The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond

by Jaime Jo Wright

Annalise knows painful memories hover beneath the pleasant fa�ade of Gossamer Grove. But she is shocked when she inherits documents that reveal mysterious murders from a century ago. In this dual-time romantic suspense novel, two women, separated by a hundred years, must uncover the secrets within the borders of their town before it's too late.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Suspense

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2018

About the author

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!

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaime Jo Wright did it again! I loved this one just as much as I did her debut, "The House at Foster Hill." Of course it doesn't hurt that the cover is so dreamy and perfect, but the story inside is the real winner. Gripping and mysterious and making me hang on with my fingernails and feel great fear for the characters involved!

I felt like both story arcs were balanced and well done, though I especially loved the action and twists near the end for the historical one. I also liked that the romance was low-key. I loved these characters so much that I want a sequel, though! I'm definitely wanting to get the next Wright book in my hands as soon as possible.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up to 4.5 stars. This was another great story with mystery until the very end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, nope got that one wrong too. I obviously would not make a very good detective.

This is a time-slip story of Annalise Forsythe and Libby Sheffield. Both residents of Gossamer Grove, Wisconsin, one in 1907, the other in present day -- but the question is, how are they connected. With Annalise in present day running a coffee shop, wanting to open a food pantry for the under privileged, and hiding a secret even she won't tell. When Eugene Hayes dies and leave her everything, including all the pictures of her inside his trailer, and her boyfriend from high school, Garrett Greenwood, comes back to town, does the real mystery start and what is her connection to them. Libby Sheffield is the daughter of a newspaper man, who also holds a secret so dark only three people know, and receives mysterious obituaries before people die. She is friends with preacher son, Calvin, but it is Elijah Greenwood that is always there for her. When the revival comes to town, Jacobus Corbin, comes to town he brings feelings to Libby even she cannot fight.

Jamie Jo Wright does it again with another mind boggling mystery with just enough twists, turns, romance, and danger to peek my interest. I really like her characters and how they interact, how both Annalise and Libby have these deep secrets, and how in the end it is just forgiveness they seek. I would highly recommend this book.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The sun broke through the clouds as if to taunt her. It reflected her own life. Her own secrets. The dark basements of her soul she wanted no one to see into compared to the bright sunshine of a pleasant disguise. It masked the truth of what lurked in the shadows...Sometimes the daylight was more frightening than the dark." ~ Ch. 30 The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond

I really loved this book. I think JJW did a fantastic job developing a creepy and at times intense atmosphere. We follow two women in two storylines and many secrets in both. I love the pacing of the book. I felt drawn into each of the stories and loved how layers kept being peeled back to reveal just a bit more along the way. I loved the two main characters and the growth they had throughout the book. Both had faced very difficult situations and were holding on to the past very tightly. There was tension. There was a touch (just a touch) of romance. There was discussion on healing, forgiveness and grace. There were secrets and suspicious moments and characters. I loved that she kept me guessing. The ending had some surprising moments and reveals that I was loving. I love how it all connected by the end. So good! I can't wait to read yet another Jamie Jo Wright book.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel pulled me in quickly! While both the current day and early 1900s story lines held my interest, it was the current day story of Annalise that I enjoyed more. The story from the 1900s was incredibly twisted and I was shocked to learn it was partially based upon actual events. The love square from the early 1900s fell flat for me, but other than that I found The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond to be a solid mystery novel.

[Rachel McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED JACOBUS to pieces. More to come

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two stories in one...and both packed a big punch! Exciting and gripping, this is how I like my Christian fiction!

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy a good mystery and time-slip novels, check this one out !

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how many times I reread it, this book feeds my soul so deeply. Living beyond the façade and realizing we’re all broken people in need of grace & forgiveness. A reread that never gets old. 😭

“‘Life is hard and it takes guts, faith, and a massive amount of out-of-this-world grace.’”
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Original review:

I’ve been stockpiling all my Jaime Jo Wright books to read in the cosy attitude of October, and this one was an absolute treat!

The dual timelines and interweaving of history were fascinating! The mystery, pacing, and tension kept me eagerly turning the page! And I just have to say, Wright nails the spooky vibe in her writing without being too dark or creepy; she has a great balance.

The characters have my heart but particularly dear Calvin. His storyline shattered me in a way… it’s one of those things you wish could have ended differently, but also a reminder that life isn’t a fairytale.

And the themes!! The message of grace and forgiveness, of emerging from the shadows of our mistakes and sin and finding God is faithful came right when I needed it. Grace will catch us when we fall.

In short, this book kept me on my toes, eagerly devouring every chapter, and up way too late! Worth every second!


Content: murdered characters; baby born out of wedlock; attempted assault on a woman that is stopped; affairs and illegitimate children

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaime Jo Wright's debut novel captivated me and I knew that she was an author to follow. Her sophomore novel only deepened that resolve.

Gossamer Grove is a town of Midwestern charm and home town values. However, Annalise Forsythe has painful secrets and knows more and they all hover over the pleasant façade the town displays. She is suddenly bequeathed a run down trailer and discovers it is full of obituaries, and photos of her! There are indeed some dark secrets in this town.

Over a century earlier, Gossamer Grove is stirred to repentance by the arrival of two twin revivalists, come to town to bring God to the midst of these people. They instead create chaos and people begin receiving their obituaries before they're even dead. Libby Sheffield, the newspaper owner's daughter, receives those obituaries at the paper. She begins to try to solve these crimes, then realizes she herself is in great danger.

Wright once again writes in a dual timeline, switching effortlessly between the two, captivating her readers with this mystery that has been going on for over a century. One mystery is wrapped up in another and the two blend in a completely spellbinding way. Both women, a century apart, work to solve this mystery before more lives are taken and maybe even souls ruined. I was completely caught up in this and could not wait to find out what the end result would be. I was totally surprised, too. Highly recommended. I find myself longing for Wright's next novel.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. My opinions stated here are entirely my own.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wright has truly hit her stride in this second standalone novel filled with edge-of-the-seat suspense. She expertly weaves two timelines together and brings to life a small town filled with secrets. I enjoy the unique writing style and look forward to Wright's next book!

[Morgan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a MUST READ!!!

This book grabbed me from page 1 and held me spellbound!! A novel not easily forgotten! A suspenseful tale of murder and a small town’s hidden secrets come to light within beautifully revealed themes of forgiveness and grace even for past sins that seem unforgivable.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Reckoning of Gossamer Pond except for suspense and faith. I admit, I figured it would be a little on the creepy side because of Ms. Wright’s first novel, The House on Foster Hill. While Ms. Wright does give the reader suspense and faith, the mystery aspect is so much more.

“Libby Sheffield had never stopped to wonder what she would take specific note of if she ever stumbled upon a dead body.”

From the opening line, I was pulled in. Where the deaths in 1907 Gossamer Grove, Wisconsin merely accidental? Was there something sinister in happen? And when it becomes obvious that the deaths have some link, who is to be blamed?

I loved the mystery in the 1907 thread and present day Gossamer Grove. I wanted to know how the two stories connected and I hoped that there would be some romance woven in the two.

If the romance wasn’t enough to pull me in, the faith message certainly gripped me. My favorite quote:

“The consequence of sin is death, but grace of God brings us life. One must fear God for what He can do, while loving Him for what He doesn’t do. A contrite heart results in the withholding of discipline in exchange for mercy–and love.”

There is so much spiritual truth in this novel that you’ll want to soak up and enjoy. Ms. Wright did a great job on her second novel and has made me a fan. I eagerly await the publication of The Curse of Misty Wayfair (not to mention the cover is phenomenal).

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publishers. This review is my own, honest opinion.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book! Enough suspence to certainly keep one on the edge of the seat/couch etc :) hers are keepers and ones that I don't hesitate to buy. These years I only give an author one chance to be honest having read countless+++ books and so many potentially wonderful ones to be enjoyed; that if I don't particularly enjoy the intial one...I probably won't both with another. Her books are gripping and hard to put down :)

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melodrama overload for me. I wasn’t really in the mood for that, nor was I prepared for the expletives and profane phrases that popped up on occasion throughout this book (more frequently than in this author’s previous book). That latter point was a huge turn-off for me.

The mysteries kept me interested enough to come back to this book after setting down the nonfiction book I was working on. I also found the obituary angle quite unique and intriguing.

Content: expletives, profane phrases, marital affairs, illegitimate babies

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Jaime Jo Wright's debut and looked forward to her second novel with high expectations. Though the mysteries were intriguing and kept me reading, it was a bit slower than her debut and a tiny bit less suspenseful.

However, even though I didn't love it as much as her first, it was still a solid suspense/mystery which kept me guessing right till the end. There was a few things I guessed right, especially in the present day mystery, whereas the historical mystery kept me confused a lot more.

I adored both the historical and present day characters, though I think I connected a bit more with Annalise and Garrett (present day), though the secret Libby hid was a lot more traumatic. I secretly adored the ending for Libby (sort of hoped that it would lead that way).

The theme of forgiveness and grace came across strong in both story lines and I hope we will all strive to be people who will grant forgiveness and make it possible/easy for others to share their struggles with us.

Recommended to fans of suspense, and dual-time stories.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great mystery by Jaime Jo Wright! This one kept me guessing all the way to the end.

[Tracy Brower · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this book was like watching paint dry. It was slow and rehashed the same topics and dialogue again and again. Weak female characters, one dimensional characters, stilted language, and a thin mystery were all frustrating. The frosting on the cake was the prosthelytizing the author does - in heavy doses.

[Kav]

"Life is hard and it takes guts, faith, and a massive amount of out-of-this-world grace." (p 307)

Wow...this is another how-do-I-find-the-words-to-explain-how-I-feel kind of books. Definitely masterfully written. The way Wright weaves together past and present...the pacing of information revealed, the mystery build up -- it's incredibly well done. Kept me hanging every time we flipped from 1907 to present day. And the author is infuriatingly (and delightfully) slow at revealing all the pieces of the puzzle. I went from lost, to grasping at hints of clues to formulating a hypothesis only to have it dashed and scrambling to start all over again.

At first, the stories seem so separate and unconnected in any deep way but that gradually changes with every new revelation until they converge on each other in a frantic rush of action and danger in the nail-biting conclusion. Phew! I was riveted. And a little swoony over the Gothic elements that created all that moody ambiance!

Jaime Jo Wright is a gifted wordsmith and I kept pen and paper on hand to copy down bits of exquisite perfection that I didn't want to forget. Lots had to do with the exceptional inspirational threads on forgiveness and grace woven into both time periods....mind boggling doesn't begin to cover it. Maybe the most compelling and moving I've ever read in a novel. She doesn't shy away from awkward questions and hard realities. And she writes in a way that urges the reader to dig deep and come to their own reckoning.

"Denying God's ability to forgive...is denying oneself the ability to live." (p206)

and

"One may carry guilt and shame with them for years, only to discover that while they attempted to dodge God's judgement, they instead cheated themselves of His forgiveness." (p 163)

What more can I say? Two incredible heroines, a complicated mystery that spans a century and the kind of delicious writing that begs to be read out loud...with frequent pauses so you can sit in the moment and absorb it all. Sublime!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Jaime Jo Wright! I really enjoyed The House on Foster Hill and was definitely looking forward to reading more by this author. I'm just sorry it took me so long to read another of her books! This book definitely had the creepy, dark, gothic feel I was looking for this Halloween season. I was sucked in from the very beginning and on the edge of my seat for much of the book. It was hard to put down and when I wasn't reading I was thinking about the book theorizing on what was going on. I loved that while this book was creepy and suspenseful, it was also full of truth and hope. It showed what holding on to sins and secrets can do and what forgiveness both of others and yourself can do. It shows the freedom from sin that we can find in Christ.
I thought the characters were well done and realistic. I especially liked Annalise, but I thought Libby was a bit immature for her age. The romance was sweet, but personally I would have liked a bit more. Especially in the 1907 storyline, but that's just me. I also loved that some of the characters ended up not where you really expected them to. Jaime did that so well! I was literally guessing till the last page! I can't wait to read more of Jaime's books and sooner rather than later!

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

“God can do pretty stellar things with screwed-up people”.

Suspicious deaths with over a hundred years apart. Is it a coincidence or is there more going on in Gossamer Grove than the eye can see?

This is the second book I have read by Jamie Jo Wright. Just like her debut novel she nailed the suspense element. I liked that I was guessing until the last chapter.

My heart broke for all of the main characters they all experienced some heart wrenching challenges. But I enjoyed each of their journey to healing, freedom and restoration. I like that some of the characters did not end up where I thought they would.

Grace is the main theme that is explored in these stories. I like that different facets of Grace is expressed through each of the characters individual story.

I also listened to the accompanied audio book read by Erin Bennett. I give her 4.5 Stars for her excellent performance.

If you like Christian suspense you must give this author a try!! Definitely recommended :)

[Lovely Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific read of us as sinners and God as the great giver of grace and forgiveness.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers who enjoyed Jaime Jo Wright's debut novel, "The House on Foster Hill", will be pleased to learn that her sophomore offering is every bit as good as her first! The novel zings along with well-plotted transitions between past and present, engaging readers thoroughly into the mysterious events tying together the residents of Gossamer Grove from the early 1900s to our modern times. I would be hard pressed to say which character I enjoyed reading about more, whether the historical Libby or the modern Annalise, as both are unique and special in their own right. The host of secondary characters are equally well-developed, and I appreciated that the romance was handled with a deft hand that fit well into the story.

"The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond" will immerse you in its secrets and suspense, drawing you ever deeper into the story as you consider who is behind the past murders and also the danger stalking Annalise. I can attest that there are plenty of unexpected moments that will have you questioning where you thought the story was going! I enjoyed encountering the historical elements that the author explores, such as the tent revival meetings and the fiery evangelists that host them, seeing how such events can have an important long-term impact on a town and its residents. And in the midst of mystery, a theme of undeserved, rich grace threads itself into the happenings of these characters' lives, adding a richness to the story that deeply satisfies. If you are anything like me, you will close the pages of this story feeling both entertained and appreciating anew the amazing God who loves us.

Jaime Jo Wright has written another solid novel, and will no doubt leave her readers looking forward to what is next to emerge from her talented pen. I award this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and encourage you to immerse yourself into this intriguing tale.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Didn't you know? Didn't you read? Tonight is your time to die."

Deep, dank, dark secrets. The town of Gossamer Grove has been drowning in them for well over a century; curious notes bearing sad tidings for their recipients, confirming that "the boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague".

It all began when Libby Sheffield found Deacon Greenwood hanging from the rafters of his carriage house at the break of dawn. Traumatized and confused when two totally different obituaries are submitted, Libby and her friend Elijah decide that the truth isn't worth pursuing, but a second death follows the first. It seems that someone in Gossamer Grove has taken the words "vengeance is mine" completely out of context; while twin revivalists stir revolt among the souls of many. Some would say that the two are related, while Libby finds herself caught in the middle.

Years later Annalise Forsythe is forced to remove the scabs of her own wounds when the untimely death of the local town hermit brings her painful past back to life. His entire trailer is not only filled with historical memorabilia; Annalise's life is shockingly pasted all over the walls. What possible connection could she have to Eugene Hayes? And why is someone upset enough about it to threaten her safety?

Two women, separated by decades, sharing common regrets, desperately seeking freedom, learning that "life is hard and it take guts, faith, and a massive amount of out-of-this-world grace" to move forward. "For the wages of sin is death, . . . . . but the gift of God . . . . is eternal life . . . . " And that's no secret.

Who wouldn't love a story like this one?

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She was good at keeping secrets. She had kept them for years. It’s what people in Gossamer Grove did.”

“Real faith is knowing forgiveness comes, you change, and then you walk and struggle together. Jam your knees, hit your knuckles, scrapes, bruises, broken legs, whatever. Life is hard and it takes guts, faith, and a massive amount of out-of-this-world grace.”

“A reckoning day will come.”

Every book I read by Jaime Jo Wright brings me one step closer to her being my favorite writer. I love the dual time periods in her storytelling, her gothic writing style, and the rawness that is missing in too much Christian fiction. She shows the realness of sin and the beauty of grace and forgiveness. Her characters are often flawed and broken just like all of us and they are a good reminder of the salvation we can find in Jesus.

The Reckoning At Gossamer Pond caught my attention early on with its main characters of Libby (1907) and Annalise and Garrett (present day). While some parts were slow as the story was building, I tore through it around the 50% mark to its breathtaking conclusion. There is a lot of drama and mystery going on in both time periods and I loved every minute of it. A lot of characters were dealing with the consequences of their sin and it made for a very interesting read. As always, Jaime Jo Wright weaves together both time periods together flawlessly. And loved the author’s note at the end which showed how she took some real events and fictionalized it. Can’t wait for another book of hers!

For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...

[Jocelyn Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wonder what the inside of Jaime Jo Wright's mind looks like. I'm sure I would get lost in it--and I mean that in the very best way. For her to be able to come up with two different stories with their own sets of characters, but in ways that connect and yet remain distinct...that is a talent I do not posssess, and it blows me away.

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is bursting with character and characters. Any darkness you might encounter in a book like this is tempered by heaps and loads of grace. What I loved most about this novel was the way honest discussions about sin and judgment, forgiveness and grace were naturally woven into conversations. In fact, it would have been inauthentic for the characters NOT to talk about these things. In the process, some tremendous, life-giving truths are underscored. There's plenty of hope and grace for the reader to take away.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a fabulous book! I enjoyed getting to know the people of Gossamer Grove, especially Annalise and Libby. I am a huge fan of time slip novels and this one did not disappoint. It is full of secrets, mystery and suspense. Which kept me intrigued and fascinated until the end. I just could not put it down.
I highly recommend The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond and give it a well deserved 5 plus stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book captured my attention from the first moments and did not let go. I loved how both Libby's and Annalise's stories were told . . . stories of people who were very much flawed and had sinful pasts, but who were able to learn how to grab onto the grace that Christ offers us.
The mystery aspect threw me for several loops, and I gasped in surprise a few times as certain revelations were made. I like when an author not only pulls you along in the story, but keeps you guessing as well.
4.5 stars

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Lindsay Lemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars