Thursday, February 20, 2025

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Candle With Care: A Magic Candle Shop Mystery by Valona Jones

Candle With Care: A Magic Candle Shop Mystery
by Valona Jones

About Candle With Care

Candle With Care: A Magic Candle Shop Mystery
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Georgia
Publisher: Muddle House (February 11, 2025)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DT2GB9BD

Amateur sleuth and candle maker Tabby Winslow and her twin sister, Sage, are finally making a go of The Book and Candle Shop. It seems like the only heat they’ll feel this June is from the strong sunshine in Savannah, Georgia. Then their acquaintance Detective Sharmila Belfor is gravely injured in a vehicular assault and is in a coma. Cops turn the city upside down searching for the offender, keying in on the detective’s boyfriend Herbert R Ellis, her felon cousin, and her case files.

Fearing the police are looking at the wrong people, Herbert begs Tabby to investigate. He knows what most don’t, that Tabby has psychic abilities that allow her to home in on emotions and motives. Since he’s a lifelong friend of Dr. Quig Quigsly, Tabby’s fiancé, she agrees. But before she finds answers, Sage’s former coworker is murdered, and her twin pleads with Tabby to find the killer. With dead ends at every turn, Tabby fears the city’s troubles are paranormal in origin. By investigating the crimes, she risks exposure of the way her family manipulates energy and uses other psychic talents. Keeping a low profile is essential.

Meanwhile, Quig’s parents are throwing them a black-tie engagement party in two weeks, and Tabby is burning the candle at both ends. Can Tabby end the crime wave and protect her loved ones before she is quenched?

About Valona Jones

Valona Jones, aka Maggie Toussaint, writes paranormal cozies set in coastal Georgia. Her latest release, CANDLE WITH CARE, book 4 in the A Magic Candle Shop Mysteries, came out on February 11. 2025. Under the name of Maggie Toussaint, she also publishes cozy mysteries and romantic suspense. Her pen name for a three-book science fiction ecothriller is Rigel Carson. In total, she has published 29 works of fiction and won multiple awards. She lives in coastal Georgia, where time and tide wait for no one. Visit her sites: https://valonajones.com and https://maggietoussaint.com

Author Links

WEBSITE https://www.valonajones.com

FACEBOOK PAGE https://facebook.com/ValonaJonesAuthor

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE https://amazon.com/author/valonajones/

GOODREADS PAGE https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22140872.Valona_Jones

BOOKBUB PAGE https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valona-jones

Purchase Links – Amazon Kindle – Apple – Kobo

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 13 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

February 14 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 15 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 19 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 20 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 20 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 22 – Deal Sharing Aunt – RECIPE

February 22 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 22 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

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Celebrate Lit Presents: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.) Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

About the Book

Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

More from Marbeth

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

For the Love of Literature, February 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marbeth is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54153

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Death at the Scottish Broch: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery by Rose Kerr

Death at the Scottish Broch: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery
by Rose Kerr

About Death at the Scottish Broch

Death at the Scottish Broch: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Isle of Skye, Scotland
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books (November 5, 2024)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1685128025
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1685128029
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DK89D1R9

Dr. Mia Reid arrives on the Isle of Skye for a summer dig. She learns her friend and trusted colleague, Dr. Ethan Carter, is dead and valuable artifacts are missing.

Interpol agent and Mia’s former lover, Luke Forbes, is working the case with the police. They suspect murder and a smuggling ring.

Mia and her team uncover a treasure with ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Then two students are kidnapped, forcing Mia to trade the treasure for their release. During the rescue, she finds a collection of missing artifacts.

Are the smugglers and kidnappers the same people?

Can she dig up the truth before someone else dies?

About Rose Kerr

Rose Kerr writes cozy mysteries featuring strong, smart, women protagonists who must draw on their wits and resourcefulness to solve the crime.

Rose was born in a small community in Nova Scotia and has traveled across Canada.

More recently, Rose and her husband have moved to Southern Ontario. When she isn’t writing, Rose and her husband enjoy exploring the new region.

You can find Rose at her website https://rosekerr.com/

She’s active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest) as well.

Excerpt:

Mia gasped and looked at Luke.
“Mia, I’m sorry. Ethan Carter’s dead. The students found him at the site this morning. He suffered a blow to the head.”
Mia’s knees buckled. She leaned against the car and looked up at Luke.

“That can’t be. We were going to work together this summer. He was so excited about a find he’d made.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s true. We’ve been here since noon. It appears he returned to the dig last night after dinner. He either fell and hit his head, or someone hit him and left him there. When the students went to the dig this morning, they found him. They tried to revive him, but it was too late.”

Mia’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh no. Shelly’s going to be devastated. Has anyone connected with her? She’s Ethan’s wife, and she’s at their home in Chicago.”

Anderson nodded. “I spoke with her earlier this afternoon. I’ll let you check-in and then I’d like to speak to you about Dr. Carter.”

“Of course, I won’t be long.”

Mia and Diana grabbed their backpacks and walked into the B&B office. Mia struggled not to let the tears fall. How could Ethan be dead? He was one of the good guys. He loved his wife and little boy so much. She couldn’t imagine how Shelly was going to deal with this. Henry, their son, had been sick with cancer, and now Ethan was gone. Mia bit back a sob.

A woman stood behind the desk. She had dark brown hair, green eyes, and wore a green sweater and brown pants.

“Good day, miss. I’m Bridget MacDonald. How can I be of assistance?” “I’m Mia Reid and this is Diana Scott. We have reservations.”
“Of course. If I can have you sign in and a credit card, please?” Bridget turned a guest book toward Mia as she spoke.
Mia put her backpack on the floor and filled in the required information. She handed over her credit card and then looked around. It was a well-appointed office with all the technology needed to run a successful B&B. The wall behind the check-in desk had a large picture window overlooking the backyard. Bridget ran the credit card, then gave Mia a room key. “You’re in room seven, a private room, as you requested. It’s on the second floor. I’m afraid we don’t have a lift.”

Mia changed out of her travelling clothes, grabbed a heavier sweater from her pack, and headed downstairs.

“Let’s find out what happens next,” Mia said as she met Diana, who was waiting by the front door.

Outside, a young man and woman greeted them.

“Professor Reid? Phil Brown, Professor Carter’s grad student. I’ve been working with him for the last couple of years.” Phil extended his hand.

Mia shook his hand and took stock of him. He appeared to be in his mid- twenties. He had short, black hair. His brown eyes were red rimmed behind his glasses. His hands were rough and calloused. He was about six feet tall and lean, well under two hundred pounds.

“Phil. It’s good to meet you. Ethan spoke of you often. He said you were excellent in the field. How are you doing?” Mia released his hand.

Phil cleared his throat. “Not great. I found him.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I still can’t believe he’s gone.” Mia swallowed hard and blinked her eyes as they teared up.

The second student held out her hand. “I’m Rina Williams. I’m Professor Carter’s other grad student.”

“Rina, hello.” Mia introduced Diana to the two students.
“What’s going to happen? The police aren’t saying anything,” Phil said. Mia sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve never been involved in anything like this.

Let me talk to the police and we’ll take it from there.”

Author Links

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RoseKerrAuthor

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/r.m.kerr/?hl=en

PINTEREST: https://ca.pinterest.com/RoseKerrauthor

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22146877.Rose_Kerr

Purchase Links: Amazon US – Amazon Canada – Barnes and Noble – Kobo

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 10 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 10 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 11 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 12 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 12 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 15 – Jemima Pett, Author – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 17 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

February 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 19 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 20 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

February 20 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

February 23 – The Editing Pen – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Chocolate Can Be Deadly (Cupcake Catering Mystery Series) by Kim Davis

Chocolate Can Be Deadly (Cupcake Catering Mystery Series)
by Kim Davis

About Chocolate Can Be Deadly

Chocolate Can Be Deadly (Cupcake Catering Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cinnamon & Sugar Press (January 28, 2025)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 284 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZRM17YF

Catering a post-Valentine’s Day Death by Chocolate dessert party should have been a delicious way to wrap up a week of romantic festivities. But when the new fiancé of the hostess is found dead during the event, clutching one of Emory’s chocolate cupcakes and a heart-shaped box of chocolates close by, the guests and the police put her at the top of their suspect list. With her cupcake catering business melting away as word spreads about the poisoning, Emory, and her octogenarian pal, Tillie, will need to pry into the sticky, dark secrets of the attendees. Will they uncover who’s been hiding a rotten center, or will the killer stir up danger and frost Emory for good?

Includes chocolate recipes!

About Kim Davis

Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines. When she’s not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing Missy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.

Author Links

Website:  http://kimdavisauthor.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Kim-Davis-Author-1532277473479031/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kimdavisauthor.bsky.social
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20202599.Kim_Davis
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kim-davis-899e51b0-5661-401c-98b1-ec4c2973d58a
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/kimdavishb/

Purchase Link: Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 14 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

February 15 – Ruff Drafts – RECIPE

February 15 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 20 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

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Storm Warning (Hidden Bay Book #1): (Christian Romantic Suspense Thriller with Mystery and Survival Set at a Washington Storm Lodge) by Elizabeth Goddard

Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant is working at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rocky Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. The piece may be the catalyst to unlock a disturbing incident she struggles to remember--the event that sent her into hiding. But with heavy storms rolling in, she must focus on the present, not get caught up in the past.

When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life--more than once--Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. After a catastrophic event in his own life, former military pilot Hawk Beckett is trying to get some perspective at the suggestion of his former commanding officer. Faced with the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade, Remi and Hawk are forced into survival mode.

But they're not alone at the lodge. Someone doesn't want Remi to remember what happened--and they will stop at nothing to see her dead.

Amazon

About The Author

Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.

My Review

I really enjoy Elizabeth Goddard's books, and this one was right up there.
This book offers non-stop action, whether someone is stalking you, or attacking you, or shooting at you.
Our main character is suffering from a mental block as to what happened and why danger is now her constant companion.
Enter a man that made choices, yes the right ones, but ended up in the death of a good man! He wants to give helicopter rides, giving tours over the beautiful Washington coast.
This is Christian Suspense at it's best, and keeps you guessing right to the end, and yes, I guessed wrong at times, and was page turning for answers!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, February 17, 2025

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Seams Like the Perfect Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery) by Lois Winston

Seams Like the Perfect Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)
by Lois Winston

About Seams Like the Perfect Crime

Seams Like the Perfect Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
14th in the Series
Setting – New Jersey
Independently Published (February 4, 2025)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 285 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DNRBGVSQ

When staffing shortages continue to hamper the Union County homicide squad, Detective Sam Spader once again turns to his secret weapon, reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack. How can she and husband Zack Barnes refuse when the victim is their new neighbor?

Revolutionary War reenactor Barry Sumner had the odd habit of spending hours mowing a small patch of packed dirt and weeds until his mower ran out of gas. He’d then guzzle beer on his front porch until he passed out. That’s where Anastasia’s son Nick discovers his body three days after the victim and his family moved into the newly built mini-McMansion across the street.

After a melee breaks out at the viewing, Spader zeroes in on the widow as his prime suspect. However, Anastasia has her doubts. There are other possible suspects, including a woman who’d had an affair with the victim, his ex-wife, the man overseeing the widow’s trust fund, a drug dealer, and the reenactors who were blackmailing the widow and victim.

When another reenactor is murdered, Spader suspects they’re dealing with a serial killer, but Anastasia wonders if the killer is attempting to misdirect the investigation. As she narrows down the suspects, will she jeopardize her own life to learn the truth?

Craft projects included.

About Lois Winston

USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Lois Winston began her award-winning writing career with Talk Gertie to Me, a humorous fish-out-of-water novel about a small-town girl going off to the big city and the mother who had other ideas. That was followed by the romantic suspense Love, Lies and a Double Shot of Deception.

Then Lois’s writing segued unexpectedly into the world of humorous amateur sleuth mysteries, thanks to a conversation her agent had with an editor looking for craft-themed mysteries. In her day job, Lois was an award-winning craft and needlework designer, and although she’d never written a mystery—or had even thought about writing a mystery—her agent decided she was the perfect person to pen a series for this editor.

Thus, was born the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, which Kirkus Reviews dubbed “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” The series now includes fourteen novels and three novellas. Lois also writes the Empty Nest Mysteries and has written several standalone mystery novellas. Other publishing credits include romance, chick lit, and romantic suspense novels, a series of romance short stories, a children’s chapter book, and a nonfiction book on writing, inspired by her twelve years working as an associate at a literary agency.

Author Links

Website: http://www.loiswinston.com

Newsletter sign-up: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dc9t0bjl00

Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog: www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com

Booklover’s Bench: https://bookloversbench.com

The Stiletto Gang: https://www.thestilettogang.com

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/722763.Lois_Winston

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lois-winston

Purchase Links
Amazon Kobo Barnes & Noble Apple Books

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 4 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 5 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 6 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE

February 6 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

February 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – CRAFT POST

February 7 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – RECIPE POST

February 8 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

February 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 10 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

February 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 12 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

February 13 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 15 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

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Celebrate Lit Presents: Emma’s Engagement Author: Susan G Mathis

About the Book

Book: Emma’s Engagement

Author: Susan G Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 21, 2025

A lighthouse. A new wife. A jealous daughter. Can love shine through the darkness?

Emma Row yearns for a fresh start and a chance to build a loving family. But as she steps into her role as the Rock Island Lightkeeper’s wife, she finds herself navigating the treacherous waters of isolation and the bitter rejection of her new stepdaughter, Ada.

Michael Diepolder, the widowed lightkeeper, had hoped securing a companion would brighten his life and be a needed mother figure to his eleven-year-old daughter. Yet, as Emma struggles to adapt to the challenges of her new life, Michael realizes that the path to happiness is far more turbulent than he ever anticipated.

As a storm brews on the horizon, Emma and Michael must confront the tempestuous waves of doubt, jealousy, and isolation that threaten to extinguish the light of their love. Can they weather the storm and find the strength to keep their family together, or will the darkness consume them all?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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 thirteen in her Thousand Islands 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, and Julia’s Joy, and Emma’s Engagement.

More from Susan

An interview with best-selling inspirational historical fiction author Susan G Mathis.

The third novel of your new three-book series called Love in a Lighthouse is out. Tell us about that, please.

Join the Row-family women, Libby, Julia, and Emma, as they navigate the isolation, danger, and hope for lasting love at three different Thousand Island lighthouses in the St. Lawrence River. [Note: These can be read in any order.]

What inspired you to write Emma’s Engagement?

I have visited Rock Island Lighthouse a number of times, and it’s a beautiful lighthouse. It’s along the main shipping channel and it’s a New York State Park accessible by boat, so it’s a great place to visit. When I was asked to write a lighthouse series, I just had to write about it!

Why did you write about the Diepolder’s being a stepfamily?

The Diepolder’s story is true, though I had to imagine some of the details. Not only did I grow up in a stepfamily and became a step family when I married Dale, but my late husband and I wrote, The Remarriage Adventure, a premarital book for couples getting ready for remarriage. So, I had lots of fodder to explore the challenges of step parenting.

What was your hardest scene to write?

It’s always hard to inflict pain on the characters you’ve grown to love, so having Emma in so much pain from Ada’s rejection and the adjustment to a new marriage and stepparenting was difficult. As readers journey with her, they witness the challenges and the adjustments necessary. Her trials not only reveal Emma’s character but also influences her decisions and relationships throughout the story.

Why do you write about the Thousand Islands?

I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands—the setting for all my stories—in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. So, I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I was hooked. There are so many fascinating stories to tell.

Now, I take an annual Thousand Islands Book Tour to the islands where I meet with fans, friends, and family. I’ve stayed in Singer Castle, Casa Blanca, and other places that are the settings of my book. I’ve talked with the owners of the islands, local historians, and researched in the Thousand Islands archives. All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge.

“I love introducing the Thousand Islands to readers and have heard from dozens that the area is now a favorite summer destination,” Mathis says.