Finding Lilacs

by Cynthia Birk

With a fast-track career and busy social schedule, 23-year-old Emma has everything her heart desires until fate pulls the rug out from under her carefully constructed life. After an unexpected visitor shakes up her dismal new normal, she travels to Mackinac Island to take on a series of challenges designed to break her out of her comfort zone. Amid the horse drawn carriages, bicycles, and fudge shops of the historic summer resort destination, she confronts old habits, rethinks relationships, and repeatedly crosses paths with an intriguing stranger while she searches for the happiness that seems just out of reach. Does Emma have what it takes to find the “lilacs” that will make her life beautiful again?
Suitable for book clubs. Includes discussion guide.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book set on Mackinac Island, Michigan. This fast paced, 5 star read. I especially love the lilac symbolism (one of my favorite flowers) and the nod to the Lake Huron coast. Being a Michigander, this book was warm, comforting, and felt like I was on vacation on Mackinac Island myself. Read this book and support the author!

[Diana Duell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book on Mackinac Island and I enjoyed every minute of it. The book mostly takes place on Mackinac Island and some at the Grand Hotel. It is a story of a young woman overcoming grief and getting a push from her grandma to go out and live her life again. Many life lessons, adventures, and romance can be found in this book. Great read.

[Cindy Barger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book “feels” like Mackinac Island. I can picture everything from the book from our vacations there. I almost could smell the smells in my imagination too.

[Renae Hesselink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read and lessons to be learned! The story for the most part takes place on Mackinac Island. I've been the to island several times and heading there again in July of this year. I've stayed at the Grand Hotel so I could visually see the story unfold. Cindy described everything so well and it made you feel like you were right there. I loved how Emma realized the value of following her Grandy's advice and shutting off her phone and staying away from social media for the time she was gone. Such a great reminder that those devices are such a distraction from being in touch with life and your surroundings. Emma certainly learned a lot of lessons in those short three days. I was so proud of her, especially when she was driving home and could have totally fallen apart again. Not going to share the ending or how I felt about it - that is for you to read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read. Her 'self-talk' as she guides herself through one traumatic experience and as she tries to overcome fears---fears that you and I might have--is not only helpful but hilarious. She finds love (spoiler alert) and as she traipses through Mackinac Island, it is fun to recognize the spots that she is seeing. A little more work by the author on how to move a plot along other than using the protanganist's thoughts (using quotes) would be an improvement.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it very much and imagining myself in her shoes.

[Dianna Stampfler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly loved this book...especially since it was set on Mackinac Island and features one of my favorite flowers...the LILAC!

You can read my blog post about this title here: https://promotemichigan.com/the-sweet...

[Tera · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book can make you remember sights, sounds and smells of a place that is dear to you, it is simply magical. It’s been a few years and now I am itching to head to Mackinac Island this spring to find some lilacs of my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to meet the author event at Mackinaw and had my book signed by Cynthia! This is a very sweet read mixed in with some tears. This book gives me the feels of my various trips to Mackinaw for the Lilac festival. The ending was the greatest 🥰

[Megan Schikora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of a young woman’s journey to self-discovery, healing, and love. A setting rendered with such affection that I’m inspired to take a solo trip to Mackinaw Island.

[Maryjulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story. I was rooting for Emma the entire time. Some nice turns of phrasing, beautiful descriptions, and the author’s insight into grief all made for a relatable read. The poem at the end was a nice touch, too. A great summer book, especially for those who have experienced the magic of Mackinac Island.