"My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island" is a Christian romance set in 1895. It contained just enough historical detail to remind the reader of the time period, but the time period wan't critical to the events in the story (except for Mark Twain's visit). It's a nice enough romance, but I felt like the author tried to make Maude's part of the story much more complicated than it was.

For example, Maude's mother promised that Maude would inherit the inn but Maude's father acts like it's his. Rather than finding out who owns the inn (by asking the lawyer, her uncle, or her father), Maude decides to prove to her father that she can run an inn. Not by helping out at the inn but by working as a maid cleaning rooms at the Grand Hotel. Not sure how that proved she can run a business, but she also kept this a secret from her father, so how could it prove anything to him? And her brief employment as a maid didn't turn out to be necessary to her romance, her ambitions, or even Ben's story.

The terms of the will were critical to the story, but we don't actually learn what the will said until nearly the end. Much of Maude's worries would have been cleared up if she'd only found out the terms earlier (though some things earlier in the story made no sense in light of those terms). The romantic conflict ended up being that Maude couldn't leave the island but Ben's life and ambitions were in Detroit. So who will give up their dreams, or will they part?

The characters went to church and heard a sermon relating to Ben's struggles. At the end, Ben realized that God had been working behind the scenes. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this book to "clean romance" fans.

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island was a good read, but it didn't draw you in. I found myself wondering how these characters where in love. It didn't seem as though you had any more than mild attraction and then they were sweethearts. And why couldn't Maude leave the island? Her dad told Ben to find out but it was never mentioned again.

I felt like the novel had a slow start and a lot of things where suggested but never wholly unveiled. I would have liked to know more about what was going on with Greyson and Anna and about Ada and Peter, another small novel perhaps?

I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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, that her supposed fiance' has come home a married man because her father will not let her run the family inn without a husband. She has to prove to him that she can do it on her own. She must keep him from selling The Winds of Mackinac Inn that has been part of her mother's family for generations, it is her home, it is where her heart belongs.
The book is fast paced, filled with mystery and secrets that abound at every turn. The romance is heartwarming and real. I won't give spoilers in a review. I will highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Historical Christian fiction. I loved this look at life on Mackinac Island in the late 1890's.

This is the first book I’ve read by Carrie Fancett Pagels, but it definitely will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Maude Welling and Friedrich König set on Mackinac Island in the late 1800s. I look forward to one day visiting the Grand Hotel, and I feel sure these characters will be with me as I explore the resort and the island. I respect both Maude’s and Friedrich’s integrity, and the drive to be both true to themselves and true to their Lord, not allowing the desires for success in their careers to sidetrack them, well at least not for long. This is a lesson that is timeless.
Chivalry certainly lived in the character of Friedrich König, always putting the safety and best interest of others before his own, even risking exposure of his working under a pseudonym, exposure that could cost him his job. Maude’s character exemplified grace born out of a relationship with her Savior and from her great ability to empathize, an ability that grew as she worked to prove herself while serving incognito at the Grand Hotel. Will these two strong people be able to get past their misunderstandings and find common ground that will make them a couple? Well, we all know how these kinds of stories work out, don’t we, but you will have to read for yourself to discover the path these two follow.
As I read My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island, the thought occurred to me several times that fans of Lorna Seilstad’s The Gregory Sisters series, would love this book as well. Each is a book with a strong female character that is at peace with her strengths and abilities, and who also understands that God’s role for women is not to be confused with keeping women in their place. I thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing this book for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Carrie Fancett Pagels is an exceptional author. Her books are full of great descriptions so that you feel you are living in that time and place, easily visualizing everything she writes about. This July 1, 2017 release is sure to be a hit!

The beautiful cover is an instant draw and most appropriate for the wonderful historical novel. The book is written in a wonderful setting and definitely makes me want to go there on a trip! I love the mystery that develops throughout the book. It has a great plot!

There are several books to this series, of which I have read two. I am planning on reading all of them! Great series.

I received a copy of this e-book from Net Galley for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

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

1895...Mackinac Island, Michigan...Maude Welling just cannot understand why her father is so adamant about her not managing Winds of Mackinac Inn without a husband. Well, she has to do something to prove to him she is capable of running it without a husband. Thus she comes up with a plan, albeit a risky one at best.

Journalist Ben Steffans—or rather Friedrich Konig—is on an undercover assignment as a wealthy industrialist staying at the infamous Grand Hotel pursing a story about impoverished men chasing women of financial means and heiresses—and maybe a promotion when finished...and finds himself intrigued by an attractive maid.

Circumstances and mishaps bring Ben and Maude together and they form a fragile, tender friendship. As Ben digs deeper into his story he uncovers scandals and secrets that could unravel the fragile love growing. A story filled with mystery and intrigue, joys and sorrows, love and faith. I love Maude and Ben...and Jack is a precious little boy full of energy! There are characters that I was not sure I would like at first but later in the story I changed my mind about them. The authors' description of the Island has me wanting to take a trip and visit and maybe stay for a long while. I would stay at the Winds of Mackinac Inn and maybe get Jack to slow down a bit and take me on a tour. Wonderful, heartwarming story.

(~I also received an e-book from the author via netgalley, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~)

A story full of mystery and intrigue. Concealed identities and trust issues cause turmoil and chaos amidst the possibility of new love. Reading this great story makes me want to know more about Mackinaw Island. I enjoyed this story very much. I received a copy of this story from NetGalley and the author and this is my personal honest opinion.

My Heart Belongs On Mackinac Island: Maud's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels is the most delightful Christian historical romance. It is my favourite so far of all of Carrie Fancett Pagel's novels. I always know that she writes fabulous stories by Maud's Mooring really was something extra special.
Set on Mackinac Island, the scenery comes alive with Carrie Fancett Pagels detailed descriptions. The reader does not so much read the story as walk alongside the characters. These characters were wonderfully and realistically drawn. They all had their human and vulnerable sides as well as strong work ethics. The characters were unique and loving. I was particularly drawn to Maud with whom I empathised. I was delighted by the antics of her brother Jack. His speech had been perfectly captured and he was as his name suggests a real Jack-the-lad who bought many a smile to my face.
There were the Godly themes of grace and forgiveness. "God required she give mercy as He extended it to her." Forgiveness is essential but not always easy to do without God's help. Grace has saved us all, not good works so no one can boast. "Prayers hadn't saved Mother, nor had good works." We cannot work our way into God's good books as we are already there. We have to have faith and trust His plan for our lives, no matter how painful it may seem at times.
People are very concerned with appearances but God is more concerned with the state of our heart. "One's heart and soul wasn't altered simply by donning fine attire." The world judges by one standard, God has a different standard. Clothes can be deceiving, a heart of gold may beat beneath what the world classes as shabby clothing.
The truth is always best. Deceptions are necessary at times in the novel but do not always sit comfortably with the characters who are happiest when their real self is on display.
This links to the theme of identity. Characters need to know who they are and where they come from. Most important is to know who we are in God and to lean into His gifts for us.
Family is important. The islanders function as a family, pulling together in times of crisis.
Maud's Mooring is such a delightful story. It really spoke to my heart. I identified with Maud, a quietly determined and loyal young lady whose thinking was ahead of her times.
Carrie Fancett Pagels always writes stories that penetrate my very being. Maud's Mooring is just such a wonderful story. I cannot praise it highly enough but don't take my word for it - buy yourself a copy and read it today. You are in for a real treat.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

While being a part of My heart belongs series, this book can be read as a stand alone. Because her father won't let her run the inn without a husband, Maude Welling decides to prove to her father that she can run it without a husband by working incognito as a maid at the rival inn. The Winds of Mackinac Inn.has been in her mother’s family for generations, Undercover journalist Ben Steffans is posing as a wealthy industrialist and pursuing a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed Grand Hotel, but he himself soon becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By saving Jack, Maude's younger brother, from injury Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders using the incident to dig deep for his story. While doing so, he uncovers scandals that threatens the love growing between them. What secret is her father hiding? Who is Mrs. Fox? What is her Uncle Robert hiding from her? Oh such mysteries! Will their love survive all this mystery?! I absolutely loved the characters and plot in this story!

Moving tale of romance, intrigue, and finding God's plan for your life. Maude Welling is at a crossroads after being jilted by her childhood sweetheart. Her dream had been to marry and run her family's inn on beautiful Mackinac Island but those dreams are dashed when her fiancé marries a wealthy heiress and Maude's father refuses to allow her to run the inn on her own. She cooks up a scheme to prove to her father that she is capable of handling the inn by getting a job at the Grand Hotel working as a maid. Maude is playing a game of subterfuge and she meets a charming visitor to the island, Ben Steffans, who is engaged in his own undercover intrigue. Can a relationship blossom in s garden of lies? Will they be able to find their way to their true selves and be true to God's plan? Readers will be eager to follow their journey. Definitely recommend.