Tag: small town fiction

Posted in Bookish Thoughts

Why I Like Ghost Stories but Not Horror

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

There is something about a good ghost story that I absolutely love.

Notice I said good ghost story.

I did not say horror.

Give me an old house with a creaky staircase, a mysterious woman in a long dress who appears at the end of a hallway, a century-old family secret, a foggy English village, and maybe a ghost who has been waiting 100 years for someone to finally figure out what happened to her.

I am completely in.

There is something about that combination of mystery, history, atmosphere, and the unknown that pulls me in. I want to know what happened. I want to uncover the secret. I want to follow the clues and figure out why this particular house, family, or place seems to have a story it desperately wants someone to hear.

That is the kind of spooky I enjoy.

It’s Usually the Story Behind the Ghost

The funny thing is, the ghost is often not what interests me most.

It’s the story behind the ghost.

Maybe a woman disappeared decades ago. Maybe an old family has been carrying a secret from one generation to the next. Maybe a forgotten room contains a clue nobody knew existed. Maybe the town has spent years telling one version of a story while the truth has been sitting quietly somewhere else.

Now I’m interested.

I’ve always loved history, especially the details that make the past feel like a real place populated by real people. Add a mystery and a little supernatural uncertainty, and you’ve got a combination that is hard for me to resist.

I love the feeling of slowly discovering that what happened in the past is connected to what is happening now.

And if there happens to be a ghost involved?

Well, that’s even better.

I Like the Atmosphere

Maybe this is partly because I am such a fall person.

October practically begs for this kind of reading.

Cooler evenings. Leaves changing. Cozy blankets. A warm drink beside me. The lights turned down. A British mystery playing somewhere in the background.

Put a beautifully written ghost story in my hands during all of that, and I’m happy.

I love old houses, especially the fictional kind that seem to have personalities of their own. I love foggy landscapes, historic villages, abandoned estates, dusty attics, old photographs, handwritten letters, and stories that make you wonder what might have happened behind closed doors a hundred years ago.

Atmosphere can do a lot of work.

Sometimes a creaking floorboard is more effective than pages of graphic description.

My imagination will take it from there.

I Like a Little Mystery About What Is Real

Another thing I enjoy is when a story doesn’t immediately tell me exactly what is happening.

Did someone really see a ghost?

Is there something unusual about the house?

Is the old story true?

Could there be another explanation?

I like having those questions in the back of my mind while I read.

That’s probably part of why ghost stories and mysteries fit together so well for me. I’m not simply waiting for something frightening to happen. I’m paying attention. I’m looking for clues. I’m wondering whether that seemingly insignificant detail from three chapters ago is suddenly going to become important.

And yes, I absolutely love being surprised when it does.

My Faith Still Shapes What I Read

Being a Christian reader doesn’t mean every book I read has to be explicitly Christian.

It does mean I have certain boundaries around what I’m comfortable reading.

I enjoy fictional stories that include ghosts or unexplained supernatural elements, but I don’t want stories centered around occult practices, characters seeking supernatural power, or rituals designed to summon or manipulate spiritual beings.

That’s simply not what I’m looking for.

For me, there’s a difference between reading a fictional mystery involving a ghost and reading a story that invites the reader deeply into occult practices.

The first can be an atmospheric mystery.

The second isn’t something I want on my bookshelf.

I’ve become much more comfortable as a reader with recognizing those boundaries and simply saying, “This book isn’t for me.” There are too many wonderful stories in the world to force myself through one that doesn’t fit my reading preferences.

I Love When the Supernatural Serves the Story

The ghost shouldn’t have to be the whole point.

In fact, some of my favorite stories are the ones where the supernatural element helps uncover something much more human.

A buried injustice.

A complicated family history.

A lost love.

A painful secret.

Someone who was misunderstood.

Someone whose story was never properly told.

That’s where a ghost story can become something more than a spooky read.

It can become a story about memory, grief, forgiveness, family, regret, or the consequences of choices made long before the main characters were born.

The ghost may be what gets everyone’s attention, but the human story is what keeps me reading.

I Know What I Don’t Want

This is probably the easiest part to explain.

I don’t want graphic violence.

I don’t want gore.

I don’t want pages designed to shock me.

I don’t want to finish a book and immediately wonder why I voluntarily did that to myself.

I like being unsettled in that fun, literary way where I might glance toward the hallway and think, Okay, that was creepy.

Then I want to close the book, make my tea, and go to bed.

Peacefully.

Preferably without imagining someone standing at the foot of my bed.

Why This Fits Clean Reads & Cozy Sips

This is exactly why Cozy Ghost Stories & Gentle Paranormal has a place here at Clean Reads & Cozy Sips.

When I talk about clean reading, I’m not simply talking about checking a list of things a book does or doesn’t contain. I’m interested in the overall reading experience and whether a story fits the kind of reading life I want to have.

I want good characters. I want intriguing mysteries. I want beautiful settings and interesting history. I want stories that make me curious. I want a little atmosphere and maybe a little shiver.

And yes, sometimes I want a ghost.

But I want the kind of ghost story that makes me want to keep turning pages, not the kind that makes me question every noise my house makes afterward.

That’s the sweet spot for me.

So, yes, I like ghost stories.

I like old houses, forgotten histories, mysterious photographs, family secrets, strange happenings, and questions that don’t have easy answers.

I like stories that make me wonder what happened and keep me guessing until the final pages. Give me a good ghost story, a cozy chair, something warm in my mug, and a chilly October evening. I’ll be perfectly happy.

Just don’t ask me to investigate that noise coming from upstairs.

I already know it’s the house.

At least….I hope it’s the house. 

Photo by simon on Unsplash
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 Christian Fiction

The Way Back

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

by Heidi Chiavaroli

A Story About Scars, Healing, and Finding Your Way Back

About the Book:
Laney’s life has been shaped by painful memories, trauma, and scars she wishes she could leave behind. When she returns to a place connected to her past, she begins uncovering the pieces of her story that she has spent years trying to avoid. Through family secrets, unexpected connections, and the stories of those who came before her, Laney begins a journey toward healing and discovering where true hope can be found.

The Way Back is a story about facing the wounds we carry, learning to forgive, and discovering that our broken places do not disqualify us from being loved.

What I Loved

Some books are difficult because of the subject matter, but they are also important because of the way those subjects are handled. The Way Back is one of those books.

Heidi Chiavaroli approached the topics of trauma and self-harm with such tenderness and compassion. These moments were never written for shock value. Instead, they were handled with care, reminding readers that behind every scar is a story and behind every story is a person who deserves grace.

This book was especially meaningful to me because I have walked alongside someone I love through the struggle of self-harm. Seeing that journey represented with such sensitivity was incredibly powerful.

One of the most beautiful parts of Laney’s healing journey was the reminder that scars are not something we have to hide. We often see scars as evidence of something painful or broken, but Jesus’ scars tell a different story. His scars are reminders of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Watching Laney begin to see herself through the eyes of Jesus was one of my favorite parts of the book. She slowly learns that her scars are not what define her. They are part of her story, but they are not the final chapter.

I also loved the supporting characters who helped guide Laney through her healing. Her mother’s story was heartbreaking and gave deeper understanding to the pain Laney carried. Her grandmother was one of my favorite characters because of her quiet strength. She did not need grand speeches or dramatic moments. Her love and wisdom spoke through the little things.

The story of Abbie Burgess was another beautiful piece of the puzzle. It helped bring the past and present together while reminding Laney that storms do not last forever.

For me, this book became a lighthouse. It was a reminder that even when we feel lost in the middle of our storms, God is still guiding us toward healing, hope, and home.

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect for Readers Who Enjoy:

Christian fiction, emotional healing journeys, redemption stories, faith-filled contemporary fiction, and books about finding hope after hardship.

Cozy Sip Pairing:

Vanilla Honey Latte with Cinnamon

This story feels like sitting in a quiet corner with a warm drink in your hands while someone gently reminds you that healing takes time, grace is always available, and your story is not over yet.

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 Book Collections & Shelves

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.

Posted in Ghost Stories

The House on Foster Hill

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

Have you ever tried to outrun your past, only to realize it doesn’t stay behind you… it follows you in ways you never expected? And sometimes it doesn’t even show up as the past at all – it shows up as your present, and maybe even your future.

This book sits right in that space.

Tropes

Let’s start with the basics:

  • Dual timeline
  • Haunted / “living” house
  • Cold case mystery
  • Gothic small-town setting

Themes

This story leans into some heavy, meaningful ground:

  • Grief
  • Trauma recovery
  • Female resilience and strength in hardship

Synopsis

Two women, separated by a century, find themselves connected through one place: Foster Hill.

In the early 1900s, Ivy Thorpe carries deep grief after the loss of her brother and the betrayal of someone she trusted. When a body turns up near a local estate, she steps straight into a mystery filled with buried secrets and long-hidden truths.

In the present day, Kaine Prescott runs from a life she can no longer face in San Diego. She buys the rundown Foster Hill with the hope of restoring it in honor of her late husband. Instead, she finds a house that refuses to stay quiet. What she uncovers ties directly into the danger she thought she left behind.

As past and present begin to collide, both women move toward one conclusion – one that exposes secrets that never should have stayed buried.

My Thoughts

Jaime Jo Wright does it again.

I found this book even more haunting and intense than The Bookshop of 99 Doors. I had to set it down more than once just to clear my head. The haunting never crosses into horror – it stays eerie, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the best way.

The house absolutely acts like a character. I love when authors do that. Foster Hill holds layers of secrets, and each one peels back like an onion. Every reveal pulls you deeper into the story until you realize how far in you’ve gone.

Both Ivy and Kaine feel fully developed. As they untangle the mystery, they also confront parts of themselves they’ve avoided. Their growth feels natural and earned.

The romance stays closed-door and clean, with no spice or language, which fits the tone of the story well.

Faith threads through the book in a grounded way. It never feels forced. Instead, it shows up in the real, messy moments – grief, anger, questioning, and that very human tension of trying to trust God in the middle of loss.

And the pacing? Excellent. I read this in under 48 hours because I kept telling myself, “just one more chapter,” until suddenly I was too far in to stop.

I love finding stories like this – haunted, atmospheric fiction with a strong faith undercurrent done well.

Cozy Vibes Check

Atmosphere:
Gothic, eerie, and wrapped in quiet tension from beginning to end.

Pacing:
The story builds both timelines carefully, letting each layer of the mystery unfold at its own pace.

Emotional Tone:
Reflective, somber, and unsettling at times, but threaded with quiet hope.

Reading Experience:
It felt like peeling back old wallpaper in a forgotten house and finding something hidden underneath that was never meant to be seen.

Favorite Quote

“Sometimes the past doesn’t stay buried… it waits for someone brave enough to listen.”

Pair It With

Drink: Hot chai tea – something warm that carries both comfort and quiet courage in the same cup.

Vibe: A steady Sunday morning rain with the windows cracked just enough to let the sound in – the kind that becomes part of the story. Percy at my side, a light summer blanket pulled close, and that quiet feeling that the house outside your window feels a little too still.

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Posted in Book Collections & Shelves

Ten Cozy Mysteries for Summer Reading

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

As someone who is still getting her reading mojo back, I’m going to cheat a little on this one. Don’t worry – I’ll probably revisit this topic more than once.

I don’t have a list of my top ten cozy mysteries for summer. What I do have is a list of my top ten cozy paranormal mysteries for summer.

All by the same author.

How’s that for efficiency?

My sister and niece introduced me to the Southern Ghost Hunter series, and they absolutely nailed my reading vibe. I love mysteries. I love ghost stories. And if you stick around here long enough, you’ll probably hear me talk about both quite a bit.

Now, you may be thinking, “Ghost stories? Aren’t those better suited for fall?”

Honestly, you’re not wrong. I may very well revisit this list when Halloween rolls around.

For now, though, these are my favorite cozy summer ghost stories. Why summer? Because every one of them takes place in the South, where the weather is hot, the sweet tea is cold, the pecan pie is plentiful, and somebody is always firing up a barbecue.

These are listed in no particular order of favorites.

1. Southern Spirits

This is where it all begins. The story takes place in a fictional Georgia town known for peaches and pecans—which, when combined and topped with ice cream, make a dessert worthy of its own book review. But I digress. We’re here for books, not pie.

Southern Spirits introduces Verity Long, who inherits her grandmother’s house and accidentally traps a 1920s gangster ghost on the property. One accidental ghost imprisonment later, Verity can suddenly see and talk to spirits. Naturally, chaos follows.

2. The Skeleton in the Closet

The second book doesn’t disappoint. This time, Verity and Frankie investigate a murder that takes place in the town library. Because apparently even libraries can’t escape murder mysteries.

3. The Haunted Heist

Verity tries to focus on something other than ghosts for a change. Unfortunately, her boss ends up dead, and a gangster ghost may have information about the crime. Before long, Verity and Frankie plunge headfirst into another mystery and plenty of chaos.

4. Deader Homes and Gardens

Next, Verity takes a job at the creepiest mansion in town. She plans to identify the murderer and exorcise the resident ghosts.

The ghosts, however, have their own plans.

5. Sweet Tea and Spirits

When a prestigious local society invites Verity to join, she thinks she’s finally moving up in the world. Then someone discovers a dead body at the society’s headquarters.

As usual, Verity drags Frankie along while she untangles the mystery.

6. Murder on the Sugarland Express

Verity and her boyfriend plan a romantic train trip through the Tennessee mountains. Unfortunately, the train comes with a haunted history.

It doesn’t take long before the past crashes into the present and derails what should have been a romantic weekend.

7. The Mint Julep Murders

This time, Frankie needs Verity’s help. Together, they assist a gangster ghost with a colorful past that leads them straight to a haunted asylum.

As the body count rises, Verity’s simple plan – help the ghost and get out – becomes considerably more complicated.

8. Southern Bread and Dead

Verity volunteers at a church charity event, expecting a fairly normal day.

Instead, a longtime family friend turns up dead.

As old secrets begin surfacing, Verity discovers that some members of the congregation have worked very hard to keep the past buried.

9. Give Up the Ghost

High school reunions already have a reputation for dredging up old memories.

This reunion takes things a step further.

When ghosts from the past start pulling the living into decades-old conflicts, Verity and Frankie race to uncover the truth.

You may never look at a class reunion the same way again.

10. Death at the Drive-In

Finally, a seventy-year-old cold case returns to the spotlight when new evidence emerges in the death of a young girl.

While the police follow the physical evidence, Verity and Frankie consult the ghostly witnesses. Together, they help solve a murder that has remained unsolved for decades.

Final Thoughts

These books fall around a Level 2 on the intimacy scale and contain only mild swearing. Some of the hauntings get intense, but the stories never venture into anything occult or dark. They’re simply fun ghost stories wrapped around engaging murder mysteries.

One of the things I appreciate most about Angie Fox’s writing is her commitment to character development. She builds a cast you genuinely enjoy spending time with while delivering mysteries that keep the pages turning. Most importantly, she never forgets to make the stories fun.

Of course, this list only covers paranormal mysteries. The next time I put together a summer mystery recommendation list, I may actually include books that don’t involve ghosts.

Although, let’s be honest.

That seems highly unlikely.

Posted in Book Collections & Shelves

Best Cozy Mystery Books for Beginners

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

I love a good mystery. I love a good ghost story. And even more, I love when the two come together and create a cozy paranormal mystery.

My favorite books in this genre are the ones where both the ghosts and the victims have complex stories to tell. My job as the reader is simple: I grab a blanket, pour a warm drink, settle in, and let their worlds unfold.

Here are some of my top favorites—clean reads that are perfect for beginners just starting to dip their toes into cozy and paranormal mystery waters.

1. The Aurora Teagarden Series – Charlaine Harris

I would generally hesitate to recommend anything by Charlaine Harris because of the graphic nature of her Sookie Stackhouse series. However, my sister recommended this series to me years ago, and I ended up really enjoying the mysteries.

These stories lean more character-driven than violent, and the backstories are genuinely well written. Across the series, you also get solid character growth that keeps things engaging.

Unpopular opinion: I didn’t NOT enjoy the Aurora Teagarden adaptations done by Hallmark. That said, while these books may feel primed for television, I do think some stories are better left on the page where imagination does the work.

2. The Ghost Hunter Series – Angie Fox

If you’re just starting out in paranormal cozy mysteries, this series is a great place to begin.

The character growth stands out, and the stories are genuinely enjoyable—some stronger than others, if I’m being honest. Still, the characters alone are what kept me coming back again and again. I’m currently on my second reread, which says a lot.

The ghost stories themselves are also genuinely fun. The spirits have personalities and ongoing storylines, which creates great worldbuilding and makes the series feel connected from book to book.

3. Anything by Agatha Christie

I would be remiss not to include Agatha Christie on this list.

Small disclaimer – I’ve only read one of her books, And Then There Were None, but I could not put it down once I started. She absolutely earns her reputation as the queen of mystery. While my reading experience is limited so far, I’ve also watched many adaptations on BritBox.

At some point, I fully intend to sit down, have a come-to-Jesus moment with myself, and finally work my way through more of her books.

4. The Tradd Street Series – Karen White

I enjoyed the early books in this series quite a bit. The ghost stories are excellent, and the mysteries twist and turn in satisfying ways before finally resolving. The atmosphere really stands out, and I initially liked the characters as well.

However, a few books in, the character development started to fall flat for me. If that matters less to you and you’re mainly here for the hauntings and mystery, then this series is still well worth reading. But if strong character development is a priority, you might walk away a little disappointed.

Side note: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Karen White’s standalone novels. They are very well done and worth picking up.

And maybe that’s why I love cozy and paranormal mysteries so much. Beneath the ghosts, the clues, and the old houses with too many secrets, these stories are almost always about people – about grief, history, healing, love, and the things we leave behind.

They remind us that every place has a story, every person carries one, and sometimes even the dead still have something left to say.

So if you’re looking for mysteries that feel atmospheric without being overwhelming, haunting without being terrifying, and comforting enough to read curled up under a blanket on a rainy afternoon, these books are a wonderful place to begin.

Just don’t blame me when one book turns into an entire obsession.