I really love the My Heart Belongs series. I enjoyed reading “On Mackinac Island” by Carrie Fancett Pagels. Ever since seeing the movie “Somewhere in Time”, I have wanted to visit Mackinac Island and stay at the Grand Hotel. That’s probably not going to happen in my lifetime, so the next best thing is reading about it.

“On Mackinac Island” gave me a glimpse of what the island could have been like in the late 1800’s. It also made me realize just how much work and how many people it takes to run an establishment like that. There are also the mysteries, con games, “beautiful people”, celebrities, and the many, many stories that could be concocted from life on this island.

I thought Dr. Pagels book was very easy to read and gave a snippet of the lives of the islanders and the tourists that probably really did visit the island. I see infinite story lines coming out of this era and location. The romantic plot of this book was very sweet also.

My Heart Belongs series is a great series to read! If you haven’t read any of them, I recommend you check them out! This book is located in my home state and having been to Mackinac Island numerous times, I could smell the water and the horse poo, see the bikes and the Grand Hotel and it felt really personal to read this. To be around the island, on the water and on the mainland was really something that I could see happening. I enjoyed the characters as they were well-developed. There was some mystery and intense moments and happy endings are the best. A favorite part in the book for me was when the leading female is made aware that the leading man is waiting for her and she’s quick to jump up and prepare herself. Her maid says, “I thought that might put some rise in your shine!”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Also posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and CBD under "rkfall"

While the My Heart Belongs series has so far taken readers out to the rugged West for adventures the newest installment has us visiting the popular vacation spot of Mackinac Island. While the island seems like a peaceful vacation destination there is a lot going on and never a dull moment to be had.

I am really loving this series of books and the fact that they are about independent, intelligent and strong women. Carrie Fancett Pagels continues that theme in this story. Maude is described in the book as intelligent and courageous and I believe those words describe her perfectly. I liked that she wanted to prove herself to her father and wouldn't let anything stand in her way. She has a bit of a stubborn streak in her that most females can relate to. Maude was a very likable character. There was a bit of mystery around Ben, a.k.a Frederich, and that made him such an interesting character as I read through the story to find out who he really was. He was a complex character and was the perfect match to Maude.

I enjoyed all of the descriptions in this book. They made me feel as if I were there on the island with all the characters. It was easy to imagine people going about their lives on the island and to also imagine the rich vacationing there.

If you have enjoyed the other books in this series you are sure to enjoy this one. It isn't necessary to read the other books though as they all stand on their own. This is a great book for fans of historical fiction and those looking for books about strong, independent women.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Whenever I read anything about Mackinac Island and The Grand Hotel, I always wind up thinking of the movie Somewhere in Time when I do so. This book was no exception to that, but it also was a bit on the boring side.

This book gives us a very interesting glimpse into the time frame shortly after the hotel's opening. However, for me the book was marred by all of the deceptions that the main characters were so bent on weaving. Maude didn't attempt to get to the bottom of her father's stubbornness regarding selling the inn, she just went and did something that she didn't really understand the ramifications of, in order to get what she wanted. That seemed very selfish to me!

Then we have Ben, who uses his uncle's name to go undercover, then has to scramble when his uncle's actions make news headlines. He didn't seem the type to know what he wanted or where he was going in life, he was all reactionary because of what had happened to him and his family when he was a child.

I did like seeing the time period, and learning about how the islanders viewed the guests that came to the island, so that did work in its favor, but overall this was a disappointing read for me.

Fantastic! Ms Fagel has a wonderful way of building a story. I most definitely want to visit Mackinac Island now!

I think this is one of the best books written by this author. I really enjoyed it. And the nostalgia for Mackinac Island. It really made me want to visit the island and area. I love how precious characters were woven in a little. Maude is such a sweet character and Ben is a great hero. The struggles are there with both being someone who they are not. Forgiveness is a need. I really liked Ava Fox as well! Lovely read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness! I felt like I was walking down the streets on Mackinac Island, smelling the horses, dodging the bikes as I took in the incredible views! Our heroine, Maude, is a determined, hardworking young lady who is hoping to take over the running of the Winds of Mackinac, an Inn that has been in her mother's family for generations. However, there seems to be some misunderstanding about that....
An unrequited love, a newspaper reporter traveling incognito and housekeeping at the Grand Hotel are just some of the story lines woven together in masterful fashion by author, Carrie Fancet Pagels, who has outdone herself yet again.

I love when an author can sweep me away to a different era and make me feel like I'm part of the story. Yes I felt like I was watching the story unfold as Maude tries to prove to her father that she is capable of running their Inn. Her father of course doesn't believe a woman can do such a huge undertaking. I loved how Maude was determined to prove him wrong no matter what she had to endure. Her father still thinks that in order to run the Inn Maude must be married. Well we can forget that for now. What does her fiancé do to let Maude know he is not interested in her anymore?

I absolutely loved Frederick Konig. He has led everyone to believe that he is a wealthy German , but what secret is he hiding? I loved the intrigue that surrounded him and his heroism in saving lives. He has shown the town that he can be trusted and people begin to embrace him. The description of the island is breathtaking. I can imagine the beautiful scenery and the ships as they come to dock. As Frederick and Maude get to know each other, will they share their secrets? What does God have in store for them? Will Maude find out why her father's plans are for the Inn ? There are secrets among people who could have a devastating affect on others. I loved how the author gives us wonderful subtle hints along the way that make readers wonder what was to happen to the Inn after Maude's mother passed away. Will the Inn stay in the family or will someone else take it over? What is in a letter that is addressed to Maude? It seems official but will she receive it, or will someone hide it for their own benefit.

The story captures the true meaning of trust, and forgiveness. You don't want to miss this enchanting visit to Mackinac Island.

"Sometimes God has to put us in a place where He can mold us ready us for something new."

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

On beautiful Mackinac Island in 1895, Maude strives to prove her worth and ability to run an inn. Ben wants a story to advance his career. I didn't realize this was a Christian romance so there was a bit too much wrestling with one's conscience and thinking about God for me. But the themes of forgiveness and asking God to meet our needs was well done. I enjoyed the research about the locale and time period, and use of real people like Mark Twain. The story came together nicely in the end. Recommend for readers of historical Christian romances.

I have a hard time saying no to novels and stories set in Michigan. I’m biased because I’m a born and raised Michigander and quite proud of it. Honestly, Michigan offers a lot of opportunity for great stories-- We have beach towns, lumber towns, copper towns, a rich Native American history and interesting locales, such as Mackinac Island.

I was excited to learn that Barbour was going to publish Michigan’s book in there My Heart Belongs series so early on. And Mackinac Island is a wonderful setting for it. The book sounded promising with the storyline (I always enjoy storylines that involve a bit of subterfuge). But sadly, I was a bit disappointed in this book. I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary things going on around these characters. Things that felt like the author was telling me to pay attention to because it would be important soon, but then nothing seemed to really come of it. As a reader, the book just became a bit tedious to read.

What I liked about the book was that I felt like Pagels did a nice job of giving a tour of the Island, capturing the differences between the Islanders and those who were tourists as well as sprinkling tidbits of history throughout, and that is something that I can appreciate.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

I loved the setting of this book from Pagels’ descriptive hand. Oh my goodness – the descriptions of Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel have me wanting to book a vacation there right away! You’ll be able to smell the sea air and hear the gulls (safest way to encounter those terrifying creatures is in the pages of a book lol) and see the carriages and bikes. Pagels has done an incredible job with setting here; her love for Mackinac Island comes through vividly in her words.

I love both Maude and Ben, though some of their actions didn’t really make sense to me and their instalove raised my eyebrows a bit. (Ben had only just met Maude … very briefly … and already is thinking sentiments like, ‘in my dreams she calls me darling’.) Still – their growing friendship made me smile more than once and a couple scenes had me reaching for my fan!

Bottom Line: My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island is a sweet romance with vivid scenery and intriguing characters. One Goodreads reviewer said that Pagels “rolls up romance, twists, turns, mystery, scandal, intrigue, inspiration, humor, and adventure into a sweet story beautifully” and I completely agree! Each book I read by this author is even better than the last! If you love progressive era/Victorian fiction, you’ll want to grab this book for your TBR pile!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This historical fiction takes place at the famed vacation spot of Mackinac Island in the late 19th century.

The Grand Hotel on the island and is the place where men would come in the summer to try to find rich wives.

The story centers around Maude Welling, whose family has owned the Winds of Mackinac Inn for several generations, always being passed down to the woman in the family. Maude’s mother has passed away and her father is presently running the inn. Maude anticipates that she will inherit it and be the one to run it. However, her father refuses to let her do that unless she is married. She has anticipated marrying her long-time beau, but when he returns to the island with a wife on his arm, she sees life take a completely different turn, and her father threatening to sell the inn. She feels she has to do something to make her father realize she is quite able to handle running the inn without a husband, so she secretly takes on a job at The Grand Hotel. While working there, she formally meets Ben Steffans, who has come to the Grand Hotel as an undercover journalist, ,to get a story on about how the men come to find rich wives.

We see many interactions between numerous characters in the books when Ben is trying to gather information for his story. He continually runs into many of Maude’s relatives on the island who run different businesses and he continually runs into Maude and comes to like her very much.

Will their friendship develop to a point of love and marriage, or will the deceit of Ben’s undercover work keep them apart.

This was an interesting book, however, I felt there were too many characters to follow.
I would recommend it to those who enjoy reading historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I loved Maude. This is such a fun story. I love Ben and Jack also. This has some fun and romance . It would be hard to think that your father doesn't trust that you can run a business. There are a few twists and turns in this book and everyone learns a few life lessons by the end. I received this book from Barbour publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

It’s impossible not to love Maude and Mackinac Island.  Maude is strong and resilient and faces challenges head on, which was a pleasant surprise.  I thought she may be a spoiled little rich girl as she was sipping a cherry phosphate on the first page.  There is so much more to her as I discovered when she goes to work as a maid at the Grand Hotel to prove to her father that she’s capable of managing the Winds of Mackinac Inn.
The description of the Island as written by the author is beautiful.  I could imagine people strolling around enjoying the beauty and relaxing.  It makes me want to visit and experience it for myself.
One of my favorite characters is Jack.. He’s very mischievous and delights in calling Maude, “Muddie”!  He’s  just a young boy full of energy and one that you don’t want anywhere near your bicycle.
I have to say that this is one of my favorite books by this author and a perfect addition to the My Heart Belong series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a review.

This is the best book I've read by Carrie Fancett Pagels to date. I love her descriptions of Mackinac Island and because of them I would really love to visit the island. I have read other My Heart Belongs books by Barbour books and they are all very enjoyable. I have to say my favorite character is Jack, what an imp! What a fabulous and strong lady Maude is and I love her name and love how Jack called her Muddie! Maude and Ben's romance I wasn't sure of it lasting but I am sure glad it did and it was fun to read about. The plot was strong and I really enjoyed it and feel like I just came back from a trip through time to Mackinac Island.
Pub Date 01 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book! However, the shallow writing did not appeal to me, the plot felt contrived and the characters cliche. Rather than post a negative review, I will not be featuring this title on my blog. I look forward to future Barbour titles!

This is a delightful historical romance!

I fell in love with the characters in this book quickly because they are amazingly well developed. There is an incredible variety of personalities which made the whole story come alive.

There were a number of people that at times were pretending to people that they weren’t. Some of them were shown for what they really were from the very beginning. Some of them were kept as a mild mystery for much of the book. It was a lot to fun to try and figure who was really who. I was enthralled to see how the relationships between many of the different characters would develop.

I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions 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.*

It is a real place, can you image such beauty being real? I know I was drifting along the shore of my mind while reading this latest hit from Carrie. It is a sweet, historical romance that has been cultivated in faith.

Character: Maude Welling, Ben Steffans, are two of the best written characters I have ever read. Maude is smart and after coming across her intended, married to someone else, she is quick to set her goals high. That was a great point about this character, Gilded Age gal wanting to succeed and prove she is worthy of more than most women were seen to be. Ben, I don’t agree with your fibbing but I love the investigative reporting and your attempt at being “German”. Ben is also striving to be better and more than what he has been seen as. This was a nice point that both characters shared, the want to be more to the world or island.

Cover: Wow! How do you not want a Mary Poppins moment of jumping into the cover. I can smell the watery air, and hear the gulls just looking at it. The cover would easily win over any cover judge person.

Setting: This was a dream to read, and it happens to be a reality and historically built. Well, the island is reality and landmarks as well. But sadly, this isn’t the Gilded Age but, I will just pretend. The author did a superb job of research and detailing events. It felt extremely real even though it’s fiction.

Overall: This book was brilliantly written, like a summer breeze it floats through a readers senses and creates a superb home for their mind. Maude and Ben are charming, romantic and strong characters that have this reader wanting more!

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a fun historical fiction based on Mackinac Island’s history in the Golden Age. Maud Welling wants to run her family’s hotel but her father refuses to let her. She secretly goes to work as a maid at the Grand Hotel to prove her capability to her father. She soon meets Ben, a journalist who is working undercover as he researches a story for his Detroit newspaper. Their romance is threatened by the secrets they are both hiding. This was a fun read but very slow at times. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Mackinac Island 1895: you have the year round residents versus the wealthy summer guests. Men needing financial gain courting wealthy women. Young Maude trying to prove herself to her father by working as a servant in a hotel without him knowing. She wants to gain control of their inn on the island but her father's against it. A newspaper reporter trying to make editor by writing a story on the island under disguise, using a different name. Maude takes a shine to him but what will she think when she finds out he's not who she thinks he is? The story unfolds and the characters think they know what they want, they think they know what's best for them but in the end only God knows what's best for each and everyone if they'll listen and follow his guidance. A verse in Proverbs, "Man plans his way but the Lord orders his steps."
I really enjoyed this book and how everything all worked out throughout, and not always what I initially thought. It held my attention. And I loved the setting! Mackinac Island is described as a beautiful place, somewhere I'd like to visit someday.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."