Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Chapel Springs #4

Life in Chapel Springs

Rate this book
Is it a midlife pregnancy or cancer? Claire will keep her secret until she's sure but it's not easy. Neither is trying to buy a home pregnancy test without anyone finding out. Between her twins double wedding, the caterer canceling, a looming nationwide art tour and her health, Claire's life is upside down. Shy Lacey Dawson was happily writing murder mysteries for the community theater with her eye on Broadway. Then, a freak accident causes her traumatic injuries requiring facial reconstruction. When the bandages come off, Lacey's world is tuned inside out. Will Chapel Springs rally behind its own ... or will life unravel? When the mayor announces he has found quartz on his land, the local TV station "Where there's quartz, there's gold." Then Mayor Riley discovers Howie Newlander has bought the mineral rights to his land. Howie and his nefarious investors are struck with gold fever and set out to buy all the homes in Chapel Springs in order to mine the gold. Will life in Chapel Springs become the tailings of a gold mine? Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar women’s fiction novels in this genre may be categorized women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2017

173 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Ane Mulligan

18 books199 followers
I've been a voracious reader ever since my mother instilled within me her own love of reading at an early age. Together we would escape together into worlds otherwise unknown.

A new love entered my life when I saw Mary Martin in PETER PAN. Struck with a fever from which I never recovered, I submerged myself in drama through high school and college, but, alas, Broadway never found my phone number.

While a large, floppy straw hat is my favorite, I've worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that's a fancy name for a lobbyist), business manager, creative arts director and writer. My lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for my Southern-fried fiction (try saying that three times fast).

I wrote and published my first script in 1996 and to date have over 4-dozen scripts in print, nine books, and numerous articles on various aspects of Christian drama and the craft of writing. In Jan of 2003, having quit my job with my husband’s encouragement, I began to write full time. I reside in Sugar Hill, Georgia with my artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
115 (60%)
4 stars
49 (25%)
3 stars
15 (7%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Shirley Chapel.
726 reviews177 followers
May 25, 2018
Life In Chapel Springs is the 4th and final book of the Chapel Springs series. A stranger comes to town wanting to buy up all the property owners mineral rights and of course evil Howie is right in the middle of things once again. Why would a total stranger want to buy everyone's mineral rights. What does he know that no one else knows?
Pasty and Claire are busy preparing to take their art on a tour. Claire's world is rocked when she thinks she may be pregnant at 48.
Lacey has a near fatal accident when a spot light in the old theater falls from the ceiling on top of her. Will Claire and Joel become parents once again? Will Lacey recover from her accident or be scarred emotionally and physically for life?
I've really enjoyed this series. It has been full of humor and at times heat ache. I wondered how the author Ane Milligan would be able to wrap thing up neatly as the book neared the end. But that's the fun of reading a good book.
If you enjoy Christian Fiction you will love this entire series. It's good clean reading . I recommend it to all readers.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,309 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Life in Chapel Springs! The plot and the characters in this small town are fabulous. The folks have many of the same challenges as many readers, and they show how faith helps meet those challenges. The author gives us a heartwarming and suspenseful novel that is satisfying long after the final page is turned.

Mayor Felix Riley discovers a lot of quartz on his land and wants to learn about mining it. Where there is quartz, there is often gold, and there was a limited amount of gold mined in area in the 1800’s. Riley’s research led to a nasty discovery. Howie Newlander, local schemer, purchased mineral rights to Riley’s and several other homeowners’ property. It might be just a matter of time before he begins to mine it, destroying the town.

Claire and Patsy, her best friend since childhood, are 48. They have a gallery where they sell their artwork, the Painted Loon. Claire is a potter who creates vases, mugs, etc. with whimsical critters, and Patsy is a painter. Their careers are very successful and they are preparing for an upcoming tour. Claire’s twin daughters will get married in a couple months in a double ceremony. It is not the ideal time, then, for Claire to think she might be pregnant, or possibly have cancer. The fear of either is on her mind and she continues to give it to the Lord. She doesn’t want to have a child at this age, especially since they have grandchildren.

Lacey is an extreme introvert; only her husband Jake really understands her. She tends to fade into the background. She doesn’t want to stand out, but she wants her work to stand out. By day she is a loan officer at the bank, working for her brother-in-law. By night she is an author, writing mysteries in the form of plays which are brought to life by the local theater group. One night when looking at the special lighting being installed, a terrible accident occurred, shattering her face and endangering her life. The surgeons who re-created her face tried to do so from a photo, but she awakens with a different face. As if a change of identity isn’t enough, the insurance carrier has denied the claim on the grounds that the plastic surgery, required to put her back together, improved her appearance.

Each of the characters are designed with care; they are as well-defined as necessary for their roles. We learn about them through their dialog and descriptive prose. I like Lacey best, then Claire and Patsy. Each are successful in what they do, even though Lacey often sells herself short. She is not a Christian before the accident, and especially not immediately following her surgeries. Seeing how her husband, the other ladies, and a fellow author, Carin, are supportive of her is part of the joy of the process.

I was invested in this novel from the beginning. The mystery surrounding the mineral rights and how the town might try to work together keeps the pages turning. The health concerns of Claire and the results of the accident for Lacey turn the pages faster. What holds it all together is how many of the folks look to the Lord and help each other. The challenges kept me guessing throughout and the surprises at the end are satisfying. It can be read as a standalone novel or as part of the series. This delightful, sometimes humorous, and realistic novel can be enjoyed by women of all ages, and I highly recommend it.

From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,649 reviews112 followers
August 24, 2017
Reading this novel felt like visiting with old friends I’ve gotten to know throughout this series. I feel like I’ve gone through a wide range of emotions and crazy situations with these characters who have weathered some ups, downs, and everything in-between. This authors passion for theater shines through in this novel. I loved that.

I’ve seen a few plays this author has directed and watched her hard at work connecting with actors, creating the set and finding just the right props to help create the best theatrical experience patrons could have. I can imagine the author thinking these words from Lacy’s pov as she looks to the stage …”I could smell the heady aroma of theatrical production and a slight tinge of dust burning from the spotlights. The theater had something magical about it. This was her real life. She wasn’t sure why or how but when she was in the theater, she felt fully alive. Different. Unafraid….” I’ve seen the author have that twinkle in her eye. Seeing this author walk in her gifting’s as a writer and a director helping to bring out everyone’s talent to create that magic. Readers can see this process as Lacy works with Joel.

The author's well-timed humor is seamlessly blended with teary-eyed, throat choking moments with a few surprises in-between. I was blown away by the depths Lacy went through in searching for herself after an accident. I loved how God healed her from the inside out for all to see. I like how she came to grips with who she was and what God created her to be. I liked the natural spiritual thread and how the characters had gotten closer together creating a strong sense of community, with each member having the courage to walk in their gifting’s’ I enjoyed this Chapel Hill drama that brings everyone together. What a fun read and one that would make for a good book club meeting. The author includes seven discussion questions and a recipe. Love this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://tinyurl.com/y9lwbfrs
SVP Promotions
Profile Image for Anne Campbell.
Author 27 books48 followers
September 26, 2017
Although this book is classified as women's fiction, I can't help but think guys would enjoy it too. I love Ane Mulligan's Chapel Springs series--the books are so ... so ... I dunno. True to life? Zany with a twist of pathos? Swelligant? I love it, whichever. If you've read any of the rest of this series (plus this one), you'll know exactly whereof I speak!

We're back to our heroes, klutzy Claire, her best friend Patsy, and her husband Rob. Plus several other friends and almost-enemies (like the Mayor). Claire is looking forward to her twins' wedding. Megan and Melissa always dreamed about having a double wedding, and that dream is about to come true. In addition, there's a community play underway.

Claire is also trying to be brave. The symptoms she's having--Could she be pregnant at her advanced age of 49? Or *shudder* is it cancer? She's afraid to talk to anyone--even Patsy--about it. Eventually, she'll have to deal with it, but with so much going on there's just no time. At least, that's her excuse to not go to the doctor. Not until after the wedding. And after the play (she's helping prepare the stage settings). And after, oh, anything else. Maybe the symptoms will go away on their own.

As per usual with Claire, there are a few trips and falls and nosings into trouble, but Patsy and Rob always manage to get her up and going again.

If you need a lift, Life in Chapel Springs is definitely the place to find it. Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble and probably a bunch of neighborhood bookstores.

I received this book free, prior to publication, to perform a beta read for the author, but this review is my own idea.
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,058 reviews59 followers
August 13, 2017
I never realize until I return, just how much I've missed my "friends" in Chapel Springs. If this were a real town, so many people would be drawn to it, because of the great cast of characters Ane Mulligan has peopled there. Klutzy but capable Claire; her painter BFF Patsy; Mayor Felix, Claire's sometimes nemesis;Lacey,the shrinking violet playwright, and the list goes on and on.

Life in Chapel Springs involves gold fever hitting the town, the twins' wedding preparations,PTSD displayed in an unusual way, Lacey's play, plus an old enemy of Chapel Springs. Plus mayhem and belly laughs! Did I mention  uncontrollable belly laughs?

I love that Claire is learning to trust God with her problems. She is still working on her tongue control,however. No worries, she seems to have sturdy ankles for kicking!
 
Favorite quotes?
"How did anyone do life without a best friend?"...
"Pat-a-cake kept her secrets and supported her better than an 18 Hour Bra."

I wish every second book I read could be comic relief, by Ane Mulligan about Chapel Springs!

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the author, but that in no way influenced my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.



 
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
September 5, 2017
This has been a wonderful series, and I was excited when I got my copy of the book and was able to re-visit the town of Chapel Springs and its wonderful residents, especially Claire, the main character. I loved following more of her zany antics. This author certainly knows how to combine humor and serious issues and write a story that is a thoroughly enjoyable read. This book can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the prior books in the series not only to read more about these delightful characters but because they are definitely worth reading. I was given a copy of this book by the author, but a favorable review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own, and this is another book from this author that I wholeheartedly recommend to the reader who enjoys the best in Christian fiction.
811 reviews13 followers
September 19, 2017
We have returned to one of my favorite towns. Chapel Springs has great small town feel with quirky characters that make you laugh. It is a small town that I would love to visit if not live. The characters make you laugh, cry, and go Hmmm...

Claire is getting ready for her twins weddings and her art tour. When a health related issue comes to light, will she get the result she is looking for? However, a tragedy strikes and one person in the town will be changed forever. Will Lacey be able to pick up the pieces? Will the town help her to heal? Meanwhile, with mining fever taking place, Chapel Springs may never be the same. Come visit. Sit. Enjoy the view and the laughs.
I received an ARC copy however, my review was not required. I love this series and hope to visit again one day soon.
407 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2017
Another great read in the series of Chapel Springs. If you have not read any of the previous books, you can still read this without problems, though you will understand the characters better if you have read the previous books. The main characters are very well developed, and as I said, if you've read the previous books, you'll have a more in-depth understanding of the characters. The story flows very well. A little comedy, a little mystery and a little romance all blend together for a fun story. You won't be disappointed.

Editing is also important to me. I noticed 1 error. Very well done. I, of my own free will, asked for a copy of this book so I could review it. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,196 reviews205 followers
February 16, 2018
Life in Chapel Springs (Chapel Springs Series Book 4) by Ane Mulligan
Starts out where Claire and Patsy are going over photos to get painted, plans for the play and lots of other details about the twins weddings.
Bit confusing at the start as there are so many town events going on, in planning stages and being discussed.
Really captivating as to the mysteries and play and other things effecting others, all different age groups. There is so much to this book, easy to enjoy every bit of it.
Love catching up with others I've read about in previous books in this series. Good stand alone also without giving too much away of what happenedprior to this book.
Free review copy from the author after meeting on Bookfun.org and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tracy.
171 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2017
Continuing to entertain

From a scandal, to an accident in the mix- poor Lacy, will she ever be the same??? Pregnant or cancer- wow what a scary thought. A double wedding and so much more packed in these chapters. I can't wait to read what's next in Chapel Springs... loving Lacy and Carin just as much as Claire and Patsy... Bud Pugh sounds like one special guy. Come into Life in Chapel Springs and fall in love with the characters and this small town life.
Another success,Ane- your writing continues to entertain and each one is better than the last. I couldn't wait to buy my copy :)
667 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2018
Every day life in the almost perfect little town of Chapel Springs.

When a racketeering group move quietly into the small town of Chapel Springs and begins to buy up mineral rights, the town goes into "circle the wagons" mode. Behind the story of a local artist just trying to get her twins wedding put together is an angry crook with revenge on his mind. Gold and quartz have been found and he plans to help a bunch of mobsters get hold of the town and destroy it. The town has a unique idea to protect its self.
Profile Image for Barbara Olaewe.
190 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2020
Nice book

This was a good book. It was nice to come to Chapel Springs again. There were more twists and turns in this one then in some of the others in this series. Quite a few unexpected. A few that just fit the characters. And a few that were not needed. That is why it is a 4 star. I do recommend this book if you have read others in this series. It would not be good as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Jean Holtof.
426 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2020
Another engrossing exposé set in the idyllic town of Chapel Springs where Claire and her sidekick Patsy keep the town hopping from one adventure to another. I would love to live there too. Ane Mulligan spins a great tale with lots of quirky characters and plots that kept me turning pages though the night... Looking forward to more from this author. Thanks Ane for the entertaining and pleasurable read.
Profile Image for Sunnie.
1,002 reviews46 followers
November 11, 2017
Just finished reading Life in Chapel Springs, the 4th book of this series. It was a fun read and I enjoyed it very much.

I enjoyed the friendships of the characters. I hadn't read the previous book, but somewhat wished that I had so that I would have known the characters better at the start of the book.

It was a good, clean and interesting book. The story of Lacey was one that was unexpected and kept you reading to see what would happen.

I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for April Farina``.
48 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2017
Friends

What a fantastic book. Read it in 1 day. These inspirational books are just wonderful. Ms. Mulligan was over the top. It reminded me of my BFF. Still friends after 45 years. It nice to find books like these that are fun to read. Looking forward to more of this kind that is about everyday people and life. Thanks for an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Tommie Morris.
206 reviews7 followers
September 10, 2019
Chapel Springs

A most interesting read! I felt like I was right there standing beside Claire the whole time! A down homey feel for the residents of this community! Please read! You will really likit, if you are a small town person......I laughed, cried, & felt God was the center of these people, with all the conflicts going on!
387 reviews
November 23, 2019
Fun, quirky characters

This book, full of fun quirky characters, shows a wonderful side of small town life! From a forty nine year old who is afraid she might be pregnant to a timid screen play writer who has a bad accident and had to have plastic surgery. Add to this, an underhanded scheme to obtain the mineral rights of the town and you have a great book.
Profile Image for David.
1 review
November 5, 2020
Delightful and real

I have enjoyed the Chapel Spring series. Claire makes me laughing with the scraps she finds herself in. I also appreciated the real life situation of divorce, illness, Alzheimers, and abuse weaved into the stories that are healed by God's grace. I want to move to Chapel Springs and have coffee at Dee's.
Profile Image for Barb.
Author 6 books63 followers
October 4, 2017
A small town, a community theater, and a gold rush ... plus a midlife pregnancy scare, a freak accident and a double wedding. There's a lot going on in this book and it's hard to keep the characters straight.
1,170 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2018
Lighthearted Christian fiction that made me feel right at home and part of the community! Love these characters and their escapades that remind me of the small town I grew up in.
I was gifted a copy, my opinion and review are voluntary..
Profile Image for Rachel Bonner.
Author 4 books23 followers
August 28, 2019
I enjoyed reading this. I've not read any of the previous books in the series and I found the huge cast confusing as a result. I'm sure it would be clearer if you read in order. And occasionally I got a little annoyed with Clare and her decisions. But I'd definitely read others in the series.
288 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2020
Sweet and clean romance

I very much enjoyed reading this story about a small town and the fight the citizens have trying to keep their way of life continuing.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Susan L. Lay.
3 reviews
October 1, 2021
Keeps you so interested

This was a wonderful and delightful book that keeps God in the middle. Love the kids growing up and the suspense of the accident and how it all comes together at the end!
4,374 reviews28 followers
January 16, 2018
Good

the people in this small town have been born here or came here to enjoy small town living.friend's help each other.
34 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2018
This was another great book in the Chapel Springs series. I loved all of these books. They were so humorous and light hearted but yet had a deep spiritual meaning. I hated to see this series end.
390 reviews8 followers
November 27, 2019
Life in Chapel Springs

Another great book I loved every minute of it. The characters are amazing and their allegiance when faced with a problem makes good reading.
Profile Image for Beverly Kay.
502 reviews8 followers
November 30, 2019
Cosy read

This is definitely a cosy read, with mystery and family at the core of a small town.
Wonderful for a cold winter day reading.
Profile Image for Cindy .
699 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2020
It's OK. It's actually kinda funny. You see humor, mystery,suspense. and romance all rolled up in one. There's not much about God in these books though, although they're Christian.
21 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2023
Could not put down

I really enjoyed this book and it would not let me sleep until i finished it. I carried my tablet everywhere i went to make time to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.