I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is part of a series. But it can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read any of the other books in this series and I was still able to enjoy this book.

I enjoyed this novel, and the dual perspective.

Split-time novels are some of my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. The different timelines fit together so perfectly and there was not one moment that I felt lost. Both timelines were interesting and intriguing, but I found myself most interested in Lily's story.

Each character was unique and all perfectly woven in the story. It was especially interesting to see the future generations from the characters in the historical timeline.

Overall, I loved everything about the book, but I especially loved the mystery and intrigue. I just had to know what happened, which led to a couple of late nights for me (whoops!).

I would highly recommend this novel. It is officially one of my favorite, if not my actual favorite, split-time novels that I have read.

I had received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

Behind Love’s Wall is written by Carrie Fancett Pagels. This is part of the “Doors to the Past” series. This is a series that is written by munitions authors. They are stand alone books but can be tied by the dual time storyline.

I always love reading books by this author. She always does great job researching her setting and time period and the story feels as real as possible. This dual timeline is 1895 and 2020. The setting is the Grand Hotel in Mackinaw Island. Willa is our modern day character who is an interior designer. She is chosen to help consult on a redesign for the Grand Hotel. Lilly is our past character. Willa has found a journal that was written by Lilly. It captures all of her struggles and dark secrets. Willa isn’t sure if she should reach out to Lilly’s descendants and share the journal. There’s also a connection between the two characters that I enjoyed trying to figure out.


I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program. All thoughts are my own.

When a hatchet, a Bible and a revolver are a girl's best friends, you know you're about to read an intriguing story. In 1895 Lily is running from her past. She is ashamed and afraid of anyone who might know her secret.

In modern day 2020, Willa lands an assignment to redesign a room for the new owners of an Inn. Willa is unsure of her past, but she discovers an unexpected treasure that ties her to 1895. Mackinac island and the Grand Hotel hold more for Willa than just a job.

I love a good dual timeline and, as usual, I was drawn to one part of the story over the other. In Behind Love's Wall, I enjoyed Lily's story better than Willa's. Willa isn't to be ignored though. She was very interesting and as secrets are revealed everything fell into place.

I love a good dual timeline and, as usual, I was drawn to one part of the story over the other. In Behind Love's Wall, I enjoyed Lily's story in 1895 better than Willa's story line of 2020. I love historical fiction so the 2020 timeline mentioning Covid was a little too modern for me. However Willa wasn't to be ignored. She became more interesting throughout the book.

I received a digital book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own.“

I have enjoyed the Doors to the Past series so far. Each book is dual timeline and features a unique historical monument. In Behind Love’s Wall, readers will visit the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. It is a beautiful setting, and I suggest looking up this historic building before you begin reading, as it is quite impressive. The highlight for me in this story was the mystery. Readers will enjoy piecing this puzzle together as they gather clues from both the present day and historical plot lines. I thought this was very well thought out and made the book for me. I also appreciate how the author addressed mental health in this book. I confess I had some trouble connecting with the characters, but this was a strong point for other readers so maybe it was just me. Overall, this is a good edition to this series of novels and will be enjoyed by romance and dual time novel fans.

I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

3.5* This has been such an interesting series. I enjoy the dual timelines because I love history and mystery. It's fun seeing how things all come together. However, with this one I felt like we missed out on quite a bit from each story. There were so many parts that we only got a hint at and I wanted more. I enjoyed the romances, but again they didn't feel complete. I felt like the romance was happening in the background and I would have preferred to read about that romance over some of the other aspects of the stories.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

This story takes place in 1895, and 2020. In the 1800’s we meet Lily, Clem, Garrett, Mrs. Fox, the Wellings, Swaine’s, Duvalls, Ben, the Moores and a few others. Many are familiar names from other books by this author. In 2020 we meet Willa, Sue, Colton, Michael, Aimee, David, Garrett, Kareen, Chad and a few others. Intriguing story that weaves Lily’s story from 1895 into the future when her diary is found. Willa and sue have come to Mackinac Island for some work and discover the diary. Great characters, on top of a beautiful location and flowing storyline make this a story that is hard to put down. The mystery that is solved towards the end wraps both timelines up nicely. Another really enjoyable read from this author and this series.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Who doesn’t love a great duel-timeline story with characters that intertwine? The perfect mix of history and contemporary, romance and mystery. “Behind Love’s Wall” is the first book that I’ve read by this author, and she did not disappoint. I was immersed in the story and couldn’t put it down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Carrie Fancett Pagels is a new-to-me author, and I would enjoy reading more books by her. Behind Love's Wall is a dual-timeline novel and it drew me in from the first line:

A hatchet, A Bible, and a revolver were Lily's best friends-and Cousin Clem next door with his shotgun.

With a line like that, you can't help but want more. Behind Love's Wall is a book you will want to read without interruptions. It took me several days to read it because of life, and I lost the flow of the book at times. I enjoyed the historical part of the story more than the present-day timeline. It was more engaging and easier to follow.

I did not care as much for the present-day timeline because there were so many characters. I had a hard time making all the connections. I also didn't enjoy the reminders of Covid (I understand why it is there but would prefer not to read about it).

Overall, I liked Behind Love's Wall and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As I am a girl from Michigan, I so enjoyed this read. The trials, twists, and turns that the author had the characters go on were exciting to watch unfold. The scenery was exciting to read about as I’m familiar with the area. I felt that this author kept me interested and drew me in. If you’re looking for an exciting read set to the setting of a small island in the mitten then this might just be the book for you to pick up.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.



***Also posted on Amazon, CBD, B&N

Being a born and bred Yooper myself, I enjoyed the parts of this book that mentioned Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula and Mackinaw Island. Although I enjoyed both story-lines and the mystery of the past that's in Behind Love's Wall, I felt the "Covid talk" was a bit too much for me. I read books to learn and escape for a short time from the daily stuff we all deal with and it didn't feel like I escaped from it since the modern timeline was set in 2020.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 1 November 2021.

Behind Love' Wall is a book where the past comes alive because of Lily's journal and the curiosity of modern day Willa, who unwittingly found her diary. The very woman who is the subject of a recent newspaper article Willa casually picked up on a ferry ride to the island. There are some parallels between the two women, each searching for clarity in their lives. I liked the mystery both women bring to the story. This is more than a romantic story that brings readers of Carrie's books back to Mackinac. It is a true mystery and it is not until that end that the answers truly unfold.

I also like how the author weaves in characters from earlier books with their descendants in this time split story. I have read several of Carrie's books and it was interesting to see how she wove these characters and their talents to span generations. It is like looking at genealogy and learning of talents shared with a great grandparent. The setting at the Grand Hotel, rich with history is an invitation to travel across on the ferry and enjoy the sights of this well researched book.

I hope there will be more stories coming up set in this area of our country that is so rich with stories to be shared.

1895 & 2020 Mackinac Island

In the latest installment in the Doors to the Past Series, readers are taken to an island that sounds to be fabulous. I've not visited Mackinac Island, but am certainly interested after reading this novel. It sounds lovely.

In 1895, Kentuckian Lily is running from her roots and takes a job singing on Mackinac Island with her cousin Clem. She wants to keep the history of mental illness in her family hidden due to the stigma.

In 2020, reality television star Willa comes to Mackinac Island to bid for a hotel remodel. Part of the remodel is a room that's been closed off for a century due to the belief that a murder occurred there. Things get interesting when Lily's diary is discovered. True to the time, there are references to mask wearing and COVID.

I enjoyed the mystery and when details were revealed at the end, it all seemed plausible. Appreciated the author's note sharing what was based on fact and how this novel ties in to others by the author.

I enjoyed this book overall, though the many characters and relationships were a bit much for me to keep up with. I do enjoy dual timeline books in general. This is also the first book I’ve read set at Mackinac Island, and it made me want to visit there!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Doors to the Past series. The dual timeline is an added bonus. There are lots of twists and turns as you flip through the pages as fast as you can turn them. I would love to visit Mackinac Island so the book setting was very appealing. I am not a huge romance fan, but this aspect did not take away from the book. Both timelines include a mystery and the ending is surprising but provides an excellent conclusion to the story. This was a wonderful addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Behind Love's Wall
by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Barbour
The Grand Hotel Slowly Reveals Her Secrets

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
Thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for the ARC. I enjoyed reading this book but I would rather not have as many references to Covid for my pleasure reading.

4 stars

I have been loving the Door to the Past Series by Barbour. I have never read anything from this author but I can't wait to read more. You can tell that she is passionate and does her research on the topic she is writing about. The book had me engaged the whole time and kept me turning the pages. It had mystery, intrigue and of course romance. The author's notes on the back give you a bit more information on the history and its details.

If you enjoy historical fiction and dual timelines I definitely recommend this one!

I received a copy of this book through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Behind Love’s Wall is a dual time story of two women who have a wall built around their hearts. Although different circumstances have given them reason to build a wall, the story unfolds to reveal where they are vulnerable and the people that help them take down the wall. Most importantly, they let God help them with the mending as well.

The story went back and forth between both timelines seamlessly and was very easy to follow. Towards the end, I felt the story pick up the pace and I was trying to make sure I was following the connections of the characters as well as the correct lineage. I was trying to read as fast as I could to see how it was going to play out that I may have a late night trying to finish the book!

I enjoyed the book as well as the way it ended. I will admit that this was the first book I read that the author referred to the dreaded mask do to COVID and it made it kind of humorous to think of future generations reading the book and learning what we had to endure from a fiction book. It definitely made it realistic!

I would really recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

I loved this novel! It is a Christian dual timeline that combines the best of faith, history, mystery, and romance. The author is very talented at developing the characters into three-dimensional people. She gives life to the sights, scents, and sounds of the atmosphere of Mackinac Island. The mysteries were complex, with twists that I truly did not see coming. The potential couple in each era has one or both parties hiding behind walls to protect themselves from further pain. Whether each person can trust the Lord with their future is a choice they have to make.

Lily has been singing to the accompaniment of her cousin Clem on the piano since her early teens. Lily’s mother died in a fire she was believed to have set in an asylum in Kentucky where she had been sent. In the late nineteenth century, the stigma about mental illness was much worse than now. When word got out about her mother, Lily and Clem lost contracts and went to Michigan where they heard work was available. The job in Detroit was not what they were told so they planned to go to the Straits of Michigan for the tourist season. During the night, the place in Detroit caught fire and the two of them escaped out the window. At the Straits, Lily changed her name again so she could not be connected to her mother or the fire in Detroit. They met Stephen there and he referred them to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. He was a psychiatrist there with his own family secrets.

Willa and Sue needed work in 2020 when the pandemic shut down most hotel redesign work. The new owners of the Grand Hotel were looking to redesign a suite that had not been used for over 100 years due to a death. If this was successful, there was potential for more work. Willa never knew who her father was, and her mother died when she was three. Her grandfather still lives in the Upper Peninsula, so she determined to find out about her father from him. One of the people she had to work with was Michael, who she and Sue had met in the past when doing a job in another state. Willa was attracted to someone for the first time since a betrayal years ago. Michael had also been hurt badly and suffered from health problems and mood changes. Neither wants to take the risk of getting to know the other.

While there, Michael and Willa learned they both had ancestors who had been at the Grand Hotel at the same time in 1895. Willa and Sue were intrigued by a journal they found in a walled-over space in the suite they are redesigning, also known as The Songbird’s Rooms. Serious crimes occurred that year requiring the services of several Pinkerton agents, including a possibly unsolved murder.

The characters invited me into their story from the beginning and kept my attention throughout. I enjoyed learning some of the history of the island and hotel. The pandemic was written about with matter-of-fact accuracy without undercurrents of fear or politics. The mysteries in the lives of Lily and Willa, both trying to learn about their fathers, and the crimes committed in 1895, also held my attention. This is an incredibly well-written novel with timely spiritual lessons that I greatly appreciated. The resolutions were satisfactory leaving no open questions. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy Christian time-slip novels, mysteries, and light romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.

Behind Love’s Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels is the latest installment in the Doors of the Past dual time series. Each books stands alone as they are written by different authors and set around different US landmarks.

While this book tackles the subject of depression (and does a good job of it), and I truly believe the pandemic has exacerbated the struggle for many people, I had a hard time really connecting to any of the characters. First, there were a lot of characters with similar names (even between the two time periods). Now, readers who have read other books by the author may enjoy this, but I was just confused and pretty much gave up on trying to discern who was who.

There were several times during the book when I felt we were being told of something (usually in a conversation with two characters after the fact) that would have made the book so much more enjoyable if we’d made the discoveries with the character instead.

I did enjoy visiting The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island in both its glory days and its time of restoration (present day). Overall, this was a read that fell somewhere in the middle for me.

Content warning: This book contains many mentions of COVID and life in 2020 and 2021. If you are not ready to read more of real life in your fiction, this may not be the book for you.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.