Mackinac Island Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels

1897 – Michigan

Plans hatched in 1897 bring friends and family from far distances toward Mackinac Island’s new twin beacons—the Round Island Lighthouse and the Social Affirmation Society’s training/retreat center. A missing daughter, a missing godchild—two young women’s lives have intertwined in ways they could never have known. The solution to both of their mysteries is revealed when all hope has been lost by those seeking them.

Is romance out of the question for Val and Susan, when their hearts begin to heal? Will Paul and Lawrence, friends from their childhoods, brought to the island for work, be their beacons of hope? Can God bring all their paths together or will too many obstacles stand in their way?

2 Comments

I loved this delightful story set on Mackinac Island and the Round Island Lighthouse.
This charming story had two heros and two heroines whose backgrounds intertwined in sometimes mysterious ways. Susan and Valerie had hidden pasts. It was intriguing to see how they discovered their origins.
I will always love the setting because I once took a trip to the Island. The author describes Mackinac so beautifully and jogged my memories. It makes me want to go back.
Very helpful was a glossary of people in the front. I recognized many characters from previous books. One, Jack Welling, was very humorous as a youth who was training to compete in the Olympics. Ms. Pagels captured three year old Hetty adorably. The characters had depth, were realistic and lived out their faith authentically.
This book kept me turning pages wondering if the lost would be found and if the romances would play out favorably. I am looking forward to more books by this author set in one of my favorite places.
*I received an ebook of this title from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

This newest book by Carrie Fancett Pagels took me back to 1897 Mackinac Island for a special reunion with many of the characters that I’d met before. The Sugarplum Ladies were back but much of the story centered around two young women and the two male friends from their childhoods. And, then, there was Jack Welling! He hadn’t learned to filter his thoughts before he spoke so his remarks often provided humor during times when laughter was greatly needed. I really enjoyed Jack!!

Mackinac Island Beacon has a heartwarming story with romance, a missing daughter, and a spotlight on adoption and orphanages during the last years of the nineteenth century. I appreciated that Pagels used her psychological training to show the effects of mental illness and the need for treatment and understanding. She also enhanced the story with her references to faith. Pagel reminded us that God is always present in our lives and that His provision is non-ending. How else could the intense connection between Susan and Val be explained? How else can we define the instant connection that we often find with perfect strangers?

Longing for a lovely vacation getaway but unable to go physically? Mackinac Island Beacon is the perfect summer read for anyone looking for romance, a lovely setting, and an awesome adventure! I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

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Mackinac Island Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels