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The Premonition at Withers Farm

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In 1910 Michigan, Perliett VanHilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor, George Wasziak, convinced she practices quackery. It doesn't help that her mother, Maribeth VanHilton, is a Spiritualist who regularly offers her services to help others speak to their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she relies on both George and an intriguing newcomer for help.

In the present day, life has not developed the way Molly Wasziak dreamed. Facing depression after multiple miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband's purchase of a new farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a vintage web of deceptions, made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds in the old farmhouse.

Perliett fights for her life, and Molly seeks renewed purpose for hers as she uncovers the records of the dead. Will their voices be heard, or will time silence their truths forever?

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2022

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About the author

Jaime Jo Wright

20 books1,994 followers
Daphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing suspenseful, mysteries stained with history's secrets. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
175 reviews35 followers
January 2, 2023
Wow! What a terrifying thrill ride! The Premonition at Withers Farm perfectly tied together two murder mysteries—one from the early 1900’s and one from modern day. Both are so creepy and so fascinating! A few key things I really loved about this book: (1) It features a married main character, something I love seeing in fiction! (2) One main character deals with depression, which is handled in such a grace-filled way. (3) While the author does deal a lot with things like seances and communicating with the dead, she shines the light of the Bible on it and points to why such practices are wrong—such a needed and relevant topic! This is another winner from Wright.
Profile Image for Hester Fox.
Author 11 books1,945 followers
May 16, 2022
Dark, suspenseful, and decadently atmospheric, The Premonition at Withers Farm is an exceptionally satisfying read that weaves together past and present, light and dark, love and death. This was my first book by Wright, but it's definitely not going to be my last.

Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
561 reviews619 followers
October 14, 2024
The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright
5 Stars
Blog Post with Review Graphic: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...


WHAT A GREAT STORY YALL! Jaime Jo does it AGAIN! I am always so invested in her stories. She knows how to write a great book to keep the reader engaged, and I love that. The Premonition at Withers Farm is a great blend of mystery, suspense and historical intrigue. She seamlessly weaves together two timelines that keep you hooked from page 1. Jaime Jo always has dual timeline in her stories and I LOVE how she interconnects the characters in each timeline. I also love how she combats the supernatural type elements with faith in God in her books. Very well done here!

In this story, we have present day - Molly Wasziak - who, alongside her husband Trent, moves to a remote farm in the countryside, hoping for a fresh start after a series of miscarriages they have experienced. However, the Withers Farm holds dark secrets and Molly's discovery of a connection to a series of unsolved murders from a century ago sets the stage for a chilling exploration of the farm's history.

Then in the other timeline, set in the early 1900s, we follow Perliett Van Hilton, a self proclaimed rural healers. Her mother claims to be a "spiritualist" but the local doctor is convinced they are bother involved in quackery. We see Perliett become involved in a string of murders at Withers Farm. Her character is fascinating as she straddles the line between skepticism and belief.

The story goes on from here and Jaime Jo pains a haunting and eerie atmosphere, creating complex characters who grapple with deep emotional wounds, making their journeys feel raw and authentic. The exploration of grief and faith in this book was phenomenally well done.

Overall, this book is perfect for lovers of Christian suspense stories with eerie backdrops that aren't too scary but just the right among of mystery, history and faith. Highly recommend!

*content warnings for miscarriages, grief with the loss of a child, grief with the loss of a parent.
Profile Image for Michelle Griep.
Author 37 books2,366 followers
January 6, 2023
4.5
I love me a deliciously creepy story and this one did not disappoint. Ghostly sightings. Seances. An eerie nursery rhyme. And a plot that leaves me gobsmacked as to how it was constructed so freaking awesome. All this adds up to a book that I hated to finish. Author Jaime Jo Wright is quickly becoming one of my top 3 most read authors, and that is saying a lot because I’m such a jaded reader. Give this one a whirl if you enjoy a complicated plot with a side of scary.
May 12, 2023
Y’all…this one it had me…
It was eerie. It was haunting. It was emotion filled. It was twisted. It was mind bending. It was heartbreaking and it was healing.

I will say this every time I read a Jaime Jo Wright book. She is the GOLDILOCKS of creepy!

I’m not gonna lie, this one made me a *itty bitty* apprehensive. But one thing I love about Jaime & her writing is she is like a scooby doo episode— she will always show you there is a real person (and real evil) behind each eerie/spooky situation. While also expertly weaving in the spiritual! The spirit world does exist and it all belongs to God.

This book deals with grief! Loss! The living missing the dead! Of craving to see them again. Of breathing, but not living. Depression & relationships on the rocks.
But it also is infused with hope, and healing, and friendship, and family, and true love sticking through EVERY hill and valley!

While I flew through the pages, and ATE the story up, I also struggled a little bit with the pacing. It does make sense to the story in the end, but I struggle with “secret keeping” in relationships (romantic or otherwise) and that did play a bit of a role in the modern timeline.
BUT AGAIN!!! IT PLAY INTO MOLLY’S CHARACTER.
It just felt like we spent so much of the book without any hope, peace, or companionship, and then when it came it was so close to the end. I wish we had had a bit more of that healing process throughout the story.

But if you’re getting a bit bogged down in the middle just keep pushing through, it is worth it truly!

I enjoyed both storylines equally! I was happy to be back in both as the chapters jumped. I was anxious to keep flipping the pages to see what would happen to Perliett & Molly — hoping (even though I knew) they’d be alright.

Overall, it was a topsy turvy ride that took me through a corn maze.
4/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All reviews are my own*
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews254 followers
October 11, 2022
'The dead don't speak. They don't talk. They don't interact with the living.'

I sometimes wonder how the mind of Jaime Jo Wright works. Her stories are just so entrancing. She does them in split time form and each time period is incredibly captivating. It's hard to tear yourself away for necessary tasks. You just cannot wait to see what is going to happen next in each time period, because they are linked. I was so totally caught up in this story and never suspected the things that wrapped it up. So well done!

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via the Net Galley platform. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.
Profile Image for Wade.
740 reviews20 followers
October 11, 2022
“You and your husband bought their farm. The Withers farm. You live in their house. The house of the murdered sisters.”

“Who killed Cock Robin? I, said the Sparrow, with my bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin. Who saw him die? I, said the Fly, with my little teeny eye, I saw him die.”

“This isn’t a lack of faith…This is life. And we don’t always understand why things happen the way they do. And you’re right. God doesn’t explain everything. But the fact that you’re asking and seeking is faith. Because you’re choosing to believe there is a purpose even when you don’t feel like there’s one.”

Another incredible rollercoaster of a read by Jaime Jo Wright! I devoured this one that is definitely the creepiest book of hers to date. Early 1900’s spiritualism and modern day ghostly visitations and murders make this a book to read with the lights on. And in typical Jaime Jo Wright fashion, not all is as it appears!

What makes Jaime Jo Wright stand out in the Christian literary world is a few things. Besides her ability to make a Christian book both creepy and amazingly atmospheric, she also writes about delicate subjects. Be prepared for a completely realistic and emotional portrayal of a couple who has experienced miscarriages and the toll it can take on a marriage. I loved the search for truth and the thirst for God that drenched these pages. It is that blend of mystery, atmosphere, and thought provoking messages of faith and the afterlife that makes not only this book one I strongly recommend but also any Jaime Jo Wright book.

I had my guesses on who the killers would be and I felt pretty certain about it. And all I can say is that my guesses were a big swing and a miss! So this one will probably keep you guessing until the final reveals.

Order yours now and read it right away…with the lights on!

I received this book free from publisher Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lindsay Lemus.
384 reviews35 followers
May 20, 2024
Whew! Jaime Jo did it again!! She packs so much in her novels and I love every minute of the journey she takes you on. Highly recommend any Jaime Jo!
Profile Image for Abbigail B..
91 reviews
November 14, 2022
Wow, what a read! I've only been reading and enjoying Jaime's books for about a year, and The Premonition at Withers Farm did not disappoint!

Split by a century between Perliett and Molly, the mystery was amazing! The storyline and plot were phenomenal, and I found it interesting how many people searched for answers in the spiritual realm. It was a bit spooky and full of suspense, yet also sobering that people searched - and continue to do so today - for answers and hope from anything but God.

While a little heavy as this book deals with depression and spiritual oppression, Premonition is a fantastic read that you won't want to end. Recommended for older readers(as in, I'd allow my older-teen sisters to read this), lovers of suspense, and minor historical tidbits.

**all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**

Content guide:

Faith: Faith is discussed from different sides, both believers, lukewarm, and non-believers. Mentions of the spiritual realm, talk, participation in seances, and potential spiritual/demonic intervention

Violence: characters are murdered (off page), creepy occurrences happen (hearing voices, doors shutting, cornfields at night), someone is attacked, , multiple missing person's mysteries, a character sees ghostly apparations, a character questions her mental health

Romance: non-graphic kisses, hugs, hand-holding, mentions of a couple being intimate (off-page)

Language: clean
Profile Image for Lauren (thebookscript).
877 reviews521 followers
October 21, 2022
Premonition at Withers Farm is a creepy dual time line tale with endless corn fields, serial killers, haunted basements and old farmhouses with a dark history. Both of these are set in the same small town decades of year apart but still both have that spooky atmosphere.

"Life was waiting to be discovered from the ashes. It was time to stop burying herself and to live."

1910: When a young woman is found dead in a cornfield..a self proclaimed spiritualist, a hobbyist healer and a doctor will come in close proximity to death...whether they like it or not.

Present: Another death and another "coincidental" connection. Molly has been barely living her life. Ever since her miscarriages...her mental health is at an all time low and her marriage is no where near the wonderful connection and comfort it used to be.

I felt like the pacing of this book was very well done. It held my attention in both timelines...dropping just enough clues to keep you guessing even when I still wasn't able to guess anything at anything at all! This was such a clever blend of mystery, horror, ghosts and family. I loved the relationships in both timelines and the completely different romances in each as well. As each character works to bring down the killer I was holding my breath wonderful who it could be!

There is horror but there is also healing. I really appreciated Jaime's attention to Molly and Trents marriage and how that was mended.

The perfect blend of Christian elements were also added to each time line that didn't overtake the story but only added to it as both main characters are struggling who who they need to be.

My first Jamie Jo Wright but 100% not my last!
Profile Image for Morgan Giesbrecht.
Author 1 book134 followers
August 16, 2023
This just might be my new favourite Jaime Jo Wright novel—I had no idea this story would be so profoundly what I needed.

A marriage on the rocks. Murders unsolved. The atmosphere. The mystery. The crinkly chills I get up my spine. Yup. I am here for it. (Random aside, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the story was giving some “Murdoch Mystery” vibes… can’t explain exactly why but it just did & I’m not mad about it.)

As for the mystery itself, one of my hunches paid off, which makes me happy, but Jaime is one of the few writers I enjoy being stumped by, so it’s a win regardless! Also, I adore the subtle & yet realistic way she writes romance into her tales.

Yet beneath the chilling mystery and thrilling twists is a story about grief—learning to feel it & to move on… and learning to live again. “Life was waiting to be discovered from the ashes. It was time to stop burying herself and to live.”
And also about the danger & fragility of relying on spiritualism. Having questions doesn’t mean a lack of faith, it means we can take our questions and doubts and hurts to God.
“What need do we have of God if we can build our own bridges to eternity?”

A Jaime Jo Wright book always makes me think of autumn, shadows, cosy sweaters, chilly evenings by the fireplace, and basically all the autumn things… which I am more than ready for despite the current heatwave.

A note for sensitive readers: I found the “spookiness level” comparable to Wright’s other stories. But ya know, maybe don’t read in the dark… or at night… or home alone… or anything crazy like that. Not speaking from experience or anything, haha. 😂🙈
Profile Image for Naomi's Bookshelf.
153 reviews72 followers
August 22, 2022
This is a creepy book that keep me on the edge of my seat and fearing bedtime! I don't love ghost stories but this novel was the one that changed my views. Perliett's arc gave me the mystery that I have grown to know and love from Jaime Jo Wright. Molly's story is the one that scared me with so many goosebumps and it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. The mystery follows the events surrounding one farm and the people who live (or haunting!) there. Perliett was so interesting! I was terrified for her but I was also fully invested in her sleuthing. Molly was amazing as well. She is struggling with depression, a lacking marriage and the loss of pregnancies. Her story was incredible with all of these obstacles added to her new home. The way she reacted to the situations was so realistic! This was amazing and everyone should it!
Profile Image for R.J..
429 reviews
Want to read
January 18, 2023
I’m very torn! Out of all of Jaime’s books I’ve only been able to complete two. I think she is a wonderful writer! Her stories are very atmospheric but I also find them to be quite depressing. I have to be in a certain head space to really get into the eerie vibe she is conveying. So alas, this one too will be on my TBRL shelf for now.
Profile Image for (Katie) Paperbacks.
731 reviews308 followers
October 17, 2022
I couldn't wait to get my hands on Jaime Jo Wright's new release.

I have mixed feelings about it, but still enjoyed the book overall. I loved the mystery, the very creepy atmosphere and the writing was great.

The things I was not a great fan of were the mentions of spiritualism and mediums. This is a Christian book, so I do want to say that Jaime did a great job in showing that we shouldn't delve into the works of the devil and to seek out the dead. But to seek the Lord with all of your heart and not search for help in those dark places.

A dual timeline book filled with mystery and intrigue. An unsolved murder from the early 1900s is somehow connected to a recent murder. Strange noises that go bump in the night and being chased by unseen voices. If you want a faith filled book, with a very suspense filled feel then this is it.

Thank you to @bakerpublishing and #netgalley for a copy of the book to read and review.

*TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Mental health issues, depression, and mentions of miscarriages.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,377 reviews647 followers
September 13, 2022
When I pick up a book by Jaime Jo Wright, I know it will be edgy, scary but also more to everything will be revealed.

Starting this book, I was considering continuing it, due to the subject matter of calling the dead to communicate with the dead, which according to the Bible is a sin, and also, the spiritual world is not something to play with.

“We disagree on most things, Perliett, but even you must admit there is danger in seeking after the dead. Their spirits. Whether from the devil himself or from his ambassadors here, who are very much alive and very deviant in their intent. Must you toy with either of them?”

Why did I keep reading then? Because of George. The author used the character George to show the truth of what God requires and because of his views and bringing the focus more on God and his truths, I kept reading. And, having read previous edgy books by Jaime Jo Wright, I knew there will be a reason for everything.

But I can tell you this. I think the line between life and the spiritual world is thin. I think it’s also something that engages our curiosity and could be extremely dangerous if we’re not cautious. Remember King Saul in the Bible? He could conjure the dead spirit of the prophet Samuel, but it wasn’t blessed by God.

Jaime Jo Wright delivered another great dual-time gothic murder mystery, where both time lines had me invested, scared, worried and smiling.

Yes, this one was definitely edgier and scarier than others with the subject line which might not be for everyone, but if you push through (maybe even skip those few scenes and really was only a few of trying to interacting with the dead) you will get to an ending where truths were revealed and everything fits together.

On another note, there was one very creepy character!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Profile Image for Cara Grandle.
Author 5 books98 followers
August 15, 2023
Clever way of writing a ghost story with a satisfying resolve.
Profile Image for Melissa aka Melmo.
3,105 reviews
November 4, 2022
Another compelling and creepy read from Jaime Jo. There is no one who can pen a story the way she does! This one is a doozy, from murders in 1910 and how they connect to current events in the story made for a read that was hard to put down. Molly is a fantastic character-broken and dealing with tragedies in her past only added to the vibe of the story. Good read!
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,357 reviews120 followers
October 14, 2022
Wow, Jaime Jo Wright has done it again. She has taken a controversial creepy subject and managed to give a solid Christian slant to it.
Perliett in 1910 and Molly in the present are connected through murders and an old farm. “The past always seems to collide with the present.” Molly is struggling with grief after multiple miscarriages but is suddenly thrown into an old mystery when she and her husband Trent buy an old farmhouse with secrets. “Grief is a shadow man that follows us into our futures and swallows it up if we let him.” Perliett has lost her devout father. Her mother falls into spiritualism in order to connect with him in the afterlife. Peeliett is torn, trying to reconcile that with what she knows about the Bible. “Why. The unanswerable question of the ages.” Only God can show them the answers and He uses Dr. George Wasziak as a stable force in Perliett’s life.
See how Ms. Wright weaves together the past and the present in a creepily intriguing way. Always pointing us to the real Truth and the real God and His redemptions.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo.
425 reviews47 followers
October 5, 2022
Have you heard all the jokes and puns about corn having ears? Well, in The Premonition at Withers Farm, it just might be true. Jaime Jo Wright deftly takes the simple, peaceful traits of country living and twists them upside down, contorting the farm into a spooky, isolating place. I questioned, right along with the characters, whether the faint sound was a soothing breeze or a menacing whisper. By the end, I didn’t know whether to love or fear the chicken coop.

Wright crafts relatable characters confronted with realistic and heart-wrenching challenges. I especially enjoyed that one set of protagonists is a married couple. New love and the initial euphoria have slipped away and in their place, life’s difficulties have wedged a deep gap. On a daily basis, they have to make the choice to walk away or fight to bridge that chasm.

If you enjoy creepy mysteries that keep one guessing and stories that don’t shy away from heavy topics then I recommend The Premonition at Withers Farm.

Review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley. Thanks!
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,279 reviews135 followers
October 11, 2022
4 1/2 stars! Cornfields, creepy basements, old nursery rhymes, & possibly ghosts! Jaime Jo Wright has done it again, creating a romantic, edge of your seat, suspenseful, spooky read that’s unputdownable! Interwoven with the gothic mystery & suspense are second chance and enemies to lovers romances along with messages of healing & faith. Set in the small farming community of Kilbourn, Michigan, residents are terrorized in two different time periods by a vicious killer.

1910 - Perliett Van Hilton has always wanted to be a doctor. She’s studied all the homemade remedies she can, yet the local doctor, George Wasziac doesn’t appreciate her meddling. When two women are brutally murdered, the town turns to Perliett’s mother for answers. She claims to be able to contact the dead, but is it real? When the creepy Cornfield Ripper targets Perliett, will she escape?

Molly & Trent Wasziac are looking for a second chance in their marriage. When they bought their small town farmhouse, they had no idea it was known as a murder house. Suffering from depression and grief after several miscarriages, Molly begins seeing and hearing things, but is what she’s seeing real? When her husband discovers a murdered woman near their property, she digs into the past to try to find a modern day killer.

This book is definitely one to read with the lights on! I’ve always found nursery rhymes creepy, and the way this one is used in this story is particularly morbid. There are definitely scenes that play on our worst fears. However, Jaime Jo Wright knows how to balance the terror with two heartfelt romances and messages of faith. I loved the way she used George and his rival as symbols for faith and superstition. It was a brilliant way to showcase the real choice between putting one’s trust in God and truth versus the occult. I also loved the way she handled the painful reality of miscarriage and depression. The second chance romance was beautifully written.

Highly recommend this amazing book especially to Christian suspense & romance readers! And if you’re worried about it being too spooky, don’t be. The romance and inspirational message far outweigh the fear factor. I received advanced complimentary copies from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,159 reviews58 followers
October 10, 2022
The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright is a spooky mystery with a Cornfield Murders. Right from the beginning of the story, Wright takes readers for a journey through a mystery element and then does not let go. Murders occurred in the past, but the present time mystery develops at the same farmhouse, but Molly, the present day heroine, is trying to solve the mystery that happened over a hundred years ago as well as her personal demons. Both stories are a little mysterious with deep characters. In this novel, I liked Molly’s characterization better than Perliett who seemed a little shallow, but I believe, Wright wanted her to be a deeper character, but she was not. The mystery was nicely handled. I loved the clues left in the present day that intertwined with the story from 1910. Made the story appear richer. I wanted to see the connections. Why were they left behind for Molly to see? What do they tell the readers about what happened in the 1910 mysteries? The Premonition of Withers Farms by Jaime Jo Wright is a wonderful novel. I love Wright’s stories. Mysteries and Thrillers are my favorite genre with Historical Romance a close second. I hope there will be plenty more of Wright’s stories. I love them.

I received a complimentary copy of The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Profile Image for Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama.
606 reviews72 followers
November 3, 2022
Jaime Jo has done it again!! What an excellent book! I love her books and await them with all the patience I can muster. So far her books have not disappointed me, just when I think her last book is the best by far she goes and writes another one that is even better than the last! If you have never read a Jaime Jo book let's dig into this one and see if I can tell you about the story without any spoilers.

From the very first page you are captivated and thrown into a mystery that takes you into a very wild and creepy ride. This is a dual time story which deals with two families which happened to be intertwined but we don't truly find how until you delve into the story. Perliett is from the past, 1910 to be exact, and Molly Wasziak is from the present timeline. These ladies in their respective timelines try to find out who the "Cornfield Ripper" is/was.

The story is full of suspense and action. There are twists I truly did not expect and I did not figure out who the "villain" was in neither timeline. It was definitely not expected. The creepy factor is high. I wish I could tell you but truly I would ruin it if I do. Let's just say that cornfields and old farmhouses are a no for me.

There is so much more to this story than that though. Jaime Jo truly tackles some topics that while reading may make you slightly uncomfortable and I think they should. She touches on the subject of spiritualism and talking to the dead. I think this is not only a topic that was so prevalent in the 1900's but also it is something that we see a lot more in our world today. As Christians it should make us uncomfortable that evil is taking over so much and we should fight back. Jaime Jo does an excellent job at shedding faith and light to this subject and I think she makes it clear where God stands in all of it.

Miscarriage is also a big topic in the plot of the story and I think she did a great job at depicting the realities a relationship goes through while someone is going through such loss. But if this is trigger point for you I wanted you to be aware.

I am not sure how an author's mind thinks or how characters and storylines comes to them but I am thankful that they do. Jaime Jo is an amazing writer. She definitely helps me lose sleep as I devour one of her stories so lots of coffee is consumed the following day (no worries there lol). In all seriousness I think she is very talented and I really appreciate that her writing, though truly creepy never fails to have a strong faith thread and she doesn't back away from tackling hard topics. I for one can't wait for her next book!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Profile Image for Susan.
683 reviews70 followers
October 6, 2022
This riveting tale is full of one of Jaime Jo Wright's strongest message yet. Filled with her signature thrills and chills, she delivers a dual timeline mystery that deftly transports readers to a midwest farming community tying together murder mysteries of the early 1900's with that of modern day. Wright scatters her clues slowly, without a hint of showiness as she builds suspense in both stories. While it is definitely a spooky read filled with murder and ghosts, it is also a story of hope and faith.

While I loved reading each story as they unfolded, I was emotionally attached to Molly's journey as she found hope amidst grief and despair. Ms. Wright skillfully addresses the topic of eternity and the spiritual realm grounded strongly with faith. I was captivated from the first to last page. Readers will not be able to put this book down.

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


Profile Image for Joleen.
2,451 reviews1,221 followers
October 6, 2023
Kilbourn, Michigan
Two timelines

1910 Main Characters
Perliett Van Hilton: Daughter of the woman who spoke to the dead (24)
Dr. George Wasziak: Town doctor who irritated Perliett
Maribeth: Perliett’s mother
Jasper Bridger: A man drawn to Maribeth's "gift"
Withers family: Two daughters killed by someone dubbed the Cornfield Ripper

Present-day Main Characters
Molly Wasziak: Grieving four miscarriages for the last two years, having visions and hearing things
Trent: Molly’s loving husband
Sid: Mollys best friend
Gemma Rabine: Trent's cousin investigating her sister's murder

The Wasziak family line tie these two timelines together, along with a host of descendants throughout the town of Kilbourne, Michigan. In the past timeline Perliett is the main character. Her business is folk remedies, for the most part. However, Dr. Wasziak had issues with her treatments and constantly criticized her. Her mother’s business was speaking to the dead. With two murders back to back in this town Maribeth Van Hilton was quite busy "summoning" the deceased victims for their families.

The present-day main character is Molly Wasziak whose husband recently purchased property previously known as The Withers Farm. It was old, rickety, outdated, and certainly not something Molly appreciated. But she loved her husband and this made him happy. However, unexplainable things were constantly happening.

The characters in this book were fascinating and so very well done. The current day friendship between Sid and Molly was heartwarming and really cute. And in the past timeline the bantering between George Wasziak and Perliett was sometimes serious, sometimes quite fun.
“Miss Van Hilton, Eunice Withers has been murdered.”
“I would assume such. One doesn’t fall onto one’s own knife eight different times in succession.”


About the book:
I'll be honest here, I was hesitant often in this story. Some of it just seemed so wrong, and I was afraid of the direction it might be heading. But I should’ve given Ms. Wright the benefit of the doubt — she never disappoints. Her faith is genuine, and her doctrine sound. When things wrapped up I let out a huge sigh of relief.

Bravo!

On a fun note, it just tickled me that the author added while Molly was unpacking boxes that she put a Pepper Basham romance novel on the shelf. 😄 I have to admit, I just love Pepper Basham.

I also chuckled at her reference to a coffee addiction in a conversation between George Wasziak and Perliett
He smiled grimly. “Contrary to what people wish to hear, I believe we all have a nature to do evil.” …. That imperfect person whose primary motivation is to satisfy one’s own pleasures.”

“That’s a bad thing?” Perliett thought of her morning coffee and was fairly certain she’d be willing to follow in the footsteps of the Cornfield Ripper if someone were to threaten that pleasure.

“It is when it hurts another.”

Perhaps she’d been too flippant about her retaliation in the face of her coffee forfeiture. But still . ."


Very, very good book!
Profile Image for Shannon I The Reel Bookery.
244 reviews247 followers
November 10, 2022
This was my first book by Wright. Known for her gripping mysteries, Wright takes the reader to a small farm town in Michigan with a big history of murder.

This novel is written in a dual timeline. Perilett, a rural healer, in the early 1900s; and Molly, a struggling wife, who recently moved into Withers Farm and finds a dead woman in the cornfield.

Both women try to investigate and untangle the clues of the murderer, but end up in a dangerous web. Perilett doesn’t know who to trust, and Molly continues to find family connections that leave her with more questions than answers.

I enjoyed this read. A perfect book for those of you who enjoy a murder mystery with a touch of faith and spiritualism. This book is a murder mystery, thus it contains violence. (As expected). Readers should also know that one of the main characters is struggling with the loss of her pregnancies. Even though this is a heartbreaking topic, Wright shows the stages of grief with realism and grace.
Profile Image for Mimi.
672 reviews91 followers
November 9, 2022
This author's theme song should be, "Oops I did it again" because she's once again knocked it out of the ballpark with this story!

I always go into her stories wondering how she's going to make the creepy/other worldly parts work with the faith of her characters (if they have it). HOW is she going to explain the mysterious things that happen and will it make sense? She does both expertly!

Am I just a little afraid before I start her stories? Yes, yes I am. Does she creep me out? Yes, she certainly does. And I LOVE it!! I can't get enough of her writing because no one in the Christian writing world writes these kinds of stories!!

From the start I love Perliett and her spunk. She's torn between her father's quiet faith and her mother's... spiritualism. This makes such an interesting storyline. Her mother's connection to reaching out to the spirit world of the dead will make the hair on your arms stand up, but will also make you question if it's true. If you know Scripture, then you know the spiritual world exists. But, it's also not to be trifled with. When people are killed and her mother tries to communicate with them. things go from bad to worse.

Molly, in the current time period has just bought the creepiest house I can imagine. No sooner do she and her husband move into the house and he finds a girl murdered. And Molly is not only seeing ghosts, she's hearing them, too. Holy smokes, talk about ominous experiences. Through Molly's story, the author touches on depression, post party depression, and miscarriages. She handles those topics admirably.

I'll tell you that I pretty much suspected everyone! There was one point where I guessed who it might be (in the current time period), but in the historical time period...what the... that was shocking AND disturbing. lol There was also a spot where the author gives this HUGE cliffhanger and moves from one time period to another and I just had a dropped jaw! hahahahaha She knows how to keep the suspense rolling. I was very close to cheating just to get answers, but I refrained because the story was just so good I didn't want to ruin it.

Of course, the author reminds us via the characters that there is a spiritual world, but God is the only one to control it. There's incredible danger to those who use it outside of His will. We see that throughout Scripture when it comes to people who do things outside of God's will. Jaime Jo is gifted in showing us faith in all of her stories.
Profile Image for A.M. Heath.
Author 22 books345 followers
December 24, 2022
My Thoughts:
I have yet to miss a Wright book. There’s something positively addicting about them. I love and appreciate a gripping mystery. And I equally love and appreciate a dual-timeline. And she brings both together in perfect harmony. If you’re into creepy mysteries, you’ll certainly want to pick up this or any other Wright novel.
Just like with the rest of her books, I’m left guessing to the very end. The setting was very interesting. On the “safe” hand, you have an old farm house, complete with chickens. It’s cute and endearing. And the couple is struggling with their marriage, so it was a blessing to watch them reconnect. On the very “unsafe” hand, you have ghost sightings, unsolved murders, and talking to the dead.
I knew going into this book that we’d be touching on a subject that I don’t really care to dabble with. But I felt confident that Wright would bring in a balanced approach by the end of the book, which she did, however, after a while, it did feel a bit … uncomfortable to continue walking into a seance. To be fair, I knew this would be a topic on the table and Wright was clear about what the Bible teaches on the subject, so I can’t complain there. Just personally … I kinda wanted to not go back in the room after the first one.
But this was, once again, a very well-told story.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving it 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian mysteries, dual-timelines, and especially those looking for the on-the-edge-of-your-seat mysteries.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.
Profile Image for Jodi.
187 reviews
August 24, 2022
I don't mind a bit of a spooky read, and I have to confess that I did not read the synopsis before picking up The Premonition at Withers Farm . If I had, I would not have gravitated toward it, but the cover art drew me in and I thought I would give it a try. I have read some of Jaime Jo Wright's books before so I know they often have an eeriness to them. However, I found that I could not finish reading as I was feeling uncomfortable reading about speaking to the dead and calling up the afterlife.
I have to give a star rating, but it seems unfair as I did not read the entire story.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own
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