I was very interested in reading the book when I read the description, "Moor your heart on Mackinac Island along with resident sweetheart Maude Welling, an heiress trying to prove her worth by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel. Meet Ben Steffans, a journalist posing as a wealthy industrialist who has come to the island to uncover a story about impoverished men pursuing heiresses at the famed hotel. Will a growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed in this Gilded Age romance?"

The story began by going directly into the storyline which I appreciated. However, the book pretty much went downhill from there.

My favorite character was Jack. He seemed the most realistic and interesting. I liked his personality and his interactions with other characters. Though a minor character, I also liked his little friend yet he seemed a lot younger than Jack’s age of twelve. It was funny when he told Ben that he was too old to go to Sunday School to look at Maude.

The two main characters, Ben and Maude, had a very superficial relationship the entire book. They only talked about how attractive they found one another and it jumped to thoughts of marrying each other and saying they were in love with each other without even having any real conversations. Maude's reason for working as a maid also made no sense. The fact that she took care of the books for other family member's businesses proved more of her ability to run the inn than working as a maid at the Grand Hotel would.

The dialogue style in this book also really bothered me. It jumped around a lot and it took me out of the story trying to figure out which character was saying what. This was especially true when there were more than two characters in the conversation.

I really wanted to like this book but there were too many issues with it and the story just dragged on with characters who had no real connection to each other. I would not recommend reading it.

I would rate this book a 2.5.

I received this book from NetGalley. This review is 100% my own opinion.

I greatly appreciated that this sweet romance is Christian based and clean throughout and I loved the beautiful setting, but I have to admit I sometimes had trouble following the story. It seemed that the author expected you to know these characters. I felt at times that there must have been a previous book with these characters, but there wasn't. There were also several scenes that felt like they were superfluous and unnecessary. I feel that it could definitely have benefited from a tighter, more focused storyline.

After her fiance arrives back on the island married to another woman, Maude Welling's dream of running her family's inn are dashed when her father tells her that without a husband he will not allow it. So she comes up with a plan to go undercover at the rival inn that will surely change his mind and show him that she doesn't need a man to help her run the inn. Journalist Ben Steffans has come to Mackinac Island undercover to work on a story about impoverished men who visit the island looking for wealthy women to wed. Ben and Maude keep crossing paths and begin to develop a sweet friendship, but will all their deceptions get in the way of their blossoming relationship?

I'm a big fan of Carrie Fancett Pagels, so when I first heard about this book I got super excited. And I've gotta say that it did not disappoint! It's my new favorite book of hers. She is a master at creating memorable and genuine characters and settings that leave a lasting impression. All the historical details lent this novel an authentic feel and made it truly come to life. The descriptions really leaped off the page, transporting me back in time to 1895 Mackinac Island, right there with these fascinating characters.

One thing that I absolutely loved were all the German words and phrases sprinkled here and there throughout the novel. I took four years of German in high school, so it's always fun to see how much of it I actually remember.

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island is a wonderful novel that is sure to delight any fan of historical romance! Highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

I'm between 3.5 stars and 4 stars so rounding up I gave it 4!

If you love historical Christian Fiction I highly recommend any of the books from this "My Heart Belongs" series. There are 6 books total and they release every other month throughout 2017. This is the fourth one I've read and I can't wait to finish out with the last two.

Maude's story takes place on the beautiful Mackinac Island. No I haven't visited but from the descriptions throughout the story and the history behind the Island resort, it sounds lovely. The Grand Hotel, The Winds of Mackinac Inn, the stables, the quaint setting and the ferry, as well as the carriages traveling all over the island transporting the tourists as well as the locals. Oh I can't forget the fun little soda shop. It really had me wanting to dress up in a beautiful Victorian style gown, grab a parasol, and ride along the streets in an open air carriage. Doesn't that sound fun? Ok I'm sure not everyone would want to dress in a gown but maybe vacationing on an island and having a fun open air carriage ride? Count me in!!!

The author did a wonderful job with the descriptions of the different settings, not just the island, as you can probably tell from my above thoughts.

I enjoyed the different characters and the mystery that was surrounding each one. Many secrets, some that the characters purposely kept hidden and some that the characters had no understanding of but had several hints slowly revealed throughout the book that opened their eyes to the secret.

I liked the Prince and the Pauper feel and aspects that the author added to the story. And a fun cameo from Mark Twain himself. If you read the author's notes(or it could be the forward) she discusses where part of the idea of using the Prince and the Pauper came from.

Maude's family has owned and are many of the main year round residents of Mackinac Island and throughout the story they all are hinting at something that Maude needs to discover for herself but won't share with her. That was frustrating at some points because everyone kept alluding to it but they treated her like a little girl sometimes in never revealing but just taunting her about this big thing. You could argue that they were doing it to protect her but after her hurt of being set aside from her childhood friend whom she was supposed to marry, it felt like they were just adding insult to injury. And yet it did build the mystery for the reader as to what was coming. I'm sure you will be able to pick up and know what they are all alluding to but there were some different twists that might make you second guess yourself.

A few different times in the story felt a little confusing to me but overall I liked reading about the characters and their backstories as well as trying to figure out the big reveals.

I liked a thought from one reviewer(Marlene), she quoted Maude praying for help forgiving another character and how it was refreshing to have a heroine who wasn't vindictive or holding a grudge throughout. I heartily agree with you Marlene! Great thought!

Ben has a past of heartache and sorrow and has a big shot at gaining his greatest dream. He just needs to get the big scoop on some of the tourists on the island, write a revealing newspaper article and he's on his way. Now is anything ever that easy? Of course not, especially in fiction where the characters must have a character arc and struggle and fail sometimes before they learn and grow. Ben is no exception but he was a good counterbalance for Maude. I enjoyed their interactions and the sweet romance between them.

Will everyone uncover or reveal their secrets? Can the secrets be forgiven or must the characters have no redemption from their lies and coverups? Mystery, fortunes, lavishness, health struggles, heartache, broken love, scandal, marriage, family, family and more family and lots of love and peace through God is all contained within these pages.

There's so many more aspects to this story that I didn't cover but I can't share all its secrets right?

Content: Clean. Religious aspects-Christian fiction so the characters attend church and discuss/think about God in their lives and ask for His help throughout the story. Nothing preachy and overbearing but a nice addition and really a good driving force behind the character's lives and stories. Oh I can't forgot to mention the music in the book and Ben's piano playing skills(can you tell I'm a pianist? LOL).

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour publishing, via NetGalley. Thanks Barbour! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a story of betrayal, deception and forgiveness. The characters must all examine their own hearts to find ways to live with and forgive the hurts from others and those they created for themselves.
Maude Welling has always expected to inherit the inn that has been in her family for generations along with her childhood friend and future husband Greyson. Plans are thwarted when Greyson returns home with a wife, Anna. Ben Steffan, aka Freidrich Konig also arrives on the island. Ben is an undercover reporter from Detroit posing as a wealthy businessman while trying to get the real story of why Anna and Grayson married and also an expose on men who come to the island, posing as something they are not, hoping to land a rich wife. Maude is also being deceptive as she sneaks away from home each day to work as a maid at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac when she realizes her father does not intend to turn over control of the inn to her since she is not getting married. Will all of this unravel and create havoc? Will all of those whose deceptions are hurting others be able to forgive and perhaps even find true love?
There are many characters in this story but it is easy to keep up with them. Many are who they say they are and many are not. Maude’s brother Jack is a daredevil and keeps everyone, especially Maude, on their toes watching out for him. There is plenty going on throughout the book to keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. I really loved this book. The ending has several surprises as to the way the truth comes out. I enjoyed this book and read it quickly; it was hard to put down once started. I give it a 5 of 5 stars. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical, Christian novels.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A very well written Christian historical romance. The book has a great plot, characters and setting. I love this author's books

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring is another book in the My Heart Belongs series. I’ve read several in this series, and I’ve enjoyed each one. Each book works as a standalone, a fast read, full of twists, and a satisfying read.

This story takes place in Mackinac Island, Michigan in the late 1800s. The author paints a lovely scene and made me want to visit.

The characters are interesting, though I find some things from the late 1800s so frustrating. Not in the writing sense, but in the way women were treated in general. Lol Example: Maude’s father won’t allow her to run the family inn without a husband helping her, so she must prove herself able to be independent. Creates a nice backdrop for this story.

One thing that kind of surprised me (not in a great way) was how quickly Maude’s relationship happens. I wish there was more of a build up. Other than that aspect, the story was enjoyable.


4 Stars

Cover: Okay
Title: Like
Pages: 256
Publisher: Barbour Books
First Lines: Maude Welling’s twelve-year-old brother, Jack, raced across the waxed wood floor of the soda shop, straight toward her, then skidded to a halt.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley.

What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive. Maude Well's family have run the Winds of Mackinac Inn for generations. But Maude's widowed father doesn't believe she's capable of running it without a husband, so she goes to work undercover at the Grand Hotel. Mrs. Fox the head of housekeeping seems to be hiding her own secrets. Ben Steffans, a Detroit newspaper journalist, is undercover as a wealthy industrialist to scoop a story that will hopefully raise him from reporter to assistant editor. Greyson, Maude's beau/fiance, has returned to the island but with a wealthy wife. Maude's Uncle Robert is acting strangely along with her dad who seems to be suffering from heart problems. Is anyone who they really seem?

I love the snippets of suspense throughout this historical romance as it's never quite clear who is doing what or why, and are they depending on themselves or listening to what God's plans are for them. It is obvious that Pagels is extremely knowledgeable and fond of Mackinac Island. She brings the island and its culture of the late 1890's to life. The characters were realistically intriguing as they all tried to sort out the difficulties in their lives. They were all attempting to make the right choices but life seemed to get in the way sometimes and forced them to really look at what they had done in the past and what they were doing now. I would really love to see a sequel to this book to find out more about what happens to all the characters I fell in love with on Mackinac Island.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do."

"It had been wrong to think she should settle for anything less than true love as God intended for her.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Barbour Books to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

"My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring" by Carrie Fancett Pagels, (2017, Barbour) is fourth in the " My Heart Belongs" series. It’s a Christian historical romance set in Michigan in 1895. Books in this series are all standalone, unified only in that each is a Christian historical romance set in a different state. I selected this book from NetGalley (in exchange for an honest review) because I previously enjoyed My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmella’s Quandry.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars

The heroine: Maude Welling, 21, is anticipating the return of her fiance Greyson from his travels. Only… he has come home with a wife! This is upsetting to her and it poses a problem: Maude’s father will only allow her to take over the family hotel as a married woman. The Winds of Mackinac has been in the family for generations, and Maude’s recently deceased mother “had prepared her since childhood to take over the running of the inn.” But her father is concerned that the level of responsibility required would exert too much pressure on her, and so he wants Maude to have a husband to share the burden. Maude disagrees and takes extreme measures to prove herself...

The hero: Ben Steffan is a society columnist for the Detroit Post. He’s on Mackinac Island posing as the German-speaking, wealthy industrialist “Friedrich Konig” in order to “spot the targets for his article,” which in turn will likely assure his promotion to assistant editor. Immediately after he arrives (on the same train as Greyson and his wife), Ben encounters a distraught Maude, discombobulated from the shock of Greyson’s marriage. Ben seems rather taken with Maude right off the bat.

Christian elements: Pagels’ portrayal of God’s presence in everyday life is good. Both the hero and heroine avoid alcohol, which is in line with many Christians’ thinking about the topic. At one point, Maude invites Ben to attend her church, where she is a Sunday school teacher. (Although, her reason for inviting him is a bit odd, in my opinion.) A few quotes are below:

“It was as though God had allowed her that tiny moment of kindness to assuage the pain Greyson’s betrayal had delivered.”

“For months now, God had seemed to be telling her that Greyson was not the man for her.”

At 6% on my Kindle: “Last night she’d prayed for Greyson and Anna and asked God to help her to forgive them.” Bravo, Ms. Pagels. Nice to see a heroine not holding onto a grudge throughout the book for once! Forgiveness at the beginning! Awesome!

Is it clean/chaste? Yes, most certainly!

What I liked:

*The minor detail included about sleeves and armbands - I never knew!

*The surprises in this book. I was genuinely surprised multiple times. What fun!

*I was pleased with the inclusion of “Frederick’s” German phrases, along with <u>translations</u> consistently offered in a smooth way. I find it frustrating when I’m reading and cannot figure out the meaning of foreign phrases from the context! Ms. Pagels’ handling of this is superior to that of any other author in memory. (My earliest experience with untranslated foreign phrases in my reading material was Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot mysteries. Boy, that always frustrated me! And I read every single one!)

What I didn’t like: (These are very minor points that I don’t think much affect the quality of the story.)

*The interest Ben and Maude have for each other seemed to be too much too soon. I disliked: “Why did her [Maude’s thoughts continue to drift off to the stranger rather than to her childhood sweetheart?” No matter the reason for Maude’s upset at her betrayal by Greyson, I think it would be more natural to have her dwell on the probable reason for Greyson’s marriage. With perhaps just a thought or two about the handsome and kind Ben.

*At the beginning of the book, Maude is shown playing her own music on the piano, and yet that is never revisited.

*A few phrases here and there make this book sound like it might be a sequel. I’ve looked at the descriptions of all of Ms Pagels’ previous books, and didn’t find anything that sounded like a backstory.
“Begging your pardon, but none of those ladies lifted a finger to help us when Pa went missing.”
“Their gardener had finally sobered up long enough to come back and perform his job adequately again.”
There were a few other quotes that made me think I was missing something, including at least one mention of an offstage character.

*Early on, Maude is suspicious of Ben’s accent and how he represents himself, but nothing is ever made of that. She doesn’t investigate and eventually drops it. Yet, she is surprised later when she learns Frederick is not the person he purports to be.

***********

The bottom line: I really enjoyed this book because of the romance, but also because of the things that took me by surprise. I recommend this book to fans of historical American Christian romance. I look forward to reading more by this author, and plan to read "The Fruitcake Challenge,” which I’m particularly interested in as it is set in a lumber camp!

Enchanting and delightful
A very nice and clean story. I really enjoyed all the in and outs of the lives of the people on the island. Maude and Greyson were suppose to get married. Ben came for a newspaper story, incognito. Then things get a little complicated. The plot is refreshing and full of emotions about family, confusion, love and trust in God. The characters are intelligent and witty. Together they make a very good tale that can be recommended for anyone, of any age to read. It is attention getting and it keeps it till the end. I was given this book for an honest review.

2.5 stars

Its hard to say how I feel about this story. On one hand, I really enjoyed being whisked away to the Island of Mackinac. Being a new resident of Lower Michigan, I have wanted to visit for a while. I have seen pictures, and the Grand Hotel truly looks stunning. The quiet pace of life seems very appealing and I can see why it's a popular tourist destination during the summer. I have also read historical fiction concerning the island during the War of 1812, and I am aware that there is further military history dating back to the Revolutionary War. It seems to have been a targeted stronghold, and a strategic bonus to whichever side seemed to have its control. Sitting to the right side of the Straits, its located in Lake Huron, and after the Civil War it became a popular tourist haven. This story is based in 1895, and at this point, the Grand Hotel is fairly new.

While I loved the locations, and descriptive side of the book, the story felt heavily lacking in plot. A Detroit journalist is staying there supposedly to uncover the scandal of men looking for a wealthy wife. Why is this scandalous? From what I have read, this kind of behavior was common during this and prior years. I wasn't convinced this was a 'story of the century' to propel Ben Staffen into the promotion he is seeking at the paper. Maude Welling, is a Islander who is struggling to cope with a Father who wants to sell her beloved home and Inn, the 'Winds of Mackinac'. He wishes to leave the Island and take his family to a farm in Lower Michigan. Maude suffers from asthma and has no desire to leave the Island. She secretly takes up a job at the Grand Hotel, in her efforts to prove herself to her Father. However, its a secret, and he doesn't know! There's details to be uncovered regarding the inheritance, and a betrayal of sorts by Maude's past beau, however she seems to not really hold much emotional attachment to him anyway. Ben is holding more than one secret. He's hiding behind the fake identity of a wealthy industrialist from Detroit, however his German roots hold a mystery that only he knows.

This book was lengthy, and I struggled to get through it and accept many of the details as realistic. The ship incident, and the rescue seemed a little odd. If not for this amazing location, I probably would not have finished the book.

I will say it was a pleasant surprise to see the heroine's name - my own Grandmother was called Maud, and to be honest I have never heard of anyone else being called that. The author states that it was popular during this time period. My own Grandma being born in the the early 1900s and in England, I guess that would fit.

Thank you to Netgalley & Barbour Publishing for the eARC. This is my honest review.

I loved this story! I was so happy to find a great book that I will feel totally confident recommending to each and every reader friend I know as soon as it is published in July. I will now look for other books by Carrie Fancett Pagels because I know I will get a good story and it will be worth every minute!

Maude wants to run the inn that's been in her family for decades. Ben wants to finally get the biggest scoop of his career and win the assistant editor position - no matter the cost. These two must work together to sort through the secrets and lies to find what they truly want - and what they must do to achieve their dreams.
This Christian romance was fun and adorable. I have the typical complaints with this that I tend to with romances - it was semi-predictable, the characters lacked depth, and everything in the story conspired to bring our lovers apart. Once I was able to put that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book for many reasons:
1) Maude was far more of a feminist than I originally assumed. She frequently takes charge of situations in her life and does what she thinks is best. I wasn't expecting such a strong female character who worked so hard to achieve her dreams (most of which had nothing to do with finding love).
2) The plot itself was much more complicated than I assumed it would be. I thought this would be a much more straightforward romance, but by the time I was halfway through, I must admit I was a bit confused - I thought all the complications had already happened because there were SO MANY, yet more kept coming. And each complication built on other ones. They didn't feel cheap or too easy. I didn't predict as many events as I thought I would, and that was quite a bit of fun.
I recommend this for anyone who likes a good love story and historical fiction.

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring is a fabulous addition to Barbour Publishing's My Heart Belongs line. It is summer 1895 and Heiress Maude Welling disguises herself and works as a maid at the island's Grand Hotel. Journalist, Ben Steffens, comes to town and goes undercover as a wealthy businessman, trying to investigate a future story about gold digging men pursuing heiresses. Maude and Ben meet and begin to fall for one another. What will happen when the truth comes out about who they truly are?

Carrie Fancett Pagels has written a winner with My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring. I love how she used the beautiful setting at Mackinac Island in the story. The descriptions of the island and hotel we're so vivid, that I felt like I was transported back in time. I just love the character of Maude, how she was so determined to become her own person and knew what she wanted. I was not sure how I felt about Ben in the beginning, but he grew on me by midway. A wonderful story of forgiveness, faith, and inspiration.

Highly recommended.

5+ stars. 

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a delightful romance. Set in the late 1800s on the lovely Mackinac Island, readers meet Maude as she runs to meet her intended's arrival. And the plot thickens from there. All of her plans--of marriage, of staying on the island and of managing the family inn--seem to come to naught. Ben, a Detroit newspaperman, has come to the island for the story of his career, but to do so, he has taken on a new name. Things don't go as planned for him either. The author does a great job in portraying the era and the island, one can picture in the mind's eye the activities going on and I swear I could smell the lilacs! The characters are realistic and likable and there's even a cameo appearance of Mark Twain. Readers meet plenty of characters who are like most locals do in small towns--watching out for each other, gossiping and taking an interest in each other's lives, especially if there's a romance happening. Betrayals, deceits, and secrets are woven together to bring twists to the plot and keep the reader guessing as to what is happening. Will Maude be able to stay on Mackinac? Why is her father not forthcoming regarding his plans for the inn? Will Ben get his big story? Is there a chance for romance for Ben and Maude or will the deceits and secrets be just too much to overcome? Another charming and entertaining story from a favorite author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

A beautiful Mackinac Island, Michigan setting in June 1895, brings together a young woman and man posing as their opposites in society. Maude believes she must prove her worth and ability to run an inn to convince her father. Ben just wants a good story, so he can hopefully advance in his career.

There was a lot of deception and misunderstanding between the main characters, preventing them from really getting to know each other. Each one wrestles with their conscience, and has to decide if they will trust in God for their future, learning to look to Him for guidance, to discern His will, instead of holding tightly to possessions or misguided ambitions. The theme of forgiveness and looking to God to meet our needs was illustrated well in the story.

I like how this author used real landmarks and places in the story, researching the area, and painting a picture of what island life was like in the summer when wealthy tourists came to stay on the island. It sounded like a lovely place to vacation, biking and walking everywhere. The use of real people and their work, like Mark Twain and his book The Prince and the Pauper, added authenticity. The plot was even rather a take on this classic. The index had some interesting facts about the real people and locale.
I had a hard time connecting to the characters in the first half, as the story seemed to jump around a lot. It came together nicely later on though. It was fun to see the nod to some of the author's characters from other stories in a few spots.

Recommend for readers who enjoy historical Christian romances.

Picking up this book you will find yourself drifting back thru the mist of time to Mackinac Island, June 1895. The descriptions of the views from the Grand Hotel are so vivid that you can feel the cool lake breeze and see the azure lake sparkling in the sun’s gentle rays.

Maude Welling has known not only the deep loss of loosing her mother, but also the shame of her fiancé returning to the island married to someone else. She has not only lost her ability to trust others, but she is trying to discover the secret her father is keeping from her. She wants to prove her worth not only to him, but to herself all well. Will she be able to find where she belongs?

Ben Steffans is jaded by his past. His parents and sister were tossed out of the only home they knew by his Uncle. His parents then brought them to America and the promise of a golden future that tarnished all to quickly. He is now on a mission as an undercover newspaper reporter in search of the story that will propel his career forward.

Can two people from different walks of life, and hidden agendas be able to let down their guards to not only find the person that God wants them to be, but also allow others in?

With dynamic characters and an ideal setting this story will find its way into your heart. I’ve yet to visit Mackinac island. I’ve wanted to visit since watching the Jane Seymour & Christopher Reeve in the movie “Somewhere In Time”. This book only solidified my desire to travel north to Mackinac.

As a Michigan native, I loved reading this book -- I have fond memories of Mackinac Island and this book brought them back!

This story is about Maude Welling from Mackinac Island and how she met and fell in love with Ben Steffan. It is a wonderful story about love, trust, and faith in God. Maude lives on Mackinac Island at the Winds of Mackinac Inn, her family Inn. She tries to get her father to let her manage the Inn by herself as he has a failing heart. However, father doesn't want her working herself to death like her mother and his mother did. To prove she can manage the Inn on her own, she takes a job as a maid at the Grand Hotel on the hill.

Ben is a reporter on assignment to find out who the men at the Grand Hotel are wooing rich ladies to get their money. He is also tasked with finding out the story behind Maude's former fiance' and his new wife, since her family is a competitor to Ben's bosses' newspaper. Ben has to decide in the end if the stories he has investigated are worth telling or if it is best to do the right thing.

I really enjoyed this clean historical romance and recommend it to anyone who also enjoys this type of genre'. Check it out, you won't be sorry. Enjoy!

I received a copy of this story via NetGalley and all the opinions are purely my own and I was not compensated in any way for my opinion.

What a super book. I can surely understand why Maude would want to stay on Mackinac Island. Sounds like a place I would enjoy, too! The ups and downs of Maude's love life, my oh my! The writing is fantastic and the characters are well developed and interesting. What a time period and what a place. Highly recommend.