The fact that "Foxglove" is the literal name of the house, as well as the numerous mentions of foxglove as a flower on its grounds, made me realize very early on that foxglove's poisonous aspect would probably be essential to part of the storyline. That certainly took some of the fun out of it for me.

I still don't understand why so many people have an issue with the subject of ghosts. God and ghosts are not mutually exclusive: many people I know (including myself) do actually believe in both.

Also, I get that this is a Christian novel, but the word "heck" is a bit jarring. I'll grant you, I still occasionally say "What the heck?" myself, but for it to be used repeatedly seems unusual. There are plenty of other exclamatory words out there that aren't considered cussing. (Even if it does seem more likely to me that the characters might occasionally swear - even heavily Christian characters.)

Overall though, the mystery is fun and I loved the setting... Michigan's Upper Peninsula is where I love to be, and the Porcupine Mountains area is certainly one of the most picturesque spots in my home state. ( )

It is quite fitting that I am reading "On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor " the week before All Hallow's Eve. Jaime Jo Wright is very good at sending chills up one's spine while reading her novels. One can faintly hear the eerie chords of an organ playing in the background while cold fingers of air move over your body. The desire to run is overwhelming even as you are rooted in place turning page after page of the book. I have read all of her books and hope to be reading them for a long time in the future. Her books are inspirational and God-glorifying. ( )

Title: On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Pages: 362
Year: 2021
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
In 1885, Adria Fontaine is sent by her father to Foxglove Manor to recover from a suicide attempt and to be a companion to the manor’s owner, but he really wants her to find out where a Civil War Treasure is located. Her father is a shipping magnate, and his partner stole the treasure out from under him. Adria has no idea how to go about finding this treasure, but she certainly didn’t expect the cold and brusque owner of the home to provide no help. She also had no idea she would encounter a young girl named Lucy, or of a mysterious feeling of being watched from an unoccupied are of the manor. While talking to the old caretaker, he reveals a possible clue. She encounters Mr. Crayne and is attracted to him, but also cautious of his wavering moods and his frequent use of alcohol. He knows about the treasure she seeks but is unwilling to tell her its location. Can she find the treasure before her father’s deadline?
Kailey Gibson arrives at Foxglove Manor in the present day. It is now a senior nursing home. She is bringing her autistic brother along to care for him. He is a genius with numbers and is protective of Kailey. This is not Kailey’s first trip to Foxglove. She and her family took a vacation at the manor about 20 years ago, with Kailey being kidnapped for a short while. She has some memories of the past but can’t recall why she was taken. Kailey is determined to find out what happened in her past. She uncovers more than she bargained for and puts her very life in danger. She hears rumors of a lost treasure that allegedly is hidden in the manor that people have been trying to find for years. Axel is the groundskeeper who offers to help Kailey find answers and maybe romance too.
As in her other novels, the author does a great job of weaving the dual timelines together for an entertaining story. The creepy/gothic feel is once again present with a deft explanation at the end. There are some sensitive subjects brought up in the novel and the author handles them with sensitivity. I loved all the details about the Civil War Confederate Treasure, as well as the beautiful descriptions of the Upper Peninsula. I can’t wait to see what the author’s next subject matter will be in her next novel!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

Jaime Jo Wright is a master at split time stories and an expert at crafting novels with Gothic mystery! I love her writing as she carefully reveals parts of the story in such perfect timing that it literally makes me go “ahhh” every time a secret is divulged and the plot comes together perfectly. This story had bits of spooky elements but I loved how the explanations came together rationally by the end. But I especially appreciated the author not shying away from difficult topics: there is a character with autism and a character who struggles with depression and suicidality. She handles these circumstances so well and gives me a glimpse into these very real struggles. I applaud her tackling these topics! The characters have so many levels and are complex. It is easy to lose track of time as you get involved in the story and invested in these characters. I loved every part of this book. Jaime Jo Wright once again showed me why she is one of my very favorite authors! I highly recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

As I started reading this time slip novel, I was reminded of the Adams family home with its unique residences and the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as the nurses cared for its colorful array of patients. Kailey Gibson gets a job as a nurse’s aide at the Foxglove Manor. She arrives with her autistic brother, Jude. Kailey and her brother are there to make sense of childhood memories at the manor. She is trying to get peace over her haunting dreams. Kailey says, “How was one supposed to respond to a story that sounded like a children’s bedtime tale meets the darker elements of the Brothers Grimm?” It was hard to navigate the way but, she had to find out what was really hidden in the Manor,and what does it have to do with a deceased child and Confederate treasure? Kailey is determined to get to the truth, no matter the cost.

This is a complex, creepy story filled with crazy twists, turns, and hidden secrets. Of course, Kailey had to look for things in the shadows of night because she worked during the day. Each chapter leads readers closer and closer to figuring out the secrets. This is a suspenseful tale that has the main characters trying to unravel a conspiracy, piece together and understand a betrayal, and it reveals the greed of desperate people. Themes and issues running through the story are that of mental health, substance abuse, autism, suicide, and Alzheimer’s. This author pens a unique story you will not soon forget. It is a memorable read and one that would work well for your next book club pick. The author includes nine questions to help create a lively discussion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )