my cozy book nook

Genre: Mystery | History | Thriller

Star Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

In many of Wright’s books, the heroines seem to have similar struggles, but this one felt different. Each heroine had a unique storyline and struggle, with only the mystery at Foxglove Manor taking center stage. With the turn of each page, a gray, dreary mood washed over me, as if it was as inescapable as Foxglove manor itself. As if I had come to stay, along with our heroes and heroines.

Though I’ve never been to the Great Lakes, I could easily picture the sometimes stormy skies, the bone-chilling wind, and the mist cascading over the cliffs. I could see myself smiling at the residents today along with nurse’s aide, Kailey, and rolling my eyes at the whims and wishes of the eccentric older Mrs. St. John along with our nineteenth century heroine, Adria. (Well, I was nowhere near the Great Lakes, but I did lend an eye-roll or two to our dear fictional companions.)

Kailey’s heart to be a voice for the defenseless and downtrodden and Adria’s compassion even for her enemies were both tear-inducing and made me want to pump my fists in the air at times. We see both women struggle with a common issue for many women today: living, really living, the life God has given you with the people you love.

And speaking of love, the romance in Foxglove Manor was a little less understated than in some of Wright’s other books. Yet, it was still so tasteful and completely endearing. Though no one can complete or fix us, romantic love, in its own beautiful way, heals us. In one of the heroes, maybe my favorite of Wright’s yet, I saw glimpses of my own hero—my husband, Caleb. So, maybe I’m a bit biased concerning how some of the romance unfolds.

This book moved me to feel compassion and to treasure my love and my people. At points, I was also legit creeped out and trying to figure out exactly what Mrs. Wright was up to. If you’re wanting to go on a daring adventure in the Great Lakes while sitting cozy in your own home, this book is for you. I can’t recommend it enough!

WARNINGS

This book does touch on the topic of suicide, autism, conspiracy, the confederacy, and mental health.

QUOTABLE 

Sometimes when history died, everything must die with it.

Kailey, p. 55

If only life were as simple as a pile of water-smoothed stones. Yet to become so smooth and restful, one had to be tossed and turned and washed over with the turbulence of time and of life. Maybe one day, she would be smooth.

Adria, p. 105

I think that’s half the issue right there. We think we can fix it. That we can somehow dig into the hearts of men and correct them. But we can’t. We can try. But we can’t.

Axel, p. 281

We complicate our purpose in life too much. We try to define it, then build on it, until our ideals become man-made instead of God-made.

Axel, p. 281

Protectors of family—those who treasured their own—they were the true heroes. Quiet and unsung, but never to be underestimated.

Kailey, p. 353

We continue to move forward. That’s all there is. That is what God asks of us, I think. To learn from the roads we have walked, and to keep walking them.”

Mr. Crayne, p. 355

ONE HUNDRED WORDS OR LESS LESSON

God is still good even when life isn’t, and He gives us the truest gift of His presence in every season. We must learn to treasure what’s truly valuable, like our relationships with God and the people He has given us to love.

I’d love to hear from you! What Jaime Jo Wright book is your favorite? What were your thoughts on this one? Have you read another history, mystery, thriller books you enjoyed? Or what are you reading right now that you really love? Drop a comment below!