 Author: Jaime Jo Wright Genre: Dual-Time Fiction Pages: 352 Release Date: April 7, 2026 Publisher: Bethany House The manor's rumored one-hundredth door may conceal secrets hidden as deep as the estate's bookshelves extend high . . . but the haunted past has a way of ensnaring curious souls. In 1888, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the dark superstitions that envelop the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain haunts the house and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's fraught past in an effort to bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity. In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to hunt down the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.
 Reviewer: Mindy Houng "It was the insatiable human quest to seek what one could not hold onto, be it wealth or fame or legacy. These were the true ghosts." This newest offering from Jaime Jo Wright was more chilling than her previous few books. Set in Ambrose Fields, PA in 1888 and present time, the dual timeline plot was complex, intricately woven and fascinating - as all of her books are. This plot focused more heavily on ghosts and spirits of the deceased, with the present day Triss having been a part of ghost hunters and her former crew joining her at Ambrose Fields. Triss and her former life and occupation made me a bit uncomfortable but delving into it was necessary to understand why Triss left that life and family behind and why she felt complete severance from that life was necessary to cling to her faith. I am not a fan of love triangles and did not enjoy watching Triss gravitate towards Max and still fiercely long for Beck and what they used to have. The plot twist in this timeline was completely unexpected and I loved how Civil War history tied into the plot twist. The 1888 timeline felt a bit darker but I loved seeing Minnie piece together the clues to finally figure out what happened at Ambrose Fields. Betrayal, jealousy, and rage from war-torn mind and body wreaked havoc in so many lives but ultimately forgiveness triumphed, just like it did in the present day timeline. Though I did not feel completely connected to any of the main characters, I did enjoy the book. Those who love Jaime Jo Wright and anyone who loves dual timeline intrigue and suspense will enjoy this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.  Reviewer: Beverly Laude Jamie Jo Wright has done it again with this dual timeline mystery. This story of Ambrose Manor combines the thoughts of Minnie Tipton, set in the post Civil War era, with present day Triss Bellamy, who has just come to work at the Bookshop there. Triss has left her family and friends, who are involved in ghost hunting and talking to spirits, even going so far as to change her name. Instead, she is on a journey to find her faith in God. She has come to believe that communicating with spirits is against God’s will. In the past, Minnie is trying to deal with her move to Ambrose Manor while taking care of her ailing father. Unsure of why he had moved to this place, she starts to learn about the horrific crimes that were committed there a few years ago. Ms. Wright does her usual fantastic job of creating a gothic atmosphere in both timelines while slowly revealing the mystery involved. As the story progressed, I found myself reading faster and faster in order to learn the truth. The book deals with some pertinent issues, such as PTSD in Civil War veterans and the effects of addiction. The book also has a bit of romance and a lot of history mixed in with the creepiness of the mystery. The character’s journey of faith is depicted in a wonderful way without being preachy. And the truth of the mystery? I really didn’t see that coming! Some of my favorite quotes: “Just know that sometimes you have to define the darkness before you can step into the light.” “If we don’t forgive others, we won’t receive God’s forgiveness.” “You are promised by God himself that if you search for Him, the truth will set you free.” I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin Mesmerizing. Jamie’s writing completely mesmerizes me! I’m not a huge fan of paranormal stories, but Jamie always brings the “monsters” to light. She also incorporates how faith in God is important. The cast of characters are written brilliantly! There are two sets of characters, as this is a dual timeline book. Minnie, her father, and Mrs. Pickston reside at Ambrose Fields in 1888. Ambrose Fields holds many secrets, most of them dark. Shadows, footprints of a mystery child and her father’s mental decline cause Minnie to pursue answers. Present day, Triss is the new bookshop manager at Ambrose Fields. She too hears bumps in the night and other unexplained sights. Her past, as a ghost hunter, prepared her for unexpected visitors, but she wants to forget the past and move on. There are two very sweet love stories. There’s also a couple of murders and mentions of drug addiction. The author’s note is encouraging and inspiring! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Reviewer: Lori Parrish
What a wonderful story from this author, as always! I simply couldn’t put this down. Wright deserves 5 stars as always with her novels. I was drawn in instantly, and it kept getting better and better. I love Minnie’s story best. Poor Minnie, my heart really went out to her. It must be hard living with someone like that. She’s a very brave lady. I love people who want to stay with you for life, even though it’s hard at times. I loved Triss’s side of the story and I did love the historical parts about Ambrose Fields’ house. (Fictional, of course, but still made me feel like I was there). I’d love to live in a house like that! I can’t imagine that many doors, how fascinating! This story shows us that no matter how hard we try, we can never escape the past unless we resolve it. I’m really surprised about this book with a certain subject in it. I was happy to see that! Very unlike Jaime Jo Wright! But I loved it just the same! Lots of awesome things are going on in this story, especially Minnie’s part. I just can’t say enough good things about this book! It was exciting and quite the adventure! This is a story that will leave you thinking about it long after it is over. Sigh. I was sad when this book ended. That means I’ll have to wait a whole another year for a new one. Please read the author’s note at the end. Very interesting! Thanks as always for the opportunity to read and review. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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