St. Gabriel Book Series and Historic Michigan Lodge: Art Mirrors Life?

Online, October 31, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The recent release of Volume II in the St. Gabriel Series by Cynthia Lee Cartier, "Sweet Gabriel," coincides with the real-life restoration of Silver Birches lodge on Mackinac Island, the lodge that originally inspired Cartier to write the series.

In "My Way Home," Volume I in the St. Gabriel Series, narrator and protagonist Cammy Coleman buys a dilapidated lodge on a charming island, restores it and opens it for business. Cartier received many letters from readers asking if St. Gabriel Island was a real place. To clear up any confusion, on her website the author states: "St. Gabriel Island was inspired by Mackinac Island (one of my favorite places on earth)."

Visiting Mackinac Island years ago, Cartier fell in love with Silver Birches, an uninhabited lodge on the north side of the island. "I fell in love the first time I saw it. Since owning Silver Birches was not in my future, writing a story about restoring it and living there was the next best thing," said Cartier.

Dormant since 2006, Silver Birches was recently purchased by Chicago resident Liz Ware and her family. Interested in historical preservation, Ware has begun restoring the lodge and intends to open for business in 2014. She and her three children took up residence on the property last summer while renovations were underway. "My kids and I look[ed] at this summer as one big adventure," Ware said.

Cartier learned of the Ware's purchase of Silver Birches and her restoration of the property in a letter from Mary Lou O'Shea, a reader from Weatherford, Texas. Mary Lou, like so many fans of "My Way Home," traveled to Michigan's Mackinac Island after learning that it was the inspiration for St. Gabriel Island.

Cartier and Ware have since started a correspondence and Cartier plans to visit Silver Birches in the coming season. "It's been very exciting," said Cartier of being in touch with Ware. "She's living my dream and I can't wait to see the lodge when it's finished. It's like watching my story come to life!" To follow along with the renovation progress at Silver Birches, visit and like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/silverbirchesmackinac.

Told once again in the main character's quirky, journal-like style, Cynthia Lee Cartier's newest novel, "Sweet Gabriel," picks up where "My Way Home" left off. As the St. Gabriel series continues, Cammy Coleman prepares for her second winter and season on the island. Just as Cammy begins getting answers about her past, new secrets surface that could impact the entire St. Gabriel community.

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To schedule an interview with Cynthia Lee Cartier, contact Mandy Kalish: [email protected] or call (480) 209-2666. To schedule an interview with Liz Ware, contact Laura Muma: [email protected] or call (773) 960-3960.