Thursday, March 12, 2015

Review: Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe


Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe
By Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, 2015


Summary

What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.


My thoughts

Max Lucado's new fiction release, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, is unusual and quite unique. I greatly enjoyed it while reading, but like it even more as I reflect back. Rather than critiquing from a literary standpoint, my reviews are usually based on how a book affects me, and this one hits a home run. (Giveaway generously provided by Litfuse Publicity; details at the end of this review.)

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe is a beautiful example of the power of story. Max is a wordsmith. He has an exceptional, God-given ability to communicate spiritual truths by painting pictures through the written word. This is not a long read, but it doesn't need to be, for Max speaks volumes in only 184 pages. It may seem like a predictable, lighthearted fantasy on the surface, but there are untold hidden depths.

It is an imaginative concept to spin this story around modern social concepts like a San Antonio coffee shop, wifi, lattes, baked goodies, and an interactive "God Blog." I loved all the characters and the way readers will be able to identify with their struggles. The use of angels in fiction often comes across as somewhat cheesy, but Max did a great job in making Manny humorous, quirky, and sincere. There are some great scenes where Manny views events from heaven's perspective.


 ____________________

"I wanted a better wife. She wanted a better husband.
But God gave us something even better. Himself."
- Bo
____________________


This is a story about relationships - with spouse, family members, friends, community, and with God. Spiritual warfare and the power of prayer are major themes. Issues of adultery and divorce are woven into this story, but never as a main theme nor in a condemning,  "preachy" manner. That's not Max's style and he has a gift for keeping the focus where it needs to be - on God's love, repentance, and forgiveness.

This book is filled with spiritual themes that will speak to readers - the personal cost of unforgiveness, the effectiveness of prayer, that everything in our lives has a purpose, and that no matter how devastating the circumstance, we are never alone. One scene that especially touched me is when Manny wanders into what had once been a prayer room in the coffee shop, and he simply listens . . . "Decades of prayers resounded through the small room. Prayers that pass through the lips in a moment, but endure for all eternity."

Spiritual warfare is very real, yet it's not something to which I give a lot of thought, so I found this theme fascinating and extremely moving. I'd like to end with this touching and victorious scene that gives cause for rejoicing, a visual that contrasts the forces of light and dark . . .

        Through the window, Manny noticed dark shadows lurking . . . Voices emerged from within: throaty and gutteral, filling the atmosphere with lies of shame, abandonment, and despair.
        "God has no place for you . . ."
        "God? What God?"
        Gabriel began to sing. "Holy is the Living God."
        At the sound of the angelic voice, the murky cloud stopped its advance.
        "Blessed be the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord!"
        The shadows inched back at each chorus.
        One by one the angels joined Gabriel, lifting their voices to heaven. It soon sounded as though hundreds, perhaps thousands were singing. . . . In the presence of such mighty voices, the evil held no sway. There was no shadow for such lies to hide.

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe is a story that could possibly impact new believers, seekers, and seasoned Christians alike. I hope we see more fiction from Mr. Max. Highly recommended.



Max Lucado

More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Find Max online at maxlucado.com, Facebook, and Twitter. Also visit his Litfuse Blog Tour page to learn more.

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe can be purchased at CBD, DeeperShopping, B&N, and Amazon.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

38 comments:

  1. First off, Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. I have read alot of his books and enjoyed them all.
    This one sounds amazing, and am sure it is. I would love to win of course.

    My question for God...
    Thats a tough one. So many things to ask... and yet, if I were really to stand face to face and ask Him a question, I think I would simply be speechless. Of course, on a blog .... well maybe I could come up with something.

    I would love to know.. "what is heaven really like?"

    I can't wait to read everyone else's comments also.
    Carole, as always - great job!! Love visiting your blog.
    And I follow in all areas.
    amylsmith at bledsoe dot net

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    1. Amy, I knew this question would require some thought but I had to ask it because, like you, I'm eager to see how everyone responds. The book is different from what I normally read, but I really enjoyed it, as you can tell. There's a few scenes that I could read over and over.

      I'd love to hear God's response to your excellent question, Amy! It's always great to hear from you.

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  2. I would ask God why some people have to endure terrible, lengthy pain at different times in their lives or before death.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Melanie, I think that's a question a lot of us would like to ask when we get to heaven. Thank you for sharing today.

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  3. God, did I do everything I could have done in my marriage by staying with my controlling and emotionally abusive husband? Did I do the right thing for our daughter by leaving? If I'd prayed more and waited Ionger, if I had not left so many times, forgiven more, tried harder....was I wrong to get out and remove our daughter from his abuse and influence? The tension was effecting my health and both our well-being. Did i disobey you when I remarried or did you provide my current husband to help me heal as he met my needs. Are you working through his care for me to bring healing or did I commit adultery by marrying him. I want to please you with all my heart. Can you please tell me if I did okay. I just want to know so I can stop feeling this guilt once and for all.
    Email daloweartist at gmail dot com

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    1. Deborah, you've got such a lot on your heart! While you may never understand everything in this life, I pray that you will feel God's peace as you dwell in His Word. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. I love Max Lucado's books! If I could ask God anything, I would ask Him, "When are you coming back?" I'm looking forward to heaven. I can't wait until this verse comes to fruition-- "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4. starlitestudios.art at gmail dot com

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    1. I am so with you, Mary! The longer I live and see more and more of my loved ones leave this earth, the less this earth feels like home. What a comfort and treasure Rev. 21:4 is! Thank you for sharing so beautifully, Mary.

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  5. I would ask God about my divorce 29 years ago. If I had been in God's will and not my own I know I would have never married him. He was mentally killing me and I was hurting myself and hated the person in my mirror. I have asked for God's forgiveness many times. I know he has forgiven me but I can't forgive myself. God, am I really married to the man I have loved for 28 years and have 2 grown children with. Or am I still married to my ex?
    pam1lunsford ( at ) gmail ( dot ) com

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    1. Pamela, we're always told to try and see people the way God sees them, but you need to also look inward and see the child of God that you are - forgiven and guilty no more! Then leave your questions at the feet of Jesus, knowing that they will be answered in heaven. Thank you for sharing, Pamela.

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    2. Thank you Carole. You've helped me a lot.

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  6. this was a great interview! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Sheila. Don't forget to have fun answering the entry question!

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  7. I would feel strange asking God something, maybe He could give some insight into why Enoch was taken up and spared death as being only 1 of the two people in the bible who did not die a physical death.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

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    1. Mary, that is something I would ask also! I'd like to know how he "walked with God" and came to be singled out in that long list of names in Genesis 5. That has always fascinated me. Best wishes in the drawing, Mary.

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  8. I would have so many questions to ask God but I am thinking that I would like to ask Him how it was possible for Jesus to become 100% man and yet 100% God on earth. How did Jesus' two natures work together and how was he both?

    Thanks for the giveaway...would love to win!
    Email address: ellihl1(at)students(dot)fscj(dot)edu

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    1. What a great question, Hope! The wisest theologians argue over that one, while we just accept it by faith.So much to look forward to when our eyes are fully opened.

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  9. Why do good people die young and nasty people seem to live forever?
    Thereadmaster(at)me(dot)com

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    1. That's another question on a lot of people's minds, Virginia. Sometimes I wish I could see the bigger picture from God's point of view.

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  10. Were the 6 days of creation literal 24 hour days??

    I have always enjoyed Max Lucado's books and would love to read a fiction book written by him. I have experienced spiritual warfare and know several other Christian friends who have, also.

    Shared post!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Great question, Bonnie! A lot of arguments have gone back and forth over that one. And you're a sweetheart for always being so good about sharing. Best wishes in the drawing!

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  11. I love Max Lucado's paintings. thanks for sharing this great giveaway on Literacy Musing Mondays! I would ask God why He put the tree of Good and Evil in the garden? I wish He had not and we still lived in paradise. I have heard that God doesn't want robots but genuine love and fellowship. I still wonder why though.

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    1. I've heard the same thing, Mary, and it all goes back to the free will that God created us with. Still a lot to hopefully learn eventually, though. Thank you for visiting and sharing, Mary.

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  12. I am going to repeat my question from my earlier comment because I forgot my email address. I would ask God why did He put the tree of Good and Evil in the garden? If he had not we would still live in paradise. My address is marykatbpcsc(at)gmail(dot)com.

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  13. Great review, Carole! I've loved the books I've read by Max. One of my favorite Bible studies is one he wrote, He Chose the Nails. To answer your question--probably one of my first questions will be--Who is here that I know? I think it will be so joyful to reconnect with people who have gone on before me.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com
    I shared your giveaway on Pinterest :)

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  14. Wow, some deep questions. I believe that God's Word is sufficient and has all the answers I need. He also gave us Pastor/teachers to give us counsel through the Word. God has already given us all we need to find the answers we need, why would He start a blog? Hope that isn't a downer, but the people with deeper questions - there isn't a blog, but you do have people you can go to to find the answers right now. Kim

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  15. God How do we become better at being your light in the dark world?
    Chris
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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  16. I would love to know what heaven is like and if we will see all of our loved ones (including the four legged ones)
    lewislibrary4052(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  17. Max Lucado is such an awesome writer! Love his books but missed out on this one. Would love to win it. And when I try to think of a question to ask God, I find I know that the answer is already in His word. Or that its something I'm being selfish about. I guess the one thing would be what my parents and family member already in heaven are doing.

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  18. I would like to know why so many wonderful couples seem to have fertility issues, but it seems so easy for teens to get pregnant when they typically don't want s baby.

    mo1202007@yahoo.com

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  19. If I were granted the opportunity to speak to God, I would ask why people who are good to others go through so much heartache in their lives. I would also ask if I can see a vision of Heaven

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  20. Would love to read this book! Great interview as well! shellymae1002@yahoo.com

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  21. On a fun-filled note, I'd like to ask God why there are calories in food!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  22. There are so many things I would like to ask God. I guess one of the more random ones would be whether aliens and/or ghosts really exist.

    Les Johnson
    katja9_10 at Hotmail dot com

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  23. Based on a chat with a coworker over lunch today, I would ask God what He did prior to creating the Earth.

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  24. I would ask God what made Him decide to pick Mary & Joseph to be Jesus' earthly parents.

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  25. I've been wanting to read this book for a while as Max Lucado has been very influential in my life. Now, after reading your review, I want to read it even more! Thanks for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week.
    Tina

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