But first the photo and verse. I love it when the redbud trees bud out. And they’re usually not red either, but purple, although I have seen a few red ones. When I see them, the verse in Ecclesiastes pops into my head. Spring is here! Hopefully snows will soon be a thing of the past for everyone, at least until next year.
Now for
The voices of the past cannot stay silent forever.
In 1910 Michigan, Perliett Van Hilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor convinced she practices quackery. It doesn’t help that her mother is a spiritualist who regularly offers her services to connect the living with their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she must rely on both the local doctor and an intriguing newcomer for assistance.
In the present day, Molly Wasziak’s life has not gone the way she dreamed. Facing depression after several miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband’s purchase of a peculiar old farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a century-old murder case and a web of deception, all made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds inside the 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 forever silence their truths?
My take:
Like the other books I’ve read by Jaime Jo Wright, this book will stay with me for a while. Wright covers very interesting and deep subjects. Faith is a key factor in her books, so know that she will bring things that seem worldly to a Biblical conclusion.
I love dual-time stories and was fascinated with the way Jaime Jo Wright brought the past into the present. Both heroines quickly drew me in and I cared about what happened to them. She handled Molly’s depression with compassion without being heavy-handed. And I loved the interaction between Perliett and George Wasziak. It was so much fun watching them spar with one another. And the suspense part was very intense at times–you will be flipping the pages to see what happens!
Jaime Jo Wright has a lyrical style that a reader will quickly get caught up in. This was a book I had a hard time putting down, and I read it in two nights by staying up until 2 each night.
Leave a comment with either something about the book or the first line of the book you’re reading and I’ll enter you in a March drawing for a book from my library.
What are you reading this week? The Premonition at Withers Farm is this week's Reader Friday. Hop over and see what I thought about the unique book. Click To Tweet
Comments 41
I love photos that introduce the spring season. For me here in Tucson, it’s when the Texas Ranger bushes have their first cycle of blossoms. Your Bible verse choice is an excellent match for your photo.
I wonder where in Michigan your featured review story takes place. Having spent the first 26 years of my life in Bay City, I’m always curious about places in MI.
In the 1st chapter of Laura Scott’s new book, “Brock”, we read: “No police!” The tall Asian abruptly grabbed Liana and pressed a gun to her temple. Brock’s jaw dropped as Liana stared at him with annoyance. “Get out! Now!”
Author
When I see the Redbud in bud, I know it can’t be long until Spring, Tim. There’s just something about the renewal of the earth that gets me! I’ll check and see–pretty sure it tells right in the beginning, but I can’t remember. Brock sounds interesting! I like Laura Scotts writing.
I’m also from Bay City and was curious about the Michigan setting. I think I’ll check out Thurs book when I can!
Wow, Mary. Small world. I grew up on the West Side, SW corner of Fisher and Clay.
I’ve read The Premonition at Withers Farm. It was fun and oh-so-eerie at times. Right now I’m reading Something Old, Something by Amy Clipston. It’s a contemporary Christian romance. The first line: Christine flipped the front-door sign to Open as she hummed along
with Cyndi Lauper singing “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
Author
That sounds like a feel-good book, Priscilla and I love them!
Love the photo and verse. Perfect for Saturday at 2 AM when we spring ahead for spring on our clocks.
Author
I’ll keep that in mind when I’m grumbling Sunday morning about how early it is, DJ. 😉
I love the surprise of what the next photo and Scripture will be. This did NOT disappoint, but none of them ever do. What a delightful way to start the day, Pat.
That was a good review. I appreciate how you gave a few more clues about the story line. It does sound intriguing, but definitely a daytime book for me. LoL
I’ve been reading The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham. The first line reads, “Grace Percy had always dreamed of being part of a dashing pursuit of some villain; she’d just never imagined doing so in a gondola with a complete stranger.”
Author
Hi Barbara! Pepper and I have the same agent and I really enjoy her books. And this sounds like a great one. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Pepper’s book is light and has some funny moments. Neat, that you have the same agent. Yes! See you soon. 🙂 looking forward to it!
Wow! Another beautiful photo depicting the arrival of spring and a very fitting verse!
Last Friday I had just started your book Fatal Witness. Awesome book Pat! You definitely get 5 stars plus!
Just began reading One Last Shot by Susan Mae Warren. “Boo couldn’t think of a worse way to die.”
“One Last Shot” was a fantastic read, Miss Mary. Enjoy!
Author
Thank you, Miss Mary! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And Susan Mae Warren was my mentor for so many years–she’s one reason I’m published. 🙂
Jamie Jo Wright is a fantastic author! I can’t wait to get my hands on her newest release! She will have you reading until late at night for sure.
Right now I’m reviewing Killer Sins by Edie James. Her Redemption Creek series will keep you on the edge of your seat. I think Killer Sins is her best book yet!
Author
Okay, L. You’ve given me a new author to find! Looking forward to reading her books.
It is a beautiful photo. I enjoy all of Jaime Jo Wrights book. I have listened to everyone. Trying to get our library to carry this one. Right now I’m reading a Michele Olsen book Being Wendy. This is a super fun series.
Author
Hi Toni! Thank you. I wish I could listen to a book, but my mind wanders too much when I try to read an audio book. I’ll have to check out Being Wendy!
Good morning, and what a Beautiful photo and the Beautiful verse, thank you for sharing it. I love Red Bud trees , every morning when we take our pup for a walk we have been seeing one on our street that is flowering and it is Beautiful! I am going to start reading X by Jafe Danbury, it is the 2nd in the series and there is one more book coming. I read the first one Leaving Phoenix and it is really good. Have a great day and a great weekend. God Bless you and your family.
Author
Hi Alicia! Thank you–I love Redbud trees! They are such a bright color among the still leafless trees around here. Jafe Danbury is another author I need to look up!
I love Jaime Jo’s books. I encouraged her way back before she was published. She was on a blog with three other ladies who are now published also. “Coffee Cups and Camisoles”
Author
I so agree about Jaime’s books, Gail!
I have read one Jaime Jo Wright book, and it was very good. This one has been on my radar. I am reading One Last Shot by SMW too, so I won’t repeat the first line but here is the second line: The kid was buried under tons of snow, lost in a crevasse, the snowy mountainside simply opening up to gobble the ten-year-old skier whole.
Author
Gloria, I’ll have to read One Last Shot! I see it’s in KU so I’ll be reading it soon!
Gorgeous photo, Pat!
NEW YORK CITY
OCTOBER 1883
Madre had lost her voice at last. His Delightful Lady Delia – Grace Hitchcock
Happy weekend!
Author
I love Grace Hitchcock’s books, Caryl!
This book was so good! Jaime is a wonderful writer.
Author
Yes, Jaime is a great writer, Megan!
Pat another reason for me to appreciate Susan Mae Warren!
Thanks Tim; I’m sure One Last Shot will be another great read. Susan is another of my favorite authors
Author
🙂
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It is a very interesting book, Diana!
I love the title of Jamie Jo’s book. The first line of my current read: You hear the alarm screeching in your ear as you peer at the clock, one eye barely open, in disgust.
Author
That sounds interesting, Sally Jo…what’s the name? 🙂
Beautiful when the red buds bloom. I can’t wait. I also enjoyed Premonition. Have a blessed weekend.
Author
The Redbuds are truly a herald of spring, Lucy!
“Lucille,You can’t just walk around a wild animal preserve with your pockets filled with meat. It’s an accident waiting to happen. ” Dana Mentink’s Deadly Sands
Author
Shelia, that is a great opening line! I really like Dana Mentink’s books.
Shelia, I love Dana’s books, so I had to look this one up. When I saw it takes place in Ferocious, Arizona, I had to nod my head. She’s on to we Arizonans. In this beautiful state, we have some of the weirdest place names. Here you can live next to “Nothing”, be “Carefree”, play cards at “Show Low”, find a big “Surprise”, and wonder “Why”.
Well, it’s almost Saturday, so I need to jump in here before that’s gone as well. 🙂 As always, a beautiful picture and great matching verse. I haven’t seen any redbuds yet, but other flowers and bushes are blooming.
I have read a couple of Jamie Jo’s books. She writes some interesting stories with plenty twists in them.
I did a first read on Finally His Bride by Jody Hedlund back in December. Since it had not been published, I don’t think I shared the first line. I just received the book in the mail today, so I will share it now, since the book I’m reading is actually a proofread and still months away from release.
“You have to go, Willow.” Dad’s voice was low and pleading. “We wouldn’t ask this of you if there was any other way.”
Author
I run into that problem as well Edward–I’ll read a book in view of endorsement and want to review it right then! In fact, I have a couple waiting for me now. 🙂 Finally His Bride sounds intriguing! And I totally get jumping in before a day is gone. lol