I received a copy of "Miracle at the Higher Ground Cafe" by Max Lucado from Family Christian Stores for the purpose of generating a review. Italicized quotes are from the book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

You want the short version book review? If you like Karen Kingsbury, read this new book by Max Lucado, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe. It's that kind of story. 

*****

Max Lucado stands on his own as a writer. His understanding and application of Scripture has taken readers out of the depths of despair and before God’s thrones exclaiming hallelujah for years. But when a writer leaves their traditional writing style and enters a new one, you see their talent in a whole new way.

I think that’s what I enjoyed most about “Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe.” Max didn’t preach or teach, not directly. He just told a story. One that was easy to read. You had a pretty good idea of the outcome. But all along, you had no idea how God was going to work out the details. You certainly didn’t know about the story behind the story going on in the spiritual realm.  

In his easy-going manner, Max told you.

Often, when I read a fiction story, I tell myself I won’t highlight or underline a thing. Not everything has to offer a lesson, right? Every book doesn’t have to turn into a textbook. I held to my promise this time. For the most part. I only show 12 marks in my e-reader. I’ll share with you just a few: 

Prayers move God. And God moves angels.

Decades of prayers resounded through the small room. Prayers that pass through the lips in a moment, but endure for all eternity...

"Did the mission fail?"

"It only fails when we give up," Michael said. [Yes, Michael THE angel] "And heaven never gives up."

A simple story about Chelsea Chambers and her family. But it’s our story too. Love, forgiveness, fear, redemption. Entertaining strangers unaware (Hebrews 13:2).

All centered around the perfect latte.