The Premonition at Withers Farm - by Jaime Jo Wright (Paperback)

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright is a dual timeline novel. The book moves between 1910 and the present day. It is supposed to be a spooky, mysterious novel with dark overtones (it is at times and other times I thought it was overdone). The author created a dark atmosphere with the neglected farmhouse with gravestones used for part of the foundation. I struggled to get through the story. The writing style did not make the book easy to read (I found it awkward). I also did not like the characters (you know you do not like the characters when you hope the killer will get them). I did make it through the book to the end (chocolate was required). In 1910, a woman claims she can communicate with the dead and see spirits. In the present day, Molly begins to see things as well. The way it is written, you wonder if they are telling the truth or is there a more logical explanation. The mysteries can be solved before the end (one is a cinch to figure out). There is romance as well (just what you want in a spooky story). Molly and her husband, Trent have grown apart since her miscarriages. Trent is ready to move on, but Molly is still grieving. The two need to find a way back to each other (why not get back together while creepy and scary things are happening to you). As you can tell, The Premonition at Withers Farm was not for me. I suggest you download a sample to judge for yourself. The Premonition at Withers Farm is an eerie tale with a ramshackle farmhouse, a creepy cornfield, AWOL women, scary seances, a dead woman in a ditch, and a gravestone foundation.

"When death came to visit, no one ever prepared tea and cookies." "Perliett Van Hilton's mother, a spiritualist in the rural farming community of Kilbourn, Michigan was frequently in demand following the "death", "departing" . . . . "murder" of a loved one, but after Eunice Withers' body was found bludgeoned to death in the family's cornfield, interest in communicating with the spirits of those who had stepped over to the other side took a decided uptick. Perliett on the other hand wasn't quite sure of her mother's abilities to communicate with the dead and deemed herself to be a healer of the living, incessantly butting heads with the local physician, George Wasziak, who sternly warned Perliett that just because she carried around an old apothecary box didn't mean that she could save anyone. . . . apparently even herself, for it soon became apparent that the killer had turned his attention on Perliett. Decades later Molly Wasziak and her husband Trent purchase a beautiful, but aging farm property, hoping to fulfill their dreams, or possibly to restore the ones that had already been destroyed. Sadly, Molly's depression following multiple miscarriages had become nearly debilitating. It wasn't long before the dilapidated old farm seemed to come alive, even in its state of disrepair. From the basement made of broken tomb stones to the strange sounds and visions that Molly was hearing and seeing, Molly sensed that her new surroundings were trying to communicate with her in some way. And then the unthinkable happens; a young woman is found murdered along the edge of their road. What kind of history was trying to repeat itself in this place? If I didn't have complete and utter trust in this author's ability to weave a hair raising tale with a faith filled conclusion, I might have lifted not one, but two eyebrows as this story began to unfold. All the questions. So many questions. Ones that most of us have asked ourselves at one point or another but never voiced. Indeed, what a fragile barrier exists between what is seen and what is not seen, yet only God resides in both life and death, the author of truth, the finisher of our faith. . . . . we grieve, yet not without hope, even though there will always be things that we cannot explain or fully understand. What a fabulous, fascinating story! "Truth was valuable and not to be trifled with."

The story is very eerie at times and I was a little uncomfortable with the storyline. I don’t like anything to do with people who claim they can talk to the dead. I have read other books by this author so I knew somewhere in this dual story were God and His truth. The house itself felt chilly and almost like readers had interrupted some sinister goings on. I was intrigued by where the author was going as she takes us from past to present. I liked Perliett and how dedicated she was to caring for the sick. She may not have a certificate saying she can practice medicine but she does have answers that help those who need it. I’m not sure I cared for her mother much since she believes she can speak to the dead. Oh how this part of the story made me uneasy. Underneath Perliett’s smile is a grief so big that it overwhelms her. Losing her father was hard on her and she misses him everyday. What she can’t understand is why her mother can’t speak to her father but is able to help others who have lost a loved one. I had to know why myself and that kept me going page after page. There is some danger for Perliett as she becomes involved with a mystery. As we move to the present we meet Trent and Molly. They have just purchased an old farm house which I don’t think Molly is thrilled with. Their marriage isn’t great at the moment and with the added burden of a place that needs work, more stress comes their way. It was sad how many miscarriages Molly has experienced and her grief consumes her. When a body is found by Trent and it is revealed that the woman is a relative, the town starts to gossip. Why didn’t he tell Molly that he knew who the dead person was? Why would he keep the information about the house they bought a secret ? Something is not adding up and the plot thickens. In both timelines it is evident that the past is destroying relationships. Grief overshadows each of our characters as they seek guidance and truth. We also have a mystery involving the Cornfield Ripper. That sent chills down my spine as I began to see how this crime would connect the past to the present. The author does an excellent job of weaving in and out seamlessly through history with riveting characters and suspense that will keep you glued to the pages. The ending is very good and connects the dots from the past to the present in an adventure where evil plays games with the innocent. It was hard to read the book at times because I didn’t like the topic of spirits, ghosts and talking to the dead. But have patience readers because the author gives us a solid ground of faith. She shows that the only spirit we should be talking to is the Holy Spirit. When we allow our mind to wander we can get trapped into believing things that are not of God. It is a warning as you read this book to guard your mind against anything that is not of God. In the end we see that grieving is something that takes time and we need to allow God to keep our mind focused on His Word. “Grief is a shadow man that follows us into our futures and swallows it up if we let him.” I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Jaime Jo Wright does it again! A split time novel in both 1910 and now that deals with suspicious murders that may be linked. The story in both time periods is riveting and keeps you guessing til the very end. In 1910, a murderer obsessed with a children's nursery rhyme is reeking havoc on the small town of Kilbourn. In the future, a murder happens not far from where the 1910 murders occurred and things may not be all that they seem in the sleepy town of Kilbourn. A wonderfully spooky story with unexpected endings. "Was humankind merely a bucket of souls, pointing fingers at one another instead of at themselves and refusing to reconcile that they were innately not good to begin with?" I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Another brilliant time slip novel by author Jaime Jo Wright! I’ve read all her books and am amazed at how each one seems to get even better than the previous one. The common denominator in this novel is the Withers Farm with characters from 1910 and also current day. Generations of relatives are seeking information on murders from both time periods. Is there anyway the crimes could possibly be related? A small farming community with lots of corn growing lends an eerie backdrop for terror, stalkings, murders, spirits and voices. Perliett (don’t you love that name?) has a mother, Maribeth, that is a spiritualist and tries to conjure up the dearly departed for those seeking answers and comfort, for money of course! In present day Molly is severely depressed after suffering four miscarriages with little sympathy from her husband. She hears voices and sees dead people! Follow along as these two time periods get connected in a most usual fashion. And as a Christ follower, I was highly satisfied with the ending. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own.

Wow! I was completely intrigued from the very beginning to the very end, both timelines were very suspenseful, and I had no clue how either timeline would turn out. Well done author Jaime Jo Wright! I love to be kept guessing. The Premonition at Withers Farm is so captivating that I couldn't put it down. Chores? What chores!? The sign my Mom gave me "Don't bother me, I'm reading" applies here. In the historic timeline from 1910 Michigan, there is a thread of spiritualism and attempts to communicate with the dead. It is true that spiritualism reached it's peak growth between the 1840's and 1920's. It is woven into this story, but so is one of the characters who embodies the voice of biblical truth. I thought the author handled it well. I loved the head butting between Dr George Wasniak and Perliett VanHilton. Perliett is a self-proclaimed rural healer, who Dr Wasniak says practices quakery. Perliett is the daughter of a Christian father and spiritualist mother. In the present-day timeline, the main character Molly is dealing with multiple miscarriages, depression, grief, and moving into an old farmhouse that seems haunted after she and her husband move in. I love Molly, her husband Trent, her friend Sid, and her new friend Gladys. Both stories in this dual timeline book had me on pins and needles. Very well done! I highly recommend The Premonition at Withers Farm for those who like spooky/creepy Christian suspense! Thank you to the author, publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Another dark, spooky thriller by Jaime Jo Wright! She is the master of weaving the past with the present keeping the reader on the edge of their seat and looking over their shoulders. The Premonition of Withers Farm focuses on present day Molly who is struggling with depression and her marriage and feels as though she is seeing ghosts from the past and Perliett from the past who practices home remedies and struggles with her mother’s dappling into the spirit world. Both women find themselves in danger that they cannot find their own way out of. Masterfully written to keep you guessing until the end! It explores many different subjects bringing them to light. A definite must read for split time and gothic lovers. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

This powerful dual-timeline thriller drew me in from the beginning and held me fast to the end. This consummate storyteller’s ability to create two masterfully crafted, captivating storylines—one set in 1910 and the other in present day—and seamlessly weave them together into one remarkable story is amazing. Vivid descriptions and the skillful use of sensory imagery help you “feel” the story as you read. A stellar cast of memorable characters, a wonderfully crafted mystery-ladened plot, a thought provoking faith thread, and a touch of romance combine to make an incredibly fascinating read. Fans of mystery, suspense, and dual-timelines will love this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The voices of the past cannot stay silent forever. Molly Wasziak and her husband buy Withers Farm in present day not realizing that it was known as "the murder house" back in 1910 when a serial killer was on the loose. Molly is grieving the loss of several babies and is suffering from depression. After a female body is discovered in a ditch near the farm she starts seeing "ghosts" and hearing things. Is she going crazy or are there supernatural happenings going on at the farm because of the events from 1910. This book is quite spooky and I read most of it during the daytime but oh what a great story of loss, grieving, healing, the supernatural, a serial killer and a great mystery to solve.

Another amazingly spine tingling book from Jaime Jo Wright. The Premonition at Withers Farm perfectly ties together two murder mysteries as it jumps between times. The first takes place with Perliett in 1910 and the other is with Molly who is from the present. The murders from these two time periods are woven together seamlessly with “ghosts”, visions, and hidden letters from the past. This book does deal with tough subjects such as depression, miscarriages, death, and loss. The author however address these hard topics with grace showing that each person deals with these issues in their own way, and that with love and understanding healing can begin. The author also touch’s on the subject of seances and communicating with the dead, while using the characters to address what the Bible has to say on the subject and pointing to why such practices are wrong. I would definitely recommend this book. It would be a great spooky season read. I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

A few chapters into The Premonition at Withers Farm, I told my husband that if I didn't trust Jaime Jo Wright so much I would have put this book down due to concern as to whether it was appropriate Christian reading. Having just finished the book, I am so happy that my trust was well-placed. Jaime Jo Wright writes the creepiest of tales,but in the end the message at the root of the story is true to the Word. The Premonition at Withers Farm is a perfect chilly fall evening read, although you will want to be prepared for it to keep you awake well into the night. The dual timeline ties together the Withers and Wasziak families in both the current times and the early 1900s. Both stories involve apparitions and murder, chills and thrills! While I give this book five stars, I must state one caveat. If you have dealt with miscarriages, be aware of your tolerance for books that make this experience part of the storyline. While Jaime Jo Wright handles this with tact and sensitivity as one character deals with intense grief, readers must decide if this is the best read for them at the time. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Premonition at Withers Farm from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own

Gobsmacking and edge of your seat from the beginning. Ms Wright is masterful at telling the creepy, bone chilling story that if you were around a campfire you would run for home, but then intertwined within is the Faith element that helps bring everything from darkness into the light. I love how her split time stories flow with such ease from one to the other until the climax that ties everything together. It definitely keeps you up turning pages to see how that is going to happen. I especially could identify with Molly and her brokenness but then God steps in and brings healing. My favorite paragraph in the book comes from Perliett’s story when her papa tells her, all of mankind groans because we are trapped here without the fullness of the purity of God. It goes on but I don’t want to spoil the story so I will tell you to read this book as soon as possible. Definitely a must read and for the keeper shelf. Disclaimer: maybe don’t read while alone at night. I say this as I laugh. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

"Because we know that even the smallest of joy is a gift - a momentary gift from God - but that this world will inevitably steal it away, because that's what happens in a broken place. So even joy hurts because we love hard." It's another eerie and beautifully crafted dual-timeline murder mystery by the fabulously talented Jaime Jo Wright. I loved how seamlessly Perliett's 1910 voice merged with Molly's present day story. Centered around a local farm that Molly and her husband buy, the plot unearths ghost stories and murders from long past when another murder pops in the present time around the farm. The writing is lyrical, the characters so real, and the plot quite intricate and delicious. The book isn't just a murder mystery though. It has examples of great faith and also addresses some really tough topics like emotional and spiritual aftermath of miscarriages, climbing out of grief and depression and anxiety, and working through a rocky patch in marriage. It also has a couple of characters that flirt with the spiritual world that they don't quite understand but the author balances this out with characters solidly rooted in the Bible. I really enjoyed Perliett and George's banter and discussions and I really loved Molly and Trent's relationship as it grew and stretched. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.