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Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe
What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask, and how would He answer?
Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.
Then a curious stranger lands on Chelsea’s doorstep, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They’ve come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life’s biggest questions.
When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask God a question of her own—and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
“Max Lucado’s remarkable gift of storytelling brings the pages to life in his novel Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café. This highly relatable story of working through heartache and standing firm on your faith is intertwined with a good dose of humor and overflowing with biblical truth. This message will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.” —Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author of The Best Yes and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way
“Step inside the Higher Grounds Café, a place brimming with whop, a heaping helping of comfort food, and a direct line to heaven. Where faith lives, all things are possible, for a family, a community, and one woman who wasn’t sure she had the courage to believe again.” —Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours
“Now, here is the in-depth breakdown on why YOU will love First of all, Max Lucado is the best. Of course, angels, miracles and neighborhood cafés are also at the top of the list. Most of us love stories and according to statistics, 54% of us actually love coffee. So, there! Read Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café immediately. It’s a story by Max Lucado about an angel and the miracle performed for some folks (who drink coffee) in a cool neighborhood café. Can a book even get any better than this? I don’t think so.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift
Full-length inspirational novelUSA TODAY bestsellerIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.
Then a curious stranger lands on Chelsea’s doorstep, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They’ve come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life’s biggest questions.
When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask God a question of her own—and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
“Max Lucado’s remarkable gift of storytelling brings the pages to life in his novel Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café. This highly relatable story of working through heartache and standing firm on your faith is intertwined with a good dose of humor and overflowing with biblical truth. This message will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.” —Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author of The Best Yes and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way
“Step inside the Higher Grounds Café, a place brimming with whop, a heaping helping of comfort food, and a direct line to heaven. Where faith lives, all things are possible, for a family, a community, and one woman who wasn’t sure she had the courage to believe again.” —Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours
“Now, here is the in-depth breakdown on why YOU will love First of all, Max Lucado is the best. Of course, angels, miracles and neighborhood cafés are also at the top of the list. Most of us love stories and according to statistics, 54% of us actually love coffee. So, there! Read Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café immediately. It’s a story by Max Lucado about an angel and the miracle performed for some folks (who drink coffee) in a cool neighborhood café. Can a book even get any better than this? I don’t think so.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift
Full-length inspirational novelUSA TODAY bestsellerIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
554 people are currently reading
5005 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,420 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 832 reviews
June 17, 2017
This book is proof that I really really should read the description before I buy books because I'm pretty sure the reason I liked it so little is because I'm not religious at all. Chelsea who recently divorced her NFL star husband opens a cafe and someone comes to install a router that has a direct connection to god. The idea is a unique one but it felt so absurd the whole time I was reading it. I didn't enjoy the writing or any of the characters. Everything felt hard to believe even when I tried to be accommodating and then it had to go and have cheesy happy ending. I'm sure someone who is religious and likes feel good books might enjoy this, I just didn't at all.
July 15, 2015
MIRACLE AT THE HIGHER GROUNDS CAFE is all about love, forgiveness, and of course, coffee. I was instantly caught up in Chelsea's life and her problems. My heart broke for her and all she was going through. Keep a box of tissues close by while reading all about Chelsea and her customers and of course, Manny! Grab a big cup of coffee, your favorite blanket, this wonderful story and be prepared to finish in one or two sittings. Max Lucado does not preach his story, but rather shows you the beauty of faith and forgiveness.
We can all use a little help in our daily lives. We just have to learn how to ask for it.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We can all use a little help in our daily lives. We just have to learn how to ask for it.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2024
" Old friends would reunite. New friends would be made. Hopes and dreams, laughter and tears, they would all be shared over cups of coffee brewed with love, and more than not, a prayer."
This is a beautiful story of love, hopes and dreams, family and friends and faith in God. And, of course, miracles! It's also a story of new beginnings. Max Lucacdo writes this story from Heavens point of view and an angel that is on Earth who is watching over Chelsea, the main character.
It's a book that is hard to review without giving anything away. It speaks about guardian angels 😇, spiritual warfare, where of course, God always wins!!! It's a wonderful story of hope. Very uplifting and a fantastic read! The characters are well developed and believable, also very likable. That's all I can say about it, because it's one you need to experience. I truly loved it 🤍🕊️
Very highly recommended
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨😇🤍🕊️
This is a beautiful story of love, hopes and dreams, family and friends and faith in God. And, of course, miracles! It's also a story of new beginnings. Max Lucacdo writes this story from Heavens point of view and an angel that is on Earth who is watching over Chelsea, the main character.
It's a book that is hard to review without giving anything away. It speaks about guardian angels 😇, spiritual warfare, where of course, God always wins!!! It's a wonderful story of hope. Very uplifting and a fantastic read! The characters are well developed and believable, also very likable. That's all I can say about it, because it's one you need to experience. I truly loved it 🤍🕊️
Very highly recommended
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨😇🤍🕊️
September 21, 2024
Living on coffee, and a prayer…sounds about right ☕️🤌🏼
4.5 🌟 rounded up
I am a big fan of Max’s non-fiction writing but I thought I would give one of his few fiction books a go for a change.
This is a story all about hopes, dreams, love, forgiveness, and of course, lots of coffee. I was instantly invested in Chelsea's life and her many, many problems. I felt her all her pain, heartbreak and all that she had to go through, particularly at the beginning of the book.
Could Chelsea turn what was once reviewed as ‘a good old-fashioned cafe with a lot of heart’ into a ‘hub in South San’…
It was definitely not plain sailing for Chelsea and her family and even when she thought she’d landed on a strong foundation, her boat was rocked once again. Thank God for the many little (and big!) miracles along the way.
I loved the short snapping chapters that made for an extra quick read and the POV in this book. I don’t want to give anything else away but this is a special read, written from an incredibly unique perspective. I loved every second of reading it and only wish it was the start of a series.
Max Lucado continued to share his amazing storytelling ability with us but does not preach in this story, rather he shows how the beauty of faith and forgiveness can transform our lives. Chelsea found out that running a business is hard, but sometimes admitting you need help even harder…until she is gently reminded “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
(Psalms 145:18 NIV).
This is such a cozy read that could easily be read in one or two sittings. Grab a blanket, a big coffee and some cake whilst being whisked away to Texas for this immerse read.
“Hopes and dreams, laughter and tears, they would all be shared over cups of coffee brewed with love and, more often than not, a prayer..” 🤲🏼
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
4.5 🌟 rounded up
I am a big fan of Max’s non-fiction writing but I thought I would give one of his few fiction books a go for a change.
This is a story all about hopes, dreams, love, forgiveness, and of course, lots of coffee. I was instantly invested in Chelsea's life and her many, many problems. I felt her all her pain, heartbreak and all that she had to go through, particularly at the beginning of the book.
Could Chelsea turn what was once reviewed as ‘a good old-fashioned cafe with a lot of heart’ into a ‘hub in South San’…
It was definitely not plain sailing for Chelsea and her family and even when she thought she’d landed on a strong foundation, her boat was rocked once again. Thank God for the many little (and big!) miracles along the way.
I loved the short snapping chapters that made for an extra quick read and the POV in this book. I don’t want to give anything else away but this is a special read, written from an incredibly unique perspective. I loved every second of reading it and only wish it was the start of a series.
Max Lucado continued to share his amazing storytelling ability with us but does not preach in this story, rather he shows how the beauty of faith and forgiveness can transform our lives. Chelsea found out that running a business is hard, but sometimes admitting you need help even harder…until she is gently reminded “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
(Psalms 145:18 NIV).
This is such a cozy read that could easily be read in one or two sittings. Grab a blanket, a big coffee and some cake whilst being whisked away to Texas for this immerse read.
“Hopes and dreams, laughter and tears, they would all be shared over cups of coffee brewed with love and, more often than not, a prayer..” 🤲🏼
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
March 13, 2015
Chelsea Chambers has many hassles. She's inherited her mother's cafe, which had been a family business for generations, but discovered an $86 000 debt. This comes on the heels of separating from her husband, who has cheated on her, and trying to deal with the confusion and grief of their two young children. But business takes a sudden boom with the arrival of the 'God Blog' on her premises; a direct internet line to God, who offers to answer the heartfelt prayers of any customers. Chelsea's staff are more than meet the eye too.
The story kept reminding me of movies. It had elements of 'Bruce Almighty' and 'Evan Almighty' but overall, I found it to be more like one of those Hallmark inspired movies, maybe a bit too kitsch and cute. The characters seemed to fall into stereotypes. Frazzled, hard-done-by, beautiful young mother, troubled prepubescent son, adorable daughter, and estranged, sports star husband who has seen the error of his ways. Then there is Manny, the quirky, lovable employee, who is really an angel, and Dennis Darling, the smarmy business man 'friend' with his own agenda.
I was surprised not to find many of Max Lucado's heart-stirring passages which he's so well-known for in his non-fiction. I started this book thinking that fiction may give him another great outlet to do what he does best, but there seems to be much less. I have to say that even though I love his non-fiction and even his kids' books, I'm not a great fan of his adult fiction based on this book.
However, I think his aim of highlighting hidden, spiritual realities was achieved. As we're told, 'prayer moves God, and God moves angels.' There is more going on in the hidden realm around us than meets the eye. Prayers are heard and responded to in their perfect time. They are never wasted or useless. And we never know what may result in the lives of ourselves and our loved ones when we dare to persist in praying for them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my review copy.
The story kept reminding me of movies. It had elements of 'Bruce Almighty' and 'Evan Almighty' but overall, I found it to be more like one of those Hallmark inspired movies, maybe a bit too kitsch and cute. The characters seemed to fall into stereotypes. Frazzled, hard-done-by, beautiful young mother, troubled prepubescent son, adorable daughter, and estranged, sports star husband who has seen the error of his ways. Then there is Manny, the quirky, lovable employee, who is really an angel, and Dennis Darling, the smarmy business man 'friend' with his own agenda.
I was surprised not to find many of Max Lucado's heart-stirring passages which he's so well-known for in his non-fiction. I started this book thinking that fiction may give him another great outlet to do what he does best, but there seems to be much less. I have to say that even though I love his non-fiction and even his kids' books, I'm not a great fan of his adult fiction based on this book.
However, I think his aim of highlighting hidden, spiritual realities was achieved. As we're told, 'prayer moves God, and God moves angels.' There is more going on in the hidden realm around us than meets the eye. Prayers are heard and responded to in their perfect time. They are never wasted or useless. And we never know what may result in the lives of ourselves and our loved ones when we dare to persist in praying for them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my review copy.
July 18, 2018
This is an other great teaching by the great author Max Lucado.. Please read weather you are a Christian or not. It has many jems.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
November 23, 2018
A different sort of Max Lucado book...but an entertaining one!
December 9, 2015
Great read!
This book was about faith, forgiveness and the healing power of God's love. If you like reading books by Max Lucado, then you will like this one too.
This book was about faith, forgiveness and the healing power of God's love. If you like reading books by Max Lucado, then you will like this one too.
August 16, 2022
Selesaiiiii! Dan sukaaaa 🤩🤩🤩. Bagaimana jika kamu dapat menanyakan apa saja kepada Allah? Apa yang akan kamu tanyakan? Baca ini jadi pengen makan cupcake 😜. Ketika kamu merasa kesepian, diabaikan dan sendirian bacalah novel ini. Meskipun terjemahannya kurang bagus tapi ceritanya bagus. Cara berceritanya aku suka, manis, hangat dan lucu. Baca cerita Chelsea Chambers memberikan banyak masukkan buatku pribadi. Dari beberapa kutipannya, aku merasa harus memperbaiki caraku berdoa dan meminta kepada Tuhan. Aku suka jawaban dari Tuhan untuk Blog Allah. Aku suka kisah Chelsea dan Sawyer setiap baca bagian mereka selalu bikin baper. Meskipun Chelsea dendam sekali sama Sawyer tapi buatku Sawyer pantas diberi kesempatan kedua. Aku suka Bo. Suka Manny yang selalu bikin tertawa. Juga suka Katrina, penasaran sama latte artnya. Aku suka yang bagian perayaan kepulangan Desiree meskipun sedih tapi kagum juga karena bangku-bangku gereja bisa penuh bahkan sampai orang-orang berdiri untuk mengantarkannya salut 👏🏼. Suka Tony meskipun dia bapak pendeta tapi masih yang realistis gitu buatku. Pokoknya aku suka ceritanya. Buatku pribadi yang bukan besar dari keluarga nasrani, novel ini sangat berkesan dan membantu aku. Terima kasih buat adikku yang sudah rekomen novel ini buat dibaca 🙏🏼🥰.
.
.
“Tentu kelihatannya begitu, Katrina. Tapi berdoa bukan meminta Allah melakukan apa yang kita inginkan. Berdoa adalah meminta Allah melakukan apa yang benar.” (Hal 159).
.
.
“Tentu kelihatannya begitu, Katrina. Tapi berdoa bukan meminta Allah melakukan apa yang kita inginkan. Berdoa adalah meminta Allah melakukan apa yang benar.” (Hal 159).
May 14, 2015
In general feel this is almost like a cozy cafe mystery. There's a problem to solve, people who rally around and support the key character(s) and a heart-warming solution at the end.
It's not a mystery though. It's also not a romance, though it certainly demonstrates elements of relationships, seeing the truth in others, and the importance of forgiveness.
This is a book about community, about trust and, most of all, about prayer. It's for anyone who's ever wondered, "Is God listening? Does He really care? What difference does it make if I pray?" It's a book about love: love of a parent, love of a spouse, love of a friend, love of a sibling, and God's love for us.
It won't take long to read, and you'll feel better for having done so. And you might recognize your own questions in some of those posted to The God Blog. (I finished it early this morning and will probably reread before returning it to the library, because Max Lucado is an expert at disguising deep truths within simple analogies.)
It's not a mystery though. It's also not a romance, though it certainly demonstrates elements of relationships, seeing the truth in others, and the importance of forgiveness.
This is a book about community, about trust and, most of all, about prayer. It's for anyone who's ever wondered, "Is God listening? Does He really care? What difference does it make if I pray?" It's a book about love: love of a parent, love of a spouse, love of a friend, love of a sibling, and God's love for us.
It won't take long to read, and you'll feel better for having done so. And you might recognize your own questions in some of those posted to The God Blog. (I finished it early this morning and will probably reread before returning it to the library, because Max Lucado is an expert at disguising deep truths within simple analogies.)
March 7, 2015
MIRACLE AT THE HIGHER GROUNDS CAFE is a cute story. At first I was disenchanted as Mr. Lucado started the book with major backstory. But once the information dump was over, the story picked up and grabbed my interest.
My son asked me if this was nonfiction, since that is what Mr. Lucado is known for, and I told him no, this is fiction, but it is showing us the very real-spiritual battle that goes on daily in the world that we can't see or comprehend. I absolutely loved the way Mr. Lucado portrayed this, and even more, I liked the spiritual truths that he shared in the book.
I could say a lot more, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. But even if you don't like fantasy or sci fi, give MIRACLE AT THE HIGHER GROUNDS CAFE a chance. It may be fiction, but this is not sci fi or fantasy. It's realism, fictionalized. 4.5 stars.
My son asked me if this was nonfiction, since that is what Mr. Lucado is known for, and I told him no, this is fiction, but it is showing us the very real-spiritual battle that goes on daily in the world that we can't see or comprehend. I absolutely loved the way Mr. Lucado portrayed this, and even more, I liked the spiritual truths that he shared in the book.
I could say a lot more, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. But even if you don't like fantasy or sci fi, give MIRACLE AT THE HIGHER GROUNDS CAFE a chance. It may be fiction, but this is not sci fi or fantasy. It's realism, fictionalized. 4.5 stars.
August 30, 2022
A quick and pleasant read. This is a story about a woman facing several life changes (divorce, business failure, parenting concerns) and an angel sent to help her through them. I thought the story was great and timely, though slightly sugary but that’s to be expected with a faith-based story. I really liked it - 4 stars!
February 26, 2020
I’ve loved a few of Max Lucado’s books for children and Unshakable Hope has been really important to me, so I thought I’d give this one a try.
It was sooo good. More than I could have imagined. It was honestly the perfect book to start off 2020, and I’m so glad I impulse bought it. XD
It was uplifting, interesting, and felt very real. I grew to love (or at least just understand) all the characters, and even the coffee shop itself felt like a character. Also, have you ever read a book that promised to include a lot of food and then didn’t? This one was properly food-full and made me want to bake something complicated and unique. :D
I was also really blessed by the question and answer element of the story. The concept is that people can come and ask any one question about life and get an answer from God. Even though the answers were fictional, of course, (though very based in actual Scripture) it was a beautiful reminder that God wants us to know Him and that He holds all the answers. <3
The spiritual warfare element of the book was also AMAZING. It wasn’t too creepy or creative, and it reminded me of just how loved I am and we are, of how God is fighting for us, and of how much little moments do matter. I really loved the rejoicing scene. <3
Just a note, there were a few details of Chelsea’s backstory and a sin a side character considers that are a little rough for young readers. Also, while I thought it was adorable how much Manny enjoyed Star Wars and how it is a story of good vs. evil, I am uncomfortable with comparing it to spiritual warfare since it doesn’t directly correlate.
Altogether, I was blessed by this book and found the ending quite satisfactory. Definitely an encouraging one. ;)
It was sooo good. More than I could have imagined. It was honestly the perfect book to start off 2020, and I’m so glad I impulse bought it. XD
It was uplifting, interesting, and felt very real. I grew to love (or at least just understand) all the characters, and even the coffee shop itself felt like a character. Also, have you ever read a book that promised to include a lot of food and then didn’t? This one was properly food-full and made me want to bake something complicated and unique. :D
I was also really blessed by the question and answer element of the story. The concept is that people can come and ask any one question about life and get an answer from God. Even though the answers were fictional, of course, (though very based in actual Scripture) it was a beautiful reminder that God wants us to know Him and that He holds all the answers. <3
The spiritual warfare element of the book was also AMAZING. It wasn’t too creepy or creative, and it reminded me of just how loved I am and we are, of how God is fighting for us, and of how much little moments do matter. I really loved the rejoicing scene. <3
Just a note, there were a few details of Chelsea’s backstory and a sin a side character considers that are a little rough for young readers. Also, while I thought it was adorable how much Manny enjoyed Star Wars and how it is a story of good vs. evil, I am uncomfortable with comparing it to spiritual warfare since it doesn’t directly correlate.
Altogether, I was blessed by this book and found the ending quite satisfactory. Definitely an encouraging one. ;)
November 26, 2015
I won this book through Goodreads First-reads. Chelsea was facing many of life's problems, when she open a coffee shop café. A stranger came to the shop and was a big help in running the store. Soon customers came too. they also wanted answers. The answers came on the internet in her store. They were all talking to someone Divine. Finally Chelsea got the answers she needed in a most unexpected way. It was a hard to put down book.
April 12, 2015
One of those books that has become a very pleasant surprise. At a little less than 200 pages, this book would make a very nice Hallmark Hall of Fame story.
July 16, 2017
This was a cute story, and I loved the cafe setting. BUT the story was a bit too fantastic, and the characters didn't seem to react appropriately to things that would happen. There were conversations that were hard to follow, and I had to re-read them several times to understand. It just seemed poorly written. Nice ending, and I loved the spiritual truths throughout... I REALLY wanted to enjoy it more!
July 5, 2016
From the very first paragraph, I knew I was going to rate this 5 stars. This story is so my style! I absolutely love the writing technique. The beautiful details of everything going on and the description of the cafe. Aww!!! Love it!!
A lovely book that will remind you of It's a Wonderful Life.
A lovely book that will remind you of It's a Wonderful Life.
Read
June 11, 2015After a streak of meh reads, I needed a palate cleanser and this called to me while I was perusing my shelves.
I generally do not like Christian fiction because I don't like my faith to be trivialized. However this was a very simple yet touching story.
I generally do not like Christian fiction because I don't like my faith to be trivialized. However this was a very simple yet touching story.
October 27, 2015
Als een boek je laat zuchten, sniffen, verwonderen en genieten vind ik het helemaal terecht dat ik dit boek 5 sterren geef. Jawel er is heus wat op aan te merken. Maar dat gevoel dat het me gaf verdient dit.
Oh my unicorn, ik heb net een goddelijk boek 5 sterren gegeven.
Oh my unicorn, ik heb net een goddelijk boek 5 sterren gegeven.
February 6, 2017
Als getuigenis, super!
Als verhaal, mwa...
Als verhaal, mwa...
December 22, 2022
One of the funniest, most inspiring, and wisely uplifting books I've read. I loved all of the lessons about God, forgiveness, heartache, and the Bible. Cleverly written and absolutely beautiful, this book was stunning in every way from the broken and beautiful characters and their help from the "God Blog" at the cafe to the gripping and uplifting ending in the reminder that GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US, in the sunshine and in the storms. His love for us truly overcomes all. 💕
June 21, 2023
I love 'heavenly intervention' stories, and this one was quite the gem! I loved how Chelsea was trying to figure out 'life on her own' after her separation from her philandering husband. I loved how Sawyer himself was honestly trying to become a better man. I loved Hancock and Emily and their desire for their family to be whole.
I REALLY loved Manny and his determination to complete his mission in the most God-honouring way possible!
Without giving spoilers, I will say that the theme of second chances and the answer to the 'biggest question of all' left me in grateful tears at a few points.
I REALLY loved Manny and his determination to complete his mission in the most God-honouring way possible!
Without giving spoilers, I will say that the theme of second chances and the answer to the 'biggest question of all' left me in grateful tears at a few points.
dnf
December 18, 2020DNF @ 11%.
I thought about DNFing when a literal guardian angel appeared. I did DNF after a rich woman was described as "cosmetically curved" whatever that means. The writing was wooden, devoid of all personality, and while I didn't get far enough to really know what the plot would be, I'm not interested in finding out. I think I got this on a kindle sale in college, but other than that I can't imagine why I would have ever picked this up to begin with.
I thought about DNFing when a literal guardian angel appeared. I did DNF after a rich woman was described as "cosmetically curved" whatever that means. The writing was wooden, devoid of all personality, and while I didn't get far enough to really know what the plot would be, I'm not interested in finding out. I think I got this on a kindle sale in college, but other than that I can't imagine why I would have ever picked this up to begin with.
August 20, 2017
A sweet heavenly read. The author shows the power of prayer and the need of so many. Sometimes our heart and soul just need a refresher course.
September 20, 2022
A sweet quick and easy read. The story was cute, and I enjoyed it.
February 16, 2015
Coffee house cozy and uniquely uplifting are the best way I can describe Max Lucado’s new fiction title Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe. From their seats in heaven, angels have an amazing view of life on earth and of the “light” emanating from holy places and people. One of those places just happens to be San Antonio’s Higher Grounds Cafe. Preparing for it’s grand reopening this Victorian style home turned cafe was established on the principles of hospitality and prayer. The cafe’s new owner, Chelsea Chambers, hopes to start a new life apart from her adulterous husband, former NFL superstar, Sawyer Chambers. What she can’t see is the sinister darkness that threatens to envelope both Chelsea and the cafe. Her dire circumstances require divine intervention.
Lucado has created a few particularly likable characters for this story. My top three are Chelsea, Bo, and Manny. I’ll start with Manny, he made me chuckle a number of times due to his complete disregard for fashion and his propensity for disaster. Through all of his fumbling and bumbling, he is humble, thoughtful, and always there when Chelsea finds herself in a pinch. Chelsea, as the main character, has the most growing up to do–readers will see an inspiring transformation take place in her life. Rounding out my favorites is the cafe’s long time patron Bo. A bedrock of faith, Bo lends wisdom and perspective to Chelsea’s troubles.
I found Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe to be reminiscent of two other great Christian books. The first is The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Where The Screwtape Letters highlight the subversive efforts of demons, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe gives the opposite view by portraying the efforts of angels on our behalf. My absolute favorite scene depicts angels rejoicing over a life newly surrendered to Christ. The second title I am reminded of is Max Lucado’s newest non-fiction title Before Amen. Because this title is still fresh in my mind, I noticed the presence of a simple prayer of surrender “God I need help,” and deeper prayers which follow the “Pocket Prayer” structure seen in Before Amen. Readers who have enjoyed either The Screwtape Letters or Before Amen will also enjoy this book.
The importance of prayer, the presence of unseen spiritual forces, as well as God’s willingness to hear and respond to prayer are major elements of the book. Furthermore, it possesses spiritual lesson in faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation which make for a very encouraging and heart-warming tale. I give Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe 4/5 stars.
I received this book free as a member of the Litfuse blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Lucado has created a few particularly likable characters for this story. My top three are Chelsea, Bo, and Manny. I’ll start with Manny, he made me chuckle a number of times due to his complete disregard for fashion and his propensity for disaster. Through all of his fumbling and bumbling, he is humble, thoughtful, and always there when Chelsea finds herself in a pinch. Chelsea, as the main character, has the most growing up to do–readers will see an inspiring transformation take place in her life. Rounding out my favorites is the cafe’s long time patron Bo. A bedrock of faith, Bo lends wisdom and perspective to Chelsea’s troubles.
I found Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe to be reminiscent of two other great Christian books. The first is The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Where The Screwtape Letters highlight the subversive efforts of demons, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe gives the opposite view by portraying the efforts of angels on our behalf. My absolute favorite scene depicts angels rejoicing over a life newly surrendered to Christ. The second title I am reminded of is Max Lucado’s newest non-fiction title Before Amen. Because this title is still fresh in my mind, I noticed the presence of a simple prayer of surrender “God I need help,” and deeper prayers which follow the “Pocket Prayer” structure seen in Before Amen. Readers who have enjoyed either The Screwtape Letters or Before Amen will also enjoy this book.
The importance of prayer, the presence of unseen spiritual forces, as well as God’s willingness to hear and respond to prayer are major elements of the book. Furthermore, it possesses spiritual lesson in faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation which make for a very encouraging and heart-warming tale. I give Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe 4/5 stars.
I received this book free as a member of the Litfuse blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 28, 2015
Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado is a wonderful novel, and I was blessed to receive a copy. I have read many books by Max Lucado, and have never been disappointed, and this latest novel was no exception.
Chelsea Chambers inherited the Higher Grounds cafe from her mother, who in turn had inherited it from her mother. For newly separated Chelsea and her two children Hancock and Emily, it is to be a new start in life. Chelsea is married to a former NFL star, who cheated on her. Chelsea feels bitter, vulnerable and determined not to be hurt again. She is already the product of divorced parents, and feels great dislike of her father.
Chelsea wants the cafe to be a success. It is a slow start, but when new employee Manny starts work, people begin to flood into the cafe as they hear of the miraculous things that are happening.
The novel is an easy read, but the content is deep, and can have a profound effect on one's faith. There is the theme running throughout of a God who never leaves us. We may think that we face our toughest times alone, but that is when God is closest.
The theme of life being a spiritual battle between the forces of light and darkness is also present. When life seems at its bleakest, that is when it is important to hang on to the light.
Prayers play a major role in the novel, and show that God does bend His ear to every prayer uttered. Sometimes in life, people need to pray but they often resist it until all other options are exhausted. As Tony says in the novel, 'God loves to get knee mail.'
The theme of forgiveness occurs in the novel. Chelsea realises that there are people she must forgive, but resists for fear of being hurt again. Will she do the right thing and forgive? Or will she hang on to unforgiveness?
The bond of love and family is clearly demonstrated in the novel. Family is not just blood related, but community based. The reader is reminded that everyone is part of God's family.
I really enjoyed reading Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe. Max Lucado presents simple God given truths, that we should all be aware of. When they hit your very soul, you find yourself gasping at the enormity of what Max is saying.
You can read Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe just on the surface as a 'nice' novel, but I urge you to go deeper and let the words penetrate into your soul. Realise that the God presented in the novel loves you and will never leave you. He longs to hear from you - so send Him your knee mail today.
Chelsea Chambers inherited the Higher Grounds cafe from her mother, who in turn had inherited it from her mother. For newly separated Chelsea and her two children Hancock and Emily, it is to be a new start in life. Chelsea is married to a former NFL star, who cheated on her. Chelsea feels bitter, vulnerable and determined not to be hurt again. She is already the product of divorced parents, and feels great dislike of her father.
Chelsea wants the cafe to be a success. It is a slow start, but when new employee Manny starts work, people begin to flood into the cafe as they hear of the miraculous things that are happening.
The novel is an easy read, but the content is deep, and can have a profound effect on one's faith. There is the theme running throughout of a God who never leaves us. We may think that we face our toughest times alone, but that is when God is closest.
The theme of life being a spiritual battle between the forces of light and darkness is also present. When life seems at its bleakest, that is when it is important to hang on to the light.
Prayers play a major role in the novel, and show that God does bend His ear to every prayer uttered. Sometimes in life, people need to pray but they often resist it until all other options are exhausted. As Tony says in the novel, 'God loves to get knee mail.'
The theme of forgiveness occurs in the novel. Chelsea realises that there are people she must forgive, but resists for fear of being hurt again. Will she do the right thing and forgive? Or will she hang on to unforgiveness?
The bond of love and family is clearly demonstrated in the novel. Family is not just blood related, but community based. The reader is reminded that everyone is part of God's family.
I really enjoyed reading Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe. Max Lucado presents simple God given truths, that we should all be aware of. When they hit your very soul, you find yourself gasping at the enormity of what Max is saying.
You can read Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe just on the surface as a 'nice' novel, but I urge you to go deeper and let the words penetrate into your soul. Realise that the God presented in the novel loves you and will never leave you. He longs to hear from you - so send Him your knee mail today.
March 3, 2015
What an interesting story! I have to say I was surprised by how this novel kept me turning the pages quickly with the God Blog and delicious pastry goodies.
At first I was really leery of the whole angel thing, but by the end that was one of my favorite parts! Max really makes a point that you really never know when you could be entertaining angels (or they could even be entreating you!). Manny was so priceless as a guardian angel!
As a whole, the plot was good. I enjoyed all the characters and felt majority of them had transforming character development, but did feel the ending was slightly rushed. It was a good wrapping up of loose ends, but just a little too fast for my taste.
I would say this was an inspiring quick read, especially concerning prayer. I was greatly moved by the reminder of how God ALWAYS answers/hears our prayers. He just might answer differently then we expect Him too. Overall, I would recommend this read to coffee lovers and anyone who loves a heroine “getting it” by the end.
*(I received this novel from Litfuse Publicity/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*
At first I was really leery of the whole angel thing, but by the end that was one of my favorite parts! Max really makes a point that you really never know when you could be entertaining angels (or they could even be entreating you!). Manny was so priceless as a guardian angel!
As a whole, the plot was good. I enjoyed all the characters and felt majority of them had transforming character development, but did feel the ending was slightly rushed. It was a good wrapping up of loose ends, but just a little too fast for my taste.
I would say this was an inspiring quick read, especially concerning prayer. I was greatly moved by the reminder of how God ALWAYS answers/hears our prayers. He just might answer differently then we expect Him too. Overall, I would recommend this read to coffee lovers and anyone who loves a heroine “getting it” by the end.
*(I received this novel from Litfuse Publicity/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*
May 17, 2024
“With one cup of coffee, Chelsea Chambers could rule the world. And by six a.m. she’d had several. Four, to be precise… Today was the grand reopening of her family’s café.”
Tropes & Themes:
Single Mom of Two
Trial Separation
NFL All-Star ex
“Women are Fragile”
Non-Believer / Skeptic
Coffeehouse > Three Generations Family Business > Victorian Home lower level converted into a Coffeehouse
Spirituality > Angels > Guardian Angels
Community & Neighborhood
Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café by Credobaptist Pastor and Storyteller, Max Lucado, was a fun, faith-based book, and while not my typical read, there were enough elements that piqued my interest, and the pages were flippin’!
The FMC, Chelsea Chambers is a non-believer/skeptic and it’s her perspective the reader mainly follows with a batch of other POVs between. So if faith-based books turn you off, don’t worry, this story doesn’t have a stifling religious overtone at all.
I loved the concept of the Higher Grounds Café and how it was a third generation coffeehouse, starting with her Grandmother, then her mother, and now it’s Chelsea’s turn. I could see the old picturesque Victorian, turned coffeehouse, with it’s 60’s vintage charm and modern appliances, and felt like I was right there with Chelsea.
In addition to being willed the family coffeehouse, Chelsea also inherits the nearly 90K in debt that came with it. (Gee, thanks.) She’s newly separated from her NFL All-Star Husband, Sawyer, after a marriage of thirteen years and two children because he cheated on her, spent all their money, and other transgressions she can’t forgive. But he’s not letting her go that easy… Sawyer realizes he fumbled 🏈 this one and he wants his family back.
The grand reopening is off to a rough start: she gives away more than she sells, she’s juggling the needs of her young children who miss their father, and her first employee quits on her, to work for the competition, Café Cosmos — an extremely trendy local coffeehouse. Just as she thinks all is doomed, a customer, Manny, comes flying through her door, with a knack for fixing complicated espresso machines and a serious lack of fashion-sense…. She hires him on the spot, grateful for his ✨ divine ✨ intervention.
Chelsea’s confidence waxes and wanes like the moon between the lows of struggling with her decision to separate their family (even though it was Sawyer’s fault and she was drawing a line to protect herself by having a Trial Separation), and the highs of her coffeehouse giving Café Cosmos a run for their money, ever since her new hire and his marketing idea: The God Blog.
Thanks to Manny, she’s able to hire Katrina, a talented barista with a practical PH.D in latte foam art, and Chelsea can make more time for her children. Unfortunately, Sawyer is present for most of these family fun nights in an effort to win back the affections of his wife, further complicating her feelings and confusing her children.
I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the introduction of The God Blog, which featured a website to ask God a question. My question was: why on earth do people have to visit the Café in order to visit a website? And how did they access the network, by using the Café’s WIFI? How come nobody came in with laptops? The answer is revealed much later and I’m not sure why it was withheld.
Mid-book it becomes more clear that God is representative of the Christian Faith and not asking of ✨ The Universe ✨ or otherwise. Interestingly enough, an elderly Japanese businessman visits (from Japan) The Higher Grounds Cafe, just for the God Blog — except less than 1% of Japan practices Christianity, so I feel like that visit should have mattered more, or the country of origin of the visitor omitted for readers like me who will take the time to investigate, 😁 or, of course more thorough research of Japanese culture.
In addition, Chelsea’s sister Sara is a Minister’s wife of a Christian church. Pastor Tony’s sermon on coffee was cute and I liked how he delivered it, but was disappointed in the priorities of he and Sara. (Spoiler warning) Fortunately, their characters are redeemed in the end and their focus turns to the importance of community, the neighborhood, and sticking to your roots by remaining where you’re planted. I loved this change in them and was happy to see it. (End of Spoiler Warning)
I wasn’t as charmed by neighbor and regular customer, Bo, and that he babysat her kids was insane to me. (Spoiler Warning) On what planet would a twelve-year-old boy go to a random elder stranger to talk when he had a father who was active and present in his life? And Bo’s pushy, overbearing nature crossed the line when he talked to young Hancock about scripture and handed him a Bible, without his mother’s say-so, just like it would be inappropriate for me to hand one of my neighborhood kids the Quran, Wicca 101, or a Buddhism book on how to reach Nirvana. Worse, Bo practiced a ritualistic religious act with Hancock. I found the crossing of that boundary to be too much in contemporary society. (End of Spoiler Warning)
There are some Bookish Tropes that applied to Chelsea, including “women are delicate,” which isn’t a favorite of mine. It is mentioned that her happiness is tied to Sawyer and that didn’t make sense at all to me. She “didn’t know what she would have done without Sawyer,” (when he literally does the bare minimum by calling emergency services, whoopity whoop…. Chelsea, you are a successful business woman, surely you are capable of dialing a phone).
Instead, I saw happiness in the love she put into her baking and her coffee, her devoted customers, and her children were the absolute caramel-apple Frappuccinos of her eye. Why even give your decision a second, third, or even millionth thought? In the end, I was utterly relieved that it was about something much bigger than Sawyer. (Spoiler Warning) Just like the sticky latte foam on the rim of a cup that just came out of the dishwasher, he does, of course, stick around for the second act. (End of Spoiler Warning)
The issues I had with this story paled in comparison to the enjoyment I felt reading and vicariously living through Lucado’s whimsically crafted world, filled with richly entertaining and complex characters, a multi-generational women-owned coffee business… — (ahem, didn’t realize women in Texas USA owned businesses in the 1960’s, but okay I’ll put that and the Japanese man aside momentarily,) and the big reveal was nothing short of ✨ Divine ✨. It just might have even brought a little tear to my eye. 😭
I’d recommend this fun read to believers and non-believers alike. A solid 5 stars.
Tropes & Themes:
Single Mom of Two
Trial Separation
NFL All-Star ex
“Women are Fragile”
Non-Believer / Skeptic
Coffeehouse > Three Generations Family Business > Victorian Home lower level converted into a Coffeehouse
Spirituality > Angels > Guardian Angels
Community & Neighborhood
Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café by Credobaptist Pastor and Storyteller, Max Lucado, was a fun, faith-based book, and while not my typical read, there were enough elements that piqued my interest, and the pages were flippin’!
The FMC, Chelsea Chambers is a non-believer/skeptic and it’s her perspective the reader mainly follows with a batch of other POVs between. So if faith-based books turn you off, don’t worry, this story doesn’t have a stifling religious overtone at all.
I loved the concept of the Higher Grounds Café and how it was a third generation coffeehouse, starting with her Grandmother, then her mother, and now it’s Chelsea’s turn. I could see the old picturesque Victorian, turned coffeehouse, with it’s 60’s vintage charm and modern appliances, and felt like I was right there with Chelsea.
In addition to being willed the family coffeehouse, Chelsea also inherits the nearly 90K in debt that came with it. (Gee, thanks.) She’s newly separated from her NFL All-Star Husband, Sawyer, after a marriage of thirteen years and two children because he cheated on her, spent all their money, and other transgressions she can’t forgive. But he’s not letting her go that easy… Sawyer realizes he fumbled 🏈 this one and he wants his family back.
The grand reopening is off to a rough start: she gives away more than she sells, she’s juggling the needs of her young children who miss their father, and her first employee quits on her, to work for the competition, Café Cosmos — an extremely trendy local coffeehouse. Just as she thinks all is doomed, a customer, Manny, comes flying through her door, with a knack for fixing complicated espresso machines and a serious lack of fashion-sense…. She hires him on the spot, grateful for his ✨ divine ✨ intervention.
Chelsea’s confidence waxes and wanes like the moon between the lows of struggling with her decision to separate their family (even though it was Sawyer’s fault and she was drawing a line to protect herself by having a Trial Separation), and the highs of her coffeehouse giving Café Cosmos a run for their money, ever since her new hire and his marketing idea: The God Blog.
Thanks to Manny, she’s able to hire Katrina, a talented barista with a practical PH.D in latte foam art, and Chelsea can make more time for her children. Unfortunately, Sawyer is present for most of these family fun nights in an effort to win back the affections of his wife, further complicating her feelings and confusing her children.
I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the introduction of The God Blog, which featured a website to ask God a question. My question was: why on earth do people have to visit the Café in order to visit a website? And how did they access the network, by using the Café’s WIFI? How come nobody came in with laptops? The answer is revealed much later and I’m not sure why it was withheld.
Mid-book it becomes more clear that God is representative of the Christian Faith and not asking of ✨ The Universe ✨ or otherwise. Interestingly enough, an elderly Japanese businessman visits (from Japan) The Higher Grounds Cafe, just for the God Blog — except less than 1% of Japan practices Christianity, so I feel like that visit should have mattered more, or the country of origin of the visitor omitted for readers like me who will take the time to investigate, 😁 or, of course more thorough research of Japanese culture.
In addition, Chelsea’s sister Sara is a Minister’s wife of a Christian church. Pastor Tony’s sermon on coffee was cute and I liked how he delivered it, but was disappointed in the priorities of he and Sara. (Spoiler warning) Fortunately, their characters are redeemed in the end and their focus turns to the importance of community, the neighborhood, and sticking to your roots by remaining where you’re planted. I loved this change in them and was happy to see it. (End of Spoiler Warning)
I wasn’t as charmed by neighbor and regular customer, Bo, and that he babysat her kids was insane to me. (Spoiler Warning) On what planet would a twelve-year-old boy go to a random elder stranger to talk when he had a father who was active and present in his life? And Bo’s pushy, overbearing nature crossed the line when he talked to young Hancock about scripture and handed him a Bible, without his mother’s say-so, just like it would be inappropriate for me to hand one of my neighborhood kids the Quran, Wicca 101, or a Buddhism book on how to reach Nirvana. Worse, Bo practiced a ritualistic religious act with Hancock. I found the crossing of that boundary to be too much in contemporary society. (End of Spoiler Warning)
There are some Bookish Tropes that applied to Chelsea, including “women are delicate,” which isn’t a favorite of mine. It is mentioned that her happiness is tied to Sawyer and that didn’t make sense at all to me. She “didn’t know what she would have done without Sawyer,” (when he literally does the bare minimum by calling emergency services, whoopity whoop…. Chelsea, you are a successful business woman, surely you are capable of dialing a phone).
Instead, I saw happiness in the love she put into her baking and her coffee, her devoted customers, and her children were the absolute caramel-apple Frappuccinos of her eye. Why even give your decision a second, third, or even millionth thought? In the end, I was utterly relieved that it was about something much bigger than Sawyer. (Spoiler Warning) Just like the sticky latte foam on the rim of a cup that just came out of the dishwasher, he does, of course, stick around for the second act. (End of Spoiler Warning)
The issues I had with this story paled in comparison to the enjoyment I felt reading and vicariously living through Lucado’s whimsically crafted world, filled with richly entertaining and complex characters, a multi-generational women-owned coffee business… — (ahem, didn’t realize women in Texas USA owned businesses in the 1960’s, but okay I’ll put that and the Japanese man aside momentarily,) and the big reveal was nothing short of ✨ Divine ✨. It just might have even brought a little tear to my eye. 😭
I’d recommend this fun read to believers and non-believers alike. A solid 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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