Behind Love's Wall

This story is written with a dual timeline —the present and 1895. It takes place at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Lily, a singer, and her cousin Clem, pianist entertain guests at the hotel in 1895. Lots of crazy and unsavory things happen before, during and after their time there. I really enjoyed this doors to the past book.

Behind Love's Wall is part of the Doors to the Past series. This is a series of standalone novels written by a variety of Christian fiction writers and as such, you can read one or all...and in any order too.

This book tells the story of two women 120 years apart, and while the author did a great job at creating both characters and stories, I must admit that I really enjoyed the part of this story that took place in the past much more. I think for me this had much to do with the fact that this took place in 2020--- with all that goes along with that. While I've read other books that mention COVID in passing, most tend to take it on as if it's already passed, not right in the midst of it, and this one was definitely in the midst of it with all the restrictions that it brought and still brings. While I can appreciate the truth in that, I also enjoy reading as an escape and I think for me personally, I just wasn't ready to deal with these real world goings on in a fictional setting. This is definitely more of a personal preference than anything to do with the writing though. Still, it did impact some of my enjoyment of the modern storyline. That said, I overall enjoyed the mystery of the story and seeing how it all would unfold and how the two stories would come together. If you enjoy a dual timeline story, this is certainly one to check out.


**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

I have always wanted to go to Mackinac Island. Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels took me there without leaving my couch. Pagels vivid description of everything from the smell of the flowers to the feel of riding the ferry was excellent! Add in a dual timeline tied to the grand hotel on the island and this book is a must read. The only problem I had, and it's a small one, were the number of characters in the story. But this is a small problem. Don't let it stop you from enjoying Behind Love's Wall.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

A great dual novel. I love how Lily and Willa find themselves, can embrace their painful family history when they let their walls crumble and allow the healing to begin. While it hooked me at the start with its fast pace beginning, the tension in the story softened as romance took over, but it didn't bother me as I was eager to let them accept love. I like how mental illnesses is addressed and handled in this book. Also, Willa's story is post-pandemic, and while COVID is mentioned, it's in light of how it affected Willa's business and not the focus of the story or even mentioned a lot. The fact that people are wearing masks made it realistic. I also enjoyed seeing characters from other novels Carrie has written.
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Pagel's work always finds a way to whisk the reader off to the past while keeping their feet firmly planted in the present. Behind Love's Wall is a lovely story that shows the history of the beautiful Mackinac Island and its storied hotel, as well as bringing characters from the present day into this time slip story.

Pagels books are uplifting and encouraging. I haven' t read one yet that has disappointed! Don't miss this charming story with connections to the long ago history of Mackinac and the present history of characters trying to rebound into regular life again post pandemic.

This would be a fun book to use for a book club or just for those who have an affinity for all things Victorian.

A time-split story that connects two characters. I loved seeing how far Lilly could get without anyone finding out her secret. Willa was having her own problems too but seeing how the author brings the two time-lines together was great. I loved the book being on the Mackinac Island because I enjoy reading about the Island. I would love to visit the Grand Hotel and see all the places in the book. Mix the romance, intrigue and mystery to the story and you have the ingredients for a great book.
If you like time-split books with these ingredients you will enjoy this one.
I received a NetGalley copy and a paperback from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Mackinac Island - such a place I want to go to someday for vacation. My grandparents went years ago, it sounds so picturesque.

This is the story of Lily and Willa. Lily in 1895 - the signer of the Grand Hotel. Willa in 2020 - the intended designer to update a suite. Little did she know there was a supposed murder in the suite and it has been untouched since 1895. With the long history of her family on the island and area, Willa is comfortable and anxious to begin, but as things show up and new stories come to light, is this really a project she wants to pursue. Lily comes to the island trying to break away from Kentucky, her mother's demise, and the curse she thinks she is under. Each with the help of a handsome suiter do they find that the past cannot dictate the present, or even their future.

I enjoyed this book, there were some instances I think it jumped and I didn't get why, but in all it was a good read. Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for this advanced reader copy.