Month: July 2026

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

The Souls of Lost Lake

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

Urban myth meets clean horror meets creepy storytelling!

Let’s get what this book is all about out of the way. 

In the present day, Wren Blythe loves her quiet life in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where she helps her father with his ministry at a youth camp. But when a young girl disappears, the community comes together for a desperate search and an old campfire legend begins to resurface.

The story of Ava Coons, a young girl accused of murdering her own family decades ago, has haunted the area for years. Some believe her ghost still wanders the woods. While searching for the missing child, Wren discovers the ruins of the Coons family cabin and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the mystery that has lingered for so long.

In 1930, thirteen-year-old Ava Coons walked out of the woods covered in blood and carrying a logger’s ax. Her family was gone, their bodies never found, and the people of Tempter’s Creek quickly decided she must be responsible. Years later, Ava has learned to live with the questions she can’t answer and the suspicion that follows her everywhere.

But when another person is murdered and someone else disappears, the whispers begin again. Could Ava’s past hold a darker secret than anyone ever imagined?

This dual-timeline mystery blends suspense, secrets, and the search for truth as Wren and Ava’s stories collide across generations.

My Thoughts

Out of the four Jaime Jo Wright books I’ve read so far, The Souls of Lost Lake is hands down my favorite. It is also the creepiest one yet. I absolutely loved the urban legend feel woven throughout this story. There is something so fascinating about a whispered campfire tale becoming connected to real history, forgotten secrets, and mysteries that refuse to stay buried.

I honestly had a hard time putting this book down. At the same time, I found myself thinking that maybe this is not the best book to read alone in the dark. But honestly, those are the stories that pull you in the most. The atmosphere, the suspense, and the feeling that something is hiding just beyond the pages made this one unforgettable.

Let’s Unwrap the Past

Ava Coons is one of those characters who completely captured my heart while also testing my patience. I wanted to reach through the pages, wrap her in a hug, and take away all the hurt and pain she had carried for so long. Then there were moments when I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop pushing away the people who genuinely wanted to help her.

The way the town viewed Ava and the way she eventually saw herself because of that judgment was heartbreaking. She was defined by a tragedy she could not remember and a story other people decided was true.

The 1930 storyline gave me some serious To Kill a Mockingbird vibes. The small-town assumptions, the quick judgments, and the search for truth beneath years of rumors all added another emotional layer to the story.

And that ending? I did not see it coming. I was convinced I knew where the story was headed, and I was completely wrong. The final reveal caught me off guard in the best possible way.

Now Let’s Talk About the Present

I have to talk about the Tolkien references because I loved them! There is definitely a Lord of the Rings fan woven into this story, and I was completely here for it.

Wren’s connection to Tolkien through her father could have felt unusual at first, but it actually added so much depth to their relationship and helped shape who she was.

Wren is a character who has spent much of her life feeling lost. When a young girl disappears from the camp where Wren helps her father, she begins asking questions she has avoided for years.

Then come the creepy dolls, strange discoveries, unsettling clues, and secrets hidden in the past. The mystery becomes about much more than finding a missing child. Wren must discover the truth about what happened, who she really is, and what her purpose is moving forward.

Overall Thoughts

This story perfectly blends mystery, suspense, faith, redemption, and just enough creepiness to keep you turning pages.

If you only read one Jaime Jo Wright book, make it this one. But be warned, once you read it, you will probably want to read everything she has written.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cozy Sip Pairing

Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer

For this book, I wanted something that felt a little different, just like the story itself. The blackberry and sage combination gives this drink a unique twist, and the sparkle makes it feel fun and refreshing. It’s the perfect sip while diving into a creepy mystery filled with secrets.

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

Reckoning at Gossamer Pond

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Written by Jaime Jo Wright
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Major Themes

Faith and deception – Exploring the difference between genuine faith and religious hype, and the importance of seeking truth.
Forgiveness – Learning to accept forgiveness from God while also finding the ability to forgive yourself.
Generational consequences – How the choices of those before us can impact future generations, but how those patterns can be changed through our own choices.

What It’s About:

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a captivating dual timeline mystery that follows two women living a century apart whose lives become connected through the hidden history of the same small town.

In the present day, Annalise Forsythe unexpectedly inherits a rundown trailer after the mysterious death of its owner. Inside, she discovers a collection of old photographs, vintage obituaries, and revival posters. What seems like a collection of forgotten items quickly becomes a doorway into secrets that have been buried for generations.

A hundred years earlier, Libby Sheffield is working at her father’s newspaper when she receives an obituary for a respected church deacon before he has even died. As Libby and the deacon’s son investigate the disturbing mystery, they uncover a series of events connected to the arrival of charismatic revivalists whose influence has divided the town. As the two timelines unfold, the connections between Annalise’s discoveries and Libby’s investigation become clearer, leading to a story filled with faith, deception, redemption, and the truth that refuses to remain hidden.

My Thoughts:

Of the four books I’ve read by Jaime Jo Wright, I have to admit this one wasn’t my favorite. The pacing moved a little slower than I prefer, although it’s possible that my impatient reader side was showing. The creepy atmosphere was definitely there, but it didn’t quite reach the same level of unease as some of her other stories.

That being said, one thing Jaime Jo Wright does incredibly well is weaving the past and present together in a way that feels seamless. It truly feels like one of her greatest strengths as an author.

The Past:

Libby Sheffield is a woman ahead of her time. Working alongside her father at the newspaper, she notices details and connections that others might overlook. When she discovers an obituary for a man who is still alive, she finds herself pulled into a mystery that challenges everything she believes.

The arrival of the charismatic revivalist twins only adds to the uncertainty. One fills her with fear and suspicion, while the other causes her to question her own heart, her judgment, and even her sanity. Add in a dark secret from her own past, and Libby’s journey becomes one filled with danger, difficult choices, and painful truths.

I have to admit, I did figure out the big twist this time, which is unusual for me. I’m blaming the countless hours I’ve spent watching British murder mysteries! 😂 Even so, Jaime Jo Wright is still a master at delivering shocking revelations. The ending of Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse is proof of that because I truly did not see that twist coming.

The Present:

Annalise is also carrying the weight of her own past, and it follows her into the present simply because of where she lives and the people connected to her. When the town loner dies and leaves behind a trailer filled with strange items and countless pictures of Annalise, the secrets she thought were buried begin to resurface.

As she searches for answers, she finds herself surrounded by danger and questions she never expected to ask. Thankfully, Annalise is far from helpless, and once again, Wright delivers a conclusion filled with twists I didn’t see coming.

Overall Thoughts

One of my favorite things about this book is the way the female characters are written. There are no helpless damsels in distress, even though both women find themselves in situations where they need help. Their vulnerability never takes away from their strength. The danger feels real without making them feel powerless.

The same can be said about the male characters. They are strong, but they are also human. There is no unnecessary man versus woman dynamic. Instead, Wright creates characters who are flawed, emotional, and authentic. I appreciate that the men are allowed to have depth and feelings while the women are portrayed with resilience, courage, and strength. That balance makes the characters feel real and is something I truly value in her storytelling.

Cozy Sip Pairing: Maple Cinnamon Latte

For The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond, I’m pairing this story with a cozy Maple Cinnamon Latte. This drink feels like the perfect companion for a dual timeline mystery filled with small town secrets, old photographs, and rainy afternoons spent uncovering the truth. It has that warm, comforting autumn feel that pairs beautifully with a suspenseful read.

Maple Cinnamon Latte Recipe:
1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
¾ cup milk of your choice
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon

Warm your milk and whisk in the maple syrup and cinnamon. Pour over your coffee or espresso, stir well, and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Grab your favorite blanket, settle into a cozy chair, and enjoy a little mystery with your latte.

Posted in Behind the Stories

My Writing Journey: Writing the Stories Meant for Me to Write

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Can I share a secret with you?

Writing hasn’t always been my passion.

In fact, most of the things I love today came into my life because someone else loved them first. I stepped into their world simply because I wanted to spend time with them. Somewhere along the way, those interests became my own.

Well…except crochet and embroidery. Those two found me all by themselves. Go figure.

I Never Dreamed of Becoming an Author

As a little girl, I never dreamed of writing novels or seeing my name on the cover of a book.

Now, I did have an incredibly active imagination. I created stories in my head constantly. Characters came and went. Entire conversations played out while I folded laundry, drove to work, or lay awake at night. My imagination never struggled to stay busy.

Writing those stories down, though?

That sounded incredibly boring.

Funny how God changes our hearts over time.

Why I Want to Write Now

People often ask why I want to become an author.

The answer isn’t money.

It isn’t fame.

I simply believe God has given me stories worth telling.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve started thinking more about legacy. I want to leave something behind that matters. I don’t want to create content just for the sake of creating content. I want to write stories with substance—stories that encourage people, point them toward hope, and keep Jesus at the center.

That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave.

God Had More Stories Planned Than I Did

When I first started thinking about writing, I assumed I had one story.

Maybe two.

Now?

My notebook says otherwise.

The more I pray, brainstorm, and plot, the more ideas seem to arrive. Every time I think I’ve reached the end, another story appears.

Honestly, who knew there were this many stories floating around in my head?

Apparently God did.

A Different Kind of Calling

I’ve spent a lot of time praying about this journey.

I’ve asked God more than once if writing has been His plan for me all along.

My answer?

I certainly hope so.

Because if the alternative involved becoming a missionary halfway around the world…well…let’s just say I don’t look good in khaki.

Before anyone gasps, let me say this: I have tremendous respect for missionaries. They answer an incredible calling, serve faithfully, and do work that most of us could never imagine. They deserve our prayers, our encouragement, and, whenever possible, our financial support.

As for me?

Maybe God handed me a keyboard instead of a passport.

Feeling Small in a World Full of Great Writers

Most days, I write down the random ideas bouncing around in my brain.

Then I pick up another incredible novel by one of my favorite authors and immediately wonder what I’m doing.

There are so many gifted writers. Sometimes I feel incredibly small standing beside them.

Then God gently reminds me of something important.

He didn’t ask me to write like them.

He asked me to write like me.

Every time I ask Him for direction, another idea comes. Every time I pray about the next step, another door opens.

At some point, I stopped questioning whether I should write and started realizing I simply needed to obey.

God Is My Marketing Plan

I know this journey won’t always feel easy. I know rejection will come. I know the algorithms probably won’t smile on an unknown author.

And honestly?

I’m okay with that. God has never asked me to control the outcome. He’s only asked me to remain faithful.

So yes, God is my marketing plan. Literally. If He wants these stories to reach readers, He’ll make a way.

My job is to write them well.

What I’m Doing Right Now

Since I’m still at the beginning of this adventure, here’s what fills my days.

1. Research Everything

The deeper I dive into writing, the more I realize how much research happens before the first chapter ever comes together.

Whether I’m studying history, small-town life, or architecture, I want every detail to feel authentic. Readers deserve stories that feel real.

2. Spend Time with My Characters

One of my favorite scenes in The Man Who Invented Christmas shows Charles Dickens talking with, and even arguing with, his characters.

I absolutely love that idea.

The better I know my characters, the more naturally they’ll speak, react, and grow. Before I expect readers to love them, I need to know them myself.

3. Learn from Published Authors

I never take experienced writers for granted. So many successful authors generously share what they’ve learned, and I pay attention.

I read their advice.

I think about it.

I let it sit with me.

Someone else’s experience might save me months or even years of learning the hard way.

4. Keep Reading

Part of me wants to stop reading and spend every spare minute writing.

The wiser part knows better.

Reading fills the creative well.

It reminds me why I fell in love with stories in the first place, introduces me to different writing styles, and keeps me from burning out.

The stories God wants me to write will arrive when they’re ready.

Until then, I’ll happily keep turning pages.

5. Pray Through Every Step

More than anything else, I pray.

I pray over every story.

I pray over every character.

I pray over every decision.

If God truly called me to write, then I don’t want to build this dream on my own strength. I want Him involved from the very first word to the very last page.

I’m Just Getting Started

I’m excited.

I’m nervous.

I’m eager to hold my first published book someday.

At the same time, I refuse to rush the process.

I don’t want to cut corners simply so I can say, “I published a book.”

I want to create something excellent.

Something thoughtful.

Something readers will remember long after they close the final page.

Most of all, I want to write stories that honor God.

So that’s where I am today.

Still learning.

Still praying.

Still dreaming.

If you’re a writer, I’d love to hear from you. What advice would you give someone writing her very first novel? Leave me a comment because I’d love to learn from your experience.

Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash
Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

This marks my third Jaime Jo Wright novel, and once again, she delivers a story that completely holds its ground. Each book builds that same signature blend of mystery, faith threads, and gothic tension—but this one might be my favorite yet. If you haven’t read her work, don’t wait. Go find one now and settle in for a moody, atmospheric ride.

Tropes

  • Town secrets with deep roots
  • Strained, failing marriage
  • Dual timeline storytelling
  • Haunted/tormented presence
  • Isolated, atmospheric setting

Themes

  • Self-serving love vs. committed love
  • Echoes of history shaping the present
  • Greed, betrayal, and consequences
  • Healing from brokenness and grief

Synopsis

A writer arrives at a secluded lighthouse to research local hauntings. What she expects as inspiration turns into a spiral of buried truths, violent history, and a town that refuses to forget.

In the 1800s timeline, Rebecca wakes up injured and disoriented on a gravestone near a lighthouse. She has no memory of who she is or why someone attacked her. The lighthouse keeper and his circle take her in, but danger lingers just beyond the shoreline as her past slowly resurfaces.

In the present day, Shae arrives at the same lighthouse to investigate its ghost stories and write a book. She leaves behind a struggling marriage with her husband, Pete, believing space will heal her. Instead, she uncovers an unsolved murder, a haunting legacy, and secrets strong enough to fracture an entire town.

My Thoughts

This story works because of the strength of the characters. They’re not just people in a story but rather they’re its whole emotional undertone for the book. This is mastery writing by the author. 

Rebecca’s arc grips from the start. Her vulnerability never weakens her story; it deepens it. As she pieces together her identity, the tension never lets up.

Niina brings warmth into the cold isolation of the lighthouse. She feels like a steady presence, comforting, nurturing, and deeply human. At one point, Rebecca remarks that her scent is made up of “warm, freshly-baked bread”. 

Edgar unfolds like a living mystery. His story doesn’t feel told; it feels discovered. His reveal ties directly into the moral weight of “saving” Annabel and the ripple effects across generations.

Abel stands as quiet heroism in grief. He protects fiercely, especially when it comes to Rebecca.

Mercer and Bear bring the menace. They don’t just oppose the characters, they press against every corner of safety in the story.

In the present timeline, Shae feels raw and conflicted. She frustrates at times, but she also feels real. Pete grounds the story with steady reliability, and their marriage becomes one of the most honest emotional threads in the book.

Annabel’s chapters cut deepest. Her voice lingers in tragic, haunting, and beautifully restrained tones.

One of my absolute favorite things the author does is reference a previous book. It feels like a special nod to loyal readers, the kind that makes you sit up a little straighter and think, “I recognize that story!”

Cozy Vibe Check

Even with its darker edges, the atmosphere pulls you in like a fog rolling off cold water.

Atmosphere: Gothic coastal tension meets historic weight. The lighthouse and surrounding lake shape the emotional tone of every scene.

Emotional Core: Redemption and grace carry the heart of the story. The fractured marriage storyline adds a grounded, deeply human layer.

Setting: Silvertown feels like a near-abandoned mining town wrapped in memory. Isolation isn’t just described; it’s felt.

Favorite Quote

“Sometimes steady was comforting. Sometimes mundane was reliable. Sometimes always-there was the most romantic thing anyone could ever be for someone.”

Pair It With

A warm cup of Earl Grey tea with a splash of milk in a well-loved teacup and saucer, ideally one with history, gentle wear, or sentimental meaning.

Settle into a cozy chair tucked into a quiet corner on a dark evening. Keep the lighting soft with a single warm lamp and light a vanilla scented candle for a gentle glow. Play soft string music in the background to deepen the atmosphere. Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket and settle in.

You are in for a long night because you will not want to put this one down.

Final Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Posted in Bookshelf Favorites

My Current Favorite Authors 

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

There are several books on my shelves and even more on my Kindle, but every once in a while a handful of authors completely capture my attention. They’re the ones I recommend over and over again because I know exactly what I’m getting every time I open one of their books.

As someone who prefers clean fiction, I don’t want to spend my reading time skipping pages or wondering if a story is going to head in a direction I’d rather avoid. I want compelling characters, beautiful writing, memorable settings, and stories that stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page.

These five authors continue to deliver exactly that. If you’re looking for books without the spice but packed with atmosphere, mystery, heart, and unforgettable characters, here’s where I’d start.

Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright has become my absolute favorite author.

Her stories combine everything I love about fiction. They feel mysterious without crossing into anything occult. The ghostly elements create suspense, history, and emotion rather than horror, and every novel points back to hope and faith.

That’s a combination I don’t find very often.

Her books explore brokenness, healing, forgiveness, and God’s faithfulness in ways that never feel preachy. Instead, faith grows naturally from the characters’ journeys, making every ending feel earned.

Then there’s the atmosphere.

No one creates an eerie old house, abandoned asylum, forgotten cemetery, or isolated estate quite like Jaime Jo Wright. I don’t simply read her books but rather I step inside them.

Every time she announces a new release, I don’t even read the description anymore.

I just preorder it.

Read Jaime Jo Wright if you love:

  • Faith-filled fiction
  • Gothic atmosphere
  • Family secrets
  • Dual timelines
  • Ghost stories that aren’t occult
  • Beautiful writing that lingers long after the last page

Angie Fox

Sometimes you need a mystery that’s just plain fun.

That’s exactly what Angie Fox delivers.

Her Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries have become one of my favorite comfort series because they balance mystery, humor, quirky characters, and just enough ghostly fun to keep the pages turning.

There’s no faith thread running through these books, but that has never bothered me because the stories know exactly what they are.

They’re charming.

They’re funny.

And somehow they always make me crave sweet tea.

The small-town Southern setting almost becomes another character. Add in memorable personalities, plenty of laughs, and satisfying mysteries, and you’ve got books that are incredibly easy to binge.

If you’ve been looking for paranormal mysteries that stay lighthearted without becoming silly, this series deserves a place on your reading list.

Read Angie Fox if you love:

  • Southern charm
  • Small-town mysteries
  • Funny dialogue
  • Lovable characters
  • Ghosts with personality
  • Cozy paranormal mysteries

Lily Mirren

Not every memorable story needs ghosts (although I recoil a little at saying that). Sometimes all it takes is a group of women who genuinely care about one another.

That’s exactly why I keep returning to Lily Mirren.

Her books celebrate friendship, resilience, healing, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from living through life’s hardest seasons. Every time I finish one of her novels, I wish I could pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and spend the afternoon listening to these women share their stories.

Their conversations feel real.

Their struggles feel familiar.

Their victories feel personal.

In a world that often pits women against one another, Lily Mirren reminds us how beautiful female friendships can be. Her stories leave me encouraged every single time.

Read Lily Mirren if you love:

  • Women’s fiction
  • Strong female friendships
  • Emotional healing
  • Family relationships
  • Small-town charm
  • Characters that feel like friends

Erin Craig

If a summer thunderstorm rolls in and you’re looking for the perfect book to match the mood, reach for Erin Craig.

Her novels feel haunting in the very best way. Every setting drips with atmosphere, every family carries dark secrets, and every chapter pulls you deeper into the mystery. Her writing feels almost cinematic.

You can hear the wind.

You can feel the rain.

You can practically smell the old houses and forgotten forests.

Although her books remain clean, I should mention that they can become emotionally intense. Some scenes carry genuine tension and darker themes, but they’re always there to serve the story rather than shock the reader.

I’ll happily read anything Erin Craig writes because I know I’m about to disappear into another unforgettable world.

Read Erin Craig if you love:

  • Gothic fantasy
  • Atmospheric fiction
  • Family curses
  • Fairy-tale retellings
  • Dark mysteries
  • Beautiful prose

Jessica Thorne

Some authors hook you with one book.

Jessica Thorne did exactly that.

The moment I finished The Bookbinder’s Daughter, I knew I’d found another auto-buy author. Her stories blend fantasy, mystery, history, and rich world-building into books that completely absorb me.

I love authors who trust readers enough to let the story unfold naturally, and Jessica Thorne does that beautifully. She doesn’t rush the mystery or overexplain every detail. Instead, she lets you settle into the world and discover its secrets alongside the characters.

That kind of storytelling keeps me turning pages far later than I intended.

If you’ve never picked up one of her books, The Bookbinder’s Daughter remains my favorite place to start.

Read Jessica Thorne if you love:

  • Fantasy
  • Historical mysteries
  • Magical libraries
  • Ancient secrets
  • Beautiful world-building
  • Atmospheric adventures

Why I Keep Coming Back to These Authors

When I find an author I trust, I stay loyal. That doesn’t mean every book becomes a five-star read. It means I know the experience will be worth my time.

Each of these authors creates stories that value character development over shock value. They build memorable worlds instead of relying on spice to keep readers interested. Most importantly, they remind me that clean fiction doesn’t have to be boring.

Far from it.

These books prove that mystery, suspense, emotion, friendship, faith, and unforgettable storytelling can carry an entire novel without explicit content.

If you’re trying to build a library filled with clean or low-spice reads, you really can’t go wrong with any of these authors.

And if you’re wondering where I’d tell you to start?

Jaime Jo Wright currently still sits firmly at the top of my list.