1928The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the “Watchman,” she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa’s search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she … circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.
Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk’s shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot’s history, she’s also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.
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An old abandoned train depot. This is the setting of the beginning of the present day timeline. Chandler is lurking about there at night, even though she’s been told it’s haunted….this story has lots of creepiness right from the get-go (this is kind of a Jaime Jo trademark…). She is determined to bring it back into a useful, if not slightly glorious estate again….
Chandler is such a sweet heroine. A single mom, battling an autoimmune disorder, desperately doing anything she can for her beloved son.
And then there’s Pippa in the historical timeline….abandoned by the very circus people she so admires and would love to know. She’s been adopted by the wealthy Ripley family and is expected to live as a proper young lady, and has even been told whom she must marry. But when a mysterious stranger promises information about her real parents….
As always, mentally I attempt to pick a favorite character, and once again I find it a much too difficult task. Both of these ladies wormed their way into my thoughts, and I just can’t choose.
I especially liked the details about the circus, the performers, etc. And the elephants! Elephants are so amazing. Pippa’s bond with the baby was so neat.
This story is just what I’ve come to expect from Jaime Jo Wright. Just the right elements and combination of mystery and suspense. And plenty of spookiness and dark undertones. I really enjoyed the suspense and watching it all come together.
As always, the underlying question when I’m reading a dual time story—How do these play out? How does everything come together? I was kept guessing until the very end! You will need to read and find out as well!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Wright continues to be an author whose work is layered and full of suspense. Her latest entry into the world of the circus is one that will engage those who love stories of misfits and outcasts. I love that Wright continues to supply female protagonists that seem to be underdogs, but not ones afraid of confronting their struggles. The search for truth is often a undercurrent in both past and present.
Pippa Ridley (1909 heroine) and Chandler Faulk (contemporary heroine) find themselves searching for answers in a past and present that eventually intersect in “The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus.” Pippa is trying to create a normal life in 1909, but she has a physical struggle, as well as relational ones. When her friend, Jack, enlists her help in finding out who killed his sister, Pippa is drawn into the unique life of the circus crew and on the trail of a possible serial killer. Will she find out who The Watchman is? Is he the one killing off the circus folk–and what does he know about Pippa’s family history? Why does he reach out to Pippa, sending her cryptic letters?
Chandler Faulk’s life continues to get more complicated each day. A single mom, trying to do the best she can, Chandler is positive God doesn’t care about her any more. How could He–allowing her to struggle with an autoimmune disease–on top of everything else? Chandler attempts to talk her uncle out of purchasing the abandoned train depot, which is purported to be haunted, to no avail. As she begins to investigate the depot and the unusual people who used to walk its halls, she’s pulled into an investigation with the property landlord, Denny, and his nephew, Hank. What dark secrets are hiding in the depot? And how do they connect to a series of murders in 1909? Will the Watchman ever be brought to justice, or will someone else suffer for his crimes?
Wright continues to bring her unique voice to her novels. Drawing inspiration from real life issues and sneaking a bit of thriller into the mix, her books continue to be ones that will keep you up into the wee hours-but only if there’s a night light on!
I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Jamie Jo Wright is my favorite author when it comes to Christian suspense.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, like all of her novels, has a dual timeline. In the present, Chandler, a young, single mother, travels the country working for her uncle. It’s up to her to determine if she thinks a property he’s bought should be razed and rebuilt upon or restored to its former glory. The Bonaventure Circus buildings, particularly the train depot, are the latest project. In 1928, Pippa Riley, daughter of Bonaventure Circus’s owner, is engaged to be married to the man her father’s chosen for her. Pippa is surrounded by unrest and secrets.
As much as I want to tell you every amazing detail about this book, I won’t! Believe me when I say, you will want to discover all of the amazingness yourself! I will tell you that this is a must-read.
When I read Wright’s novels, and I’m reading the “past” parts, in my mind, things look foggy and gray and creepy. Though I picture it in color, of course, it’s always muted. This is just how well Jamie Jo Wright gets the mood across to the reader. She doesn’t actually say, “It was a dark, stormy night….” but the way she weaves magic through her words just leaves me feeling as if I’ve been transported to the past and then spit out into the present which is full of color and light again. Needless to say, I absolutely love that feeling!
In addition to having this amazing atmospheric mood, The Haunting at Bonaventure circus also has completely believable characters. No matter how big or how small a part they play in this novel, they are totally fleshed out. They’ve got unique personalities. Subtle quirks and habits set them apart from each other. You’ll miss them (well like 87% of them) when you reach the end of this novel.
I cannot recommend this book enough. You will want to sit down and devour it in a day. It will stay with you long after you’ve read it, and that’s true about all of Wright’s novels. I have read them all and highly recommend them.
I fell in love with this authors individuality writing style from her first book and she never fails me, but continues to captivate me. I was engrossed from the get go and how can you not love a fascinating circus story, especially when it is dual time line. It is on a collision course to tie the past to the present with lots of intrigue and mystery. I loved both heroines and how they were looking for approval in their lives to find their self worth when all along they were who they were created to be. The faith element is subtle but is woven in like a three strand cord that binds it all together. I was on pins and needles trying to figure it all out and was disappointed when it ended. It is fascinating, captivating, mysterious, gripping, and like a whirlwind sweeping you off your feet. Run to your closest bookstore to pick up a copy.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Jaime Jo Wright has outdone herself with her newest novel! She has an extraordinary way of telling not just one, but two stories through her dual time period style of writing. I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next – and I was shocked as the stories unfolded. Many mysteries are rather predictable, but Jaime’s story is definitely NOT predictable! It’s deliciously disturbing but leaves you feeling very eerily satisfied when you are done. Well done, Jaime Jo Wright!
Jaime Jo Wright does a fabulous job at crafting a story that makes readers beg for the rest of the story in a hurry. While Wright crafts the two timelines from 1928 versus the present day, she somehow wraps the story up by the end. It makes total sense and captures my attention. I was really excited when I started to read about a serial killer that was killing innocent woman at the circus, but it seemed not to be about the killer. It was more about the people and their change. The plot is different and unique. I really liked it. But my overall complaint is that it was hushed down a lot with the mystery element. I wanted more. Romance seemed a little downplay too. It made the plot seemed cheapen with the romantic elements. I wish they were there. I do enjoy Wright’s style. Her writing is delightful to read. I love her word choices, and as an English Major, I love how she structures her sentence. It is a delight to just reread sentences for their pure beauty. Overall, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus may not be my most favorite book of Wright’s, but I definitely have been recommending Wright’s stories to everyone who enjoys a clean, safe mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Jaime Jo Wright has once again delivered an intriguing and heart-pounding story, cementing herself as a master of the time slip genre. Truth be told, there’s no one writing stories quite like Wright’s. This book delivers suspense, mystery, and horror amidst hope-giving truths of deep faith. In addition to the lyrical and vivid storytelling Wright is renowned for, I found the heroines of Pippa and Chandler to be particularly real and relatable. Come one, come all to the best from Jaime Jo Wright we’ve seen yet. Like watching the peculiar misfits and mayhem of the ring, it’s impossible to look away from the rare and unmistakable brilliance of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but all opinions expressed here are my own.Jaime Jo Wright The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus
“What was the circus really but a façade for them all? A pretend place of wonder when behind its beautiful and celebratory cover were hurting hearts, broken people and wanderers who had no where else to go.”
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright takes readers on an epic journey. Set in two time periods with connecting mysteries, the story centers around a traveling circus in the late 1920’s. Pippa Ripley longs to connect to her real family. Abandoned by her parents, all she knows is that they once worked for the circus. A mysterious phantom of a man called The Watchman seems to hold the answers, if Pippa could find him. In the present time, Chandler Faulk tries to keep everything together. A single mother, she moves to Bluff River for work. She’s trying to renovate an old train depot but gets sucked into local lore that has the place pegged as haunted by the ghost of a murdered woman.
The novel enchants readers from the start. Jaime Jo Wright has an amazing way with words. The backdrop of the circus brings out incredible imagery – yet it’s almost a behind the scenes tour for the reader. The focus isn’t the glitz and glamour of the show with the big tents and epic acts. This is the story of the people who work in the shadows, the ones who live to entertain others but hide themselves behind a curtain. Jake Chambers is a brooding man that just wants justice for his sister’s murder. Clive is a dwarf dealing with being rejected because of his stature. Their stories come to light as they try to figure out the mystery behind the Watchman. No one knows who he is, but he appears around the circus in a burlap bag mask and is associated with a string of murders along the circus stops.
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus definitely gives off some creepy vibes. The author creates an ambiance of Gothic imagery that adds another layer to the imagery and plot line. It all works together to create this world full of magic and mystery, that spans decades and reaches into the broken hearts of the characters with offers of redemption and healing. Many of the character find refuge in the circus, yet the modern setting reflects the same hidden identities of the performers. Both Pippa and Chandler just want to be seen, they long for a place to call their own where they are known and loved. Their parallel stories seem to intersect seamlessly. Chandler tries so hard to overcome her past, that she self-destructs by thinking she can’t manage. Hank Titus brings warmth and depth into her life by seeing her for who she truly is and not expecting her to manage everything by herself.
As far as the suspense, the entire story is a complicated and twisted mystery. Chandler uncovers information about the 1920’s murder, and someone wants her to stop looking. The old train depot definitely makes a great setting for a haunted place. This novel kept me flipping pages to figure out the ending. I had to slow down to make sure I read every word because I just wanted to find out the identity of the Watchman.
I’m such a fan of Jaime Jo Wright! Between the mystery that spans decades, the incredible imagery, and the broken and beautiful characters, this story is one of my favorites!
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In true Jaime Jo Wright fashion, this book is an intense dual timeline mystery with some creepy suspense and sweet romance. With Ms. Wright, I come to expect a mystery I can’t solve, a large creep factor, and a satisfying conclusion that brings both timelines together in such a way that both characters see some resolution. This book was no different. Add in a circus (don’t worry – no creepy clowns), a “haunted” train depot, a serial killer and characters who deeply feel their own imperfections and you have all the makings for a great tale.
This book follows Pippa in 1928, in the big heyday of the circus as she seeks out the Watchman, and what he knows about her past. She struggles to “be seen” for who she is. In the modern timeline, we follow Chandler who has come to Bluff River to see about restoring the old abandoned Train Depot and creating a historic landmark filled with boutiques and shops. She is set out to prove that she can make it, but keeps getting thwarted by locals and ghost stories. The mystery of who the Watchman is and what happened to Patty Luchent takes the full book to unravel and took some very unexpected turns. This story was engaging, pulling you in and keeping you guessing until the very end.
My only complaint (and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5) is that both of the main characters were overly obsessed. Pippa was obsessed with the Watchman and Chandler was obsessed with proving that she could make it on her own. While we all have our own little obsessions, when it is a major part of a fictional character, it starts to feel a bit redundant. The story line made up for this to an extent, but not being able to fully connect with the main characters kept me from being able to offer a full 5 stars. Other than this, this book was another stellar piece of art from Jaime Jo Wright.
Special thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Finding the perfect balance between mystery, suspense, spooky and redemptive is no easy feat and once again, Jaime Jo Wright has demonstrated her ability to master this genre. Wright has a gifting in being able to share dark themed stories with enough Light to keep my heart at peace (never mind the perpetual racing it endures in this story). A dual timeline centered around the circus, a serial killer, and broken, messy families will draw you in and keep you captivated the entire time. The characters are well developed and absolutely draw you into their stories. I could not get through this book quickly enough because I had to know exactly what happened and how it all tied together. Readers will be thrilled, delighted and blessed by this exceptionally creative story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
This was SO good! Yes, I am a bit biased because it is based in my homestead of Wisconsin, AND I remember going to the World Circus Museum in Baraboo, WI as well as seeing the circus numerous times as a child when it would come to town. So this novel completely resonated with me! But besides that, it has a great storyline!
Chandler has just gotten another project from her uncle, and so another move to a small town in a new state. A run down old circus. Decrepit buildings, and rumors are running rampant about the truth of what happened on these grounds. Chandler can see all of the potential but quickly realizes she has her hands full with this one. Her nemesis, Jackson is just waiting to scoop up the pieces and turn this into more cookie cutter apartment buildings.
Pippa is becoming a young women and has just been betrothed to her father’s right hand man Forrest. He is not someone she would have picked out for a husband for herself, but with her deformed leg and all, she should be accepting. He is not that bad looking, and is bound to take over the circus, as he handles a lot of affairs for her father as it is. But Pippa isn’t one to look pretty as a wife, and only speak when spoken to. She has a mind of her own and a mystery to solve.
Chandler gets a frantic call from the relator stating that someone is inside the one building. She can see a flashlight, so that mean someone must have broken in. The police are called, and a mysterious but somewhat rugged handsome man also is there. No one is found, but this starts the murmuring of the murders and the “Watchman”. Can she really take on this project, and restore a place that has had murder and death within in? As Chandler tries to get settled into learning about this place, people are more than happy to let her know about the murder and mysterious disappearance of a woman in the 80’s. It had to be the “Watchman”, but decades later…? How and Why?
Pippa knows that he parents are not her real parents and that she was abandoned on their doorstep. Rumor is her parents were also circus freaks and she wants to get to the bottom of who they really and why they left her. There is one person who leaves her mysterious messages, and he just may be the one to know the information she has been seeking. He goes by the name, “Watchman”. Is he really the one who has the answers, or is she walking into a path of danger and he is just baiting her for his next victim?
Rumor is that the wrong person was convicted and “fried” for the “Watchman’s” crime. And others believe there are still clues to be found within the circus grounds. Chandler maybe took on something bigger than she can handle. But with the help of others feeding her information yet scaring her, can she find out the truth of this serial killer and if the right person was convicted for being the “Watchman”?
Such a good read!!!! I think this may be my favorite of Jaime’s novels. Well of her novels so far. I would highly suggest anyone wanting a good, fast paced thriller, with a bit of mystery and a bit of haunting but nothing too gory or scary – this is definitely a read for you! Thank you to Jaime Jo Wright, and to Bethany House for the free book and letting me get my hands on this early!
This is the best Circus book I have read! As I read, I connected with Pippa in the past and Chandler in the present- and even Lily the baby elephant. Each of the main women are struggling to be fully seen by the people in their lives.
Pippa wants to learn more about the “Watchman” and how he fits into her past, while Chandler is tackling the old Circus depot that is rumored to be haunted and raise her son.
The elements of learning “your are enough” just as you are and “finding truth” are found throughout the book.
I was on the Jaime jo Wright Launch team for the Bonaventure Circus!
I have read all her books and I have to say this is my Favorite one!!
Pippa Ripley a kind soul who was adopted by the owners of the Circus. She befriends a baby elephant named lily and meets other circus folks. A man who calls himself the Watchman watches her. She doesn’t know why? He sends her a message to meet him. Will she? Does he know secrets of real family?
Readers will love this book!!
ENCORE! ENCORE! Jaime Jo Wright has crafted another FABULOUS time-slip novel. Her personal experience of living in a circus town comes shining through in the details.
From the opening scene, I was immediately caught up in the mystic and grandeur of the circus. Experiencing circus life through Pippa’s point of view was eye-opening. I came away with a greater understanding of how others view and label those who are different from themselves.
“The circus is a place of illusions. Of mirrors that alter who we truly are. We are a family-a community-but we also hide our secrets, even from each other.”
Secrets have a way of coming into the light as Pippa Ripley and Chandler Faulk soon discover. As an infant, Pippa, was abandoned on the doorstep of Richard and Victoria Ripley. Pippa longs to know who her parents are and why she was rejected. Chandler purchases an abandoned circus train depot. In her research to determine the future of the depot, she discovers unsolved murders.
“Maybe it was worth pursuing faith. For in the pursuing, one must come out of hiding and run towards grace. Because it was grace that only ever truly save.”
Jaime’s spiritual perspective reminds me so much of Ted Dekker. Thought-provoking truths that take root in my spirit. I’m encouraged to move beyond my comfort zone.
I devoured this novel. Jaime expertly weaves the past and present in an unforgettable tale of small town life, family loyalty and spiritual truths.
Recommend to those who enjoy time-slip novels with a dash of mystery.
Disclosure statement:
I received a complimentary book from publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Jaime Jo Wright definitely knows a good way to mix historic and present-day mysteries. I love seeing how the stories of the two eras come together and how a mystery of the past continues until today. This one totally kept me up at night to see how it would turn out.
One thing that really stood out to me in this book is the extreme diversity of characters. I sometimes have a hard time remembering individual characters, but that totally was not the case here. Every single character was vivid in their unique characteristics and traits.
I could really identify with Chandler. Not her “stupid mistakes of the past,” but her daily energy and health struggles (though I don’t have Lyme). I’m very thankful for authors who include realistic health issues in their books.
There is no surprise that this story deals with ghost talk. Sometimes, in obsessive details. I’m okay with ghost-talk. However, I’m not quite okay with it being left unresolved and no finalized fact. Coupled with that, there was also a character who discussed “negative energy” and “had connections” that were slightly disturbing for a Christian book.
The spiritual message actually left me confused. In thinking back over it, I think it boils down to the fact that spiritual truths were delivered by human opinion rather than solidified by the foundation of God’s Word. Like, each character had to accept for themselves what was truth in their situation, with their understanding. In a way, each character was so very well developed in that their perspective of God was all different. But I think that is also a grave danger, because this is the message the readers are receiving. There has to be the foundation of God’s Word for truth, regardless our feelings, regardless our upbringing, and regardless our opinions. For instance, one character believed in God, however, “But I do have a mind. And, I do have . . . well, I have my ways to support myself, I do, and I know I ain’t perfect, and maybe I don’t do everything to make God smile, but I still believe in Him. And I try to make good choices, when I can.” And then later, she quoted her grandmother, saying, “If we were all good and flawless, then Jesus wasted His blood.” But it was used more as an excuse for continuing a sinful lifestyle rather than being redeemed and sanctified for God’s glory.
The romance was a fairly good balance. There were a few kisses mentioned, but I didn’t feel like there was extreme passion between the love interests. However, there were many references to women of questionable character and ways men handled women.
I wouldn’t advise teens to read this because of the confusing spiritual content and the story revolving around loose morals.
*I received this book from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review.*
The sheer intensity of this story had me not on the edge of my seat, but in the floor leaning against the sofa. I had to be as close to the words as possible so I wouldn’t miss anything. I have only been to the circus once in my life. A friend took me and I was able to go behind the scenes and see the animals. The elephants were huge and commanded attention. There was a lot of people running around getting things ready for the big show. I noticed during the performance how hard each act worked to make their appearance perfect. It is a sight to see with everything going on at once.
The author presents a story that is a time slip which I adore. I love how the past and present collide. I am amazed how the author parallels two time periods and pieces them together like a puzzle. Pippa is a character that I found very endearing. She has a past that has haunted her for years. She has never felt like she was loved yet she has someone who protects her from harm. The Watchman was very intriguing and I tried so hard to figure out his connection to Pippa. The Bonaventure Circus is surrounded by unexplained deaths, secrets and a mix of characters that explode across the pages. I loved being in this time period and reading how Pippa gets herself mixed up in a mystery that flows over to present day.
Chandler is very determined to prove that she can renovate the now abandoned circus depot. Right away you can sense that something isn’t quite right as unexplained noises and shadows appear that frighten Chandler. I did enjoy reading about her strained relationship with her parents which causes Chandler to push people away. Her son is the most important person in her life and she will protect him at all cost. When Chandler starts to find evidence that links to the murders of the past, she puts her life and her son’s life in danger. I loved how the mystery weaves throughout the story and blends seamlessly from past to present. I was shocked at the ending and gasped as the author reveals answers to questions I had pressing in my head. I wanted to know who The Watchman was and how he fit into the killings. My interest piqued when I got close to the end and someone I never suspected did the unthinkable. This story is one of the best mysteries I have read all year. It includes faith and oh how I loved the spiritual truths the author used to help a few characters find their way back to God.
If you read only one book this year, it must be this one. It is written with depth and oozes with mystery so intense you feel apart of the story. What I really liked was the underlying theme of how we all need someone. We are loved unconditionally and are never alone. This story brings home the emotions of feeling abandoned and lifts you up to the truth that, “We all need saving.” “It’s the idea that we don’t that makes us fools.”
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and the author. The review is my own opinion.
I have to admit I had a hard time getting into “The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus” by Jaime Jo Wright, but after a few chapters, I couldn’t put it down! Jaime Jo Wright has her own style of writing, and I have always loved that style with all her books.
This book centers around two women from different eras who both have a disability. Both of their stories intertwine, eventually. The novel goes back in the past and then in the present. This story definitely had a twist at the end. I never saw the ending coming!
I recommend this book to all who like a good, clean, mystery. I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
“He was her Watchman. But more than that, she belonged to him.”
Pippa Ripley has craved a sense of belonging her entire life. Given every advantage and opportunity as the daughter of a wealthy circus owner, she has also been forced to sacrifice the freedom to be seen for who she really is. When odd correspondences from an unknown watcher begin to escalate, Pippa valiantly strives to locate the person standing guard over the secrets of her past. Could a bruised and battered baby elephant become the catalyst for prodding Pippa’s painful heritage out of the darkness and into the light? . . . . . or were her ministrations going to prove that just like the elephants, she might be treasured but not loved; for “love sacrificed, whereas a treasure was hoarded”.
Real estate developer Chandler Faulk sees the restoration of the grand old circus grounds in Bluff River, Wisconsin as a way to prove herself; to prove that she is not only capable of being a single mother, but proficient enough to handle a large construction project with skill and determination. However, “No one told (her) before she’d recommended the purchase that the abandoned train depot her uncle had invested in was likely the site of an old murder”.
“Life was not unlike the wisp of fog that curled around the base of a grave marker” . . . begins the author, creating an enticing aura of uncertainty about things to come. Unlike the eerie call of a siren within the wind, this story bravely beckons its readers to proceed toward danger rather than away from it, ultimately revealing that “what to us seems like God’s biggest errors, to Him they are His largest promises”.
Once again, Jaime Jo Wright has proven herself to be one of the most brilliant story plotters among authors of romantic suspense. Don’t discount the methodical beginning, it only serves to heighten the anticipation of a stunning ending.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright creates another fascinating dual timeline novel with an abandoned train depot, a serial killer, and a thrilling circus storyline. The past and present storylines in The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus collide as the mystery and suspense increase with Jaime Jo Wright’s trademark “creepiness.” Although the beginning of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus moves at a slower pace, the two equally compelling storylines will capture the readers’ interest throughout the novel. Enjoy your journey to Bonaventure Circus!
Throughout the novel, Jaime Jo Wright emphasizes that we are born with a purpose, and we are seen and loved by God. Her faith elements are always beautifully integrated into her storylines despite the darkness and mystery throughout the novel. For readers who want something different than the typical romantic suspense novels available, Jaime Jo Wright is the author you are looking for.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Jaime Jo Wright’s gift of writing time split novels it outstanding. She has the gift to knowing when to rip the reader from the time they’re reading in and throw them back into the other time. It’s rather jolting. Each time I left whatever time period I was in, I was desperate to back to that previous time, finishing what was happening in that moment. There was almost a desperation to go back to it.
I was absolutely drawn into this story. Like Pippa, I wanted to go to the circus world, something I’ve never even considered, but I think it was because of her deep desire to belong and to be known.
Sakes alive, there was definitely a creep factor with the Watchman. Is he good, is he evil? What does he know about Pippa’s past?! I felt her anguish to want to know right along with her fear of how she’d find out.
Then there’s Chandler in our current time learning about the lives surrounding the train depot and costume house. Those and the murders as well as missing people. I’m not a believer in ghosts, but Jaime Jo’s writing definitely messes with me into almost… almost thinking that there could be something to it.
Once again, I appreciate the faith element that goes along with this story. There’s a build up of it because of how the story is written, but it’s fluid and makes sense. The characters’ journey to understand how God is working in and through their lives during their time is a powerful one.
Honestly, there’s SO much to say about this book but I can’t say anything specific because there’s NO way I’m giving anything away. If anyone ever wants to talk about the book as you’re reading it, message me… it’s THAT good. I just want to talk to others about it!
*I’m part of Jaime Jo Wright’s launch team. I was provided a book for review purposes, but not asked to write a positive review. This is my personal opinion.