Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

February 1, 2015

Newly split from her philandering NFL husband, single mom Chelsea Chambers struggles to make a go of her grandmother's old coffee shop. Then she discovers that her soon-to-be ex spent the money she was relying on to pay the IRS and the lease on her coffee shop. In dire straits, Chelsea prays for a miracle. Just when she has almost given up hope, in walks Manny, who seems vested in helping her succeed. When he arranges for Wi-Fi to be installed in the cafe, the Internet service only connects to one site, The God Blog. If asked a question, allegedly God will respond. In no time, customers flock to her cafe. But is it really God answering? What Chelsea learns is that the Lord hears all prayers, but he responds in his time and in his own way. VERDICT Fans of Lucado's comforting stories of hope (e.g., The Crippled Lamb) will delight in this tale of love, loss, and redemption, coauthored with Eric Newman and Candace Lee. Its likable, sympathetic characters and several surprising plot twists make it a charming and inspiring read. Reminiscent of the movie It's a Wonderful Life with the accessible religious undertones of writings by G.K. Chesterton (The Book of Father Brown), this captivating novel will also appeal to readers who believe in the afterlife and angels.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2015
Chelsea Chambers needs to make a major change in her life, so when she inherits her grandmother's caf', she decides it's the perfect opportunity to start over. Chelsea takes her children, walks away from her crumbled marriage to an NFL star, and begins life at the Higher Ground Caf'. Soon, however, she realizes she is in dire financial straits. Heaven intervenes by sending down an angel disguised as a barista named Manny, and when the Internet is set up, the only website customers can reach is the God Blog. Soon the caf' has more business than Chelsea ever dreamed, as coffee-lovers from near and far come to communicate with God. They even receive a miraculously personal response! With his coauthors, best-selling inspirational author Lucado (You'll Get through This, 2013) brings his trademark blend of familial warmth, spiritual struggle, and saving grace to this imaginative novel. Readers will relate to the tough questions Chelsea and her family ask, and they will delight in the faith that brings communities together and leads Chelsea into the most fulfilling time of her life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)