Tag: jaime jo wright

Posted in Book Recommendations

If You Like Ghost Stories, Read Jaime Jo Wright

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

It all started with a book. 

I picked up The Bookshop of 99 Doors, and somewhere between the old secrets, the mystery, the supernatural elements, and the questions I couldn’t stop trying to answer, I realized I’d found an author who writes exactly the kind of stories I love.

That author is Jaime Jo Wright.

Since then, I’ve read and reviewed several of her novels, including The House on Foster Hill, The Curse of Misty Wayfair, The Souls of Lost Lake, Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse, The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond, and The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall. And somewhere along the way, I realized this wasn’t just a case of finding an author I enjoyed.

I’d found a very particular kind of book.

Give me an old house with a history. Give me a mystery that stretches across generations. Give me a ghost, a few unanswered questions, a little faith, and just enough creepiness to make me look over my shoulder every now and then.

Now we’re talking.

That’s why Jaime Jo Wright has become such a natural fit for my reading life, and why her books fit so well here at Clean Reads & Cozy Sips.

She Writes the Kind of Ghost Stories I Love

What draws me into Jaime Jo Wright’s books is the way the supernatural element fits into a larger mystery.

There are old places with stories of their own, strange happenings, unanswered questions, and pieces of the past that refuse to stay buried. Her dual-timeline stories give me two mysteries to follow, and I love watching those pieces slowly come together.

I don’t need constant scares to stay interested. Give me a locked door, an old photograph, a suspicious death, or a story from decades ago that doesn’t quite make sense, and I’m ready to start forming theories.

That’s the kind of suspense I enjoy.

Give Me Something to Figure Out

I especially appreciate that her books give me questions without making me feel like I need to brace myself for a horror story.

I want to wonder what happened. I want to notice the clues. I want to change my mind halfway through the book because I’ve decided I’ve figured everything out, only to discover that I absolutely have not.

And yes, I will have theories.

Some will even be correct.

That’s part of the fun.

The mystery keeps me reading, while the supernatural elements add another layer to the story. I can enjoy the eerie atmosphere without needing the book to become increasingly disturbing just for the sake of suspense.

The People Matter, Too

The mysteries may be what pull me in, but the characters are what make me stay.

Jaime Jo Wright’s stories deal with things like grief, family history, loss, regret, forgiveness, and faith. The past isn’t simply there to provide a spooky backdrop. What happened to the people who came before still matters to the people living in the present.

That’s where her books become more than mysteries with ghosts in them.

There is usually an emotional story underneath everything else, and that’s the part that tends to stick with me after I’ve finished reading.

Faith Fits Naturally Into the Story

As a Christian reader, I also appreciate the presence of faith in her books.

I’m not looking for a sermon disguised as a novel. I want characters who are dealing with real circumstances and wrestling with questions that matter. Faith can be part of their lives without turning the entire story into a lesson.

That balance works for me, especially when I’m choosing books intentionally.

I can enjoy the mystery, the history, and the supernatural elements while still reading stories that fit the kind of fiction I want on my shelves.

Why Jaime Jo Wright Became a Favorite

I think it comes down to finding an author whose books consistently give me the reading experience I enjoy.

I want mystery that makes me curious. I want history that gives a story depth. I want supernatural elements that make me wonder without pushing me into horror. And I want characters whose stories mean something.

Jaime Jo Wright brings those things together in a way that keeps me coming back.

Which is probably why her books fit so naturally here at Clean Reads & Cozy Sips.

My Jaime Jo Wright Reading List

If you’re curious about where my Jaime Jo Wright journey has taken me so far, these are the books I’ve read and reviewed:

And I’m not finished yet.

Because I have discovered that one of the easiest ways to get me to pick up a book is to put an old building, a mysterious history, a ghost story, and a little faith between the covers.

Add a cup of coffee and a blanket, and I’m pretty much yours.

Just don’t ask me to investigate the haunted house myself.

I’ll be over here reading about it.

Looking for your next clean read?

That’s what I’m doing here at Clean Reads & Cozy Sips. I’m sharing the books I’m reading, the stories that keep me turning pages, and the cozy drinks that make reading even better. If you enjoy clean fiction, Christian fiction, mysteries, historical stories, or a little gentle paranormal intrigue, stick around and see what I’m reading next.

Posted in Other Drinks

A Cozy Sip for Echoes Among the Stones: Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Not every book calls for coffee or tea. Some require something a little more…atmospheric.

Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright is just that sort of book; warm, spicy, and just a little bit mysterious.

If you’ve read my review of Echoes Among the Stones, you already know this book has a serious creep factor. There’s a decades-old murder, a cemetery, family secrets, a creepy dollhouse complete with a recreated crime scene, and enough suspicious characters to keep you guessing.

So naturally, I needed a drink to go with it.

And because the story takes place in Wisconsin, I couldn’t think of anything more fitting than a steaming mug of spiced apple cider while the weather starts doing that wonderful thing where summer finally gives up and fall takes over.

The Perfect Fall Reading Companion

There’s just something about apple cider and a creepy mystery.

The cinnamon and cloves make the whole house smell like fall, while the warmth of the cider makes you want to curl up under a blanket and keep turning pages.

Add a candle, your favorite reading chair, a cozy blanket, and maybe some atmospheric background music. (Although, if you’re reading Echoes Among the Stones, you might want to skip the spooky music.)

You know. If you’d like to sleep tonight.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

This simple version is adapted from Ina Garten’s Hot Spiced Apple Cider recipe. Her original recipe serves 5 to 6 and uses apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, black peppercorns, and orange peel.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh apple cider
  • 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • Peel from 1 orange

Directions

  1. Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Strain out the spices and orange peel.
  5. Pour the warm cider into mugs.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.

Then grab your book.

Pour, Read, Repeat

I love the idea of pairing books with drinks because it turns reading into a whole little experience. Echoes Among the Stones is creepy, atmospheric, emotional, and very much a fall-night mystery.

A mug of hot spiced apple cider? Perfect.

Just remember: if you hear something creaking in the hallway while you’re reading, it is probably the house settling.

Probably.

Happy reading, friends. And may your cider be hot, your blanket be cozy, and your mystery be just creepy enough.

Posted in Ghost Stories

Echoes Among the Stones

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

In the past, I’ve talked about the top three things every haunting story should have:

A rocking chair.
One of those cymbal-clanging monkeys.
Creepy dolls.

Well, let me add one more to the list:

A dollhouse.

Especially one with a recreated murder scene, complete with blood splatters.

Creep-y.

This book may not have the rocking chair or the clanging monkey, but the creep factor is HIGH. In fact, when talking about ghost stories and haunting stories, I may have to start including a creep-factor scale.

What do you think?

Because once again, Jaime Jo Wright managed to keep me up way past my bedtime, living out the “just one more chapter” life of a reader.

And yes, I know better.

Two Timelines, One Mystery

One of the things I love about Wright’s books is her use of dual timelines, and Echoes Among the Stones is another great example.

It’s one thing to have a present-day character tell us what happened in the past. It’s another thing altogether when an author takes us there and lets us experience it for ourselves.

That’s exactly what happens here.

In the present day, Aggie Dunkirk arrives in Wisconsin after the end of her career and returns to the home of her eccentric grandmother, Mumsie. Mumsie has been obsessed with an unsolved murder from decades earlier, going so far as to recreate the crime scene in a dollhouse.

Aggie takes a job helping restore the historical section of a cemetery damaged by flooding, where she is paired with archaeologist Collin O’Shaughnessy. Before long, the work begins uncovering secrets connected to the old murder, and Aggie finds herself pulled into a mystery that someone is still very determined to keep buried.

Then we travel back to 1946.

Imogene Grayson comes home to discover her younger sister Hazel has been murdered. Imogene is determined to find justice for her sister, even though the investigation is taking place in a time when forensic science is still developing and women aren’t exactly welcomed into the process.

As Imogene refuses to let Hazel’s murder become a forgotten cold case, her story begins to connect with Aggie’s in ways neither woman could have anticipated.

And that is where things get really interesting.

The Suspects Kept Me Guessing

The character merry-go-round had me guessing.

Of course, years of watching British cozy mysteries have taught me to suspect everyone, so I was right there with Imogene questioning just about everybody.

I did eventually figure out who the murderer was, but not until much later in the book. And then there was the character who came completely out of left field and left me a little speechless.

I love when a mystery makes me think I have it figured out and then politely taps me on the shoulder and says, “Nope.”

Wright does that several times here.

Spoiler Alert

Okay, we’re getting into spoiler territory now.

If you haven’t read Echoes Among the Stones yet, stop here, go read the book, and then come back.

Seriously.

You’ve been warned.

And Then There’s Mumsie

In the present-day storyline, I absolutely loved, loved, loved finding out that Mumsie was Imogene.

That was such a brilliant move.

It meant that I wasn’t simply hearing someone tell the story of the past. I was watching one of the main characters live through it, and then seeing how those experiences shaped the woman she became.

Seeing how Imogene’s past affected Mumsie in the present, her relationships, her marriage and the way she interacted with Aggie added an entirely different layer to the story.

I will admit, though, that I was slightly disappointed by her husband’s identity. I wanted it to be someone more significant. And yet, once I understood why it couldn’t be, I also understood the choice.

I suspected quite a few people in Imogene’s family, including her mother, so apparently no one was safe from my suspicion.

Nobody.

Aggie’s Story Is About More Than a Mystery

Then there’s Aggie.

Aggie Dunkirk is a strong female character, but what I appreciated most about her was that her story isn’t simply about solving a murder.

She’s grieving the death of her mother while also grieving the loss of her career. She returns to Mill Creek and to her grandmother, Mumsie, with whom she has a decidedly adversarial relationship.

At first, that part of the story gave me a little bit of a “Hallmark Christmas movie” feeling. And listen, I love a good Hallmark Christmas movie.

But Wright doesn’t leave Aggie there.

It’s clear pretty quickly that Aggie has unresolved grief of her own, and those unresolved issues have affected her life in some pretty significant ways.

The mystery gives her something to chase, but underneath that mystery is a woman who needs to confront her own grief.

A Romance That Actually Makes Sense

And this is where Collin comes in.

I really appreciated that Collin isn’t there to be a one-size-fits-all Band-Aid for Aggie’s grief.

He doesn’t magically fix her. Instead, he walks alongside her. He reminds her of God’s love for her. He reminds her that God doesn’t cause bad things to happen, but He is always near to those who are hurting.

That distinction mattered to me.

Their relationship feels less like Man Meets Broken Woman and Fixes Her and more like Two People Walking Alongside Each Other While One of Them Learns How to Heal.

And I much prefer that.

My Final Thoughts

Echoes Among the Stones has everything I want in a Jaime Jo Wright mystery: a creepy atmosphere, an old murder, a dual timeline, a whole collection of suspicious people, family secrets, unexpected twists and just enough romance to keep things interesting without taking over the story.

But underneath all of that is a story about grief, forgiveness, redemption and what happens when we refuse to let our grief have the final word.

And, as usual, Wright gives us plenty to think about after the mystery is solved.

Just maybe don’t read this one alone in a dark house.

Especially if you have a dollhouse.

I’m just saying.

Cozy Sips: Hot Spiced Apple Cider

For this book, my drink pairing has to be Hot Spiced Apple Cider.

There’s something about reading a deliciously creepy story set in Wisconsin while the weather is finally giving up the last of summer’s heat and ushering in the cool of fall.

Give me a blanket.

Give me my book.

Give me a steaming mug of apple cider.

And then add an atmospheric YouTube video with some spooky music in the background.

You know what?

Maybe don’t.

Because I have to sleep eventually. And if you’re reading Echoes Among the Stones on a cool fall evening?

That is about as cozy as creepy gets.

Posted in Tea Time

London Fog

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Cozy London Fog Recipe for Book Lovers

Looking for an easy London Fog recipe to enjoy with your next cozy read? This simple Earl Grey tea latte combines fragrant Earl Grey tea, warm milk, vanilla, and a touch of lavender for a comforting drink that’s perfect for chilly afternoons, quiet reading time, or a little gothic mystery.

This simple London Fog as the perfect cozy drink to pair with Jaime Jo Wright’s The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall. The book’s eerie setting, mysterious bell tower, and gothic atmosphere practically begged for a warm cup of tea.

If you’re curious about the book that inspired this cozy tea pairing, you can read my full review of The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall, including my thoughts on the characters, mystery, faith, and all those deliciously creepy gothic vibes.

So grab your favorite mug, steep some Earl Grey, and settle in. You might even want to keep the lights on.

Ingredients

  • 1 Earl Grey tea bag
  • 8 ounces boiling water
  • 1/2 cup milk of your choice
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or sweetener, optional

Instructions

  1. Place the Earl Grey tea bag in a mug and pour in 8 ounces of boiling water.
  2. Steep for about 5 minutes.
  3. While the tea steeps, warm the milk until hot and lightly steaming. You don’t need to boil it.
  4. Remove the tea bag.
  5. Pour in the warm milk and give it a gentle stir.

Posted in Ghost Stories

The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

As a fan of anything Jaime Jo Wright writes, I went into this book with high expectations.

I was not disappointed.

In all my years of reading spooky stories, I’ve come to two conclusions:

  • Some books are creepy because of what happens in them.
  • And then there are books that are creepy because of the atmosphere they create.

The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall is definitely the second kind.

There’s a creepy house, a dark bell tower that tolls whenever someone’s life is in danger, weird family secrets, and dead bodies being laid out in the front parlor for far longer than they need to be.

Yes. I was thoroughly invested.

The story follows two women living decades apart whose lives become connected by the mystery surrounding Traeger Hall. And because this is Jaime Jo Wright, you know you’re going to get an atmospheric setting, complicated characters, family secrets, and twists that keep you guessing.

Spoiler warning: This review discusses plot details and character arcs from the book.

Book Details

Title: The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Genre: Gothic Mystery / Christian Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5

Content Note

This book contains themes of abuse, family trauma, death, grief, murder, and the mistreatment of deceased bodies. There are references to verbal and emotional abuse, including an abusive parent.

Synopsis

In the past, Waverly is left behind after the brutal deaths of her aunt and her cruel, narcissistic uncle. She is expected to keep vigil over their bodies for far longer than anyone should have to endure.

As she begins uncovering the secrets surrounding their deaths, the local undertaker comes to her aid. Together, they begin piecing together a mystery that reaches much deeper than either of them expected.

In the present day, Jennie inherits Traeger Hall following the deaths of her mother and her abusive father.

With the help of Zane, a local man, and his non-verbal son, Jennie begins uncovering the secrets surrounding Traeger Hall as she reopens the house, much to the dismay of the people of Newton Creek.

And Newton Creek has plenty of secrets of its own.

Cozy Vibes Check

Calling this book “cozy” may be stretching the definition a little.

This is gothic cozy.

In fact, the atmosphere is one of my favorite things about this book. Traeger Hall feels like a character in its own right, and I absolutely love that element in a gothic novel.

The town of Newton Creek also feels almost like another character. It watches. It remembers. It holds onto its secrets while Jennie slowly begins pulling them into the light.

It’s dark, atmospheric, mysterious, and just a little unsettling.

The Creep Factor

There is one particular element that really increased the creep factor for me:

The bodies.

Waverly is forced to keep vigil over the bodies of her aunt and uncle for far longer than necessary.

In the midst of a recent family loss myself, this hit differently.

I cannot imagine the elongation of grief that would come from having your loved one’s body laid out in your living room day after day while you’re still trying to process the fact that they’re gone.

It made me very grateful for funeral homes.

And it added an entirely different layer of horror to the story.

Two Women, Two Timelines

Dual timelines are something I’ve come to expect from Jaime Jo Wright, and she does them so well.

Waverly and Jennie are separated by decades, but their stories become increasingly connected as the mysteries surrounding Traeger Hall begin to unfold.

Both women have experienced tremendous trauma. Both have been hurt by people who should have loved and protected them. And both have to figure out what it means to move forward.

But their journeys are not identical. And I’m glad they aren’t.

Jennie’s Journey

This may have been my favorite part of the entire book.

Far too often, stories about abuse give characters a very predictable path to healing.

  • Tell your story.
  • Have a good ugly cry.
  • And suddenly, everything is better.

Wright doesn’t do that with Jennie.

Jennie is skeptical. She’s guarded. She’s carrying years of abuse, and she doesn’t suddenly become a completely different person because she’s uncovered the truth about her past.

Instead, she becomes willing to open the door.

And for Zane, that’s enough.

As someone who survived a verbally and emotionally abusive marriage, I appreciated this more than I can really explain.

I didn’t readily jump into the arms of Jesus when I got divorced. Healing took years. I was grateful for the people who surrounded me with love and patience while I worked through what had happened.

That’s why Jennie’s journey felt so honest to me. She wasn’t magically fixed. She was willing to keep going. And sometimes, that is what healing looks like.

And Then There Is Zane

Zane brings such a steady presence to the story. I especially loved his perspective on trauma and faith.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

“I believe God helps those of us who experience trauma so we can discover the path to keep going in spite of the pain. To have faith and find strength outside of ourselves and hopefully find beauty again.”

That quote really captures what I appreciated about this story. Faith isn’t presented as a magic eraser for everything that has happened. Sometimes faith is simply finding enough strength to take the next step. And then the next one. And eventually discovering that there can still be beauty after the pain.

Did the Mystery Keep Me Guessing?

Absolutely.

The mystery kept me guessing until the very end.

There were twists I suspected and twists I absolutely did not see coming. And even when I thought I’d figured something out, Wright managed to give me another piece of the puzzle to consider.

That is one of the reasons I keep coming back to her books. I’ve only read a handful of Jaime Jo Wright’s novels, but I look forward to each one. She uses familiar elements: dual timelines, haunting settings, family trauma, complicated characters, and shocking twists.

Yet somehow, she never makes them feel repetitive. She remakes them with every story.

And I’m absolutely here for it.

Cozy Sips Pairing: A London Fog

If you’re going to spend an afternoon at Traeger Hall, you might as well have something warm to drink while the bell tower is doing its thing.

I’m pairing this book with a London Fog, a classic Earl Grey tea drink made with steamed milk. The combination feels almost too perfect for this book: Victorian atmosphere, Earl Grey, steamed milk, and just enough mystery to make you wonder what exactly is happening in that bell tower.

Final Thoughts

The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall gave me exactly what I hoped for: an atmospheric mystery, a creepy house, complicated characters, a little bit of faith, and enough twists to keep me turning pages.

But what stayed with me most wasn’t the mystery.

It was Jennie’s journey.

Healing doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Sometimes it isn’t dramatic. Sometimes it doesn’t look the way we expect it to look. Sometimes healing is simply deciding that you’re willing to take another step.

And sometimes, that is enough.

Posted in Tea Time

Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Inspired by: Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

Some stories have a setting that becomes a character all its own. Souls of Lost Lake is one of those books.

With its mysterious lake, hidden secrets, haunting atmosphere, and layers of history waiting to be uncovered, this story creates a feeling of being surrounded by nature while searching for answers buried beneath the surface.

The Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer captures that same feeling: refreshing, a little mysterious, and rooted in the beauty of the natural world.

Perfect for slow reading sessions, warm evenings, and stories that invite you to look a little deeper.

Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer Recipe

Ingredients

  • ½ cup fresh blackberries
  • 4-5 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • ¾ cup sparkling water
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Add blackberries, sage leaves, lemon juice, and honey or maple syrup to a glass.
  2. Gently muddle the ingredients together until the blackberries release their juices and the flavors begin to blend.
  3. Fill the glass with ice.
  4. Pour sparkling water over the mixture and stir gently.
  5. Garnish with a few extra blackberries and a fresh sage leaf.

Cozy Variations

Make it a summer gathering drink:
Prepare a larger batch in a pitcher and serve over ice.

For a deeper berry flavor:
Let the muddled blackberry and sage mixture sit for a few minutes before adding sparkling water.

For a sweeter version:
Adjust the honey or maple syrup to your taste.

Posted in 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 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 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 Ghost Stories

The Bookshop of 99 Doors

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

You had me at “bookshop” and kept me with the haunted mansion and century-old secrets. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this one.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

I picked this one up for the bookshop and Gothic mansion vibes and wound up staying for the mystery.

The story follows two women living more than a hundred years apart, both connected to the same estate and the secrets hidden within its walls. As the past and present begin to collide, long-buried truths come to light. Packed with suspense, family drama, and faith, this story kept me guessing until the very end.

Cozy Vibes Check

Atmosphere: Dark, emotional, tense, and haunting

Pacing: Steady from start to finish. Not a single lag.

Emotional Tone: Heavy at times but ultimately hopeful. Expect grief, mystery, and plenty of deliciously spooky moments.

Tropes You’ll Find

  • Dual Timeline
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Historical Mystery
  • Family Secrets
  • Books About Books

Clean Reads Rating

Romance/Intimacy: Level 2 – Sweet & Slightly Swoony

Language: Level 2 – Mild “Oops I Said Dang” Energy

Faith Content: Strong

Cozy Factor:
More eerie Gothic mystery than cozy mystery, but the bookshop setting adds a cozy touch.

Suspense Level:
Expect plenty of twists, tension, and late-night reading.

My Thoughts

This book was a wild ride.

Imagine meeting someone at the pool. You chat for a few minutes, feel completely comfortable, and then they shove you into the deep end and walk away while you figure out how to swim. That was my reading experience.

At first, I wasn’t sure this book was for me. Not because it moved slowly—it absolutely didn’t. The pacing was excellent from page one. I just struggled to settle into the mood of the story. Then chapter three arrived, and suddenly I couldn’t stop reading.

Let’s start with the hauntings.

They were atmospheric, creepy, and incredibly well done. Jaime Jo Wright doesn’t rely on terrifying horror moments. Instead, she leans into whispers, tapping sounds, creaking floors, passing shadows, and those unsettling glimpses from the corner of your eye. The kind of spooky that keeps you turning pages instead of hiding under a blanket.

Then there are the secrets.

Both timelines revolve around women trying to uncover the truth while surrounded by people who seem determined to keep it hidden. Every answer leads to another question, and every revelation uncovers something deeper. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story threw another twist my way.

And then there’s the manor.

The house isn’t just a setting.

It’s a character.

I love stories where the house feels alive, where every hallway, staircase, and locked room carries its own history. This manor holds its secrets close and reveals them only when it’s ready. Around every corner, inside every room, and behind every door waits another clue. That’s exactly the kind of Gothic mystery I love.

Finally, let’s talk about the faith element.

The theme of faith over fear runs throughout the story, but it never feels preachy. Instead, it feels authentic. The characters question. They wonder. They search. And through it all, they wrestle with what is true and where hope can be found. I especially appreciated how both women sought God while navigating the strange and seemingly supernatural events surrounding the house.

My Official Pairing

Setting: A cozy corner on a rainy evening with a lamp glowing nearby and the rest of the house just a little darker than usual. I actually read the last fourth of this book during a thunderstorm at night—nature really provided the perfect setting. 

Drink: A salted caramel mocha or dark chocolate hot cocoa.

Favorite Quote

“You are promised by God himself that if you search for Him, the truth will set you free.”

Read This If You Love

Rebecca – for the sprawling estate, haunting atmosphere, and secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Jane Eyre – for the dark, foreboding house and the mysteries hidden within its walls.

The Haunting of Hill House – because the house itself feels like a living presence that influences everyone around it.

The Lost Apothecary – for dual timelines, determined women, and long-buried secrets finally coming to light.

Final Thoughts

If Rebecca and a cozy bookshop had a faith-filled Gothic mystery baby, it would probably look a lot like The Bookshop of 99 Doors.

Come for the bookshop.

Stay for the secrets.

And don’t expect much sleep.