Showing posts with label Mackinac Island. Show all posts

08 May 2021

Review of Butterfly Cottage by Teresa S. Mathews

Butterfly Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Hearts Overcoming Press

5 Stars*****

I have been following author Carrie Fancett Pagels since she first started writing and her books have always been more to me than just an enjoyable read. During this journey I have come to realize Ms. Pagels’ love for the Straits of Mackinac, and Mackinac Island, flows from deep in her heart, right onto the pages of her books.

Dawn Charbonneau has until September to decide when she is retiring from her travel agency, if it wasn’t for this nagging medical problem, she might hold out a little longer. When her hubby Jim, of almost 50 years suggests that she go a little early to their summer Cottage at the Straits of Mackinac, near Mackinac Island, Dawn once again invites their daughter Tamara and granddaughter Jaycie to come and to her delight they accept.

Tamara Worth was so ecstatic to have won Teacher of the Year. Wanting to celebrate with her husband of almost 25 years, Brad, she decides to surprise him with a romantic night out. When she goes to pick him up at the local gym, she is the one that is surprised and devastated. Not only is she dealing with an unknown medical problem, now she has another life crisis. When her mom suggests she meet her at their beautiful family cottage for a time of relaxation and perhaps healing, Tamara agrees.

Jaycie Worth, soon to be archaeologist is worried that she hasn’t yet gotten her summer internship, or any assistance for fall classes so she can continue her studies at Oxford. She was also hoping to hear those four little life changing words from her handsome boyfriend. Instead, her life takes a totally different turn, and she finds herself on a plane headed to meet her Mom and Grandmother at Butterfly Cottage, a place that has always been special to her since childhood.

Butterfly Cottage had my emotions all over the place. I’ve loved all of Carrie’s books but this one spoke to my heart so many times that I continued to reach for my tissues. The characters and storyline enticed me to continue reading just to see if the storms of life each one encountered could turn out to be as beautiful as the flowers and butterflies on Mackinac Island on an enchanting summer day.

Thank you, Carrie, for sharing your heart with us in what I’m sure will be an award-winning novel. If it were possible, I would give this story a 10-star review.

*I received an ARC of this from Hearts Overcoming Press and the author but was in no way required to post a positive review. *

You may purchase a paperback or ebook copy of Butterfly Cottage on Amazon.

Carrie is giving away a copy of Butterfly Cottage to one blessed commenter. Please leave your email address in case you are the winner!

13 August 2017

Within One-half Mile in Mackinaw City by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mackinaw City Fort Michilimackinac and the Mackinac Bridge -- one half mile from our rental house.

My husband and I have teased for years that if something wasn't within five miles of where we lived then it was too far! Then this summer, staying in Mackinaw City for a month to promote my new book My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island, we found a smaller perimeter! Within one half mile in several directions we could find all manner of wonderful places and people. Above, is Fort Michilimackinac, which is just a half mile west from where we were staying. Instead of a five mile drive, we had a half mile walk and passed several public parks along the Lake Huron shore by the Straits of Mackinac.

The church we attended, Church of the Straits, was only a couple of blocks west of the house. We were so delighted to hear The Calvarymen perform while we were there one Sunday! And we were able to enjoy the lovely picnic the church members had. I don't think we've ever been able to simply walk to church and back as a married couple -- but I did this all the time growing up, because my home church, Bethel Community, was only two blocks from home.

At the right is my handsome chauffeur at our rental house. He looks awfully comfortable, doesn't he? After driving almost a thousand miles, our truck loaded down for the month, he deserved a break. Have I mentioned yet that both an amazing bakery and numerous fudge shops were under a half mile walk?

If we were to go North from the house a half mile, we'd be out in the Straits of Mackinac/Lake Huron! Lots of sailboats went by in July, when both the Chicago to Mackinac Island and the Port Huron to Mackinac Island races happened.

Northeast of our rental were the ferry docks. And more public parks (often occupied by Canadian geese and gulls!) Several nights a week, musical groups performed in the amphitheater in the park just past the ferry docks. From Rock and Roll to Celtic Music to Band music, all could easily be accessed in less than a half mile walk!

Our son enjoyed the independence of being able to go off to Wawatam Park, across the street, as often as he wished. From this spot, the entire Straits of Mackinac can be viewed, from Lake Michigan and on the "Mitten's" and the "Eagle's" western shores to Mackinac Island in the Straits, to Lake Huron's coast down to Cheboygan. Notice the striation of water colors in the picture at the right.

GIVEAWAY: Box of Christian fiction books by various popular authors and publishers. Leave a comment answering this question -- what can you easily get to from a half a mile of your home? From five miles?

06 August 2017

Mackinac Island Kisses & Mackinaw City Lifesavers by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Store Manager and Hostess with the Mostest - Tamara Tomac at The Island Bookstore on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Kisses & Mackinaw City Lifesavers
by Carrie Fancett Pagels

As my pastor, Rev. Larry Jones, said this morning to me -- having a book set on Mackinac Island, and being there, and doing signings -- how great is that? Yes, indeed, fellow author Larry fully understands how awesome that experience that was! Coming home to a bad RA flare didn't help transition me well back to reality, either!

Author Carrie Fancett Pagels with Grand Hotel Store Manager Mert Vartanian

I was made to feel so welcome at the book signing venues I visited -- The Island Bookstore (Manager Tamara Tomac and owner Mary Jane Barnwell were recently featured in Publishers Weekly!) on Mackinac Island (I signed on three separate occasions PTL!) and at their location in Mackinaw City (see my friend Pegg Thomas's picture below) and at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (Mert Vartanian got me settled in with her staff, too! What a dream come true.

Author Pegg Thomas at The Island Bookstore in Mackinaw City

It was fun meeting up with family and with friends, like author Pegg Thomas who recently had a release in The Pony Express collection. Pegg is a member of Colonial Quills blog, also, and will have a novella in our 2018 release from Barbour -- the Backcountry Brides Romance collection from Barbour Publishing with nine colonial stories, including my "Shenandoah Hearts" too which I'm working on this month (prayers appreciated!)

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring was the only on-location romance released this year, so how cool is that? (I could be wrong though!)

Carrie Fancett Pagels with readers book signing at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

When I asked what I should bring for swag to my book signings I was advised that "candy is always good!" I found that the ones who most like candy were often teenage boys on the island for Boy Scout activities at the Fort (or with their parents!) I met some super nice people at my book signings, like the lovely ladies above and below who I got to chat with!

The Island Bookstore on Mackinac Island - Guest and Author Carrie Fancett Pagels

I brought more candies than these pictured below, though! I have an upcoming book signing at the College of William and Mary Barnes and Noble book store in Williamsburg, Virginia on Saturday, September 2nd, from 1-3 PM. There will be kisses and lifesavers there, too!

Question: If you could choose, would you want Hershey's kisses, Lifesavers, or a copy of my new RT Book Reviews Top Pick for July -- My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring? And do you think Mackinac Island Kisses and Mackinaw City Lifesavers sound like great titles for a couple of books?

03 August 2017

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island -- Review by Andrea Stephens

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring
by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Review by Andrea Stephens

I absolutely loved this book! This is by far my favorite book by author Carrie Fancett Pagels, and I've read them all.

The intrigue of the secret identities, the neighborly, family-like love between the islanders and how they look out for each other, the impish little brother Jack, Maude, and the stranger who has unwittingly captured her heart. All come together to create one of the best books I've read in a long time.

Maude is more upset than heartbroken when she meets her supposed fiance and his new wife on the docks as they return to the island. Maude literally plows into Ben as she is leaving the wharf in angry tears. Though there is no introduction between the two the compassion showed by Ben was memorable. Maude finds herself thinking about him more than Greyson and Ben thinks of her too.
Without a husband her father won't let Maude run the family inn by herself, she doesn't understand why. He threatens to sell The Winds of Mackinac Inn that has been in her mother's family for generations, the inn she believed she would inherit. It is her life, her home, her very breath, she cannot leave. Maude has to prove to him she can do it on her own. She secretly gets a job as a maid at the posh Grand Hotel. Her friend Sadie says “Aren't you pushing this a little too far, Maude? You have no idea what you are in for working as a maid.”

I felt Maude's job at the Grand Hotel was very important to the story, as she learned some valuable lessons about herself and how she relates to other people. Friedrich, aka Ben, finds out the story he was sent to work on has changed, he's not entirely comfortable with the new direction. In the meantime, he can't stop thinking of Maude and searches her out. Introductions are made and after his act of heroism, the two become closer. I enjoyed this little romance as it was something unexpected by Maude, an islander and him a temporary visitor.
There is so much I want to say here about the story and other characters but I fear it would spoil it for others so I will not. It is something you MUST read for yourself. The book is fast paced, filled with mystery and secrets that abound at every turn. The romance is heartwarming and real.
I so very much enjoyed this visit to the “Pristine Beauty” of Mackinac Island in the summer of 1895. I could feel the sights and sounds of life on the island as a visitor and as a resident.

I will finish this review with a quote from the book that was meaningful to me and I hope it will be meaningful to you too:

“...sometimes God has to put us in a place where He can mold us and ready us for something new. And sometimes He puts friends around us to help us, doesn't He?”

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. After, my first reading, I ordered it for my Kindle so I could read this again, wherever I am.

Links to purchase:

Links to purchase My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring (Barbour Publishing, July 2017)

Barbour Publishing

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

CBD

Book Depository

Target

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed (and personalized, if you wish!) copy of My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring.

14 July 2017

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island Blog Hop Tour

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island Tour

Tour Schedule

July 10--Novel-ties
July 11--By The Book
July 12--Katie's Clean Book Collection
July 14--A Baker's Perspective
July 15--Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
July 17--Faithfully Bookish
July 18--Cafinated Reads
July 19--Baker Kella
July 20--Reading Is My SuperPower*
July 21--Paulette's Papers | Red Headed Book Lady
July 22--Singing Librarian Books

With 10+ unique commenters on a blog post, a copy of My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring will be given away!

Enter for the Rafflecopter giveaway, too, with a Kindle Fire, a beautiful Mackinac Island Mug, and other goodies (plus this novel or one of my other books!)

27 June 2017

Mega-Giveaway!!! My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island from Carrie Fancett Pagels

It's RELEASE DAY on Saturday, July 1st 2017!!!

This is a month-long giveaway post, with the winner being drawn at the end of July before I return from Northern Michigan and my book promo tour!

Copy of My Heart Belongs in Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring (An RT Book Reviews TOP PICK!!!) in ebook or paperback OR choice of one of Carrie's other books if you have already purchased and read! BTW you can earn extra entry points for having bought the novel (10 points) and reviewed the novel (5 points) -- put B for bought and R for reviewed in your comment!

Three delicious slices of fudge from Joann's Fudge!!!

A mug with the gorgeous cover of MHBoMI on it!

A secret bag of Mackinac Island souvenir goodies including beautiful postcards and more!

Turtle earrings or a dangle if your don't wear earrings

And a $25 gift card for Barnes & Noble!!!

Please leave only one comment to enter.

Void where prohibited by law! USA only.

Bio – Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D.

ECPA-bestselling author Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of a dozen Christian historical romances. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper.” Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! You can connect with her at www.CarrieFancettPagels.com.

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com

Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Personal Page

Twitter

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LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-fancett-pagels-09303538?trk=hp-identity-photo

Amazon author page

Links to purchase:

Links to purchase My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring (Barbour Publishing, July 2017)

Barbour Publishing http://www.barbourbooks.com/product/My-Heart-Belongs-on-Mackinac-Island,14733.aspx?Tab=Books&sj=0

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-on-mackinac-island-carrie-fancett-pagels/1125051921?ean=9781683220886

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/My-Heart-Belongs-Mackinac-Island/dp/1683220889/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1481305286&sr=8-16&keywords=fancett

CBD https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-mackinac-island-maudes-mooring/carrie-pagels/9781683220886/pd/220886?product_redirect=1&Ntt=220886&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Book Depository http://www.bookdepository.com/My-Heart-Belongs-on-Mackinac-Island-Carrie-Fancett-Pagels/9781683220886?ref=grid-view

Target http://www.target.com/p/my-heart-belongs-on-mackinac-island-maude-s-mooring-paperback-carrie-fancett-pagels/-/A-52027933

11 June 2017

Carrie Fancett Pagels is on The BookFun Magazine Cover!

Author Carrie Fancett Pagels on the cover of Book Fun Magazine's June 2017 cover!!!

What fun! I'm on the cover of The Book Club Network's Book Fun Magazine for June!!! Beautiful Mackinac Island is the setting for my post. Thank you to Fred and Nora St. Laurent for allowing me to move from May to June! And thank you to Hilary Lodge for the lovely job she did and to Barbour Publishing for their help!

The Book Club Network's Book Fun Magazine is FREE through Tuesday June 13th!!! (Click here) Be sure to click on the Buy Now purchase option not on the top button Read for Free because that is for people with Kindle Unlimited Membership only.

This picture is my inspiration for the Cadotte/Swaine home referred to as "The Canary" in My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring. This home is also in my upcoming 2018 releasing "His Anchor" in Barbour Publishings's First Loves Romance Collection.

Cliffside on Mackinac Island! This is to the left of the Grand Hotel, when viewed from the water.

Fort Mackinac is up on the cliffside and the docks are on the bottom of this picture.