Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright is a unique blend of grief, murder, and hunt for justice that the novel begs to be savored. First, I believe Wright's strongest point of this novel is the ability to dive into grief. As someone who lost her father four years ago, I have had a hard time moving on from losing him. So many novels that I have read lately that have claimed to deal with grief through the characters didn't ring true to me, but Wright actually allows the heroine to show how much it affects her. It doesn't go away in a couple of days. Sometimes it lingers. I really liked how realistic Wright made grief. The plot is different and took a while for Aggie and Imogene to solve the crimes in their time period. In the present time period, they finally solve the murder of 1946. I enjoyed spending time with the characters and couldn't wait to see how the murder was solved. Wright does a wonderful job at creating multi-dimensional characters and diving into a plot that is original and completely unpredictable. I was shocked at finding out who killed Hazel. Didn't see that coming. I have enjoyed all four of her novels, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

I received a complimentary copy of Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Jaime Jo Wright's latest novel, Echoes Among the Stones, releases on December 3. Like her previous work, Wright's latest novel weaves the stories of two women across generations, exploring how a person's reaction to tragedy can affect the trajectory of life.

In the small town of Mill Creek, Wisconsin, a murder has gone unsolved for decades. The loss of her dear sister has consumed Imogene (Genie) Grayson's life for over 70 years. Unable to move beyond her grief, Imogene does everything she can to track down her sister's killer. When the case is closed, unsolved, she recreates the crime scene and lives it over an over again, hoping that in remembering, she'll find some clue that will finally put an end to the event that changed her life.

70 years later, Genie's granddaughter, Aggie Dunkirk, is also dealing with grief--the loss of her mother to cancer has altered her life, causing her to lose focus...and her job. Heading back to Mill Creek at the request of her grandmother, Aggie takes a job at the local cemetery mapping the graves. When an unmarked grave presents a mystery to solve, Aggie and the archeologist assigned to the task, Collin O'Shaughnessy, find themselves uncovering clues to the 70 year old mystery of Genie's sister.

As in Wright's other novels, the plot and the intersection of the two women's lives across the years captures the imagination of the reader. More than just a 'good story,' this novel asks readers to delve deeper and consider how their own grief might be holding them captive. At the end of the novel, Genie tells Aggie, "Let the good Lord take care of your aches and heal you. So that you don't miss out on the good--on the blessings He hides in the middle of all that hurting." We all have a choice...to live in the "shadoes of grief and longing," or to move on--to walk in the path that God has set before us. The story of Genie and Aggie challenges readers to choose to heal as we see the devastation the choice to remain in the hurt brings.

Another page turner by Jamie Jo Wright. Full of suspense while trying to piece the details together. Jamie does a wonderful job of showing the readers how devastating grief can be. Lots of twist and turns. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out details changed.

Sigh.
This is one of those books that is so good.
I didn’t really want it to end, but I had to have answers.
What makes it even better, is there are some Dee truths thrown in, things about life. About learning to live through grief, how to move on, how to really live again. Important, valuable truths we can all use to help in our own journeys. Because, after all, each one of us has our own hard story in our own little journey of life.
This is a dual time story.
It’s Imogene’s story. She finds the murdered body of her sister Hazel. The grief nearly causes her to be overcome. She carries that with her for a long time...about 70 years.
Then it’s also the story of Aggie. Called to the side of her aged Mumsie, and helping the town solve an unsolved mystery.
I loved reading in both time periods, and seeing how it all fit together.
This story has many unexpected elements, and kept me guessing until the end.
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

ECHOES AMONG THE STONES by JAIME JO WRIGHT is a mystery thriller in which the author deals with the effects of grief on two women, Imogene, who lost her sister Hazel in 1946, and her granddaughter, Aggie who has lost her mother. It is a sad story, but an enlightening one, as we see these women who are so alike, working through their feelings, as they look for truth and justice and the strength to carry on living.
The story takes place in Mill Creek which is a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. Here we see how, when the men come back from the war in 1946, the whole town seems to have changed and nothing seems the same.
When Aggie comes back to Mill Creek she has not only lost her mother but also her prestigious real estate job and ends up working in the Mill Creek cemetery with Collin O'Shaunessy, the rather unusual and interesting British archeologist.
The characters in both timelines are fascinating and full of secrets and there is a good Christian message running through the story.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Echoes among the Stones
by Jaime Jo Wright
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 03 Dec 2019


I am reviewing a copy of Echoes among the Stones through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:




Aggie Dunkirk’s career was unceremoniously ended by mistakes she made. So she decides to travel to Wisconsin where her Grandmother Mumsie lives alone in her own rambling home. She did not know how eccentric Mumsie had become , obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in the dollhouse.



When she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the Cemetery, Mystery seems to follow her. She ends up having to work with the cemetery’s puzzling but attractive archaeologist and she ends up exhuming secrets from the past and accidentally ends up uncovering a crime that some will stop at nothing to keep hidden, even if it means silencing Aggie for good.





In 1946 Imogene Flannigan works in a local factory and dreams of one day only her own beauty salon. coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the newly burgeoning world of criminal forensics and not particularly welcomed as a woman, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved.



Even as her sisters case grows cold, Imogene is determined to stay involved in the case, but at what cost?


I give Echoes among the Stones five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I love this book and I love the characters in this book. Mumsie is adorable and spunky, Collin’s heart of gold and accent will make you swoon. Aggie is broken in such a real way, but she’s on her way to healing. This book is about love and loss and even though parts were heartbreaking, I often found myself laughing out loud. And talk about suspenseful. Jaime Jo Wright knows how to write an unputdownable book!

Echoes among the Stones is my favorite Jaime Jo Wright novel yet. I didn't think anything could top The Curse of Misty Wayfair, but this one did. I don't know how she does it, but each new book just gets better and better.

It's a dualtimeline featuring interconnected stories from the present and 1946. I found both times equally compelling. There's no way I could tell you which one I liked better. They were both awesome.

The characters were great. Aggie and Mumsie had quite an interesting dynamic. They've both got prickly personalities. They don't really get along all that great, but they're more alike than not. They internalize things and are so stubborn. But I found them both to be extremely likable and realistic.

There was a haunting melancholy that seeped out of the pages bringing this atmospheric tale to life. It's a definite pageturner and extremely hard to put down. The mystery had me riveted. The intrigue kept building as pieces of the puzzle were revealed. I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to leave these characters I'd come to love. But what a wonderful journey it was! Full of highs and lows. Grief and hope. I can't recommend it highly enough. I enjoyed every second. It's a definite contender for best book of the year.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

This time-slip mystery had me guessing from beginning to end, and the twists and turns made it almost impossible to put down. The interweaving of the two storylines was done absolutely masterfully, the characters were exceptionally well drawn, and the ending surprised AND satisfied. I gasped at least half a dozen times. A fabulous read. Jaime Jo Wright is a master of this genre.

I loved Echoes Among the Stones by Author Jaime Jo Wright. I am not usually one for creepy stories but I can handle and love hers. I may read them during the day, but they are great suspenseful novels with hope. Echoes Among the Stones is a terrific suspenseful story with hope, a little more subdued in the creepy department, but still every bit a page-turner. In fact I finished the book at 1am this morning. I just couldn't wait until tomorrow to find out how it ended. I love a book that keeps me guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this poignant story of love & loss, grief & healing wrapped in page-turning suspense!

“Regardless of where faith may take us and what the good Lord has in store, we’ll never stop hearing their voices. The voices of the ones we’ve loved before. Their voices will always echo, here, among the stones, and in our hearts. It is how it was meant to be.”

Jaime Jo Wright has the right stuff when it comes to writing dual timeline stories! Unlike her novels before this one, we know what event took place. She pieces the past with the present in a way that captures the reader and forcing them to follow along a trail of solving a 72 year old cold case and tugging at hearts with a depth that surprises me every time. I know I lost track of time in the real world because I NEEDED to keep reading. It was like unfolding delicate rose petals only to discover there was so much more under the beautiful surface! It’s hard to write a review without giving too much away; I want the reader to discover all the good stuff for themselves. This one is just as completely captivating as the first three books! The ending was shocking as she reveals the culprit, I had no clue and I was asking myself if what I read was really what I read! I love every twist, every turn and every chilling layer she revealed. I quickly became part of the Aggie, Mumsie, Collin, Ollie, Sam, and Ida’s lives. Really there’s nothing I don’t like about this book & I think the reader is in for a real treat with “Echoes Among the Stones”! I highly recommend this to readers who like trying to solve cold cases, love suspense, and want the kind of depth in a story that keeps you turning pages well into the night!

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

Echoes Among the Stones is an incredible book! I loved the plot and characters as the two timelines are parallel and then combine. Aggie and Imogene are well rounded characters that were relatable and interesting. I loved the mystery element with all of its twists and turns. The only reason this book did not get a five star from me was that I am not a fan of supernatural elements and that was quite heavy in Imogene’s story. Even though I don’t love that in books, I still enjoyed her timeline. A solid 4 star from me!

Echoes Among the Stones is a poignant, gripping suspense that probes the depths of grief. This dual timeline goes between 1946 and present day, weaving together the stories of Imogene Flannigan and Aggie Dunkirk. In post-WWII Mill Creek, Imogene tries to solve her sister’s murder. And in present-day Mill Creek, Aggie tries to figure out who wants to keep her from working at the cemetery.

Jaime Jo Wright weaves these stories together seamlessly, dropping hints and clues in one storyline and following through on an explanation in another. Just when you think you’ve begun to piece together what’s going on, Wright throws you a curve ball.

And she manages to keep the suspense going throughout the novel, making it a fast read. You won’t want to stop reading from the moment Imogene discovers her sister’s body. And the characters’ struggles with grief make the emotion raw and personal, giving you a vested interest in seeing a happy ending.

Speaking of happy endings, there was one ending I wasn’t too happy about. But I can see why Wright chose that ending. And I can appreciate that she chose something that fit the character rather than preconceived expectations. Even fictional novels need a bit of truth.

Which is why I love this novel’s cast. The supporting characters and the family connections add something special to the main characters’ journeys. Make them relatable and raise the stakes. And the ginger archaeologist makes everything better.

Jaime Jo Wright earned a spot on my TBR when I read The House on Foster Hill.. With Echoes Among the Stones, she solidified her place as a must-read author.

(review goes live on the blog on Dec. 6 at 5 PM)

With her trademark ability for weaving fascinatingly creepy tales of healing and forgiveness, award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright brings out the "creep factor" with skeletons, cemeteries, dead bodies, and a very unique dollhouse in her latest dual timeline novel, Echoes Among the Stones. The slower pace to the beginning of the story allows readers to start piecing together the various clues through many twists and turns, which leads to a surprising conclusion.

When she arrives in town to visit her grandmother, Aggie’s unexpected new job as a cemetery secretary brings up buried secrets. As Aggie searches for answers in present day, the readers find out clues as Imogene's 1946 storyline follows the mystery behind the death of young Hazel Grayson, and suddenly the past collides with the present.

Jaime Jo Wright emphasizes hope, healing, and forgiveness through God’s incredible grace throughout the novel. For readers who have been hesitant to read Jaime Jo Wright’s books in the past due to their “creepy” nature, Echoes Among the Stones would be the perfect book of hers to start with since it does not have quite as dark of a tone as her previous books. Echoes Among the Stones is highly recommended for readers who enjoy dual timeline stories filled with suspense and the perfect amount of creepiness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Jaime Jo Wright’s Echoes Among the Stones drops readers into a seventy year old mystery. Set in two time periods, the story revolves around Imogene Flannigan, whose sister is murdered. Flash forward as Aggie Dunkirk tries to put the pieces together and figure out why the murder was unsolved. But someone keeps sending warning signs to say that past secrets should be left buried.

I love mysteries, the kind where anyone can be a suspect and readers don’t know who to trust. Echoes Among the Stones delivers a twisted and complex mystery with a cast of equally complicated characters. Aggie’s job working as a cemetery secretary adds to the intrigue as she moves in with her grandmother AKA Mumsie. Mumsie has secrets that span her entire life.

Even with the overarching mystery steeped in death, the story brings some deep themes to life. The characters are amazingly dynamic, and Aggie learns to deal with her grief from Mumsie, who let regret and sorrow consume her entire life. Aggie’s odd relationship with Colin, the might-be-British eclectic archaeologist, is quirky and endearing. He’s definitely a character! Flipping into the past, readers will love Imogene’s spun, determination, and loyalty. She refuses to give up on finding out the truth about her sister’s murder while everyone else seems to moves on.

Move Echoes from the Stones up on your TBR list if you are a fan of mysteries. This is the story you won’t want to put down, so block off your schedule accordingly.

I received a complementary ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I kept thinking I had it figured out. Only to find out that I was wrong. Good story. Will definitely get this for the library!

A gripping, engrossing and poignant suspense novel that kept me on the edge till the end.
I loved the well crafted plot, the character development and how well the writer describes the raw emotions.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

I love the atmosphere that Wright creates right away in her books. The creepiness mixed with a full blown mystery always hooks me right away. I liked with this book how the past timelines mystery was introduced in the beginning. This helped me to want to read on to figure out exactly who did it.

I also appreciate how her mysteries are a slow build. I find myself theorizing about what I think happened/who did what while reading her books, and I find myself not figuring things out until the very end. And that's a great thing for me.

This book was a slow burn, and I did struggle with that a bit. I think the present story line could've moved a little quicker.

This is perhaps my favorite book from Wright. I enjoyed the mystery, particularly Mumsie. There were dark overtones to the story, but this book was more of a cold-case murder. I enjoyed being able to sleuth things out with the characters. I also liked the dual timeline. The spiritual thread is woven throughout, but it's not preachy. Of course, there was a romance, but it wasn't the main focus, thankfully. The characters and story line are well developed, and there are enough twists to keep the reader engaged.

I received this advanced readers edition from the author for being a part of the launch team.
I discovered Jamie Jo Wright by chance in the library. I love gothic, ghostly stories and her other books definitely fit that category. This one mentions the possibility of a ghost but there never is one. I missed that....BUT...this is a really fine book. There are two different timelines happening, and it contains the same person, Imogene. In the current time period, her granddaughter, Aggie, has come to care for her ailing grandmother. I really enjoyed this part of the story and her friendship with Collin. One of the most rewarding parts of reading a book is when the title makes complete sense. It usually doesn’t happen to the end! Jaime’s books always bring God and faith into the storyline. I love how she does it! Not overpowering to turn off someone who may be struggling with faith, and not sappy either. Just some good, honest, heartfelt thoughts. I am thrilled to be on this launch team and have the privilege of reading this book before publication. Go read all her books!

Wow! I absolutely loved this book!! I got so into this book that I couldn’t put it down! I was so wrapped up in both storylines and trying to solve the mystery. This book had me on the edge of my seat, yet also almost had me in tears. It was so good! I highly recommend it!!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Jaime Jo Wright has done it again! This is another phenomenal dual timeline mystery novel that has you guessing till the very end! I thought I'd figured out the "big reveal" about a quarter of the way in, but when that reveal happened before the halfway mark, I knew there were bigger things coming!

This book follows Aggie in current times, who just lost her job and the one person she cared about most in the world. She comes back to small town, WI to take care of her grandmother in the midst of her pain and bitterness, and stumbles upon a 70 year old mystery that just gets weirder and weirder as the book goes on. In the historical timeline, we follow Imogene, who discovers the body of her brutally murdererd sister and makes it her life's goal to figure out what happened to her. As the 2 storylines converge, we finally learn what happened to Hazel Grayson on that fateful night.

The faith thread is strong in this one as Aggie struggles to make sense of her mom's death and how God fits in. I loved the words of wisdom that Collin (our hero) and Mumsie (her grandmother) imparted to her regarding the grief process and God. I loved how this book handled that question and wasn't at all preachy about it.

While this novel lacks some of the intense creepiness of Ms. Wright's earlier books, it is no less enjoyable, intriguing and mysterious (I just could read this one later into the night than some of her others). If you've avoided reading this author's books in the past because of the "creep factor", I would recommend starting with this one because it is less intense.

I would strongly recommend this book to fans of mysteries, dual timelines, post WWII history and those who enjoy a story-line surrounding the question of "where is God in my pain?". Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced E-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

There are few things I can trust that no matter what, I will enjoy. One of those things is a Jaime Jo Wright book and another is a big cup of Earl Grey tea to sip on while reading. Wright is not afraid to deal with topics that others might shy away from, and "Echoes Among the Stones" is no exception, as she confronts the topic of grief and how we process through it.

Aggie Dunkirk returns to her hometown after a painful loss of her career, taking a job as a cemetery recordkeeper to make ends meet. This means she must also live with her Grandmother, Mumsie, still dealing with the murder of her sister in 1946. While Aggie is unfamiliar with the story of her late relative, she begins to be drawn into a mystery that spans generations and still causes heartbreak.

As Aggie begins to delve into her new work at the cemetery, it seems someone is out to scare her away, leaving taunting displays in an attempt to persuade her to give up her investigation into not only her relative's murder, but other unspoken community losses from the past.

Aggie begins a tentative partnership with an archaeologist who is brought in to help correct burial records and accurately map plots in the local cemetery.

Wright continues to give readers stories that grab you from the beginning and do not let up until the end. I like that she also has endings that are realistic, meaning everything is not always tied up into a neat ending--as real life can sometimes be. I am never disappointed by Wright's work and look forward every time I know she has a new novel coming out. This book is a very real exploration of family secrets, loss and the ghosts of a small town.

I was an early reader, thanks to Bethany House Publishers and the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.

This has been my favorite Jaime Jo Wright book thus far! It far exceeded my expectations. While reading Jaime’s other books, I found myself transfixed but somewhat scared. This book was much more emotional for me. It tackles the grief and numerous emotions we go through when we lose someone we love dearly. Jaime Jo captured the heart of grief beautifully in this split time novel! It is like she peeled back the layers of facades we often put on and revealed our true emotions.

I loved Mumsie and Aggie! Grandmother and granddaughter are more alike than they realize. Their relationship mirrors a lot of what we see in families. We often cannot look past our own fears to see the other person nor to be truthful with them. I found myself seeing myself in both of them at times and loved watching their relationship grow and change.

This book is a must read! It will leave you feeling as though someone understands how you have felt to lose a loved one and stay with you long after you close the last page. This will definitely be a book I will reread for years to come!

I received a complimentary copy from the author through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I have been taking my time to read Echoes among the Stones as Jaime Jo Wright's stories are among my favorite and I knew she doesn't have another coming out soon. Echoes among the Stones is her best yet with another dual timeline story plot. The present day story is of Aggie moving home with her grandmother, Mumsie and having to take a job at a local cemetery in records. Aggie discovers that her grandmother's sister was murdered after WW II and that Mumsie has been trying to find the killer since then. Can Aggie help her solve this mystery before Mumsie passes? Will she also find love while solving it?
Jaime Jo has written another thriller that leaves the reader guessing.

I absolutely loved everything about this time-slip novel by Jaime Jo Wright. It is pure perfection in my opinion with just the right amount of mystery, a gripping storyline and lovable characters.
Mumsie is simply adorable which made her my favorite fictional grandmothers of all times. She is courageous, determined and full of spunk, qualities that I greatly admire.

Grief is difficult to deal with but unfortunately it's something that we all experience in our lifetime so my heart ached for Imogene and her family when their sister tragically died I was extremely impressed with Imogene's attempts to solve the mystery and fight for justice for her beloved sister. Aggie is an amazing character, too and I loved her almost as I loved Mumsie. Their relationship developed over time and was quite humorous which I appreciated.

There are twists and turns throughout that had me reading as fast as I could so that I could find out what had transpired all those years ago. This reader was more than satisfied with the surprise ending of this artfully written novel. The book was well paced with compelling characters and my favorite penned by Ms. Wright. I highly recommend Echoes Among the Stones to readers of suspense and mystery Christian novels who also enjoy a good time-slip.

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

Jaime Jo Wright is one of my go-to authors. Her previous books kept me glued to my kindle, I get excited when I find out a new one is on the way. Why is that you ask? She has characters that are flawed, struggling with real-life situations and a yummy mystery - I might add that when I think I've figured things out she comes up with twists and turns that make total sense and totally different from my thoughts (I love it when an author does that).

With Echoes Among the Stones I was treated again to a story that had the right pace where I got to know the characters, Mumsie is a hoot and the curator, well I even heard his British accent in my head - how did Jaime Jo Wright do that?

Told in dual time periods, usually I am drawn to the past story over present this book had me equally intrigued with both of them. It wasn't rushed but captivating, an old murder and a sister's determination to solve it that travels to current day.

Echoes is a story of grief and how there are no time limits on it, I loved how this played out, it was authentic and heartfelt and so relatable. I am quick to recommend this author whenever I get the chance.

My thanks to Bethany House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you love a good mystery, you'll love this book. There are so many interesting elements to this book. I loved the quirky characters and the atmospheric setting. There are some creepy elements too, but it's not scary at all. The mystery kept me guessing the whole time. I highly recommend this book to lovers of dual time line books and mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review.

“She should have paid more attention to her longtime neighbor, Oliver Schneider, when she passed him on the road at dawn.” - Opening line of Echoes among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright has an amazing ability to write thrilling split-time fiction! In Echoes among the Stones, she weaves a 1946 murder into a modern-day cemetery mystery. Captivating from the first page, I raced through it wanting to know who killed Imogen’s sister, Hazel and why and equally wanting to know how it would relate to the modern day story.

Each of cast of characters is complex, each individual multifaceted. At it’s heart, the book struggles with the challenges of grief and how God fits into the death of loved ones. Whilst the central theme is a sad one, it’s written with hope and so, the mood of the story is positive. Aggie and Imogen are easy to relate to and root for and I enjoyed the archeologist, Collin’s, intelligence, sensitivity and British wit.

I loved this mystery, it’s clever and carefully plotted but to share more would be to spoil the journey. If you enjoy a good whodunit full of clues for you to work out as you go along, this is one to read!

All in all, another stellar read from Jaime Jo Wright and a five out five en-JOY-ment. It’s highly recommended, one not to be missed!

WOW! Jaime Jo Wright never ceases to amaze me!
The way she crafts her stories, with so much depth, dealing with hard issues, like loss, murder, family entrangement, and yet leave you with hope and light at the end, even if we’re not talking about the typical happily ever after story… It’s truly amazing!
I love the way she develops her characters. We get to immerse in their feelings, and it’s so real and relatable that I almost feel like I time travel to 1946 and the present day way and back. There are two main characters: Imogene (Genie) ho has lost her sister in the most brutal way and is trying to cope with it, yet failing, with only desires for revenge, and the helplessness while she tries to uncover the criminal and his motives… And Aggie, in the present day, who just lost her job and is grieving her deceased mother. She finally goes to the small town to take care of Mumsie, her grandmother, whom she hasn’t seen in the last eight years. Misunderstandings, pride, and resentment long time unsolved. As she starts to reconnect with Mumsie, and starts working in the cemetery (the only job available), she discovers a 70 year old mystery that seems to connect her and her grandmother to the mysterious tomb of Hazel Grayson… This will lead her on a self discovery journey even if she’s not aware at first. Aggie is struggling with understanding how a loving God could allow her mother to die, just as Imogene in 1946 struggles the same regarding the brutal murder of her sister.
This book has a strong faith element. I loved how they progress in making sense out of the senseless thing through tiny sparks of faith that will slowly ignite into something more. This book has a deep message of redemption and forgiveness, of learning how God fits in a messy situation (to say it lightly). How God can be the Only one to ultimately bring good out of evil, loss and suffering. I thought the message was masterly imparted, because it didn’t feel forced or preachy at all. And I loved the wisdom through Collin and Mumsies words. The secondary characters (the heroes) in both stories were so relatable too. And yet so different in personalities. I loved Ollie and Collin dearly. They both have an important part in Imogene and Aggie’s lives.
The mystery element, Hazel’s unsolved murder, that will solve at some point in the story will keep you intrigued until the end. I really couldn’t put this book down! At the same time I wanted to know what had really happened, I was also aching for both Imogene and Aggie and rooting for them to make sense of the tragedies through God’s love. It’s not an easy step, and there are many obstacles in the way, but when you reach the understanding that only God can love you in 100% unconditional way, and that He may bring good out of bad and pain, you get a peace that is non tradeable. And that’s what I was wishing for both heroines. I won’t spoil it for you, you’ll have to read it yourself to unsolve the mystery and acompany Genie and Aggie in their self Discovery journey.
A totally recomendable story. Intriguing, emotional, and intense! Even if it doesn’t have the creepy elements of her previous novels, this is a total page turner, maybe even more than the rest. So, what are you waiting for? Get it and experience this amazing book by yourself!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Publisher vía Netgalley. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Like her previous books, Jaime Jo Wright once again crafts a story that is complex and interesting. She is a master at split time novels! The individual plots are interesting but there is something truly remarkable about them as the pieces of the individual stories begin to come together into one overarching story. Jaime Jo Wright is never afraid to tackle difficult and messy topics (which I love) and this book is once again bursting with hard subjects and characters that are flawed and grow in fascinating ways. The history is interesting and the spiritual message interwoven flawlessly. This book takes you on an emotional journey and its grip does not let up even when you finish, its message lingering in your mind even after you close the pages. The mystery had twists and turns that kept me guessing and made the book hard to put down! I loved this book, and I highly recommend it!

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

Jaime Jo Wright has done it again! Echoes is an excellent example of brilliant storytelling with a cast of characters that feel so real, they could be your neighbors and friends. I've come to expect a whole package with Wright's books--mystery, humor, depth, spiritual insight, and a touch of romance. I'm pleased to discover that Echoes delivers on all counts. I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel courtesy of Bethany House and NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.

This is the first book that I have personally had the chance to read from Jaime Jo Wright, but I can say with certainty that it absolutely will NOT be the last. I was completely captivated by this unique tale and could not stand to put it down.

Echoes Among the Stones jumps back and forth between the past and the present. In the past (post WWII 1940s to be exact), we meet Imogene. After the murder of her sister she is on a mission to figure out the truth of what happened. The present time brings us Aggie who has recently come to stay with her rather eccentric grandmother--- a grandmother obsessed with this very same murder, a murder never solved. I am not always a fan of books that jump timelines--- they truly have to be done WELL to keep my intrigued, but this one was absolutely fantastic. It was interesting to view the crime both in the freshness of the events, and then again years in the future where the knowledge of forensics has grown tremendously. It really gave us a full scope of not only the mystery of the murder, but the after effects of the grief that it brought.

Grief was such a huge part of this story and what made it so captivating. Both of the women in the story are dealing with their grief--- Imogene for her sister and Aggie for her mother who had passed away from cancer. I loved this message that while grief was necessary and not in and of itself a bad thing, it is not something that should be held onto... and we see the reasons as we read these stories.

There was a little bit of romance mixed in as well, which I personally enjoyed. And while the actual mystery was solved in the end, not everything was tied up in a pretty bow, happily ever after. That might not be what we all hope for in a book... but it's reality, and again just really went to drive home the issue of what happens when we hold onto grief too tightly.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that I would certainly recommend. There are some Christian themes, but I feel like it's not overwhelming and as such this story could appeal to Christians and non alike.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

It took me a little while to get into this book, I think it was because so much was going on at the beginning. But once I connected with the characters I couldn't put the book down. Jamie Jo Wright is literally the queen of creepy, fascinating, historical, romantic mysteries within inspirational fiction.

Ms. Wright placed so many red herrings within the story that every time I thought I had solved the mystery I was wrong yet again. Even when a big reveal happened I was still wrong.

Everyone of the characters were quirky and charming in their own way. Mumsie has to be the best fictional grandmother, ever. Watching Aggie and Mumsie's relationship develop made me miss my sweet Grandmother.

This quote "Death didn't give a person a choice. It just came and stole. Whether you'd finished what you wanted to do with your life or not. Death was a thief, and there was no justice that could imprison it from stealing again," couldn't be more true.

Overall, this book is one of the best books I've read this year. It is engrossing, edge of your seat action, fascinating, and filled with inspirational nuggets like this one, that will have you reflecting on grief as a whole.

"You go ahead and let the grief consume you, because then it will heal you, free you and the good Lord can move into its place and show you promise. Promise that there is so much more life to live. So many more people to love. And the footprints of those who've gone before you? They'll still be there. Memories to warm you when you're old."

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I anxiously awaited the release of this book and it was worth the wait. The dual time frame provided double the mystery! I liked the way that the two stories intertwined reminding me how both world and family history shapes us. I quickly became attached to Wright’s creative characters. Many of them dealing with grief, learning lessons as some are able to move toward hope. I really appreciated the humor which caused everything from a smile to loud laughing and even reading lines out loud to others. As relationships change, the romance that developed added to my enjoyment. Now I wait for Wright’s next novel, but not as patiently this time. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A book that flashes between the present day and WWII time, between present losses and past loss of a loved one.
The book begins with the return of a Granddaughter and the lie of a Grandmother that she had broken her hip, but Aggie needed to come here, and there needed to be answers to the long-ago murder of a family member.
As the author presented the characters, I kept changing my mind as to who would have done the evil deed, but have to say I was very surprised when the answers finally came.
A little morbid, with the doll house, and then skeletons and bone fragments appearing, but then they all have a hint to what happened.
In the end, I was glad that Aggie came and stayed with Mumsie, and I loved the character Collin!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany, and was not required to give a positive review.

Echoes Among the Stones is the second book I've read by author Jamie Jo Wright and she is quickly making her way on to my favorite suspense author list. Her books are always very unique and tell the story from two perspectives being both past and future characters.

Aggie has just lost her job and is grieving the loss of her mother. She finds herself on her way to Wisconsin to be with her grandmother and work as a secretary for a cemetery. Her main responsibility is to restore the flooded part of the historic cemetery. She never expected to stumble on an unsolved mystery and it seems that even though it happened years ago someone is determined to keep it a mystery and will do whatever it takes to silence Aggie.

In 1946 Imogene comes home to find her sister Hazel murdered in the attic bedroom. As time goes on the case grows cold, but Imogene is determined to bring justice no matter how long it takes. She vows to never forget the details of her sisters life, but is her sister who she really thought she was?

This book was so good not only for the mystery and suspense aspect, but it speaks so much about grief and how it affects those left behind. There were several places that I found myself reading twice and thinking on the words. I'll share one such passage below:

"Greif made its own indelible mark on a person's soul, and only those who toiled through its muck could understand the exhaustion that came with it. Of the final never seeming final."

Most everyone has been touched by grief in someway and if you haven't, you will. Dieing is part of living and learning to grieve and not let it consume your life is so important.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with this complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Echoes Among the Stones is a dual timeline story. In 1946 Imogene loses her beloved sister is murdered in the home. There are plenty of suspects but who did it? Aggie lives in the modern day and is going through grief of her home. She has lost her own mother to cancer but she still has her grandmother who she calls Mumsie. Mumsie is quite elderly but still has a sharp mind. Aggie has a job working at a cemetery. Strange things start happening to Aggie and I am wondering where is the connection between the present and the past?. After all that murder was over 70 years ago. At times I felt the storyline dragged a little but it did pick up and kept me engaged. I could not put this novel down until I knew who the murderer was and who was doing the strange things in the present. There were many twists in the story and I was quite surprised to find out who the murderer was and who was responsible for things happening in the present. If you are looking for a book with a strong emphasis on romance this is not it although it is touched on lightly.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany house for providing me a copy of this ebook to read and review. All the opinions are my own.

Jaime Jo Wright is truly a master at writing dual timeline stories, and Echoes Among the Stones might just be her best yet. While I have personally loved every single story she's written, I enjoyed that this one is written quite differently from its predecessors. All three of her previous novels had a kind of creepy or sinister overlay that almost seemed supernatural, and while I enjoyed them all, it was nice to see her tackle a different kind of mystery story as well. In this particular story, instead of it being about legends and stories haunting a town, the focus is on a decades old cold case that almost everyone has mostly forgotten about it.

In the 1940's, a tragic murder occurs, and Imogen refuses to come to terms with how her little sister's life ended so senselessly. She's determined to find the killer, and have them brought to justice for their actions, even when it means throwing herself in the killer's path in the process. In present day, Aggie has returned home to care for her ailing grandmother, Mumsie. With no other job prospects in site, she takes a secretarial position at the local cemetery. What starts out as a mundane position quickly turns into something more, as it seems that someone is unhappy with the answers that Aggie and the cemetery archaeologist, Colin, are discovering. Soon sinister happenings are popping up everywhere, and the more answers Aggie seeks, the more buried bits and pieces of history seem to interconnect.

Echoes Among The Stones was one of those stories that you never want to end, and yet you couldn't stop yourself from reading quickly as you just had to find out how everything was going to wrap up. I love when an author is able to keep me guessing with a mystery right until the reveal, and Jamie Jo Wright was able to do so. When everything is finally revealed, I was blown away. I honestly had no clue, and hadn't even remotely pieced everything together. This lady truly knows how to write the best mysteries, and I loved that part of the story.

However, I also loved how much more there was to the story beyond the mystery. There's just the perfect hint of romance in both time periods, there's a heavy focus on the familial unit, and we get an up close view of the steps taken by both Mumsie and Aggie to mend their broken relationship. Another big focus of the story is on grief and healing, and I loved how the faith message was heavily tied into this part of the story. Jesus' love is never represented as the means to an easy life. Instead, it's showcased as something you'll have no matter how tough the tough times get, and I loved that!

If you're looking for a nail biting mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat, then look no further than Echoes Among The Stones. If you've been hesitant to pick up one of this author's books in the past, then this is the perfect one to start with!

Final Rating: 5/5

Thanks so much to Bethany House and NetGalley for allowing me to advance read this.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Bethany House) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

Jaime Jo Wright is skillful at crafting dual timeline mysteries. I can always count on her stories to provide enough suspense and creepiness to keep me turning the pages. She has an incredible talent of building the suspense in both storylines, weaving the threads of both into a masterpiece of intrigue.

While Echoes Among the Stones story centers around an unsolved murder from 1946, it is also a story of grieving, and how grief has a way of stealing future happiness if one lets it. Imogene's granddaughter, Aggie, returns to present day Mill Valley. As she undertakes repairing their relationship, she also obtains a job at a local cemetery. She finds that someone in Mill Creek may be afraid that a natural catastrophe at the cemetery may reveal secrets that have been hidden for too long. Do these secrets have any connection to Aggie's family?

The inspirational threads included are realistic, not forced. Her characters are human, flawed, and at times doubting God's presence in their lives.

One of my favorite quotes from Echoes Among the stones:
"...don't let grief tie your years up into a lifetime of regrets. Let the good Lord take care of your aches and heal you. So that you don't miss out on the good- on the blessings He hides in the middle of all that hurting."

Wright's stellar writing provides just enough eeriness and danger, with classic goose-bump moments, that will have me eagerly anticipating her next novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

The beginning of the book hooked me right with the first chapter. Jaime Jo Wright dove right in and took you into the deep end with her! The ending of this book was so beautifully written. Even days later, I am still pondering the message it contains. That alone is the measure of a good book for me... the fact that days later I haven't moved on. I enjoyed the book overall but it did lag a bit for me in the middle. I kept reading though because I had to find out what happened to Hazel. And I was glad, in the end, that I kept with it (because wow... that ending!). Mumsie is one of those characters who can be difficult to like at times, but you just know that she needs you not to give up on her. I loved her relationship with Aggie.

My mother told me that when the boys came home from the war, people thought the world would go back to the way it was before. But it didn’t. The war lived on in souls for years after, and people were just never really the same again.”
This quote by Jaime Jo Wright in Echoes Among the Stones so aptly captures the mood of Mill Creek, Wisconsin in July of 1946. Wright recreates the ominous heaviness that the war brings to America's hearts. Some people, like the young men who survive, come home brooding or unable to find their way out of the horror now relegated to memory. Others are affected by the loss of family members or the great personality change in a family member who returns. Still others like Imogene and Hazel are also affected second-hand by the war brought to America.
Jaime Jo Wright has penned yet another mystery novel with spooky, ominous undertones that beckon the tentative reader in. Echoes Among the Stones is a time-slip novel, marrying two distinctly different and at first seemingly unrelated plots, no pun originally intended. In the present day, Aggie loses her real estate job and returns to her selfish, demanding grandmother’s home, while working a cemetery job. Collin, the archaeologist who works with Aggie, frustrates her, intrigues her, and challenges her by turns.
There was enough eerie mystery, romance, and humor (“You have all the sense of an addlepated muskrat, ”) plus faith scattered throughout the book that this book is a big winner for me. Also, I loved the way the solution took me by surprise. Look for this book among my favorites in 2019.
Quotes:
"Sometimes...you must step outside of your own strength and realize there’s a greater Strength waiting to hold you.”

"All I can say right now is that we sell God short when we look at the pain. Instead, we should focus on what He’s provided us to help us heal.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinions, which are solely my own.

Imogene “Mumsie” has been haunted by the death of her younger sister Hazel back in the mid 1940’s, and even at the age of 92, she is still obsessed with finding her murderer. Even after all of these years, the lack of closure in her sister’s death has forever rocked her world – she even has her dollhouse that re-enacts her death scene.
Agnes “Aggie” Dunkirk has hit rock bottom, and with her recent job loss has moved in with her aging and eccentric grandmother Mumsie, whom she hasn’t seen in eight years. The loss of her mother two years ago has affected her life as well. Aggie has taken a job in the town cemetery to help map it out after a flood, which Aggie really finds to be beneath her skill level and a bit distressing as well. Collin O’Shaughnessy is a handsome archeologist who has been hired to help with the cemetery plotting for potential exhumations. Colin is very witty and does a superb job of distracting the two women after disturbing things are left for them to find.
I like this time split novel because it is just a bit different. Mumsie’s character exists in the earlier time frame as a carefree young woman and as an elderly woman in the present time frame. She was my favorite character, so it’s a bit unsettling that her obsession has pretty much taken over her life. I also enjoyed the slow buildup of suspense – I really did not figure everything out until the very end. There was nothing predictable about this novel and I loved that. Strange things kept happening, but the culprit was not found until the bitter end. I thought it was interesting that there was a WWII munitions plant smack dab in Mill Creek, Wisconsin, which was probably a genius idea of the government to place it in the middle of farm county. Who would look for a munitions plant there? This story was more like a puzzle than it was a whodunnit, which was probably an intentional way to keep the creep factor in check. Faith and grief meld together to form a cunningly crafted mystery to keep me turning the pages and having difficulty putting the book aside. This may be the best of Jaime Jo Wright’s books so far!
I received this book complimentary from the publisher 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.”

I am a couple of days past this book's release date with my review, but this book just could not be rushed. Jaime Jo Wright is definitely one of my most favorite authors. This book, like her others, has a haunting quality to it that is difficult to describe. Her writing has a way of wrapping itself around your soul allowing you to live within its borders. Deep themes, this time pertaining to grief, are essential elements to Wright's works. No lighthearted beach reads here. These books are best read curled up in your cozy spot with a warm drink nearby and time to immerse yourself in reading and pondering undisturbed.

Echoes Among the Stones tells the tale of Imogene Grayson's efforts to solve the mystery of her sister's violent murder in 1946. It also tells the tale of Aggie Dunkirk's efforts to solve the cold case of that same murder in the present day. Someone is manipulating Aggie to pick up the case while at the same time thwarting her efforts. With the help of of archaeologist Collin O'Shaughnessy, Aggie perseveres as she feels that solving this case will also help explain things she has never understood about her persnickety grandmother. Serendipitously, it may also help her to come to grips with consuming life circumstances that would seem totally unrelated.

I am very grateful to have received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A wonderfully deft treatise on how the sins of the past have future ramifications and framed in the marvelous world of archaeology. Literal metaphors of digging up the truth marry well with the themes of grace, redemption and ultimate justice.

With a strong faith message and intriguing characters as well as Wright's hallmark darkly atmospheric touch, Echoes Among the Stones proves that Wright has definitively carved out a new subgenre for herself in the realm of Christian fiction: that of a resplendently gothic timbre.

I especially liked the wisdom and gravity of Collin who offered a wonderful counterbalance to the darker tenets of the story.

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HOLY SMOKIN’ JOE! Not only is this my favorite genre—historical time-slip—but Ms. Wright creates a miniature doll house for Hazel—a particular passion of mine. And she knows how to spin a gripping story. Add to that the skill to weave two seeming disparate stories into one seamless knitted fabric and this story sizzles!
Characters who felt like friends, scenes that not only invited me in but made me feel like I was in the midst of the action, a compelling plot with double and triple twists that kept me turning page after page.
I’ve never been so physically alone as Aggie but I’ve sure felt it, and I longed for her and Mumsie to find their common ground. I can’t imagine the horror Imogene faced but I admired her strength and dedication to find answers.
Ms. Wright casts her net of suspicion wide, dropping clues of confusion in the twisty trail to the end. Ms. Wright crafts a story, filled with tragedy and suspense and early forensic techniques, that is a treat for her readers.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Echoes Among the Stones, Jaime Jo Wright

With a touch of gothic, a bit of history, and a lot of mystery, Jaime Jo Wright delivers a novel that will keep you guessing “who-dun-it” until the end. Told in split-time by modern-day Aggie Dunkirk and 1940s Imogene Grayson, Echoes Among the Stones is the story of what happens when unspeakable heartache meets the unmatched healing power of God. And with just the right amount of romance thrown in, this novel does not disappoint. Now to go back and read Wright’s novel that I have missed . . .

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

Where's the option for more than five stars, I'd give it one hundred stars if I could .
How do I write a review for the best book I've read this year?
The dual time frame perfectly meshes old and new 70 years is but a drop in the bucket of time.
A 70 year cold case murder mystery begging to be solved , will there for justice for a young woman tragically murdered in the prime of her life.
70 years later a young woman fascinated with the historical case starts piecing together clues from the case and oh boy the family secrets she uncovers. Maybe the town wasn't as innocent as it seemed all those years ago. As we meet characters and the mystery deepens you will become engrossed in the story. Believe me the story will grip you and absolutely not let you go!
The atmosphere really builds and the story line is superb . So many twists and unexpected turns I recommend this to you as it's my absolute favorite I've read this year!

Published December 3rd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Jaime Jo Wright has delivered another gripping mystery that kept me guessing until the last pages. This split time story flowed effortlessly back and forth and really kept the mystery element intriguing even when jumping from the 1940’s into modern day. This particular plot, although unique, was a bit haunting and definitely did not have a lot of levity or brightness. Collin seemed to be the one character that provided a bit of humor and it was a much needed diversion from a lot of the darker and difficult aspects of this story. I think that both of the timelines were so interconnected that it is hard to say which one I preferred. As far as characters go, I had a hard time connecting with Imogene. I was really creeped out by a lot of her actions and I found her to be a frustrating at times. Aggie was also a tough pill to swallow. Her life circumstances left her bitter and grief stricken and her character had to work through those issues. I think her character was genuine to her situation, however she wasn’t Susie Sunshine because she was in a difficult life situation and grieving. As always the writing in this book was really outstanding. Jaime Jo Wright has an almost poetic way with words that really captures the emotion of what she is trying to convey to the reader. While I would recommend this book to readers, I would also say that it has a very somber tone, it doesn’t have a lot of romance, and the subject matter might be unsettling in some places. The mystery is captivating and is well executed, so be prepared to be turning the pages trying to solve it!

This book is spellbinding! Jaime Jo weaves stories unlike any I have ever read and they are impossible to put down. Echoes is probably my favorite of hers so far. The mystery in this one pulled me in from the very first page and kept me guessing throughout, just when I thought I had it figured out, the next scene would change everything. If you like dual time stories and a fantastic mystery, give this one a try! You won't be disappointed!!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.