Love, heartbreak, hope… and an American castle inspired by Germany!
I’m thrilled to host Susan G. Mathis on the blog today. Like me, she has a strong connection to Upstate NY, and many of her books are set in our vacation destination, the Thousand Islands along the St. Lawrence River.
In her fifteenth book, Madison’s Mission, you will get to explore Boldt Castle, which was built at the turn of the last century in the tradition of the beautiful castles of Germany’s Rhineland.
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love. In my latest novel, Madison’s Mission, readers are transported to the heart of the Thousand Islands during the Gilded Age, a time of opulence, elegance, and ambition. Against this lush historical backdrop, a deeply personal story unfolds—one rooted in devotion, heartbreak, and hope.
Madison Murray, a dedicated lady’s maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, has one clear purpose—to care for her fragile mistress while guarding the pain of her own tragic past. She never imagined her carefully managed world would be shaken by Emmett O’Connor, the skilled and principled foreman overseeing the construction of Boldt Castle. Their connection is immediate and stirring, yet complicated by the barriers of social class and the secrets they both carry.
Their tender romance blossoms in the shadow of the great stone walls rising on Heart Island—until tragedy strikes. A sudden and deadly accident changes everything, leaving Emmett facing guilt and scrutiny as he becomes the focus of a harrowing investigation. Meanwhile, Madison is caught in a dangerous coverup that could destroy her. And then, another devastating blow: the death of Mrs. Boldt. Now alone and adrift in a world that feels like it’s crumbling beneath her feet, Madison must wrestle with fear, failure, and the question that haunts her heart—can she ever be whole again?
While the novel’s central tragedy is fictional, the setting is very real—and rich with emotional resonance. The true story of Boldt Castle began in 1900, when millionaire hotelier George C. Boldt began building a breathtaking summer home on Heart Island as a tribute to his beloved wife, Louise. He reshaped the island into the form of a heart and hired hundreds of workers to construct a majestic Rhineland-style castle with 120 rooms, lavish gardens, and support buildings like Alster Tower, a powerhouse, and an opulent yacht house.
But in 1904, with the castle nearing completion, Louise Boldt died suddenly at just 41 years old. Stricken with grief, George Boldt ordered all work to stop. The laborers left their tools and walked away, and Boldt never returned to Heart Island. The unfinished castle stood abandoned for 73 years, slowly falling into ruin.
Yet even in its decay, Boldt Castle continued to capture hearts. Then in 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased the property for one dollar and began an extraordinary restoration project—reviving the castle in the spirit of George Boldt’s original vision.
Today, Boldt Castle is no longer a symbol of loss. It is a testament to enduring love, beauty reclaimed, and dreams reborn. Madison’s Mission is more than a historical romance—it’s a story of grief, resilience, and the healing power of love. As Madison and Emmett navigate loss and danger, they also discover what George Boldt’s legacy silently affirms—that even in the ruins of sorrow, God can build something beautiful.
Through Madison’s eyes, readers will experience the grandeur of Boldt Castle during its construction, the intimate moments behind the public elegance, and the emotional upheaval of a life turned upside down. And they’ll walk with her on the path to forgiveness, faith, and the courage to love again. Just as Boldt Castle rose from neglect into new life, so too do the hearts of those who dare to hope.
If you’ve never seen Boldt Castle in person, it’s well worth the trip. Nestled in the Thousand Islands of northern New York, the castle is accessible only by boat and draws visitors from around the world. As you walk through its grand halls and stroll its restored gardens, you might just imagine Madison and Emmett—two hearts beating in the shadows of stone, searching for a future filled with grace.
About Madison’s Mission:
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?
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 thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fifteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, Emma’s Engagement and Madison’s Mission. Her book awards include four Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, a Living Now Book Award, and a Selah Award. 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 Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles |
Social media links: Website |Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram| Goodreads l Book Bub| Pinterest |
Madison’s Mission book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viMY4EJLRZc
Thanks again to Susan for sharing today, and congratulations on your latest release!
Readers, has your curiosity about Boldt Castle been piqued? Mine sure has. I’m ashamed to say that after 45 years living this close, I’ve never visited!
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