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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
Hope
Mary’s Moment follows a switchboard operator in Thousand Island Park in the year 1912 who loses her memory in a disastrous fire accident. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
My mother, Mary, inspired this story. When she was a young woman, she spent two summers serving her aunts in the Thousand Islands Park. Every summer she’d take me there for an ice cream at the Guzzle and tell me stories of her time in the Park. So, it was always my desire to write about it. When I began researching and discovered the tragedy of the three 1912 fires that nearly destroyed the Park, I had my story, especially because my mom nearly lost her father in a barn fire when she was just fourteen.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
Goodness, isn’t there always an unscrupulous Archibald Reginald of sorts in all our lives? I know there have been such kinds of adversaries in several chapters of my life, and an evil insurance salesman fit the bill well in this fire-ridden story.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
All eleven of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Mary’s Moment also focuses on healing broken hearts, forgiving those who hurt you, and embracing God’s redemption.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
All of my books are set in the beautiful Thousand Islands Gilded Age. A Summer at Thousand Island House comes out July 25 with Wild Heart Books. It’s part of their Gilded Age series.
About: A Summer at Thousand Island House
Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to spend her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.
But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Thousand Island Park’s switchboard operator Mary Flynn is christened the community heroine for her quick action that saves dozens of homes from a terrible fire. Less than a month later, when another disastrous fire rages through the Park, Mary loses her memory as she risks her life in a neighbor’s burning cottage. Will she remember the truth of who she is or be deceived by a treacherous scoundrel?
Widowed fireman George Flannigan is enamored by the brave raven-haired lass and takes every opportunity to connect with Mary. But he has hidden griefs of his own that cause him great heartache. When George can’t stop the destructive Columbian Hotel fire from eradicating more than a hundred businesses and homes, he is distraught. Yet George’s greater concern is Mary. Will she remember their budding relationship or be forever lost to him?
Readers of Christian historical romance will enjoy this exciting tale set in 1912 Thousand Island Park, NY.
Mary’s Moment
In Mary’s Moment, author Susan G. Mathis delivers a vivid exploration of life in the picturesque Thousand Island Park. Our heroine, 28-year-old Mary Flynn, finds pride and contentment in her existence amidst her aunts whilst operating as the switchboard operator and telegraph interpreter at the Columbine Hotel. However, a sweltering and parched summer incites a series of fires that not only disrupt the tranquil beauty of the islands but also instigate turmoil in Mary’s life. It is within this chaos that she encounters the heroic firefighter, George Flannigan, and the unscrupulous insurance salesman, Archibald Reginald, both contending for her affection. The sudden ignition of the Columbine Hotel sends Mary’s future spiraling into uncertainty in more ways than one.
This captivating installment in Susan G. Mathis’s expansive “Thousand Islands” series deviates slightly from its predecessors, shifting the focus from the scenic depiction of the Lawrence River’s islands to a more intimate examination of character development. Both Mary and George are expertly sculpted characters with rich backstories that edify their present motivations. Archibald Reginald, though an unprincipled antagonist, never descends into caricature, maintaining a delicate balance of loathsome intrigue. In a commendable feat, Mathis extends this depth to minor characters as well, giving them a significance that resonates throughout the narrative.
This narrative is a romance devoid of unnecessary embellishments, instead relying on a gripping sense of anticipation to maintain momentum. The omnipresent danger of fire adds an undercurrent of tension that ensures readers remain hooked, ever aware that an explosive event is imminent.
Mary’s Moment offers a profound exploration of the theme of forgiveness. Mary must learn to forgive others to achieve personal growth and open her heart, while George grapples with self-forgiveness for past mistakes before he can progress in life. Their journey of faith is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the transformative potential it holds.
Having savored the entire “Thousand Islands” series thus far, Mary’s Moment stands out as a personal favorite. The shift in focus towards character development without sacrificing the allure of the Thousand Islands was refreshing. The suspense woven into the narrative elevates the book, approaching a new genre altogether. Each character shines in their respective roles, contributing to a charming and enthralling tale that I would wholeheartedly recommend to avid readers time and again. Susan G. Mathis has created a compelling read in Mary’s Moment.
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0BWH84X9N
Rachel’s Reunion
Rachel had enjoyed her employment at Calumet castle and was even more thrilled to be hired at the New Frontenac Hotel by the same couple. The hotel provided the height of luxury and experiences for wealthy patrons traveling the Thousands of Islands. She was both blessed and thankful to be a part of it all. However, what was meant to be an idyllic summer focused on work quickly turned troublesome when an old flame sailed into the scene. Mitch reminded her of the time they shared and the future they could have had…before he disappeared without a word two years prior. Could they rekindle that love? Moreso, did Rachel even want to?
Rachel’s Reunion by Susan G. Mathis is another of her beautifully written Thousand Islands stories. Many of the author’s stories follow a similar path with their plots, but that doesn’t lessen the book’s charm. Mathis paints a picture of the Thousand Islands, leaving the reader with little doubt about the area’s beauty and infusing her stories with history and real-to-life characters that encourage further exploration of the subjects. With that said, this is probably one of the best of the collection so far. In addition to the scenic location, the main characters in Rachel’s Reunion have much more depth than in her previous books. The path still ends at the same destination, but Mathis makes the journey much more interesting by mixing up the usual antagonists and conflicts.
Faith is a central theme in the book, but with Rachel being a more well-rounded heroine than others, maturity, and independence are well-visited ideas. Rachel communicates appropriately at most times and consistently ponders whether the things she wanted two years ago still align with the path she wants to follow now. The additional characters are well-developed, which provides more support than the occasion’s well-intentioned advice. They exist as part of the environment, not just as tools to interact with the main character. Overall, the book added plenty of substance without removing what makes the Thousand Islands books unique.
Rachel’s Reunion is an enjoyable romantic historical fiction novel that gives readers well-written and relatable characters with interesting conflict and tension. In the previous Thousand Islands stories I’ve read, the Islands themselves seem to take the spot as the main character. This one was different, and it worked wonders. I’ve enjoyed all the books in the series, but this one was by far the best I’ve read yet!
Pages: 182 | ASIN : B0BC29QY62
Peyton’s Promise
When Peyton arrived at Calumet Castle for a summer job, she had only a vague idea of what to expect. She knew of her wealthy employers and that her progressive ideas and choice of career made her a target for the social circles but little else. It came as a huge shock to find herself working alongside her childhood best friend, Patrick, and in turn, they were both shocked at how much their three-year absence from each other had changed them. Rekindling her relationship with Patrick, navigating new feelings for him, rediscovering her faith, trying not to anger the staunchly old-fashioned housekeeper of the castle, and doing her actual job give Peyton a busy and conflicted summer to contend with.
Peyton’s Promise is the third novel by Susan Mathis in her Thousand Island Gilded Age Series. Set in the Thousand Islands, on the St. Lawrence river, these stories take the setting and make it a palpable part of the story being told. Peyton’s Promise is no exception, describing the sights and homes of the area with beautiful depth and recreating what it might have been like in the early years of the 20th century when the area was a popular destination for many of the wealthy elite in society.
Mathis is adept at weaving historical figures into her fiction and has done so in this story with the Emerys. Calumet Castle’s owners function as the mostly absent champions of Peyton’s work, an upholsterer beyond her apprenticeship. Mathis always includes a brief note to explain the real history she has included, with details about the families, their homes, and more about the area.
Peyton’s Promise has a similar feeling to the other Thousand Island stories. Readers will find enjoyment and take comfort in returning to the beloved landscape and having the experience of revisiting a favorite vacation location. The storyline moves quickly with an internally conflicted heroine, a love interest that seems too much at odds to ever succeed, and a rival antagonist that seems on the cusp of bringing disaster more than once. This book is truly wonderful and difficult to put down! The pacing has readers engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the amount of detail included about the Islands is just enough to encourage some further research. They are perfect for a light read for those that love a Christian historical romance novel.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B09N6J5X6M
Colleen’s Confession
Colleen is an orphan who has taken up a job as a laundress for the Clark family at the Comfort Island house. Colleen meets new people, some of whom are nice to her for what seems like the first time in her life. She dreams of becoming a wife and artist.
This eloquent story takes place in 1914, on the cusp of World War 1, where men run things and women are meant to support them. There is also a great divide between those who have and those who have naught. Jack Weiss is an Austrian immigrant who befriends Collen but is torn between his possible love for her or returning to Austria to fight in the war for his homeland. Will Colleen’s dream of being an artist come true, and will Jack finally woo the girl of his dreams?
At the beginning of this fascinating book, I felt that Colleen was a difficult character for me to root for. Yes, she had a horrible upbringing with abusive nuns and forced child labor, but she did not help me sympathize or empathize with her. Instead, she was continuously unfriendly to Jack and her roommate Tara. However, as the story progressed and Jack kept battering down her walls, I found myself really liking her character, and that slow evolution of her character was all the more enjoyable.
The author has done an excellent job at taking Colleen’s character through tremendous growth. She also created a fantastic villain that you love to hate, Mrs. Marshall. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Jack is trying to boost Colleen’s morale when he talks about how Colleen’s skill with art has nothing to do with being rich or poor that, in fact, being poor allows them “to be rich in what really matters.” As a result, they might be able to appreciate the little things more than those who have everything. I thought that that was the book’s central theme—the dichotomy between rich and poor.
Colleen’s Confession is a heartwarming novel of healing, hope, and forgiveness. With the time period set at the beginnings of WWI, there is a historical element to the storyline. The love story is sweet and keeps a Christian focus throughout. This is the perfect novel to read when you want a great period piece to sit down with.
Pages: 163 | ASIN : B09K4XKQXS
Her to Journey Through Healing
Devyn’s Dilemma follows a young woman trying to escape her past and finds much more than a job at The Towers castle on Dark Island. How did the idea for this novel start and change as you wrote?
I took three trips to Singer Castle (The Towers) with the docent of the island. What a joy it was to envision Devyn walking and working there! Her story developed deeper with each trip to the island, and so did her backstory as her brother got meaner and meaner.
Devyn is a charming character that I loved following. What were some sources that informed her character development?
I love interweaving the real characters (the Bournes) and imaginary characters like Devyn and Brice, though sometimes it’s challenging. As Devyn’s relationship grows with the other characters, she developed quite naturally. But, I must admit, there were times when she decided to do something unusual and I had to question her motives. Smiles.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Hope is a theme woven throughout all of my books because it’s so needed in this day and age. But with Devyn, I wanted her to journey through healing from family abuse and a low self-esteem—and she did.
This is book two in your Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series. What can readers expect in book three?
I’m writing chapter twenty at present, and it’s contracted to release Spring 2022. I must admit, I’m having a blast with this one.
It’s called Peyton’s Promise, and here’s the idea: It’s the summer of 1902. Peyton Quinn is tasked to prepare the grand Calumet Castle ballroom for a spectacular 200-guest summer gala. But when her pyrotechnics father becomes ill, she takes over the plans for the fireworks display despite being socially ostracized.
Patrick Quinn, Calumet’s carpenter and Peyton’s childhood chum, hopes to win her heart, but her unconventional undertakings cause a rift. Peyton must ignore prejudices and persevere, or she could lose her cool, lose Patrick’s love and respect, and forever become the talk of local gossip if she fails.
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books.
Her first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma, and Katelyn’s Choice are available now, and book three, Peyton’s Promise, comes out Spring 2022. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise, and her newest, Reagan’s Reward, are also available. Susan’s books have won numerous awards, including two Illumination Book Awards, the American Fiction Award, the Indie Excellence Book Award, and two Literary Titan Book Award. Reagan’s Reward is also a finalist in the Selah Awards. Visit http://www.SusanGMathis.com for more.
Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | GoodReads | Amazon
1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.
Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.
Devyn’s Dilemma
Devyn is full of uncertainty regarding her summer job at The Towers. From her lack of confidence in the ability to perform her duties, to the fear that someone might learn her dreaded secret, to the constant views of the river she hates, everything about it makes her nervous. However, she was given no choice, and soon Devyn is surprised to find how comfortable she’s becoming in the huge house. Her employers are generous, loving people who show her what a family can be, and almost all the rest of the staff do all they can to help as the days pass- especially Brice, the handsome Irishman that Deyvn can’t help but imagine a future with!
In Devyn’s Dilema by Susan Mathis, Devyn comes to Dark Island, and the grand castle known as The Towers, scared and uncomfortable. Her life at home with an emotionally abusive mother has taught her that she has little to offer to anyone and is mostly incapable of the simplest tasks, but since someone needs to earn money for the family, Deyvn is sent off for the summer. The characters we meet throughout this heartfelt novel are all unbelievably close and loving. But the cast of characters are peppered with intriguing characters that break up the stereotypes; the rough around the edges love interest that is almost out of reach, the villainous staff member hellbent on destroying the main character’s happiness with no apparent motive, and the group of friends who seamlessly accept that character as one of their own without question. Mathis nonetheless makes them all engaging, but what she is most masterful at is making The Towers seem like a character of its own. As Devyn explores all its nooks and crannies and secrets of The Towers it becomes a character that is central to everything else. It is something that is simultaneously safe and terrifying, a physical embodiment of how Deyvn views life.
Devyn’s Dilema is a dramatic Christian romance story that is ultimately about shaking off the past and embracing the future. For years, Devyn has been shackled by the guilt of what occurred the day her father died and it has prevented her from enjoying anything in life. As she comes to realize that guilt, lies, and secrets only succeed in creating more pain, she finally begins to grow as a person, seeing for the first time that she might deserve the happiness and joy she has always denied herself. The message to not be so hard on yourself is one that many readers could use.
Although the image of The Towers will stay in your mind long after any of the human characters, it was still exciting to follow them through the summer and see each of them get what they might deserve, for better or worse! Devyn’s Dilema is a touching historical fiction novel that will leave you entertained and smiling.
Pages: 279 | ASIN: B0817GQXSJ
LITERARY TITAN 