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Mackinac Island Romances #2
Anchored at Mackinac
From multi-award winning, multi-published, bestselling author Carrie Fancett Pagels, Book 2 in the Mackinac Island Romance series.
A Gilded Age Romance on Mackinac Island
Sadie Duvall, a young maid, and Ada Fox, a mature Housekeeping Manager, at the Grand Hotel must make life-changing decisions involving their work and the men in their lives. Ada's secrets could end her chance at reuniting with her first love. Sadie's choices will impact her entire family and the captain she loves. As 1895 comes to a close, will hearts be broken when choices are made—or will all hoped-for wishes be fulfilled?
A Gilded Age Romance on Mackinac Island
Sadie Duvall, a young maid, and Ada Fox, a mature Housekeeping Manager, at the Grand Hotel must make life-changing decisions involving their work and the men in their lives. Ada's secrets could end her chance at reuniting with her first love. Sadie's choices will impact her entire family and the captain she loves. As 1895 comes to a close, will hearts be broken when choices are made—or will all hoped-for wishes be fulfilled?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2022
18 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Fancett Pagels
42 books694 followersCarrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-award-winning, bestselling, multi-published author of Christian fiction. She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, but hails from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan--where she loves to visit often.
You can follow Carrie on BookBub at bit.ly/35wBSk3
You can follow Carrie on BookBub at bit.ly/35wBSk3
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 14, 2025
What a pleasing return to the 1890s world of Mackinac Island, Michigan! I loved catching up with old friends from previous books. The cleverly plotted, intertwined storylines, with their secrets and surprises, drew me in early and kept me turning pages to see what happened next. The richly described authentic setting brings the narrative to life and made me feel like I was actually there. Beautifully drawn, memorable characters are easy to establish a heartfelt connection to and cheer for. I totally enjoyed both romances. I appreciate the inspiring faith thread woven into the narrative. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Note: Although this is the second book in the Mackinac Island Romances series, enough background information is given to enable this book to be read as a standalone. The character chart at the beginning of book is a valuable bonus!
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2022
As always, a great book by Carrie Fancett Pagels . . . Love of family, love of a man . . .
September 22, 2022
I love returning to Mackinac in any era and season. Carrie has established a community of islanders bent toward family, intrigue, mischief, loyalty, and yearnings. I feel I would run into these characters if (when) I visit Mackinac. Bravo, Carrie!
June 26, 2022
Anchored in Mackinac is the second in a series. The first book is My Heart belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring. This book is set parallel to the first book and features Sadie Duvall and Robert Swaine. There is also a secondary story of Ada Fox and Peter Welling.
I enjoyed how both stories connected and were told. Sadie finds work at The Grand Hotel where Ada is the Housekeeping Manager so we see interaction with both ladies. Robert is Maude's uncle and also Peter Wellings brother-in -law. Sadie and Robert have known each other for many years but now Sadie is a woman not just his niece's best friend. He has come back to the Island after his sister had died and see what happens next.
Sadie's mother has died and her father is missing and she is looking after her 2 youngest sisters. Her other sister is now working for Peter Welling as a maid. Due to circumstances they are struggling and you see how hard it was back then before welfare. On the other hand Robert is rich and could provide for the family but Sadie has her pride. I love seeing the story of how Sadie protects her sisters and does all she can for them with a dream to be a nurse. We also see how pride can also be a hinderance and sometimes we need to accept help.
I also loved learning Ada's story which we learn over the course of the book. Its also interesting how she and Peter have known each other since kids and seeing the rekindling of friendship and love. We also see a glimpse of Lily who is the heroine of book 3 which I look forward to reading.
This is a book I didn't want to put down. It flows so well and one of my top reads for the year.
I enjoyed how both stories connected and were told. Sadie finds work at The Grand Hotel where Ada is the Housekeeping Manager so we see interaction with both ladies. Robert is Maude's uncle and also Peter Wellings brother-in -law. Sadie and Robert have known each other for many years but now Sadie is a woman not just his niece's best friend. He has come back to the Island after his sister had died and see what happens next.
Sadie's mother has died and her father is missing and she is looking after her 2 youngest sisters. Her other sister is now working for Peter Welling as a maid. Due to circumstances they are struggling and you see how hard it was back then before welfare. On the other hand Robert is rich and could provide for the family but Sadie has her pride. I love seeing the story of how Sadie protects her sisters and does all she can for them with a dream to be a nurse. We also see how pride can also be a hinderance and sometimes we need to accept help.
I also loved learning Ada's story which we learn over the course of the book. Its also interesting how she and Peter have known each other since kids and seeing the rekindling of friendship and love. We also see a glimpse of Lily who is the heroine of book 3 which I look forward to reading.
This is a book I didn't want to put down. It flows so well and one of my top reads for the year.
June 14, 2022
I love reading books that take place on Mackinac Island as it’s my favorite place to visit. When I read books by Carrie Fancett Pagels and the setting is on Mackinac I can picture exactly where scenes are taking place as her descriptions are so accurate.
I loved getting to know more about Sadie, Maude, Robert and their families as we previously met these characters in Carrie’s books My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island and His Anchor. Anchored in Mackinac can be read as a stand-alone, no need to read the previous stories as Carrie does a wonderful job of updating her readers as to everyone’s background. There’s also a character list at the beginning of the book that’s quite helpful. I was quickly caught up in this story.
I enjoyed the romances and faith that was interwoven throughout Anchored at Mackinac. We are quite drawn in to feel what the characters feel. By the time you're done reading Anchored in Mackinac it’ll leave you wanting to check in on them later to see how everyone is doing. I hope that Carrie will write another book that involves some of the younger characters. 😁
My deepest gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
I loved getting to know more about Sadie, Maude, Robert and their families as we previously met these characters in Carrie’s books My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island and His Anchor. Anchored in Mackinac can be read as a stand-alone, no need to read the previous stories as Carrie does a wonderful job of updating her readers as to everyone’s background. There’s also a character list at the beginning of the book that’s quite helpful. I was quickly caught up in this story.
I enjoyed the romances and faith that was interwoven throughout Anchored at Mackinac. We are quite drawn in to feel what the characters feel. By the time you're done reading Anchored in Mackinac it’ll leave you wanting to check in on them later to see how everyone is doing. I hope that Carrie will write another book that involves some of the younger characters. 😁
My deepest gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
June 14, 2022
This was such a great book. It really had 2 story lines intertwined with each other. I loved the story of Sadie and Robert, as well as the one of Ada and Peter. Sadie had a crush on Robert since she was a child, and Robert realized that he loved her, but Sadie couldn’t believe it and was determined to have a way to take care of herself and her sisters on her own. Ada and Peter were both widowed and rediscovered the love they had for each other as kids. I loved reading this book with all the surprises it had. And I loved the all the happy endings.
There was a chart at the first of the book showing all the characters and I referred to it several times. This book ties in with several of the author’s other books and it might be helpful to read those first, but not necessary.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review
There was a chart at the first of the book showing all the characters and I referred to it several times. This book ties in with several of the author’s other books and it might be helpful to read those first, but not necessary.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review
June 14, 2022
It’s 1894 and Sadie wants nothing more than to get off Mackinac Island and move out into the world. There is no way she can prove to the islanders that she is different from her family. After all, nothing good can happen to her here, right?
Adele has seen much success in her life so far, but will she finally find the one thing she has been looking for all these years? Will they, along with several others, allow God to do His job?
This lovely story takes us back to the island, giving us new insights into some of the characters we have heard about before. Once again, the author gives us a beautiful detailed tour of the island and all the places the various players spend their time.
An ARC was received through Hearts Overcoming Press. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Adele has seen much success in her life so far, but will she finally find the one thing she has been looking for all these years? Will they, along with several others, allow God to do His job?
This lovely story takes us back to the island, giving us new insights into some of the characters we have heard about before. Once again, the author gives us a beautiful detailed tour of the island and all the places the various players spend their time.
An ARC was received through Hearts Overcoming Press. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
July 11, 2022
Award-winning author, Carrie Fancett Pagels, delights readers as she once again carries them away to breathtaking, Mackinac Island—with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the scent of lilacs permeating the air! Definitely on my bucket list, but for now I'll enjoy my trips via the author's novels and devouring their world famous fudge. Ohhh, the mouthwatering fudge...one of our Christmas Eve necessities for sure! But, I digress.
Sadie Duvall is an admirable heroine—impoverished and left to take care of her sisters, she's determined to make it on her own as a nurse, despite the offer of help from the dashing Captain Robert Swaine. The secondary characters are delightful... especially Sadie's little sister, Opal, and 12 yr old, Jack. I enjoyed the visits from endearing characters in former books, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
Of course, the rocky road to romance is filled with angst and heartache...(actually two romances), so double trouble! Ms. Pagels's writing just keeps getting better and I anticipate many more awards in the near future!
Sadie Duvall is an admirable heroine—impoverished and left to take care of her sisters, she's determined to make it on her own as a nurse, despite the offer of help from the dashing Captain Robert Swaine. The secondary characters are delightful... especially Sadie's little sister, Opal, and 12 yr old, Jack. I enjoyed the visits from endearing characters in former books, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
Of course, the rocky road to romance is filled with angst and heartache...(actually two romances), so double trouble! Ms. Pagels's writing just keeps getting better and I anticipate many more awards in the near future!
June 15, 2022
Anchored at Mackinac by Carrie Fancett Pagels
June 1894 Mackinac Island, Michigan. I am happy that we return to Mackinac Island as it has become one of my favorite places to read about. I am also happy to see some of my favorite characters from the book, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring, in this story so we can catch up with their lives. You might want to read that novel first, however this book can also be read on its own.
Sadie Duvall and her sisters, Bea, Garnet and Opal, certainly have had a difficult life and it gets worse as the days go by. My heart goes out to her and her sisters, especially Opal. Opal reminds me a lot of Jack Welling (young son of Peter Welling). They both are full of energy and liven up things wherever they are. Of course, Jack tends to find himself in situations...of his own making of course (wink), that often require intervention. Oh, I would love to see a story about Opal and Jack years from now. They would make a perfect couple….hint, hint to author.
It is interesting the way Captain Robert Swaine returns home. Of course, he can’t keep his return secret for long. I love his heart for Sadie and her sisters and the way he cares for them...even though Sadie tends to resist his help. There is much about Robert that comes to light and a bit of mystery as to why he actually has returned. Will he stay long or leave again on his ship? There is a bit of contention between Robert and Peter Welling that needs worked out. Surprises there.
Ada Fox is a complicated woman; a woman of mystery and past heartaches. I was glad to learn more of her back-story and how that impacted her past life choices and current decisions. I enjoyed how things work out...not sharing how.
Anchored at Mackinac offers enduring characters, life-changing decisions, second-chances, joy, sorrow, tragedies, unexpected surprises, love and faith set in the picturesque Mackinac Island. A heartwarming story. There is a character list at the beginning of the book which can be helpful. I enjoyed the interesting author's notes at the end of the book.
~I purchased a copy of the book and had the honor of being a Beta reader--PDF ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
June 1894 Mackinac Island, Michigan. I am happy that we return to Mackinac Island as it has become one of my favorite places to read about. I am also happy to see some of my favorite characters from the book, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring, in this story so we can catch up with their lives. You might want to read that novel first, however this book can also be read on its own.
Sadie Duvall and her sisters, Bea, Garnet and Opal, certainly have had a difficult life and it gets worse as the days go by. My heart goes out to her and her sisters, especially Opal. Opal reminds me a lot of Jack Welling (young son of Peter Welling). They both are full of energy and liven up things wherever they are. Of course, Jack tends to find himself in situations...of his own making of course (wink), that often require intervention. Oh, I would love to see a story about Opal and Jack years from now. They would make a perfect couple….hint, hint to author.
It is interesting the way Captain Robert Swaine returns home. Of course, he can’t keep his return secret for long. I love his heart for Sadie and her sisters and the way he cares for them...even though Sadie tends to resist his help. There is much about Robert that comes to light and a bit of mystery as to why he actually has returned. Will he stay long or leave again on his ship? There is a bit of contention between Robert and Peter Welling that needs worked out. Surprises there.
Ada Fox is a complicated woman; a woman of mystery and past heartaches. I was glad to learn more of her back-story and how that impacted her past life choices and current decisions. I enjoyed how things work out...not sharing how.
Anchored at Mackinac offers enduring characters, life-changing decisions, second-chances, joy, sorrow, tragedies, unexpected surprises, love and faith set in the picturesque Mackinac Island. A heartwarming story. There is a character list at the beginning of the book which can be helpful. I enjoyed the interesting author's notes at the end of the book.
~I purchased a copy of the book and had the honor of being a Beta reader--PDF ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
July 2, 2022
Once again award-winning author, Carrie Fancett Pagels, takes her readers back in time to the magic of 1890s Mackinac Island for a look into a delightful romance (or two!). Having read a number of books by this author and being a Michigander who loves Mackinac Island, I was doubly looking forward to reading Pagel's new book. I was not disappointed. It was a win-win all the way around. Anchored at Mackinac is a well-told story full of wonderful prose and a few twists and turns that kept my interest high--and of course a sweet romance too. I loved the characters, each with their own struggles and circumstances to come to terms with, and yet, hope and love prevailed. I enjoyed seeing how Robert and Sadie's relationship developed throughout the story. There is a helpful character chart at the beginning of the book and the author's notes at the end were enlightening as well. Readers who enjoy historical romance and stories about families with a setting on a beautifully unique island will not want to miss Anchored at Mackinac.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
July 29, 2022
Another winner!
Once again, I found myself visiting Mackinac Island. Taking in the beautiful views, visiting with all the wonderful people I've grown to love. Each book Ms. Pagel writes about this marvelous Island brings you more insights into the characters and makes you want to learn more and more about them.
Anchored at Mackinac shares the stories of Sadie Duvall and Ada Fox. Both story-lines are filled with love, endurance, trust and faith. And there are so many characters from previous books that I loved reading more about.
It's a great stand-alone book, but if you've read Ms. Pagel's previous books, you will appreciate it even more.
I would really love to see a future book about a grown-up Jack. He is such a character and I look forward to seeing the man he becomes. Should be quite interesting.
I received a copy of this book by the author and was under no obligation to give a positive review. My views are mine alone.
Once again, I found myself visiting Mackinac Island. Taking in the beautiful views, visiting with all the wonderful people I've grown to love. Each book Ms. Pagel writes about this marvelous Island brings you more insights into the characters and makes you want to learn more and more about them.
Anchored at Mackinac shares the stories of Sadie Duvall and Ada Fox. Both story-lines are filled with love, endurance, trust and faith. And there are so many characters from previous books that I loved reading more about.
It's a great stand-alone book, but if you've read Ms. Pagel's previous books, you will appreciate it even more.
I would really love to see a future book about a grown-up Jack. He is such a character and I look forward to seeing the man he becomes. Should be quite interesting.
I received a copy of this book by the author and was under no obligation to give a positive review. My views are mine alone.
July 11, 2022
This is a story set in the beautiful setting of Mackinac Island. Although I have not been there personally, the author describes it so well, you can truly visualize it in your mind. The story takes us to the year 1895 and we find Sadie Duvall who is serving as a maid. She needs to make important decisions in her life.
There are twists and turns in the story and there are characters in this book that I recognized from earlier books by this author, making it especially enjoyable to those who have read earlier books by this author. Sadie and her sisters have gone through lots of trials and things to overcome. It is a great read and you will really enjoy it! There is romance, some mystery and hopes for future tales from some of the newer characters in the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to review. All thoughts are my own.
There are twists and turns in the story and there are characters in this book that I recognized from earlier books by this author, making it especially enjoyable to those who have read earlier books by this author. Sadie and her sisters have gone through lots of trials and things to overcome. It is a great read and you will really enjoy it! There is romance, some mystery and hopes for future tales from some of the newer characters in the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to review. All thoughts are my own.
September 10, 2022
I've been waiting for Sadie and Robert's love story to continue ever since I read "My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island," and "Anchored at Mackinac" did not disappoint! Juxtaposing Sadie's struggle with the beauty of Mackinac, this sentence captures both the essence of the book and Carrie's descriptive writing: "Would she forever toil and clean the slops of folks who traveled far to view the Straits of Mackinac, where the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron met and mingled and churned, where romances bloomed like the abundance of flowers that covered the town?" As always, Carrie weaves in characters and storylines from previous books, reminding me of old friends and those I still want to meet in my TBR pile.
May 6, 2024
It's summer 1894 on Mackinac Island; and once again, the families from Book 1 in this series are all gathering on the island for summer fun. But life is anything but predictable this summer. There are many twists and turns as the characters figure out life and what's important in life with many surprises in store.
I always look forward to Pagels books that are set on Mackinac Island. She brings this island and the upper peninsula of Michigan to vivid life. I especially appreciated her character chart at the beginning as it has been awhile since I had read book one. It made the transition to the second book very easy. It was fun getting to know the main characters once again and seeing how life had changed for them.
Definitely another great read from Pagels, and I look forward to the next book that has just released.
I always look forward to Pagels books that are set on Mackinac Island. She brings this island and the upper peninsula of Michigan to vivid life. I especially appreciated her character chart at the beginning as it has been awhile since I had read book one. It made the transition to the second book very easy. It was fun getting to know the main characters once again and seeing how life had changed for them.
Definitely another great read from Pagels, and I look forward to the next book that has just released.
July 7, 2022
In this stand-alone nineteenth-century story, we are reacquainted with several characters from the author’s earlier Mackinac Island stories, as delightful a locale as it is today. Anchored at Mackinac is a sweet story of second chances for two couples. Readers will enjoy numerous multi-dimensional characters and the history, mystery, romance, and charm of Anchored at Mackinac.
September 30, 2022
Absolutely loved it. Carrie fancett pagels did a great job writing it. Sadie was my favorite character.
October 17, 2022
Many twists and turns until you figure out all the connections of these characters, and some of them will surprise you. Enjoyed learning more about Mackinac and upper peninsula Michigan.
June 16, 2024
Great sequel and dual timeline
August 25, 2022
I love Carrie Fancett Pagels' devotion to detail and authenticity on Mackinac Island. Sadly, I found this particular book, which overlaps in time with her previous delightful book Maude's Mooring, to be confusing to follow. There are two romances: one between Sadie Duval and Robert Swain, a young couple from vastly different social spheres. The other between Ada Fox and Peter Welling, an older couple who loved each other as children but were separated from each other for many years and circumstances. Sadly, instead of sticking to these two immediate romances, each beautiful in their own way, Carrie brought in details of different times, things that happened far outside Mackinac and were covered in other books she's written. Still, if you love Mackinac (and you should), you cannot beat Carrie for evoking the island and it's lifestyle.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews