Behind Love's Wall is the perfect example of Carrie Pagels' unique writing style and complex story lines. I love how she brought back several characters from My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring and Butterfly Cottage. Seeing their names (Maude, Ben, Sadie, Jack, and Jaycie, to name a few) felt like meeting up with old friends. There were also appearances of characters from the Christy Lumber Camp series, which now I have to read! And of course I enjoyed meeting new characters Lily and Willa, whose stories were separated by 125 years but converged with the discovery of a journal in Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel. I was almost expecting the two to use the journal as a means to communicate through time, but there is another mystery in the journal that keeps this book in the dual timeline category rather than time-slip or time travel (all of which I love!). But what I love most about Behind Love's Wall (other than pointing readers to Christ) is the use of my name and my husband's as minor characters (my husband's Lasley name is historically appropriate for Mackinac Island). To have her ask to use my name was such an honor! What a fun way to engage her readers! I started out as merely a fan of Carrie's, but I feel that she has become a dear friend.

I’ve enjoyed other books in this series and Mackinac Island is one of my favorite places in the world, but unfortunately I just couldn’t get into Behind Love’s Wall. The dialogue felt unnatural at times and there were a lot of characters to keep track of. I didn’t really connect with the characters either, unfortunately. Overall, just not for me, but others who enjoy dual timeline stories may like it. 2/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

'Behind Love's Wall' is the fifth in the 'Doors to the Past' series (each book standalone, yay!), and I was really excited about it as I've actually read the others released so far. Shocker! Lol!

I read the book in two days, which is telling! It's definitely engrossing, and a great way to while away a couple afternoons ... and boy, would I like to visit Mackinac Island now. Yes, please!

Both timelines had their perks; I'd be hard pressed to choose one over the other. It did get a little choppy at times trying to keep the two straight, as different characters with the same names existed in both--great to indicate they were related, or to give a hint at to how the story might pan out, but challenging in terms of tracking it all. "Wait, am I in 1895 or 2020?"

The 2020 timeline included multiple references to the pandemic and #pandemiclife, including wearing face masks. Some other reviewers noted they struggled with this (seeing it as #toosoon), but I didn't mind and actually kind of enjoyed it--simple acknowledgement of the way things have been for a while, and seeing how others dealt with it, albeit in fiction.

Pagels really brought Mackinac Island to life in 'Behind Love's Wall,' and that was truly the highlight for me--especially given the pandemic. Travel isn't (and hasn't been, for 85+ weeks as of this writing!) what we're all used to, and this was a great way to mentally travel to a new place.

4/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Lily Swaine, the newly-hired singer at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel, is running from her past. Will the handsome psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Dublanc be able to uncover her secrets? Over one hundred years later, hotel designer Willa Christy is given the task of remodeling a long-unused room at the Grand. Will the journal she finds there hold the key to solving some mysteries from the past? Journey to this beautiful, unique Michigan location for an adventure filled with romance and intrigue.

This dual time story is set on the beautiful island of Mackinac. With the author’s detailed description, I felt like I was seeing the sights of all this small island has to offer. Each story has its own mystery and I liked seeing how Lily’s story from the past connected to that of Willa’s as she tries to uncover the real story that is found hidden in a room she is redecorating. The surprising ending provided a nice way to conclude the story.

You will enjoy this story if you like dual timeline books that have mystery and romance. This is a book in the Doors to the Past series and can be read as a stand alone. There are a few people from the author’s other books who make appearances throughout the story. This made it fun that they were included, but it is an added bonus and it isn't necessary for you to have any previous knowledge of these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I’ll be honest, this wasn’t my most favorite dual timeline book I’ve read. There were so many characters, and with such similar names that it was difficult to tell one cardboard cutout from another. I did enjoy the story, and it was a very interesting mystery. It was just a little too cumbersome to me.

Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels is part of the Doors to the Past series. This historical fiction introduces Willa, an interior decorator for the Grand Hotel. Lily is a singer with secrets. This dual timelines connects both women through surprises, danger and intrigue, all centered around murder and a journal on Mackinac Island Grand Hotel. The characters were likeable and interesting, while the descriptive scenery set the stage for the drama to unfold. I enjoyed reading it. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
I have read other books by this author and liked them, but this book just wasn't for me. The characters or the plot just did not appeal to me. I read about a third of the book and then skipped to the end, but I just couldn't get into it. I'm sure it will appeal to other readers as evidenced by previous reviews. Thank you!

Behind Love’s Wall was another Doors to the Past book, meaning that it was written as a dual timeline. This was the first book that I had read by this author, Carrie Fancett Pagels. The setting was upper Michigan, mostly on Mackinac Island.
The Grand Hotel is being remodeled. Willa Christy and her partner Sue have been asked to participate by the new owners in redesigning a room that had been abandoned for a century. Michael DuBlanc and his assistant Colton Byrnes from Parkers Landscaping were also asked to help with the consult especially since they had been involved in hundreds of projects on the island. While removing a wall, a journal was found that belonged to a former singer, Lily Swain.
The other timeline involved Lily and her cousin Clem Christy as they were the entertainment for the Grand Hotel in the summer of 1895. Lily had a complicated past and it was one that she wanted to keep secret especially from the staff psychiatrist, Dr. Stephen DuBlanc.
I really enjoyed this book and the writing of Pagels. I will be looking to read more by this author.
I was given a free copy of this book for review and the opinion is my own. #BehindLovesWall #DoorsToThePast #CarrieFancettPagels

Behind Love's by Carrie Fancett Pagels takes place on Mackinac Island in the late 1800's though it also includes the present time frame. In the 1800’s Lilly is a singer and performing at the Grand Hotel for the season. Her stage name draws her to a relative she wasn’t aware she had. Her cousin Clem is her pianist and watches out for her. There are familial connections for hom to discover also. Fast forward to the present and we find the hotel being renovated by HGTV star Willa and her partner. In both eras there is plenty of intrigue, secrets and romance.
I loved this one and found it difficult to put down. The characters are great and if you are a fan you will remember some from other stories set on Mackinac. The story lines blend seamlessly into one great mystery being solved and a happy conclusion but think you have it all figured out as there are surprises along the way. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. The setting is one I have never seen but can just imagine the beauty and smell the fresh air.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Beautiful live story. Full of emotion. Had me reading page after page well into the night. Recommend greatly.

This was a romantic and intriguing story that takes place on Mackinac Island, a place that I know the author is very familiar with. It's a split-time book that gives you both a historic and a contemporary mosaic of many twists and turns as the story continues. It is truly a charming story and I found it very enjoyable to read. The Grand Hotel sounds like a wonderful place both then and now and a perfect setting for this book.

I received an ebook copy from the NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Behind Love's Wall has been an interesting read, but I didn't really enjoy it very much. It follows two timelines, and I personally never like that. The two stories are connected, and they are both interesting, involving an Inn on Mackinac Island. One timeline is in 1895 and the other is 2020. The 1895 timeline involves a singer, Lily who worries that stories of her mother follow her, she was suspected of burning down an asylum in Kentucky. In the modern day timeline, Willa is a designer that is there to remodel the inn for the new owners. Both stories are creative and well written, and if you don't mind a dual timeline story, you will probably like this one.

3.5
I'm really enjoying this Doors to the Past series!

This is the first story I read by Author Carrie Fancett Pagels although I have several that I am looking forward to on my to-be-read pile!

Behind Love's Wall kept my interest and really had me turning pages late into the night! The many twists and turns of this book had me wondering about what would happen in both storylines. I enjoyed both Lily and Willa's stories!

Fans of dual timeline stories are sure to enjoy Behind Love's Wall!

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

(And this is just a personal preference but covid was mentioned a fair amount, as well as the pandemic, wearing masks, covid brain, etc. It does accurately portray how things were at that point in time. But reading as an enjoyable escape, I'd rather not read about Covid 19. But that's just my preference. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this dual timeline story!)

Behind Love’s Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a charming dual timeline Christian novel that will warm your heart. It is part of the Doors To The Past series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Carrie Fancett Pagels always writes the most delightful novels. My heart always leaps for joy at a new offering from her as I settle down for a few hours of pure hours of escapism into the most beautiful settings. As with previous novels Behind Love’s Wall is set on Mackinac Island surrounding the Grand Hotel. It was lovely to meet up with characters from previous books. As I found out in this book, the Grand Hotel was the setting for one of my favourite films, Somewhere In Time. This enabled me to perfectly picture the opulent setting and served to enhance my reading experience.
The action takes place in 1895 and present day in alternating chapters. The characters are linked by family lines.
Within both time periods there are parallel themes as characters search for the truth surrounding their family lines. We all need to know who we are and where we come from. Family is important. We all want to belong and be loved.
There is the theme of mental health. In 1895 this was not well understood and people were incarcerated in institutions. A character fears she may be turning into her mother as she searches for the truth of her recent past.
Treasures from the past enchant the reader and the characters. An old, long hidden diary is unearthed leading to some truths being uncovered.
Carrie Fancett Pagels always writes novels that entertain and enchant me. Her characters are always well drawn, likable and realistic. The dual timelines in Behind Love’s Wall enthrall me, awaking a sense of wonder. I absolutely adored Behind Love’s Wall and cannot wait to read more by Carrie Fancett Pagels.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This sounded like a good book, but I was disappointed. The characters didn’t appeal to me. After a while, I skipped to the end. What I read there offered no incentive to go back and read the full story.

Author Carrie Fancett Pagel's latest book gives us two mysteries in one novel. Lilly, Michigan's Mackinac Island Grand Hotel songbird from 1895 and the 2020 modern day successful interior decorator and HGTV Star Willa, both with secrets looking for answers. With in the first few pages you are immersed into the grandeur and elegance of the famous Grant Hotel with the longest porch in the world, the beautiful plush gardens and flower beds. I found it interesting and a little surprising that Ms. Pagel included the Covid Pandemic and mask wearing into her story. Here we are almost two years now and not too much has changed. I want to thank Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for allowing me to read this interesting book. The opinions in this review are my own.

Behind Love’s Wall is the fifth installment of Barbour’s great Doors to the Past series. Having loved the first four dual-timeline books in the series, I was looking forward to reading this one. I was a bit disappointed. I enjoyed the 1895 story. Detailed descriptions brought the Mackinaw Island setting to life. The historical aspect showed evidence of extensive research. The romance was sweet, and the faith element was inspiring. The characters especially Lily and Stephen were engaging and memorable. The disappointment came with the contemporary storyline. I found it confusing and hard to follow. I had difficulty keeping track of the numerous characters and connecting with the main characters Willa and Michael. Also, the copious references to the COVID pandemic were tiresome. I kept waiting and wanting to be drawn into the contemporary storyline as I was to the historical one, but it just did not happen. For these reasons, the book was just an okay read for me. I still recommend the Doors to the Past series and look forward to reading the next installment. All books in the series are stand alone.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed the other books in this series. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one as much. I think it's because I found it hard to keep all of the characters and story lines straight. There are really four story lines going on at the same time. The main characters in the past and present are both trying to piece together the early years of their lives. There were just too many times that I had to stop and think about what had happened to which character. There were many times that I had wished I had taken notes and yet that isn't what I want to do when reading a book like this. I think it caused a lack of real connection to any of the characters.

I received an advance copy from the publisher and Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

I have loved Barbour’s Doors to the Past series so I was really looking forward to this newest installment. I really like time slip stories but this one took a long time pull me in. I did end up enjoying the book, even though for me the two stories had so many connecting points it made it a bit hard to follow. All the Covid/pandemic references in the current day story were annoying and felt forced into the storyline. The descriptions of Mackinac Island in both of the time periods made the lovely setting easy to picture. The suspense was good and not predictable and made this book an enjoyable read overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.