Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.
Undercover journalist Ben Steffans, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel. While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders — including Maude — and he digs deep for his story.
But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?
Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an ECPA-bestselling award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!
My Impressions:
Sometimes you just need a light love story with a beautiful setting to give yourself a mini-bookcation. My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels fits the bill. Set in the late 19th century at the famed Michigan location, this novel will whisk you back to an enchanting era. This novel is perfect to tuck away in your weekender tote.
Maude Welling is a young woman set on determining her own future. Betrayed in love, she is even more resolved to run the family Inn that her mother and grandmother hinted would be hers one day. Her father, however, has other plans. Enter a very attractive young man who gains her affections. Ben Steffan is also determined — determined to become a successful newspaper editor. Will Maude and Ben’s plans become reality, or will God’s will prevail?
If you like historical romance, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island is a good book to choose. The gilded era of American history is brought to life with the luxurious Grand Hotel and its wealthy guests. But this novel is not centered on opulence and excess, but more on everyday people — newspapermen, maids, business owners. Characterization is strong, and I came to love Ben/Frederich and Maude. Supporting characters will also steal your heart. I had a bit of trouble following the plot (there are many twisting threads), and motivations of some of the secondary characters were unclear. Ultimately I decided to join in the fun and not worry about where the story was taking me. Ben and Maude (along with a few others) take part in masquerades, pretending to be something they are not in order to further their life plans. But deceit doesn’t sit well on them. In fact, it focuses them on who God wants them to be — an important theme in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island. It is a quick read great for lazy weekend reading. Put your feet up on your porch or patio and enjoy the journey back in time.
Recommended.
Audience: older teens and adults.
To purchase, click HERE.
(Thanks to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Thanks Becky for this lovely review! Glad Maude’s and Ben could sweep you off to your bookcation!!! Hugs!
🙂