Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe -- Book Review

I was a bit skeptical and also a bit curious about Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, the latter being what determined me to request this book.
I've previously read some Max Lucado books, but this is the first fiction book written by him that I've read.
This review contains spoilers, so be warned!
Really, if you read this review and find out all the cool details, pretty much the whole book is ruined. Better to skip at least the next paragraph.
Seriously.
The book releases today, February 10, so though I read this book a few months ago, I decided to only publish it today. Thank you, draft option in blogger.

It all starts in a cliche-esque way, with a cliche topic: woman and kids left the husband and father because he had an affair. They had a good life financially speaking, but now the mom must think how to care for themselves. She's moving to the cafe her mother left her, but the cafe comes with a debt which she, the daughter, Chelsea, must pay. I find it really nicely played how Chelsea - which sounds a bit more pretentious goes well with the main character who is weded to a football player and has led a good life, and her sister is named Sarah - and she's married to a pastor. Just an observation. Thought all these, she is helped by her sister and her two lovely employees, one of whom is an angel. Her business blooms because two undercover angels dressed as Internet Services employees come and install a router in her cafe that only connects to a website: God Blog. Basically you post a question and God answers. The answers are very accurate and people find answers to their question. Yes, question, because everyone is allowed to ask one question only. And they buy something from the cafe's menu, the business thrives, the debt is gradually paid. Also, cheers for the restored marriage in the end. There is more to the novel than this, but the main plot is this. I'm not mocking the plot. I mean, I've read and I actually liked the book. It was a sweet reminder. "Sweet" goes well with the cafe of the past.

To be honest, without this God Blog and angels thing, I really don't think I would have loved the book. It sounds tacky and weird, I know. I was taken aback, too. But this got me. I was drawn in and I was really curious to see what happens next. It's obviously fiction. Or maybe I am of little faith.

But I understand why the choice for this. Although I know and believe there are angels and God works in mysterious way, many, many times not easy to be seen or understood by the human mind or eye, this brought that knowledge a bit closer. God's love, involvement, care, for the humans is what the book points to. The war that's fought over the humans' heart is given attention to. The power of God and of the good side is a reassurance for the frail heart. The God Blog is a reminder that all questions are heard, and though we don't see or hear the answer, He has everything under control and can give His people the wisdom to go on. In the end, Chelsea, the main character, has her eyes open to see a bit of the "behind the scenes" of God's work. This is a reminder that there is more to our life and to God's plans and work than the eye can see.

Despite the cliche topic and the cliche turn of events, the main elements of the novel were nicely presented. I like how the author captured the aspects about God's presence and involvement in people's lives.

A nice read, and even a catchy one. Today is the release day for this novel, so congratulations are in order for the author!

Below you can see the video trailer, which best tells the plot of the novel. Unlike my attempt a few paragraphs above. 

I was offered a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson--W Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion of the book. All thoughts expressed here are my own.