Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her … personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.
A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother–who is battling dementia–compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns–and with it, Heidi’s fear for her own life.
As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?
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I found The Curse of Misty Wayfair to be spooky and deliciously disturbing! That may seem like a strange thing to say, yet it describes the way I felt compelled to uncover the mysteries of both storylines with each page turn, while also having to limit my reading to the daylight hours to keep from getting completely creeped out!
Knowing that this story was Christian fiction, I was aware that there must be some explanation behind the ghostly sightings, but the author kept me guessing as to what exactly was happening in both the present and past timelines.
Both storylines were fascinating to me, with the one in the past particularly so as it dealt with post-mortem photography, superstitions that seemed to be held throughout the entire town, and the local insane asylum. In both storylines, the heroines struggled with truth versus myth, acceptance, and feeling unloved. And Thea, from the storyline set in the past, struggled with her beliefs regarding superstition versus God. This was a very interesting novel!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“A ghost had risen up from the album’s pages, beckoned to her, and begged to have her story told.”
This book should come with a warning label: Do Not Read At Night! I mean you are talking an age old curse of Misty Wayfair who is said to haunt the woods that surround an old asylum. Just reading about the legend had my skin crawling…GAH! But as with the other two novels Wright has written, there really is much more to it than meets the eye! Layers upon layers and threads upon threads twist and curl like a ghostly hand to keep you absolutely glued to the pages. And again, as the other two Wright novels, the lives of two women separated by a hundred years of history weave a tale of family secrets that would rather stay buried in the ground. They don’t want to give up the ghost, in a manner of speaking!
With her signature snappish prose and words that come alive, Wright had me digging deeper into two families who seemingly have no connection. As those threads began to knit together, more and more questions begged to be answered. How did Misty Wayfair connect two women? What do Thea and Heidi have in common? And how can I possibly write a review without giving anything away? Just know that I as I read this, I was both scared out of my mind and yet was too morbidly fascinated not to continue till the end. After all, there were answers I needed to know, almost as necessary as breathing! Really under it all is the lesson two women learn trying to find their identity and place in the world, but ultimately finding their Creator God had already carved out a place for them in Him.
“We weren’t created to find our identity in life. We were created to discover our Creator. In doing so, our identity is defined.”
Compelling, beautifully haunting, poignant, engaging, and thrilling, this story will wrap itself around you capturing more than just your emotions. It’ll remind you of who you are and what you were meant to be in Christ.
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on the author’s behalf and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
My plain words will not do this book justice. But that is okay, this book is what it is – a work from the heart, and nothing I say will change that. So pick it up 🙂
Pleasant Valley is an ironic name to city Thea Reed and Heidi Lane believe lies the answer to their inner turmoil.
One simple word can help break the bounds that weigh on them, can give them the worth they’ve never felt, the light to who they are and what their purpose is. Then all melancholy and past hurt can be put to rest, then the way forward can be found.
But Pleasant Valley holds more secrets and stirs more questions than gives answers. A city divided by shallow prejudice, a family tainted by a curse, and the mystery of what atrocities lie within the woods – could this truly be the place where Thea and Heidi will find the light into their story they need, or will the truth only cover them with more darkness? Will the ghost of Misty Wayfair turn them into one more victim of her retribution to those who only abandoned her?
Thea and Heidi carry baggages not chosen but flung on them by fate. And sorrow comes knocking on the door, a restlessness for reasons is their constant companion. Where does rest lay? Where can peace be found?
In search of these virtues, one will be confronted with the ghosts that haunt us, the midst that blinds us, the truth that sets us free: there’s always a choice and it’s up to us, stay in the deceptive protection of the midst that feeds our pride, our “rights”, or step out into contentment, into the legitimacy of our story – that it is not passive, inconsequential but dynamic, relational and surrounded by the all comforting arms of our Creator.
Having finished this book, my heart is left pounding out of my chest. Not just because of the deliciously eerie edge of this story, but because of the hope that our brokenness is what makes us essential to our communities.
Jaime Jo Wright never fails to keep my attention! I was really wowed by this book, as it brings to light issues that we rarely discuss: mental health, family secrets and the ties that bind. Jaime crafts characters that you will find yourself rooting for, especially the ones you can personally relate to.
The Curse of Misty Wayfair is a book that will draw you in, make you believe in ghosts and question family loyalties.
Heidi Lane is the contemporary character in this time slip novel, and she has some issues of connection with her estranged family. As a pastor’s kid, she experienced pressure and legalism that has pulled her away from God and any type of long term commitment to faith. She has also dealt with anxiety and a general feeling of being unable to belong anywhere. But she has been called back to her hometown of Pleasant Valley by a mysterious letter from her mother (who is now facing Alzheimer’s) that sparks an interest in Heidi’s origins.
Thea, the character from the turn of the century, is an aspiring photographer facing questions about her family history. She follows the lead of the photographer who took her in as a child, helping families record the last photos of their loved ones before burial. She’s now got the chance to take over the only work she’s known since her benefactor passed away.
While Pleasant Valley seems like a wonderful place, the asylum that is hidden in the woods holds a secret that will change both these ladies’ lives. There they will find the answers to the questions long held secret by the community that shrouds their fears in rumors and ghost sightings.
And, like any great Wright book, you have the supporting characters. There’s the brooding hero, Rhett, who owns the local garage and employs Heidi’s brother in law. Then there’s Connie, the local antique store owner and her intelligent, autistic daughter, Emma.
In Thea’s time period, Simeon Coyle has an unspoken connection to Thea, as well as Mr. Amos, the photographer that agrees to take her on as an employee. There’s also Rose, the tea loving nurse at the asylum, who continues to assist the residents of the asylum in the woods. The elusive Misty Wayfair makes her appearance several times throughout the story, too!
The patchwork of characters that help bring this story to life are, as always, well written and very relatable. The subtle message of God’s grace and provision amidst dark circumstances is one that leaves the reader with encouragement and the knowledge that we are never forgotten Just as the dark reveals ghosts, the light will always draw out the good.
Ever wonder what goes on in an author’s mind that enables them to create such intricate webs of suspense? Once again Jaime Jo has knocked it out of the park! Her stories are so well developed and the suspense is woven so deeply that you’re both afraid to continue and you need to continue. Whew, now I can go back to sleeping at night!
Mental illness is a sensitive and difficult topic to approach. It’s haunting how horribly it’s been handled historically. Some of the “tests” and “experiments” patients experienced are nothing short of torture. Not wanting to be labeled as “crazy,” many suffer in silence. This story is split in two timelines–Thea in 1908 and Heidi in modern time. Heidi suffers from crippling panic attacks. Her sister often calls her “crazy” and you can see what it does inside to Heidi. What’s noteworthy is that often what is described during an attack is the physical side-effects. When someone says “it’s just in your head” it’s clearly coming from someone in ignorance. Heidi experiences dizziness and changes in vision before her mind even has the chance to slow her racing heart. Sometimes she has warning when one is coming on, and others appear to hit her out of nowhere. In my opinion Jaime handled this topic realistically with both honesty and sensitivity.
As with many suspense stories, this story had a whole slew if tiny little pieces that needed to be put together by the end. How she was able to weave it all together is nothing short of masterful. I won’t share too much about this because I obviously don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that as someone who is averse to paranormal activity in stories I was satisfied with how it all concluded.
Another piece I love about Jaime’s books is how she is able to weave the hope of Christianity in the midst of the chaos characters are walking through. Her books are a perfect option to share with unsaved friends because they approach the need for Christ in a way that is real without being overly cheesy. Words of hope and encouragement are shared in tangible, heartfelt ways instead of impersonal Sunday school answers.
If you haven’t gotten your hands on one of Jamie Jo’s books yet you should go remedy this immediately. They are so incredibly written and are sure to grip you from start to finish. If you’re looking for a book you can’t put down–go ahead and pick this one up!
*I received a copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This is the third book I’ve read by Jaime Jo Wright and in my humble opinion, the best one yet, although they are all great reads!
This is a time slip novel that went back and forth from the early 1900s to present day but in the same small town.
I was held “captive” from the very first chapter right up to the end. Thea, from 1908, and Heidi, from present day were two very lost souls that had me sad because of their plights. Neither felt loved nor wanted from childhood on. It warped them in different ways and had them searching for acceptance as well as where they came from in their family histories.
The stigma of mental illness, special needs and anxiety disorders were all included but dealt with in a sensitive and thoughtful way by the author. The hinting of “ghosts”, strange messages and break-ins all added to the excitement and mystery along with an insane asylum hidden in the woods outside of the town.
The way patients were looked at and treated has changed dramatically over the years. Many were left in these asylums to be forgotten and eventually die. Even I in my twenties worked in a hospital that did numerous electric shock treatments daily. My son is an RN that works in a mental hospital and procedures and treatments are so much more humane than they used to be.
You will find yourself spellbound and quickly turning pages to find out what the mystery is involving Misty Wayfair. I never figured it out on my own, but was dumbfounded right up till the end. To me, signs of a great writer with a very vivid imagination!
I received an ebook from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Wow!!! The Curse of Misty Wayfair was amazing! I loved Jamie Jo Wright’s first two novels, but I thought The Curse of Misty Wayfair is her best one yet! This suspense novel tells the stories of two mysteries happening in Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin a century apart in a dual timeline/ split time format. Wright tells the 1908 story of post mortem traveling photographer Thea Reed and the present day story of Heidi Lane. A century apart, both women received letters that compel them to visit Pleasant Valley to find answers to their past. When she arrives in Pleasant Valley, Heidi’s unexpected purchase of an old photo album in an antique store brings up secrets and even danger as Heidi searches for the connection to her past. As Heidi searches for answers in present day, the readers find out clues as Thea’s 1908 storyline follows the mystery behind the deaths of several local people, the secrets that the local asylum holds, and a murdered woman who, as legend has it, has haunted Pleasant Valley throughout the years. There was even a chance for romance in both storylines.
Jaime Jo Wright brings out the “creep factor” with ghosts sightings and asylums as her fans have come to expect and love. In the words of Jaime Jo Wright, “The stories she would uncover behind the walls of Valley Heights would not end pleasantly. For there were no happily-ever-afters in an asylum.”
Fans of Christian suspense will thoroughly love The Curse of Misty Wayfair! It is definitely a page turner and kept me guessing until the end! Jaime Jo Wright is a master storyteller in weaving together clues throughout the book and having the two storylines come together seamlessly at the end. The themes described throughout this novel are identity and life purpose. The spiritual content in the novel focused on the fact that we are all beautifully and wonderfully made by our Creator and that there is a purpose to our lives. As readers see how the storylines are resolved, there is nothing that would go against Christian teachings.
The author shared how the mentally ill were treated a century ago and included present day characters with autism and anxiety in this novel. She emphasized throughout the storylines that no matter what a person’s struggles are, everyone was created with a purpose. I definitely recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Another thriller by Jaime Jo Wright! She tackled the tough issue of mental health weaving it into an edge of your seat suspense thriller. From postmortem photography to asylums deep in the woods to ghostly appearances, you are caught up in the story as it takes you from Thea’s life in the 1900’s to present day Heidi’s life with heart pounding action.
Both Thea and Heidi are diverse, unique characters in their own right that you are quickly endured too. While each travel a different journey with its own challenges, their lives are effected by the same past. I felt the way the stigma of mental health issues including anxiety and depression were exposed in a beautiful way. It is a tough issue to tackle but if we are honest, touching all of us in one form or another.
My favorite quote from the book is “This place-this life-will break us. But from above, our Creator reaches into the depths, and He will carve us into something new.” Throughout the stories of both Thea and Heidi, each grapple with their faith, past, and present. We are able to walk with them as they struggle and find where our true hope lies in the Creator.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and the author, Jaime Jo Wright, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
A legendary curse is the key to the secrets that haunt two women in this eerie timeslip tale. A mysterious photo, cryptic messages, an abandoned insane asylum and a legendary ghost play a role in just a few of the many delicious spine-tingling moments as Heidi’s search for answers parallels Thea’s quest a century before. Each individual story’s threads are masterfully woven together to create a hauntingly beautiful tapestry. Ms. Wright’s ability to build the suspense equally between both stories keeps her readers invested in both story-lines. While the ghost of Misty Wayfair held me spellbound, it was the story of brokenness, the story of healing and finding purpose from our Creator that spoke to this reader’s heart.
Since her debut novel, Jaime Jo Wright will remain one of the authors whose books will always be on top of my TBR.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Curse of Misty Wayfair is a thrilling time slip novel spreading from 1908 to present day. Two completely different storylines that end up being intimately intertwined. Highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good mystery and spine tingling thrill ride. Strong characters, intricate plot, and lots of twists and turns! The ending.. didn’t see that coming! But no spoilers here!
I received an advanced readers copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
#TheCurseOfMistyWair#NetGalley
~~Jaime Jo Wright’s most powerful work yet~~
The Curse of Misty Wayfair is another incredible timeslip novel jumping between the stories of Thea, a postmortem photographer in 1908, and Heidi, the family black sheep coming to visit her mother who’s in the last stages of dementia. As the two attempt to settle in to life in Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, they both begin seeing the specter of a woman who haunts the asylum at the edge of the woods, and learn the story of Misty Wayfair.
In with the thrilling ghost story and the rest of the plot, Jaime Jo Wright takes on the massive enigma of the history behind asylums, mental health and insanity, tackling superstitions and stigmas. Characters with autism, anxiety, and other mental illnesses play key roles in the story in an empowering and respectful manner.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller, but also to readers looking for a little more depth than your typical Christian fiction read. Jaime Jo Wright’s writing stands out on its own level of greatness.