I was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, not far from Old Mission Peninsula, the main location for MERELY MAGIC. As a young girl, I never really appreciated the history that I now took the time to learn about as I wrote this story. Gillian is the perfect heroine for living in the lighthouse out at Old Mission Point, which was built in 1870. The fact that a few of the locals consider her their own local ‘friendly witch’ has Stephen Maitland, not only a bit bewildered, but unable to understand what it is about her that makes him so attracted to her. Can she really do ‘spells’?
The first log cabin was built in 1939 and it served as a school and church after Reverend Dougherty and Henry Schoolcraft came here from Mackinac Island to set a up a mission for the local Ottawa Indians. The area is steeped in history, and not a little bit of Indian lore and a touch of magic.
Cherry trees were already in existence in this area when the Reverend arrived. The Indians knew a good thing!
The area is nestled on the 45th parallel, which lends itself to the perfect microclimate for growing wine grapes. Other well-known wine regions that lie near the 45th parallel that one may recognize include Alsace, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. And as a visitor to Old Mission, one will find about seven unique wineries. The landscape and views are stunning—an adventure awaiting.
So join me for Gillian and Stephen’s adventure in Merely Magic.
