My husband and I recently took a road trip around Lake Michigan. While we traveled, I took a break from writing, but not from books!
One thing I was sure to pack was a copy of Liz Johnson’s latest release, Summer in the Spotlight. I thought that pretty cover would be a perfect match to some of the scenery we’d be enjoying on our trip, and I wasn’t wrong. In fact, during our first stop, in Door County, Wisconsin, I even found a square lighthouse like what’s on the cover.
From there, we traveled south through Michigan, stopping at places like Petosky and South Haven. As I posted pictures, I heard from readers and writers how popular the western shore of Michigan is as a setting for a story. It’s easy to see why.
We did venture away from the shore far enough to visit Grand Rapids, where Baker Book House is located.
If you’re not familiar with Baker Book House, it’s a Christian bookstore in Michigan. They often offer discounts and free shipping on pre-orders, so recently I’ve been placing most of my preorders with them. They also have the largest used Christian book department in the US! Since I was there in person, I got to browse those shelves.
They were arranged alphabetically, so I checked for some of my favorite authors, such as TI Lowe, Becky Wade, Susan May Warren, and others. Unfortunately, I struck out in the used book section, but not to worry! There was a whole store to explore.
I found a nice little stack in the main part of the bookstore.
My book haul included:
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox (I’ve already read this one and recommend it!)
Indigo Isle by TI Lowe (I love her work!)
All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese (I’ve heard so many great things that I needed to try this for myself.)
A Midnight Dance by Joanna Politano (I so enjoyed Lady Jane Disappears that I scooped this one up too.)
On the last day of our trip, we had a beach day where I got to play around with taking some pictures and then settled in to read.
Which book would you have chosen to dive into? Do you have any favorite stories set on Lake Michigan?
Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life’s relevant questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she’s living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound rescue. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com.
I would have chosen a Susan May Warren book to read first.
I’m glad I’m not the only person who likes to read books when I’m traveling that are set in the place I’m traveling!
This summer I read Behind Loves Wall by Carrie Fancette Pagels., Which was set in Mackinac Island!
I’m not sure I’ve heard of any of the books you suggested but I might have to pick them up when I travel back to Michigan to visit my grandma.
I’m terrible with remembering settings of books, but I always love a book that includes water and a small town feel.
That’s a hard choice, since I’m an ARC member for several authors. I take my Kindle when I go on vacation, then I have a large collection to choose from.
I can’t recall reading any books that were set on Lake Michigan.
oh my what a wonderful haul you have gotten. I dont know which one I would start with. thanks for sharing about your trip. I live in the suburbs of Chicago, so we have gone to Lake Michigan many times. In the fall we like to drive up along the edges of the lake and see all the beautiful fall colors. Usually in mid to late September. Our anniversary is than so we have a place where we spend a week and the beauty of all those trees make it so much more so.
haven’t read any set there
I have read some stories that took place on Lake Michigan but I can’t recall the titles. I enjoy books that take place near lakes or mountains. I have not been to Lake Michigan in a long time but I remember how pretty it was.
I have read some stories that took place on Lake Michigan but I can’t recall the titles. I have not been to Lake Michigan in a long time but I remember how pretty it was. I enjoy books set near lakes.
I’ve read a lot of Susan May Warren’s books! I’d love to go to Baker Book House!
I don’t blame you! She’s so talented!
I’m sure you’d find lots of gems there! I hope you get the chance to go.
I enjoy books set near lakes, too. The Great Lakes region, especially, is close to my heart. :)
What a lovely tradition! We like going north in fall for the color too. Following Lake Michigan can really give you such a variety of landscapes, too, from the city (Chicago and Milwaukee) to numerous state parks to small beach towns.
Kindles sure are handy for vacation, aren’t they? Much easier to carry than a stack of physical books!
You know, I can’t blame you. There are a couple of books I read that I *think* were on the shores of Lake Michigan, but I’m not actually sure about that. Still, like you said, they had water and small towns, and sometimes that’s really all you need :)
Ooh, after visiting Mackinac Island, it could be interesting to read a book set there. Thanks for the tip! And for the record, the ones I named in the post aren’t actually set in Michigan (that I know of), they’re just ones I brought on the trip or found at Baker Book House. If you get the chance to swing by that bookstore, it’s worth a visit!
I’ve read and enjoyed several series set along the shores of Lake Michigan! The two that come to mind immediately are Jessie Gussman’s Blueberry Beach series, and the spin-off series she’s currently writing, Strawberry Sands.
I’m commenting here on this Romance Blog for the 2023 Back to school contest that I hope to win:
I really like to read Romance especially in print format but want to enter all the back to school contests.
Look forward to reading and trying these new authors always good and even interesting to try new authors.
Great giveaways and prizes
Hope I Win
Im not sure what I would read first.im currently reading Narelle Atkins arc book.i have been trying to catch up on my arc books as I have had a busy summer and haven’t been able to finish them.i really enjoy Jessie gussman books I’ve been reading her new series.
I’d have a hard time picking between Nicole Deese, TI Lowe, and Joanna Politano.
Your trip sounds like fun! Thanks for sharing! :)
Ooohh, A Midnight Dance is excellent! You’ll like that one! Baker Book House is on my bucket list of places to go someday. :D
I discovered Nicole Deese this year and loved All That Really Matters, so I would have searched for one of her books that I have yet to read!
Your pictures are gorgeous but I am most jealous of the Baker Book House visit ;)
A trip that includes a visit to a bookshop like that sounds just about perfect.
I haven’t read any Joanna Politano before but it sounds just my sort of thing so I will definitely give it a go, thank you for the recommendation.
I have never read any based on Lake Michigan. Your pictures are beautiful! I would dive into All That Really Matters – sounds good and cover is so cute!
I probably would have picked something light, such as a cozy mystery.
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox :)
I live in Ohio right on the Michigan border. I have been up to Michigan a lot. I cannot think of any books off the top of my head that I have read that are set in Michigan. The state is beautiful with the many lakes. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I love to visit local bookshops when we travel. Beautiful sunset pictures!
How long did it took you to leave the baker book house 🤔?
I can imagine the faces of my family waiting for me outside after many hours ☺️
I would love to read and be in the same place as the book is set but it rarely happens. I’m very happy that through the books I get to travel to amazing places though.
I’ve actually read all of those except for A Midnight Dance. They were all sooo good. T. I. Lowe is one of my favorites!
I have read a few of Carrie Fancette Pagels books set in Mackinac Island, I actually asked her how to pronounce it. I got to meet her when I was in America. I would love to see that area. Not sure what book I would choose to read but I have a few on my tbr list right now. I do tend to take the kindle with me when I travel.
Visiting bookstores are always so fun! I would love to visit that bookstore some day!
I would have started A Midnight Dance by Joanna Politano first. That’s been on my TBR list since it came out & I haven’t read any of her books yet.
I absolutely loved All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese. I read it because I’d heard how good it was, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox
I like all the books by Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse). He sets all his books in Michigan.