Blog Archives
Character Growth
Madison’s Mission follows a devoted lady’s maid caring for her mistress and hiding her past, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets the distinguished foreman overseeing the castle’s extravagant construction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Boldt Castle is the most famous tourist attraction in the Thousand Islands Region. Every year, nearly a quarter of a million visitors enjoy its beauty, including me. I’ve always wanted to write a story about it and Heart Island. But it wasn’t until recently that I finally developed a compelling storyline.
Ever since I was a child, Boldt Castle’s story has fascinated me. It’s a story of love and loss and begins with the talented businessman, George C. Boldt, a German immigrant who became proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. In 1900, Boldt embarked on an ambitious project to construct a six-story, 120-room castle inspired by the grand architecture of European châteaux. He meticulously planned every detail as an expression of his love and devotion, with hearts everywhere. You’ll experience its construction throughout my story and wonder at those who put so much of their hearts into it. When you visit there, your perspective will never be the same.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Technically, the sub-genre I write in is called “faction”—factual fiction. The setting and owners of that castle and mansion are all real characters and stories, and then I overlay fictional servants who tell the story. It’s rather complicated, but it’s oh so much fun. This gives me so much “scope for the imagination,” as Anne Shirley would say. I focus on character growth. But I’m a sucker for romance and happy endings, so if a relationship is part of my main character’s storyline, all the better!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I hope readers are reminded that no matter the hardships we face, God is always at work behind the scenes—restoring, healing, and guiding us toward His best. Madison’s Mission is ultimately a story of hope, reminding us that love rooted in faith can overcome even the deepest sorrow and that purpose often rises out of pain. Madison is terrified of opening herself up again because of all the pain she’s endured. But God gently leads her to realize that love and community are part of the healing process. Through Emmett, and through unexpected circumstances, she learns that God is not finished with her story. That’s something I think many readers will relate to.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have a new series coming out in early 2027 based in the Thousand Islands, so I’ll continue to feature the beautiful landscape, history, and drama set around Boldt Castle and in the St. Lawrence River during the Gilded Age.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A Boldt Castle story
By Susan G Mathis
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large.
Just as their budding romance begins to flourish, tragedy strikes, shattering their world. A deadly accident leaves Emmett wrestling with guilt and at the center of an investigation that could unravel everything he holds dear. Then Madison finds herself ensnared in a dangerous coverup that threatens her very life.
When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling—jobless and burdened by the weight of her perceived failures. In a world filled with uncertainty, can she summon the strength to move forward and confront her past? Will Emmett rise above his challenges to forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?
Madison’s Mission
Set against the lush backdrop of the Thousand Islands during the Gilded Age, Madison’s Mission is a heartwarming historical romance that follows Madison Murray, a devoted lady’s maid to the ailing Mrs. Boldt, as she navigates grief, love, and personal purpose. The story unfolds around the construction of the grand Boldt Castle, a real-life monument to love, as Madison’s world entwines with that of Emmett O’Connor, the castle’s construction foreman. With faith and courage as her guide, Madison must confront painful memories and uncertain futures while discovering unexpected hope and the possibility of love.
I was pulled in right away by the vivid descriptions of the setting. Susan Mathis paints Heart Island and Boldt Castle with such affection that you can almost hear the river lapping at the shore and feel the spring sun cutting through the mist. The writing has a gentle rhythm to it that mirrors the emotional cadence of the story itself. I liked the slow build between Madison and Emmett; it wasn’t forced or too polished. There’s something really comforting about the way Mathis lets the characters take their time, especially in a world that feels so rich in tradition and expectation.
The heart of the story is Madison’s inner journey, and I found myself really rooting for her. She’s lost so much, and her devotion to Mrs. Boldt feels honest and deeply earned. I also appreciated that the romantic thread with Emmett didn’t take center stage in a cloying way. It’s balanced with themes of purpose, grief, and faith. That said, some of the villainy (especially with Bruce Clawson) felt a little too on-the-nose, like the classic “bad guy” mold. But it didn’t ruin the ride. The story still delivered enough real emotional moments to keep me invested.
I’d recommend Madison’s Mission to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a strong sense of place and a thread of faith running through it. If you like sweet stories about finding strength in unexpected places and believe that love can come quietly, patiently, and with a bit of divine timing, then this one’s for you. I closed the book feeling a little misty-eyed.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0F9QQ5N8V
Pursue Your Dreams
Sultry Is The Night follows a haunted man trying to survive after the loss of his parents and his dreams, who meets a mysterious woman who draws him into her dangerous world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was a teenager when the great hits of the 1980s were released: Footloose, Flashdance, Fame. Those movies are about pursuing your dreams, despite the obstacles you might face. There’s also a grittiness to those films, and that is something that I wanted to capture in “Sultry“. Most of my books are set in the 1980s because I want my readers to escape our modern world and immerse themselves in my world. Although he is from “the wrong side of the tracks”, Mario pursues his dream of becoming a chef because once we give up on our dreams, we stop truly living. When he meets Tess (the rich girl from the other side of town), he is faced with a new challenge – one that puts his heart in a vise.
I found your characters engaging and believable. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Thank you! As a female author, I have always written male protagonists and Mario was one of my favourites to bring to life. Like him, I am also Italian, and like him, cooking is a passion for me. It was a lot of fun for me to create him and imagine what it would be like to live as him. It was almost as if he was inviting me into his life. I didn’t find any of my characters challenging to write. They live inside my head, and my heart, and are simply waiting for me to put pen to paper.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love, predominantly. Even in my horror stories, love is a major theme. Then there was the theme of cultural divide, and that between classes – rich versus poor. To paraphrase an old saying: It doesn’t matter how much money we have, we all end up in the same wooden box. I’d like to add to that, “…but love never dies”. Finally, there’s a theme of racial injustice that Mario is faced with and it’s within his own family.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I never intended to write a sequel to “Sultry” but a few readers requested one, and since I missed my characters, I decided to write one that reads as a standalone story. In the sequel, “A Crack in Forever“, Mario’s half-brother is in trouble. His aging father reaches out to Mario for help. At the same time, Mario believes Tess, the love of his life, has betrayed him. Mario falls into an abyss of despair, and uncertainty, torn between the love he harbours for Tess, and for his half-brother, Tony. I’d categorize the sequel as a Romantic Thriller, and while I have entertained the notion of writing a third book, I think that Mario and Tess’s story should end where it does. However, as an author, I never say “never”!
This town has a distinct border, the good side and the shady side, where the townspeople battle rats for scraps of food. Mario used to live among the rich, but he now resides on the wrong side of the tracks thanks to the father who left him behind. Worst of all, he’s mourning his mother’s death and what he thinks is the loss of his lifelong dream, becoming a chef.
After meeting Dito who owns “Dean’s Pizzeria”, things are finally changing for Mario. Until Tess enters his life – the beautiful, mysterious stranger who lives in a luxury high rise. But there’s something off, something she’s hiding, something dark.
Some borders aren’t meant to be crossed.
“Sultry, Is the Night”, is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong.
Sultry Is The Night
Set in 1982, Sultry Is The Night by Barbara Avon tells the gripping story of Mario, a man once ensconced in the comforts of a thriving town but now lost amidst its shadows. Haunted by the tragic loss of his parents and an unraveling sense of purpose, Mario clings to glimmers of hope, finding solace in the camaraderie of Dito, a compassionate pizzeria owner. His fragile stability is shattered when Tess, a glamorous yet enigmatic woman with a dangerous allure, enters his life. Drawn irresistibly into her world, Mario faces a whirlwind of temptation, self-discovery, and confrontation with his past. Will he succumb to the encroaching darkness, or will he find the strength to reclaim his humanity?
Avon weaves a harrowing yet breathtaking tapestry of resilience set against the backdrop of a decaying town. The setting, with its crumbling facades and an undercurrent of despair, transcends mere scenery to reflect Mario’s inner turmoil. I was immediately captivated by the universal themes embedded in this story. Avon reimagines the timeless struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the unyielding quest for redemption, all with remarkable depth.
From the opening pages, the prose demands attention. Raw yet lyrical, each sentence feels intentionally crafted to evoke vivid imagery and palpable emotion. The town itself, once a beacon of promise now withered into neglect, mirrors Mario’s journey, resonating as both a literal and symbolic presence. Avon’s ability to intertwine setting and character is masterful, creating a dual narrative that unfolds with compelling intimacy and universal significance.
Avon avoids simple dichotomies of heroism and villainy, offering instead a spectrum of flawed, complex individuals. Mario stands at the heart of this story, his struggles both deeply personal and strikingly relatable. Through him, readers confront uncomfortable truths about vulnerability, survival, and the lengths to which one might go to grasp hope. Avon tempers these weighty themes with moments of quiet beauty, where even the faintest glimmer of light feels like salvation.
Technically, Avon’s storytelling is impeccable. The pacing is deliberate, drawing readers gradually into the depths of Mario’s world without ever losing momentum. Her atmospheric descriptions are immersive, enveloping the reader in a visceral experience that lingers well beyond the final page. The dialogue, stripped of artifice, feels raw and authentic, lending credibility to the story’s gritty realism. Themes of poverty, betrayal, and hope are explored with nuance, inviting readers to wrestle with their interpretations rather than imposing a singular perspective.
Sultry Is The Night challenges its readers to feel, reflect, and empathize. It dares you to confront the darkness within humanity while holding fast to the fragile yet enduring sparks of light. For those who appreciate character-driven narratives rich with emotional depth and poetic realism, this novel is an absolute must-read. Barbara Avon delivers a tale of redemption and resilience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B09M7Q4YQ3
A Time for Love
Greg Van Arsdale’s novella A Time for Love offers an intriguing blend of romance, self-discovery, and time travel. The story follows Joe Dixon, a successful but dissatisfied stockbroker, as he stumbles into an extraordinary journey of love and adventure. After meeting Amber Covington, a woman living in 1940s London, Joe faces challenges that test his bravery, values, and the strength of his newfound love.
The writing in A Time for Love is straightforward and approachable, though at times, the dialogue feels a bit contrived. Joe’s conversations with his friend Ian early in the book feel like setups rather than organic exchanges. Once the time-travel twist is revealed, the dialogue becomes more engaging, especially as Joe and Amber navigate their feelings against the backdrop of war-torn London. What I enjoyed most was the vivid imagery of 1940s London. The fog-covered Chelsea Bridge scene where Joe meets Amber is enchanting and transports readers to another era. It felt magical yet grounded, as if you could hear the clip-clop of horses and feel the damp cobblestones underfoot. The historical context, like references to the Battle of Britain and rationing, adds authenticity. The romance between Joe and Amber is sweet and earnest but somewhat rushed. Joe’s declaration of love comes quickly, making it hard to fully buy into their connection. That said, their chemistry shines in moments of vulnerability, like when Joe reassures Amber after the break-in. The action sequences, especially Joe’s martial arts showdown with burglars, are thrilling, though they contrast sharply with the otherwise romantic tone of the story.
A Time For Love remains an engaging and adventurous novella. It shines in its ability to weave historical tension with themes of love and existential longing. For readers seeking a quick, exciting story with a touch of romance and time-travel intrigue, Van Arsdale’s work provides an enjoyable escape.
Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0CWCR9S6N
What Once Was Promised
Set in 1914, What Once Was Promised by Louis Trubiano opens with sixteen-year-old Domenic Bassini, who boards the Cretic, bound for America and a future filled with unknowns. Leaving his family behind in Italy, Domenic’s journey across the Atlantic is one of hope and uncertainty. Aboard the ship, he meets Cologero and Francesca, a young married couple brimming with dreams of a new life, and Ermino, a stowaway searching desperately for his father. Together, they envision a land of promise and opportunity, unaware that the paths they embark on will twist and bind them together for decades in ways they could never have foreseen.
What Once Was Promised is a rich, multigenerational saga that vividly portrays the Italian immigrant experience in early 20th-century Boston. Trubiano masterfully blends themes of love, loss, family, and survival with the gritty realities of politics and organized crime. The setting bursts to life with meticulous detail, drawing readers deep into the vibrant world of Boston’s North End. Every corner of the city pulses with authenticity, from its cramped tenements to its bustling markets, without ever bogging down the narrative with overwrought descriptions. Instead, the immersion feels effortless, making you experience the hardships, the joys, and the perseverance of a community bound by heritage and resilience. What keeps this novel so captivating is the powerful sense of family that courses through its pages. The characters’ struggles against racism, punishing labor conditions, and the challenges of tenement life are rendered with empathy and depth. Trubiano weaves a story where survival isn’t just about overcoming obstacles but about the bonds that sustain and uplift. In a world battered by the flu epidemic, the Great Depression, and World War II, the lesson is clear: everything starts and ends with family, a timeless truth passed down through generations. The novel’s characters are unforgettable. Domenic, Ermino, Cologero, Francesca, and the many others who populate this story feel achingly real. Trubiano’s gift for character development ensures that each person leaves an indelible mark on the reader. Their choices shape their destinies in unexpected ways, and witnessing how their lives unfold is as rewarding as it is heart-wrenching.
The narrative evokes a spectrum of emotions, moments that made me laugh out loud, passages that brought tears, and scenes that left me gasping in shock. I found myself so engrossed in their world that I often paused to look up real events and figures from history, eager to know more. What Once Was Promised is a triumph of historical fiction that offers a deeply moving glimpse into the past. It’s a story of dreams, survival, and the enduring power of family, one that lingers long after the final page. Truly, I never wanted it to end.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0D57JJRJJ
The Immigrant’s Wife
J.B. Harris’s The Immigrant’s Wife masterfully weaves a poignant tale set in the early 1900s, following the life of Anna, a 19-year-old American girl who falls in love with Charles Patrinos, a Greek immigrant. Their love defies societal expectations, inciting disapproval from Anna’s family and friends. In an era marked by rampant xenophobia, their relationship exemplifies the classic struggle of star-crossed lovers. Anna’s decision to choose love over her upbringing thrusts her into a world of harsh consequences, forcing her to constantly reaffirm her love for Charles while drawing on her inner values for strength.
The novel is not just a story of romance; it delves deep into themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and resilience. Harris has crafted an emotionally charged narrative that resonates on multiple levels. The novel explores the profound impact of loss and the way it can erode both mental and physical well-being. Anna’s character transformation is particularly compelling. From a sheltered young girl, she blossoms into a strong, determined woman who must navigate a world devoid of familial support. Her journey of self-discovery and survival makes her an inspiring protagonist, and her resilience leaves a lasting impression. What sets The Immigrant’s Wife apart is how it examines the dual nature of love—its capacity to both uplift and devastate. Harris does not shy away from showing the emotional toll of difficult choices. Furthermore, the novel shines a light on the immigrant experience, capturing the harsh realities immigrants faced during a challenging period in American history.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its personal connection to Harris’s own family history, infusing the story with authenticity and emotional depth. This personal touch elevates The Immigrant’s Wife from a mere historical novel to a deeply affecting exploration of love and identity. It is a heart-wrenching read that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers with much to reflect upon.
Pages: 393 | ASIN : B0C63KGNXF
Changing Your Destiny
Depression follows siblings during the Great Depression who leave home and move to New York City in hopes of a better future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from my fascination with history. Ever since I was 12 years old, I have been a history fanatic because it has always been an interesting subject to me. To me, it is nice to learn about how past events can affect our current moment in life. In terms of the Great Depression, I felt that it was always a major stepping stone in American history because of its global impact (Ex: World War 2).
What many people tend to forget or leave unnoticed is how the Great Depression impacted those in the southern states. Agriculture was failing so badly for farmers that they needed help from the government but it still wasn’t enough to save their agriculture business. I’ve been wanting to write a story around this idea for 12 years now, but never got around to it until now.
Wade and Ruby both take different paths once they reach the city, struggling in their own ways to figure out themselves and how to get by. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I believe the idea for Ruby and Wade was to show everyone how even though we want to achieve the same goal in life, we will still go on a different journey to get there. Sometimes it can be a good path or a dark path.
For Ruby, she was always the tough, strong-minded country girl who never wavered from anything and always protected her little brother. Getting to New York City was her way of finally realizing that there was more to life than farming and Wade. Her main thing was finally growing up and stepping out of her Mississippi bubble.
For Wade, even being the ambitious one and wanting a better life for himself and his sister, he quickly learns that dreaming about something is very different than experiencing something. His dreams meet reality which caused a huge character shift for him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important thing that I want readers to take away from this book is hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. We as humans and society have our troubling, depressing moments in life, so sometimes hope is all we need. Overall, If there is anything you can learn from Wade and Ruby’s journey is that you have the power to take a step towards changing your destiny.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. We can expect a sequel to Depression. Ruby’s story is not finished just yet. I won’t spoil too much of the next book, but I will say that Ruby will now learn the true meaning of love, loss, and healing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Set in the rustic backdrop of rural Mississippi, our story follows Wade and Ruby, two siblings
who must grapple with a life of impoverishment. Wade and Ruby are introduced to the harsh
realities of life at a tender age, as they toil on their barren land, trying to salvage their father’s
dream agriculture business.
Their parents, trapped in dead-end jobs, paint a bleak picture of their future.
However, their narratives take a turn when the siblings decide to break free from the chains of
their circumstances. They aspire to redefine their destinies and escape the shackles of their
poverty-stricken existence by moving to the bustling, promise-filled streets of New York City:
“The City of Dreams.”
Their journey to New York City will be a transformative one for the siblings, as they will be
forced to step out of their comfort zone and experience a new life beyond the confines of their
old rural lifestyle.
Once Wade and Ruby reach the promised land, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in
their lives, but it won’t be easy.
To survive, Wade and Ruby must quickly learn to navigate through NYC’s cutthroat environment
while also facing the darkness of their family’s past mistakes in a place that can either catapult
them to their dreams or shatter them entirely.
Immerse yourself in a narrative that pushes the limits of emotion and suspense, as “Depression”
peels back the curtain on the darkness of life itself.
The Smiths’ journey will be filled with a whirlwind of emotions while offering you a compelling
narrative that will linger in your mind long after the final page is turned.
LITERARY TITAN 