I just finished one book by the author that I really liked...maybe that was why I felt that this one was very much on the same theme as the first one. Again it had the same duel storyline that was 100 years apart as the first one. I actually got confused about which of the books I was reading. It seemed to take the characters way too long too get from point A to point B...and the religious theme was much more prominent. Jaime Jo Wright is a terrific writer and I do enjoy her books...but this was too much of the same thing. ( )

Title: The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Pages: 352
Year: 2018
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
This story is set in Gossamer Grove, with two stories running simultaneously, one in the present and one in 1907. In the present, Annalise Forsythe owns a coffee shop and is trying to purchase land to open a food pantry facility as well as offer other services for the homeless. Her competition wants to use the land to build a sports complex and resort to bring rock climbing enthusiasts to Gossamer Grove. A big-name draw to help in bringing the rock climbers to the town is Garrett Greenwood, Annalise’s former boyfriend. They haven’t seen each other in twelve years, and there are definitely old wounds and hard feelings between the two. Now, they are on opposing sides of this land purchase issue. An old man in the community dies suddenly, leaving Annalise his property, which amounts to a small amount of land and an old trailer filled with pictures of Annalise at various times in her life, an obituary from 1907, a revival poster from 1907 and pictures of Garrett’s family from the turn of the century. Why was this man obsessed with Annalise? She is creeped out but determines to find out who this man was and what information he had uncovered that could possibly link her to the past. Garrett says he will help her find out what is happening. Can they get past their wounded hearts and solve the mystery?
In 1907, Libby Sheffield works for and with her father at the local newspaper in Gossamer Grove. She feels duty-bound to obey her father, even though he sensationalizes the news to sell papers. She receives an anonymous obituary for a local town member before he dies so she thinks. She makes a grisly discovery and tries to tell the police about receiving the obituary, but they think she and her father have made that up to sell more newspapers. She tells Elijah Greenwood, a childhood friend, about her suspicions. Before they can act, another obituary is dropped off at the newspaper. This time, they go immediately to the police. Again, they are rebuffed. Meanwhile, twin revivalists have staked a tent near Gossamer Pond and are preaching about the dangers of eternity in Hell in a fire and brimstone fashion. Libby finds one of the twins scary and the other intense, but strangely attractive. Who is sending these obituaries to her and why? Do they have anything to do with the revival?
Each story has a mystery, death, secrets and much more. The characters and the plot will keep readers engaged in the story from beginning to end. I was drawn in to the story from page one and found myself rapidly turning the pages to see the progress of each story as it built to the apex. The author writes in the creepy feeling very well, and the mystery element was interesting and captivating. I couldn’t put it down! ( )

With her sophomore full-length title, Jaime Jo Wright cements herself as an author to read in the dual-time genre. Wright’s ability to weave an eerie mystery with two separate storylines while giving each their own unique spin is of the highest caliber.

In 1907, the town of Gossamer Grove, Wisconsin is in turmoil with mysterious deaths at the same time as a tent revival has made its way to them. Over a hundred years later, Analise is pulled into the buried secrets and mysteries when a photo of her is found alongside some older ones.

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is an exploration of the consequences of hiding things from the next generation. There’s truth in the statement, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it. And those who aren’t aware of the sins of their fathers just might repeat them. There are freedom and forgiveness in confession, but sometimes the shame of our sin doesn’t allow us to experience either form of grace.

Another solid, thoroughly captivating read from Wright has me wondering what readers have to look forward to with her 2019 release I, for one, cannot wait to read it.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. 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. ( )

I love an author who can intermingle the past and present with breathless ease. The book made me feel like I was time traveling and witnessing the 1900s and the escapades of revival and mystery layered deep in the roots of the people in the town. I can remember when I was younger going to tent revivals. My dad was a pastor so he was invited to speak at some. It was so hot under the tents and I always thought people were strange there. As a child I didn't understand what was going on and I was always ready to run out of the revival and hide as soon as the shouting started. I can just imagine this same type of atmosphere during this story.

Libby is quite a character. She works with her dad at the paper and discovers obits of people before their death. I call that creepy but intriguing. The author is a master at subtle hints and weaving stories within stories. She has the ability to jump from the past to the present with precision while never missing a beat. It must have been hard to keep the two story lines flowing with intensity. I applaud her for her technique to achieve a high level of mystery that is like puzzle pieces fitting together to complete a picture.

Annalise is very different and I immediately was drawn to her. She has a dark secret that many don't know about. It has kept her away from God and she is riddled with guilt. I can relate to her because there was a time I was completely lost and knew my mistake would never be forgiven. Annalise will open doors that have been closed for many years. Will she find healing from her past? Garrett is a thorn in Annalise's side and has played a big part in her bitterness. Why has he come back to town? Will he help Annalise solve the mystery behind who is causing her to lose sleep? I feel that danger surrounds her and I was on the edge of my seat the deeper the story drew me in.

I loved learning about genealogy and how in depth the author took the past and present and started to connect the dots. It is not an easy task and very detailed records must be maintained to prove who is related to who. The story goes much deeper in mystery as characters past and present play detective. I loved how the two women each carried a deep secret that has caused them to feel guilty and ashamed for years. Secrets always come out and like a rushing wave, cause damage . I loved the theme of the book about sin and forgiveness. Christians tend to judge others but forget they are not perfect themselves. This is the author's best book yet.

"One may carry guilt and shame with them for years, only to discover that while they attempted to dodge God's judgment, they instead cheated themselves of His forgiveness."

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishing. The review is my own opinion. ( )

I loved this story and how it went from past to present throughout. This had some romance and a lot of intrigue. The mystery in the present needed to be solved to understand what happened in the past. I loved Annalise and Libby. The twin revivalists from the past we’re very interesting. I loved how everything blended together to help Annalise in the present. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )