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.

Prayer is important. “He sent up a one-word prayer, God.” When we have no words, God ‘hears’ the longing of our hearts.

Characters support those in need. “I’m not letting you go through this alone.” Likewise, our heavenly Father has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable.

Lilac Cottage is a charming read with good, wholesome characters. Over it all is the love of God. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON