The Island of Heavenly Daze

Heavenly Daze #1

by Lori Copeland, Angela Elwell Hunt

To a casual visitor, the island of Heavenly Daze is just like a dozen others off the coast of Maine. It is decorated with graceful Victorian mansions, carpeted with gray cobblestones and bright wild flowers, and populated by sturdy, hard-working folks-most of whom are unaware that the island of Heavenly Daze is not just like the other islands of coastal Maine. The small town that crowns its peak consists of seven buildings, each inhabited, according to divine decree, by an angel who has been commanded to guard and help anyone who crosses the threshold. Unexpected hijinks and heart-warming results occur when mortals and immortals cross paths-and unaware visitors to the picturesque establishments of Heavenly Daze discover that they have been entertained by angels.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Inspirational

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Lori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.

Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Reviews

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t finish. I just couldn’t get into it. I tried to read but just couldn’t. It was too long and hard to read and not interesting enough for me. 😔 Sorry to anyone who liked it.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel had a bit of fantasy added with several angels who became human and helped people on the Island of Heavenly Daze. It was a light read, kind of humorous and it also contained much of spiritual value, especially about how to treat people and the power of love and forgiveness. The minister of the island, Winslow Wickam is a caring person, with some personal issues, and his wife knows how to help him to be better. We've all known a minister or person like him. I loved all the people in this book, very real and a lot of fun.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost didn't read this book after the prologue. I thought it was going to be a "strange" angelic book by what I initially read, but I promised myself 3 chapters before I would decide. (I can never stop reading a book once I start, but I was allowing myself to do so.) I'm glad I didn't stop reading. It was a nice book: nice town, nice characters, etc. I really enjoyed it.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about an island protected by angels. Reminds me of the Mitford series.

[Courtney Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud several times...and it also had a great message.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and touching book :))

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first book in the whimsical and quirky Heavenly Daze series! With an idyllic setting on a small Maine island, it beautifully combines many elements - humor, Christian life lessons, relationship drama. Seven angels live among the island's residents, interacting with them. I'm not crazy about fantasy, but it works beautifully here. Several residents are introduced and I'm sure their stories will be developed as the series continues.

In this first story, the focus is on two families - an estranged mother and niece, and the minister and his wife. The Christian themes are very meaningful and there's some great laugh-out-loud moments. I highly recommend this story and look forward to continuing the series.

Quotes:

"The balm of forgiveness heals many a wound."

"What we see as trial, God often intends as blessing. But we need to adjust our perspective to see the truth."

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing story about the happenings in a small town, a pastor with insecurities and the funny things that happens along the way. A lighter read yet some powerful messages in the mix.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two good Authors come together to put out a light read yet powerful book. I found this was very refreshing and a reminder about angels all around . God's love to each other.
I enjoyed this book .

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm about to start on page 89, chapter 9 and really, nothing much has been happening to hold my interest. I've even briefly thought about giving up on the book -- at least for now. However, Angela Hunt is a talented author (The Elevator and The Fairlawn Series) so I will see how this proceeds.

p. 125 - still nothing to write home about.

The pastor of a church is given a portrait of himself, made from a photo taken 3 years ago and what he sees makes him blanch. Not only that but he and his wife on separate occasions hear talk of bringing a new preacher to their church and this new guy, he hears, is handsome. After seeing light reflecting off a bald spot on his head in the portrait, he decides he's got to make some fast changes. Winslow buys a toupee, trying it out at home before making his debut "rug" appearance. That maiden appearance is in the pulpit. He avoids the congregation's gaze but still hears tittering. He's got their attention anyway.

This is the story of what happens when one jumps to conclusions. There was some skimming through the book. There were some funny parts.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. They made me laugh out-loud. Not many books do. This is a story of a little town where everyone knows everyone. It is story of a small town church and its pastor. I guess it was so funny because I have met some of these people in real life and she is so right on with what happens. There is also a message in the books about the love for God and one another.

This book and the series are just plain fun, fun, fun.

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 www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of the series. Written by Angela Hunt and Lori Copeland, it is found in the RPL under Copeland (COP). I didn't get this book until I had read the other 4. They all can be "stand alone" books, but I would suggest reading them in order. This book gives you a good "history" of the island and how it got started! Christian theme, easy read. Takes place on an island off the coast of Maine.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hearts at Home" by co-authors Lori Copeland & Angela Hunt
This is the first book in the series about Heavenly Daze.

I loved this book. There are so many characters and things to smirk about.
I look forward to reading the other 4 books in this series.

[Becky White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much. Love the people living on the island, quirky but loving.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I laughed, I cried but I saw myself in some of these people....just refreshing to read about real life!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christian fiction novel has all the elements of a feel-good story and is a perfect beach read. In fact, I started reading it at the beach!

It is set in Maine (my home state so that gives it an edge IMHO) on the fictional island of Heavenly Daze and it is populated by imperfect, relatable characters. The story has small town charm and angels from on high. Yep, actual angels who help the residents of the island. It sounds quirky, or is it?

This book is the first in a five book series, and introduces the reader to many of the townspeople. The main storyline revolves around a relationship gone wrong between Olympia and her niece, Annie, who are both longing to mean something to the other and Pastor Wickham and his comical efforts to retain his pastorate when he gives into fear thinking he is being replaced.

The love and care of the Father shines through the angels who watch over the island’s residents. I enjoyed this part of the book because it reminded me that the spiritual world is real and there are angels all around.

This series has all the elements that I love in a good story: flawed characters, small town charm, a little comic relief, and faith which makes all the difference.

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ISLAND OF HEAVENLY DAZE by Angela Elwell Hunt -- I don't think I've ever read a book published by Christian publisher Thomas Nelson, other, perhaps, than The Bible. Christian fiction generally takes on a theological slant that isn't usually agreeable with my own. Nevertheless, I was intrigued by the book's description and gave it a try. Heavenly Daze is an island off the coast of Maine, populated by descendants of old, founding families as well as some newcomers and lots of summer tourists. There are also seven angels sent by God to help, watch over, and live as humans among the population. The story is told by the angel Gabriel, one of the seven, serving as butler to a wealthy woman descended from the early settlers. She is set in her ways and in constant conflict with her granddaughter who comes for a visit. The main character is Winslow Wickam, pastor of the local church, caring shepherd to his flock, but insecure and balding. He's suspicious his congregation is about to replace him. There are interesting characters, enjoyable action, and enough religious references and some theology to add interest, along with a good deal of humor. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

[Lynette Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a sweet, easy book to read and this was it. I got it out of our church library. Like some other reviewers, in the beginning I wasn't sure what I was getting into. But, it all comes together. I laughed a lot (a pastor with a new toupe among one of the funniest parts). I also became attached to the unique characters living on the island. And, throughout the story, are good gentle lessons about loving your neighbor and not jumping to conclusions. If you are a fan of Jan Karon you'll enjoy this one!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you have visited coastal Maine or not, if you have a hankering for the comfort of a small town with all the relatives you love and tips on how to ignore the ones that push your buttons, then you will thoroughly enjoy this book!
I love the premise, with the angels in human form lending a helping hand or foot in many creative ways to quietly help the people of this small island. With each ferry there are new developments, secrets to uncover and friendships to hopefully improve.

[Cheshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and I don't like reading christian books. This was an exception because my Grandmother had recently died and I wanted to read a book she had enjoyed. So it was this or the Mitord series. My mother had already read welcome to Mitford so we opted to read this series together. Very quaint and endearing series. Look forward to reading the rest with my mother.

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Halfway through and cannot finish it. I've been trying to read it for a month but dread picking it up. Someone compared it to the Mitford series which I did not like either. Just a humdrum little story...no humor, no exciting events, boring characters. I'll pass the entire series on to someone else to try.

[Erica Sunday · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are two stories that are not really connected. 2nd story about women is not interesting or humorous.

The first story is humorous and interesting.

Took me 3 weeks to finish.

It was okay.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice beginning to this fun series about the residents of Heavenly Daze, a small island off the coast of Maine. The town is inhabited by a number of quirky residents and some real angels living as men among the people. An easy to read and enjoyable little book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was so fun to read aloud to Becca and sometimes caught me with tears because of a poignant segment.

[Beth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book takes quite a while to get going. Some of the characters are likeable. Others slightly annoying. If it wasn’t such an easy read, I would have put it down. 2 & a half stars

[Judy Aukes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Corny and predictable, but cute.

[Debbie Kirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This whimsical tale presents some fascinating, serious food for thought. Especially for Christians. A quick read.
Looking forward to the sequel!

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book about angels incorporating themselves into a town and interacting with townspeople. Loved it

[Chris Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and such great character development.