Tag Archive | Mackinac Cottages

Garden Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mar19

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Garden Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a most delightful contemporary Christian novel that I read in just one sitting.

As readers of the author’s books, we know that whenever we pick up a book by Carrie Fancett Pagels, we will be richly entertained. In this book, we return to Mackinac Island and meet some new faces in a familiar setting. Cameo appearances of characters from previous novels bring an air of familiarity and comfort to the reader as we feel like we are coming home.

The pace of life is slower. The two lead characters are the other side of fifty. Both have lost their spouses and have wandered in a wasteland. One preferred to withdraw from life. The other threw herself into volunteering. Friendship blossoms as they realise that life can be fulfilling once more. There are second chances to be grabbed.

Love blossoms for younger characters too.

We see the blending of the Italian and American cultures. The latter are smaller families, whereas the Italians tend to have large extended families.

Characters need to find careers and passions that are fulfilling but “Lord, don’t let my daughter prioritize her career over life with her future family.” There is more to life than work. We witness the detrimental effect that workaholics bring to the family.

Sometimes careers are born out of love and care. A sister wants to develop healing fragrances after her brother lost his sense of smell after Covid.

Working the land brings joy. Some produce food, others produce flowers. All are part of God’s creation.

Life is not always smooth but God is always faithful. “We’re not guaranteed a smooth sailing… like in life. But we can trust God to provide.”  We see that His eye is on His children as one narrowly escapes harm. We see God turn her disappointment into thankfulness for His care.

Continue reading →

Tandem Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

May4

So Beautiful

Tandem Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a most charming contemporary Christian novel that I adored. It is the third book in the Mackinac Cottages series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Carrie Fancett Pagels always writes fabulous stories that are close to the heart of God. We see that life can be hard but God is always good and God is always faithful. We can lean on Him and trust Him through all the seasons of life. “She might not be able, but God was.”

God gives us opportunities. “There are no coincidences just God incidents.” Nothing in life surprises God. Whatever we are going through, He is already there. He provides instances where we can lean on Him and trust His leading. When life is hard and makes no sense, press into God, recognise His hand on our lives. “Choices… God was providing.” God provides choices to help us. We can choose whether to accept or not.

We learn about the importance of music. “Good praise music…that’s something that helps get me through… life.” Music can lift us above our circumstances and draw us close to the heart of God.

Within the tale, a character is suffering from grief. “Grief… You could be laughing one moment and crying the next.” Grief brings a mixture of emotions. Guilt and grief go hand in hand. God wants us to live free. He wants to take our grief and guilt and pain, and exchange them for His care and love. “None of us is perfect. But God extends grace.” Grace. We don’t deserve it. We cannot earn it. Grace is a gift from God, paid in full by the blood of Jesus on the cross.

Continue reading →

Lilac Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Sep20

Delightful

Lilac Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a delightful contemporary Christian novel which I loved. It is the second book in the Mackinac Cottages series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The reader is treated to the beautiful scenery of Mackinac through the author’s descriptions.  Found it easy to picture the scene as I know that the Grand Hotel in Mackinac was used in the 1980’s film Somewhere In Time. The pace of life is relaxing but not without incident.

We see the importance of heritage and knowing our roots. Ultimately what matters most is that we are all sons and daughters of the King. As much as our earthly family loves us, God loves us even more. “Did she have the right to ask God for anything more?… God wasn’t limited in His blessings.” God loves us and delights to bless us.

Grief brings conflicting emotions. “When Gram had died, she’d been furious at God.” God can handle our emotions, what He doesn’t want is our silence. He knows just what we need to heal. He longs to comfort us. “Poured out her grief to God.” God has loving arms that will comfort His children.

Continue reading →