommend On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor to lovers of suspense and mysteries that take thinking to solve.

This book was so fast, interesting and action packed that I could not put it down! I loved how the historical elements were present in both timelines. It made me interested in the Civil War gold! The characters of Adria and Kailey were different but complimentary to each other 100 years apart. This book did so many things right I can’t help but give it five stars! I did preorder a copy with my own money but I also received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and that was not hard to do!

Loved the setting of this book set on the shores of the Great Lakes.
The author sure knows how to create an atmospheric setting.
This is one thing I always look forward to in her books, the atmospheric setting. No matter what scene she describes you feel as though you are right here experiencing it too.
A search for a hidden civil war treasure,a ghost and dangerous secrets that will have you looking over your shoulder will make you want to read this late into the night to finish it.

Pub Date 01 Jun 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Jaime Jo Wright is a master at split time stories and an expert at crafting novels with Gothic mystery! I love her writing as she carefully reveals parts of the story in such perfect timing that it literally makes me go “ahhh” every time a secret is divulged and the plot comes together perfectly. This story had bits of spooky elements but I loved how the explanations came together rationally by the end. But I especially appreciated the author not shying away from difficult topics: there is a character with autism and a character who struggles with depression and suicidality. She handles these circumstances so well and gives me a glimpse into these very real struggles. I applaud her tackling these topics! The characters have so many levels and are complex. It is easy to lose track of time as you get involved in the story and invested in these characters. I loved every part of this book. Jaime Jo Wright once again showed me why she is one of my very favorite authors! I highly recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Once again Jaime Jo Wright captured my attention and imagination with her amazing storytelling genius! A fascinating cast of unique characters, a brilliantly executed dual timeline plot, a gothic toned setting on the shores of Lake Superior, and touches of romance work together to create an absorbing, enjoyable reading experience from beginning to end. This tale of mystery involving ciphers, abductions, ghosts, and conspiracy is tempered by an engaging faith message of hope and love woven through both timelines. Vivid detailed descriptions and imagery add authenticity and enable you to “feel” the story as you read it. The well-researched Civil War historical element is intriguing and informative. Fans of dual timelines and Christian suspense won’t want to miss this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I collect Jaime Jo Wright books. Why? Because I just love her stories. Yes they have a little creep factor to them, but that really is a small portion of the entire novel. Her characters are fun, flawed, and interesting. Her settings are always unique in both present day and historical time, and yet at the same time they are the same. The two storylines are intriguing, but what's most mind blowing is how she brings them together in the end, and it's never in a way you would expect. So yeah, I collect her books.

On The Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is a great read. And may I add that you can tell Wright must have done a ton of research before writing this book and it shows. There are so many details - most of which I cannot share because ya know, spoilers. But there are historical aspects that I never even dreamed were real, and yet they kind of are. Plus, Wright features an autistic character, which in itself is difficult because you want to make sure you're getting it right. Jude was such an interesting character, and the way Wright is able to write (ha!) his view of his surroundings, and the special "language" he has with his sister, well it just really blew my mind.

Adria and Kailey, our two heroines, had a lot to go through in their respective time periods. Both had big baggage, but in completely different ways. I like how Wright brought in secondary characters just at the right moments, and little by little you see these ladies let their guard down a little, and perhaps learn that they can move forward. And with so many surprised throughout the book, readers will be on their toes every step of the way!

I highly recommend Wrights latest book, well all of them actually! They will certainly keep you on your toes, entertained, and maybe even looking over your shoulder. :) I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As I started reading this time slip novel, I was reminded of the Adams family home with its unique residences and the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as the nurses cared for its colorful array of patients. Kailey Gibson gets a job as a nurse’s aide at the Foxglove Manor. She arrives with her autistic brother, Jude. Kailey and her brother are there to make sense of childhood memories at the manor. She is trying to get peace over her haunting dreams. Kailey says, “How was one supposed to respond to a story that sounded like a children’s bedtime tale meets the darker elements of the Brothers Grimm?” It was hard to navigate the way but, she had to find out what was really hidden in the Manor,and what does it have to do with a deceased child and Confederate treasure? Kailey is determined to get to the truth, no matter the cost.

This is a complex, creepy story filled with crazy twists, turns, and hidden secrets. Of course, Kailey had to look for things in the shadows of night because she worked during the day. Each chapter leads readers closer and closer to figuring out the secrets. This is a suspenseful tale that has the main characters trying to unravel a conspiracy, piece together and understand a betrayal, and it reveals the greed of desperate people. Themes and issues running through the story are that of mental health, substance abuse, autism, suicide, and Alzheimer’s. This author pens a unique story you will not soon forget. It is a memorable read and one that would work well for your next book club pick. The author includes nine questions to help create a lively discussion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Like Jo March forced to be a companion to her crotchety old Aunt March, or the nameless protagonist of Du Maurier's Rebecca, so in 1885 Adria Fontaine has been sent to a cliffside manor to care for an old woman. The elderly wealthy widow is haunted by the ghost of a child and the foxes she oddly despises who hover near the mansion, once welcomed by a former occupant. Adria is also recovering from her own haunts and traumas, as well as mental instability passed on by her father, a greedy man who took advantage of the desperate times in the Civil War and suffered its scars. Now she is tasked with searching the mansion for treasures he once stole and lost, in his travels on the Great Lakes.

This split time novel also visits to the same manor house in present day, where Kailey Gibson has moved in as an aid for the 6 elderly patients who reside there, along with her older autistic brother and 2 cats in tow. Twenty years ago, as a little girl, she once visited Foxglove Manor and disappeared, kidnapped, and asked an odd question. Then was returned only a few hours later, though no one believed her story. And now, suddenly, within her first week, it has happened again. Another girl claims to have been kidnapped for only a few hours, and asked odd questions, perhaps about something that happened long ago...

Both women have been misjudged, mislabeled as mentally unstable, and are seeking the long-awaited truth to old family secrets, the mysteries and possible hidden wealth of the manor, and their own mental healing from the traumatic events of their pasts. On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is a fascinating Gothic split-time mystery perfect for those who love solving secrets of the past.

Jaime has done it again. Another fantastic book. She combines all the things I love. Mystery, suspense and romance.

Also, this book is set in one of my favorite places, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My family and I were just there a few weeks ago and took a shipwreck tour and saw some of the ship wrecks mentioned in this book.

If I cry while reading at book it would typically be at the end but for some reason there is a scene in the middle of the book that deeply touched me and I so resonated with Adria I found myself shedding some tears.

Jaime even got an “ope” in there, which is something us Michiganders say often when surprised. I did feel like she tried to wiggle some social justice jargon in there and I didn’t appreciate that, or maybe I was thinking too deeply about it…I don’t know.

Overall, a fabulous book and if you like spooky books you will LOVE this one.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Although I have loved all of Jaime Jo Wright’s other books, this one was very hard for me to get into. Parts of it were interesting, but parts of it dragged on for me. I did enjoy the present day story more than the story told in the past.

If you enjoy storytelling told from the past and present day, you may enjoy this one. I do recommend all of Jaime Jo Wright’s other books.

I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

“He had ruined death for her, and the hope of it.”

Wow! Wow! Wow! Make sure you have allotted some uninterrupted reading time before you start On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor because, once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. Sleep? Who needs it? Food? You can survive for a while without eating. Bathroom break? Take the book with you. I was so incredibly caught up in this latest offering from Jaime Jo Wright – the world could have ended and I might not have noticed.

Picture this: a remote stone manor house, perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, harboring long-buried secrets and heartbreak, a legacy of broken lives in its wake. Two women, a century apart, both deeply affected by this house and its secrets, both determined to solve the mystery that swirls through its halls – and each putting her life in danger to do so. Rumors of Civil War treasures. Whispers about a little girl ghost. Murmurings of pirates and smugglers on the lake. And through all of this, the author weaves an intricate story with fascinating characters, building the suspense with just the right amount of secrets & foreboding at just the right time.

(side note: I could not help but think of Joey in Friends when he says, “You know I’m scared of little girl ghosts!” LOL)

Let’s talk about the romance for a minute, too. Because this is me… and while I would read this author’s books without any hint of romance, the sparks & tension & chemistry – and KISSES (hooray!) – in On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor are icing on the cake for me. My favorite romantical pairings from this author are in this book, and I could easily read more stories surrounding these characters. And while we’re speaking of characters, I must mention the supporting cast. Nobody we meet on these pages is there by accident, and each adds their own layers to this deliciously spooky story. I especially loved Jude, Kailey’s autistic older brother, and Raymond & Maddie.

Bottom Line: Jaime Jo Wright is both a pioneer & a master of Inspirational dual timeline suspense, and it’s perhaps never more evident than in On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor. I’m always a fan of a good ghost story, and Wright gives us one, while also (brilliantly) staying true to a Biblical worldview. The perfectly-done gothic elements add to the atmospheric appeal of the book, and the breathless romantic chemistry ramps up the already-high tension even more. Stunning twists, intriguing characters, and breathless suspense had me glued to the pages, and the way the author ties the two timelines together is nothing short of perfection.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is eery, well-written, imaginative, creative, spellbinding and captivating! It is so much more than romantic suspense; it is historical fiction, paranormal suspense and Christian fiction wrapped into a very entertaining read.

Author Jaime Jo Wright never fails to curate stories that are both haunting and romantic at the same time. It truly amazes me each time I read one of her books. Her stories make me want to curl up with a heavy blanket, cup of warm tea and a flashlight nearby!

With a unique time-slip premise, this novel offers two stories and two romances in different eras that build off of each other, creating a story that readers will simply want to devour. Jaime Jo Wright knows how to unfold a twisted plot with the ethereal essence of mystery and intrigue that keeps her readers captivated and turning the pages as fast as they can.

She brings her magnetic, multi-layered characters to life with vibrant descriptions and complex, yet relatable, personalities. Almost always, I’m immediately attached to them. I was won over with the late 19th century story of Adria, who’s been banished to Foxglove Manor, only to discover the brooding, drunken Mr. Crane and selfish Mrs. St. John walking the halls of the manor haunted by a young ghost. As if this portion of the story wasn’t good enough, Wright masterfully incorporates the modern day story of Kailey Gibson, a young woman with an autistic brother and a haunted past, and Axel, the current grounds keeper for Foxglove Manor which is now a retirement home and care facility. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love how each of her books portrays a character with special needs and the unique qualities those characters bring to the story, as well as the concept that everyone is made in God’s image offering their own special contribution to our society.

I fully enjoyed these interconnected stories and found the suspense element of the supernatural done very tastefully, with a logical explanation that detracted nothing from the story. There were some faith based elements as well that were light, yet poignant. There was also two spellbinding romances brewing within these pages that satisfied my love for romantic suspense…

The setting of this story was unique and very creative as you’d be hard pressed to find another novel about shipping on the Great Lakes, confederate gold and buried treasure all in one story! As always, I highly recommend you try this story for yourself as I feel certain you will not be disappointed. Happy reading!

Content Note: This story touches on the subjects of suicide as well as heavy alcohol consumption. The subtle faith elements balance these matters with hope and as a result offer a message that I believe both Christian and secular readers will find satisfactory.

Once again, Jaime Jo Wright has blown me away with her ability to write eerie Christian fiction! It’s comparable to a mature, inspirational Scooby Doo mystery. There’s always a feasible explanation, but the track to get you there sure can leave your heart racing!
In this book, we see Jaime Jo Wright masterfully weave a split time tale together to form an amazing, edge of your seat plot line.
This story is very well written, character development is great; and the plot moves along at an exhilarating pace.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Jaime Jo Wright delivers another spooky and riveting suspense with her latest release, On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor.

With her usual gothic flair, Jaime Jo Wright brings the reader straight into another mystery. And I loved every second of it.

Perfectly balancing Adria’s story with Kailey’s, Wright slowly drops hints for the reader. She did this is such a masterful way that I almost palmed my forehead when I got to the big reveal.

If the talk of ghosts worries you, Wright offers a logical solution at the end of the story. That’s one thing she’s good at. She almost has you believing the impossible, and then she comes in with logic and an ending that makes so much sense you wonder how you didn’t see it before.

And then there’s the romance. She always includes it in a subtle way, which in a way drives my romance-lovin’ heart crazy. But I have to say, something about the subtlety made the romance sweeter.

I also liked the way Wright explores the questions of faith through Kailey’s spiritual journey. It often felt raw and oh-so-relatable.

Overall, On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is perfect for fans of romance and suspense who don’t mind a little spookiness in their stories.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.)

A split time mystery that is very clear and easy to understand--no wondering what time period are we in now?! :) The reason for only 4 stars is that the 2 main characters have so many issues that it can be a bit depressing at times. Otherwise, it's a good story, and mystery, that unfolds throughout the course of the book! I really like some of the characters, including Kaely and Jude.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Whew! In typical Jaime Jo Wright fashion, this book delivers it all - mystery, history (well, dual time lines, actually...), some hints of romance, all wrapped in hints of ghostly eerieness.
Two heroines. Adria and Kailey.
Adria is at Foxglove Manor on a quest for her father. Because of her failed attempt at suicide and the shame this may bring to the Fontaine's, he wants her to find the treasure he believes is hidden there, stolen from him years ago by his fellow pirates.
Kailey is at Foxglove Manor because of some terrifying events from her childhood. With her autistic brother, Jude, she hopes to find answers that might enable them to lay down those nightmares once and for all.
Woven throughout with deep, dark secrets, appearances from a young ghost girl presumed to be Lucy Miranda, this spooky story is definitely not one you want to read at bedtime!
Fascinating, intriguing, touching, and so much more. This story is very well written and kept me glued to its pages from the very first page to the final sentence.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I loved this story. This book goes from past to present in a fantastic way. I never got lost as to what time period or what people should be in the time period. I loved the idea that there was a ghost in this home and I loved all the secrets that were needed to be learned to solve the mystery of a possible treasure that needed to be found. I loved Adria and Kailey. This story handles someone with a disability with lots of compassion. I love the emotions in the story. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I had no idea Confederate gold might have ended up in Michigan. Learning about historical possibilities like that is one reason I like to read Wright's novels. Wright's daughter, with her love of Civil War history and missing Confederate gold, inspired the creation of this novel.

Wright's story telling technique is in the dual time genre. The historical story takes place over a century ago, at a manor on the shores of Lake Superior, while there were still Confederate loyalists hoping to rekindle the cause, even long after the Civil War. The narrative alternates with a contemporary account of a young woman trying to solve a mystery surrounding her visit to the manor two decades ago.

Wright does well revealing information in the two narratives, moving both stories along at the same engaging pace. I liked the Gothic feel of the historical setting of the manor, the crashing waves below the dangerous cliffs. I like that Wright includes a bit of ghostly intrigue and deadly suspense. The characters are crafted well. The plots, while complex, flowed rather well. While sometimes puzzling, all the actions made sense in the end.

This is a good novel for readers who like a novel that keeps you entertained while introducing you to some very interesting history.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book form the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.