Being Ethel: In a world that loves Lucy

Mackinac Island #1

by Michele Olson

1979 is getting on Piper Penn’s nerves. Struggling to survive past tragedies, she finds comfort in Old Hollywood movies in her native San Francisco. Seeing no reason to adhere to man-made rules after her first-hand look at the ultimate in hypocrisy, Piper does what she wants, and trouble follows. An unexpected inheritance on a tiny Midwest island in the Straits of Mackinac provides an escape. The mandated stay at the island’s glorious Grand Hotel gives her spirits a much-needed boost, especially when she catches the eye of a handsome groundskeeper. Taking part as an extra during the filming of the island movie Somewhere in Time adds to her excitement about this turn in her life. When mysterious accusations and headstrong residents send her into a tailspin, she finds friendship from a quirky, I Love Lucy loving nun who challenges her embittered look at life and faith. Can Piper survive the baffling attempts to derail her inheritance before it’s too late or has she fallen for a well-planned ruse while falling in love? “What happens when you combine a love of Lucy, Nora Ephron, Old Hollywood, and the desire for true faith? You embark on an unforgettable 1979 journey to magical, Mackinac Island.” – Author, Michele Olson, Being Ethel (In a world that loves Lucy)

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Audiobook

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2019

About the author

Michèle Olson has an over-forty-year career in advertising and marketing as a writer in all mediums, with an emphasis in health writing. She has also enjoyed a professional voice career including time as a DJ (yes, even when they still played records!) and has voiced local to national commercials and voice projects.
It has always been her dream to segue into fiction and Being Ethel (In a world that loves Lucy) is the first in a series based on Mackinac Island—a tiny island in the Straits of Mackinac that connect the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Being Dorothy (In a world longing for home), where Piper Penn encounters a couple hiding on the island, but no one knows it! Think James Bond! A visitor to the island along with her husband for over thirty years, she loves to tell people about this unique place with no cars and plenty of fudge!
Next it's Being Alice (In a world lost in the looking glass) where a young woman with a disfigured face meets the musician of her dreams...and the pain in her heart can't compare to the pain of her past. Music lovers will love this book!
Book four is Being Wendy (In a world afraid to grow up) where 50 year old Wendy T. Bell can't figure out which one of her friends at her 50th birthday party is trying to ruin her career as a famous author. She escapes to Mackinac Island and more trouble, and the possibility of love follow. The ending will make your jaw drop!
Book 5 -Being Nancy (In a world lost in mystery) for all of you who grew up loving Nancy Drew! Nancy Benson is a middle aged woman bringing a Nancy Drew convention to the Grand Hotel in 1983. Mystery, mayhem, miracles, and mirth follow. Book 6- Being Goldie (In a "just-right" world) takes place in 1984. Follow twins Goldie and Gilda Locks to their stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Their devious Granny keeps them under her thumb with threats to remove their monthly stipends....but mysterious strangers threaten to disrupt everything they know about themselves. It's a wild ride with these ladies! Don't miss it! Every Mackinac Island story is filled with mystery, mayhem, mirth, mischief, and miracles...and a splash of romance.
A mom, a mother-in-love, and a “Gee Gee” (G as in good), Michèle resides with her husband in the shadow of Lambeau Field, where life around football abounds. She cherishes her faith and family above all and is delighted to take you on this trip to Mackinac Island, a place that has brought her so much respite and joy.
She loves connecting with readers!

Reviews

[Laura]

I have known this author my whole life, though I haven't seen her since 2013, so imagine my delight stumbling upon her book (since I haven't seen her for so long, I didn't know she had written books).

I would know her voice anywhere, having heard it for much of my childhood, and loved listening to the book.

Her reference in the book to Piper making postcard sized water colour paintings gave me such a delight as one of the wedding gifts she gave to us was a personalised postcard sized water colour painting (a beach scene) with our names and wedding date on it which is displayed in our home to this day ❤️

Throughout my childhood it was no secret that Michelle was a big I Love Lucy fan so it came as no surprise to me that she found a way to incorporate it into her writing 😊 I enjoyed following Piper's journey throughout this story.

[Elle Kay]

While I approached this book with high expectations, I found it a bit more challenging to connect with the heroine than I anticipated. Her frequent references to films and TV shows unfamiliar to me didn't help bridge that gap. That being said, her love interest appealed to me as he came across as genuine and kind, though I did find their relationship progression rather quick given the limited interactions they had.

At times, the heroine seemed quick to form judgments and often assumed the worst in people, which I found disconcerting. Yet, several other characters, including Freddy and her movie-going companion, instantly won me over. I particularly appreciated the bond she formed with Sister Mary Margaret and the wisdom she received from her.

One point of advice from the nun that I disagreed with was her suggestion for the heroine to switch from the King James version of the Bible to a supposedly simpler translation. In my view, the King James Bible, typically regarded as suitable for a fifth-grade reading level, is quite accessible for those genuinely seeking to understand its teachings. I've found that other English versions can sometimes dilute or distort the true essence of the scriptures.

Lastly, I went into this book expecting a significant element of humor, which seemed to be less prominent than anticipated. Nonetheless, this was an intriguing read and offered interesting character dynamics.

[Tambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun book. Great new fresh story. Could not put it down. Cant wait for next book.

[Sarah]

If you lot a lot of snarky dialogue, try this out. This book just wasn't a right fit for me.

[Jenny Knipfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought back many pleasant memories of Mackinac Island. I toured the island several times as a youngster with my grandma. We took a horse-drawn ride around the island, ate at the fancy Grand Hotel, and shopped in the cute tourist shops.

Olson creates a lovable and relatable character in Piper, a young woman who has experienced plenty of heartache. Piper comes to the island to claim a shop and property which were left to her by a relative who died. She works as an extra on the set of the movie Somewhere in Time. There she meets Cameron, who becomes a friend and then soon something more.

A nun on the island befriends Piper. Together they talk about life and it’s hardships and deep questions of faith while watching the TV show, I Love Lucy. Piper sympathizes with and sees herself more as Ethel rather than Lucy, feeling like she’s always played second fiddle in life. Piper’s nun friend and Cameron see something more in her. However, amidst an arson and theft, suspicions run high, and Piper is not even sure she can trust Cameron.

I found this faith-filled book an easy, cozy read with a little romance and mystery. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for plot, characters, and storyline ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a more active voice in sentence structure would have added a richer depth to the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a clean read with meaning

I look forward to more books by Olson in the Mackinac Island Story series.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes 👍

Loved it ! I'm going to get the next book in this series too . Clean,good characters, faith based with mystery and love .

[Dawn LeGros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and immediately loved Piper Penn. She’s a sheltered young lady that has had a extremely hard time in life. This story, which is full of fun movie star quotes and wonderful descriptive surroundings, first brought me to San Francisco, then it brought me to the Grand Hotel located on Mackinac Island. I love the movies and movie stars mentioned throughout the book and enjoyed all the characters too. Even the not so nice ones. Plus I love Lucy too, but Lucy wouldn’t be Lucy without Ethel. I enjoyed the twists and turns and often wondered what was Piper going to do next, everything always seems to fall apart but with God it comes together, and with God all things are possible. I can’t wait to read the next book by the very talented author Michele Olson.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars.

Poor writing. Human interactions were stilted and not believable. The main character is super annoying and unlikable. Was this semi-autobiographical? The details of her character were so specific but also off-putting. There were pockets of the story that I enjoyed, but the main character was super annoying and unlikable. I can not understate that.

I found this book because it was set on Mackinaw Island and we are preparing for a trip. The author was advertised as a christian from Wisconsin! I initially thought she might be catholic, but then realized she was evangelical.

It is a romance, but the author is very blase about the heroine's first kiss. There was also a casual drug reference later in the book. Theft and jail are intertwined into the story. The main character also frequently ruminates on how hypocritical, vaguely abusive and just generally bad her famous protestant tv minister father was before his death. Weird and off-putting content for a christian book. This is a slightly grizzled adult book - not what I was expecting from a christian author, who advertises the books as a ministry to share the "true faith".

The author also includes a catholic nun in the book, but write her character as if she were protestant!
- She states that she is not a big fan of religion. Umm, a catholic nun would never claim this!
- She advises the heroine to read the gospel of John in a modern bible, as an entrance to scripture. LOL - that is SUCH a protestant thing. Not what a catholic would advise.
- She says she is afraid to pray for God's will in her life. Umm, catholic nuns are hardcore. That would not be an issue for them!
- She uses phrases like "my faith walk".
- She states that there is nothing especially spiritual about being a nun. LOL - catholic nuns devote their entire lives to the spiritual!

The author includes an annoying come-to-Jesus CHAPTER towards the end of the story, which I skimmed. Do those heavy-handed protestant outreaches convert anyone? Or is it just required as a show of faith for protestant author? It felt really inauthentic and empty.

The author had a thing about movies, orphans and red hair. It could be a dangerous drinking game every time one of those was explicitly referenced. Like multiple times on each page.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com

Several months ago I came across author Michele Olson on a local community site kind of like Facebook. She’s a local author who has written two books set on Mackinac Island in 1979. She was promoting them because they were on sale on Kindle and Audiobook so I decided to support her and bought the audiobook of Being Ethel: In a World that loves Lucy.

Sometimes an author reading the audiobook is a good thing, most notably in memoirs. But reading a fiction book is trickier because of characterizations that need to be made. I do have to say that Michele Olson narrating her own book was not a plus. She sounded like a 50-something woman, and the main character, Piper, is 23. Then, Piper meets a nun who is about 10 years older than her, and Olson makes her sound absolutely ancient, as if she were an older, retired nun in her 80’s. Bottom line–Olson is no narrator and should leave it to the professionals. Maybe if I’d read it instead of listening to it, I would have enjoyed the book more.

I thought setting the book in 1979 was perfect when talking about Mackinac Island because one of mine and my husband’s favorite films, Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, was filmed on the island. Piper gets to be an extra on the film, so that was a nice touch. Otherwise, I really didn’t get a feel for the island. The book could have been set anywhere, albeit somewhere where automobile traffic is banned.

One big thing about this book, because it’s not advertised that way, is that this is a heavily Christian fiction book, with lots of discussions about God and Jesus and the Gospels. That’s fine if you’re expecting it, but if you’re not, it can be jolting. The references to I Love Lucy come mostly when Piper and the nun watch the reruns on TV and the nun points out all the ways you can take the situations Lucy gets herself into relate to a given gospel. The book also attempts to weave a mystery in with all this religious discussion, with obvious and unrealistic results.

This book just did not work for me on many levels. I like to support Wisconsin authors as much as possible, but this was a definite miss.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Ethel: In A World That Loves Lucy by Michele Olson is an absolutely charming Christian novel that I adored. It is the first book in the Mackinac Island series and I cannot wait to read the rest.
As the series title suggests, the book is set on Mackinac Island in 1979. The Grand Hotel takes centre stage as a new movie, Somewhere In Time is being filmed. This, as it happens, is one of my all-time favourite movies. I, therefore, found the location easy to picture.
The leading lady has experienced a huge loss. Her emotions are conflicting as she experiences, guilt, anger and grief. Her walk with God has been damaged. “Being mad at myself, and God.” She feels that her father, an evangelist, escaped justice by dying (before the book opened.) “It’s quite a trip to see a person ooze love and acceptance in the pulpit yet act the way he did at our house.” Her father did not walk the walk in private, only when he was in the spotlight.
There is anger at God too, for allowing the deaths of her mother and twin sister (before the book opened.) The leading lady views God as a God of wrath. An encounter with a godly nun, opens her eyes. “I don’t want to fall into a religion trap, I just want to know Him [Jesus], His Father and the Holy Spirit.” It is all about relationship and not religion. After years of living in the shadows, “my self-worth comes from who I am to the Lord.”
We each have to learn to make our faith personal. “What your dad did or didn’t do isn’t your faith walk.” My faith is my responsibility. As we grow in faith, we draw nearer to God. “She’s not afraid to question God on anything or be honest with Him.” Now she knows “people would fail me, Jesus would not.”
Prayer is important. “I pray about everything… I don’t believe in coincidence.” Prayer draws us closer to God.
We learn about forgiveness. We do not deserve it. We cannot earn it. Forgiveness is a gift from God. We must forgive because we have been forgiven.
I absolutely loved Being Ethel: In A World That Loves Lucy. It was such a delightful read and had godly lessons for us all.

[Denise Troutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I’m originally from Michigan and have been to Mackinac Island once, so that caught my attention. In the beginning I thought the story was kind of quirky and I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish it, but I did want to enjoy readying about the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island. The main character has problems (don’t we all?) and she befriends a nun at the monastery. That friendship had me hooked on the story because of her wise input into Piper’s life. I truly enjoyed the story after that.

[Kimberly Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read from this author, and it was such a cute book! I listened to the audiobook, it was well done, and so fun! I Love ALL the movie references! Most of all, I LOVE that the love and forgiveness from God our Heavenly Father was so wonderfully, and sweetly shared in this book using Scripture and Biblical examples. It spoke to me on a deep level, with a giggle moment quickly after to lighten the mood again. I'm a huge fan! I look forward to reading more from Michele Olson.

[Mickey Eckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for a few reasons. It is set on Mackinac Island and includes references to the movie "Somewhere in Time." It is also a great timeline for me as I was only a couple years younger than the main character in 1979. I really enjoyed all the TV and movie references, and got every one of them. That being said, at times, the writing was a bit...awkward. The plot seemed to move quite quickly and the main character's (quite tragic) life problems were all resolved in the course of three months.
Because of the setting, I'm going to give the next book in the series a try.

[Kem · Rating 3 out of 5]

We visit Mackinac Island twice a year, and I thought it would be fun to read a story about the island, so I bought this at the Island Bookstore. I’d have to say it is a good attempt at a sweet story, but I found it silly, unrealistic, and sometimes, inaccurate about the island. I was, however, not expecting the clear Gospel message presented, as it is not advertised as a Christian book. I’m sure some other readers were also surprise by that, and hopefully found encouragement there.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected this story to be a big focus on I Love Lucy from the title of this story and was thrilled to find so much more to it. I loved how I Love Lucy is incorporated and how the show helps Piper is down on her luck being fined for shoplifting in San Francisco to an inheriting property in Mackinac Island. This is set in 1979 with some really wonderful characters who help Piper become a stronger person with some wonderful wisdom. The mystery on the story was a nice touch.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've needed some easy readers lately and have appreciated this series. Bringing people from different backgrounds and walks of life to the focus of Christ through the story. There's not a ton of character development but it's easy to grasp who they are and follow along. A little adventure, a little light mystery, some comedic relief, and happy ending. Perfect for what I've been needing right now.

[Mia2Four · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a great premise and several other interesting plots but the dialogue writing made it very difficult to read. Several conversations were just so un-realistic. The relationships between Piper and Fredrick and Piper and Sister Mary-Margaret were beautiful. Their conversations seemed more realistic, maybe because several of them were written from Piper’s recollection. It’s a good story, just be prepared for a few weak areas.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the Mackinac Island setting. Our family trips were from the late 1960's through 1979. So many memories of when this island was not the huge tourist attraction. Somewhere in Time is one of my favorite movies.
Love the theme of forgiveness, even with really hard things in life. Looking forward to the other two books in the series and hope to hear more of Piper and Cam.

[Judy Sim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am from the UP of Michigan. My son worked at Mackinac Island two summers. Mackinac Island is special and the book points certain things out. But, the story goes back and forth between spirituality and a romance and strange mystery. Not coordinated writing enough for me. But, I did enjoy the characters and landscape descriptions/ setting.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the title of this book, and the story did not disappoint. This was an enjoyable, fun read with a wonderful message. The Mackinac Island setting was a perfect backdrop and added interest both for those who have visited the island and those who would like to know more about it.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. A fun read. I really enjoyed the old time movie references, especially the filming of a favorite movie that takes place on Mackinac Island (Somewhere in Time). The main character also goes through a journey of faith and forgiveness. So much to enjoy in a small package.

[Giizis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't describe how fantastic I found this book! Being Ethel brought back so many sweet memories.. .My sisters and I were actually on the Island the night Christopher Plummer arrived at the Island House where he and his wife (and we) where staying. It was so fun to see technology like cameras and sound booms being hauled by horses up the hill to The Grand! I found this book charming and am so glad I picked it up. I'd recommend it to anyone who would like to take a step back in time! Thanks for bringing back those wonderful days!

[Marta Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding faith

I enjoyed Being Ethel. It takes place on Mackinac Island, and I never get tired of visiting the Island. Also this book shows us that no matter how lost we are, we can always find our faith. Michele Olson did a great job with this book.

[Amy ~ Insomniac Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the audio book read by the author. She was very entertaining and really brought the story to life! This book was spiritually uplifting and touched my heart in unexpected ways. What a treasure! I am looking forward to reading more books in this series!

[Rebecca Isaacson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a cute easy read that has good morals and a fun story to follow a girl that is trying to figure out her relationship with Jesus. It was a fun and suspenseful story and relatable too!

[Seralynn Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting details and quirky characters! The references to Lucy and various movies was terrific...especially since I'd seen most of the movies mentioned!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful read. Loved the surprise movie reference.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want to visit the island!Looking forward to the next book.

[Kim Vizzini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book !!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book on my vacation. It is part mystery, part romance, part humor, and part learning about a relationship with God.