A New Interview and a New Boldt Castle Novel!
by: Susan W. Smith
We asked Susan G. Mathis to provide answers for a simple interview – all about her new Boldt Castle novel. I was delighted with the outcome because it captures the imagination of this amazing Thousand Islands novelist and gives us an insight into this new novel, which is sure to grace many TI coffee tables and island book shelves in the summer of 2025.
Q: Tell us about your Boldt Castle story, Madison’s Mission.
A: Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, devoted maid of 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 differences and hidden secrets looms 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?
Q: We asked what inspired Susan to write Madison’s Mission.
A: 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. Ever since I was a child, Boldt Castle’s story has fascinated me, and 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 that would do it justice, and it’s so exciting to see it come to life!
Q: In case you haven’t counted them, this is Susan’s 15th Thousand Islands Gilded Age novel. So, Susan, why the Thousand Islands and why the Gilded Age?
A: I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands—the setting for all my stories—in upstate New York. There are just so many interesting stories to write about, and they deserve to be told. I’ve spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. And so far, I’ve written about Wolfe Island, Cape Vincent, The Crossmon House Hotel, Casa Blanca, Comfort Island, the New Frontenac Hotel, Pullman Island, Singer Castle, Calumet Castle, Thousand Islands Park, the Thousand Island House Resort, and three lighthouses—Tibbetts Point, Sister Island, and Rock Island. And . . . I have several more stories planned!
Q: When we read your novels, we realize you write “factual fiction.” Tell us about that.
A: All my novels are based on Thousand Islands Gilded Age history. Technically, the sub-genre I write in is called “faction”—factual fiction. The setting and owners of the castle, mansion, or resort are all real characters and stories, but I overlay fictional servants who tell the story. There my imagination becomes my playground and the characters my friends. And since I love research, historical fiction is perfect for me. I love the challenge, the freedom, the fun of creating.
Q: For those who don’t know, tell us about the Boldts.
A: Most of you know that George Charles Boldt was born in Prussia in 1851 and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. With nothing but ambition and charm, he made his way up the ranks of the hotel industry, eventually becoming manager of the world-famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia.
Behind his rise to success was his wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt, a woman who had always believed in him, so I share much of her story. She was just fifteen when she and George married in 1877, but they quickly became an incredible team. George handled business, while Louise brought grace and social savvy to their shared enterprises. Together, they influenced not only hotels but the very concept of luxury hospitality. They were the epitome of a power couple, admired in wealthy circles for their attention to detail, generosity, and deep love for each other.
In the late 19th century, George and his beloved wife, Louise, spent summers in the Thousand Islands, a popular retreat for the elite of the Gilded Age. Mesmerized with the area's beauty, Boldt purchased Hart Island, renaming it "Heart Island" as a symbol of his deep affection for Louise and began building the castle as a gift to her. But tragedy struck in January 1904, when Louise died suddenly. Heartbroken, Boldt halted all construction and never returned to the island, and the castle was left unfinished. This is the story I tell.
Q: Why did you focus on the building of Boldt Castle?
A: Building a Rhineland-style castle on the remote Heart Island in the late nineteenth century was no small feat, and this one is particularly amazing. My hero, Emmett, is the foreman of the construction project, so readers are put right in the middle of this incredible building project. With my heroine, Madison, as Mrs. Boldt’s lady’s maid, I focused on Mrs. Boldt’s declining health, which eventually led to the castle’s demise. In this story, I was able to share many of the historic details of Boldt Castle.
Q: Why did you write about the Boldt’s love story?
A: Ever since I was a child, Boldt Castle’s story has fascinated me. It’s a story of love and loss.
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.
About Susan:
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. See ten of Susan's TI Life articles.
By Susan W. Smith and Susan G. Mathis
Susan G. Mathis 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 will be in the area July 20-27 for her annual book tour. See the events page on her website for details.
Susan W. Smith, Editor, https://thousandislandslife.com/ and this Susan S is pleased to know Susan M has more TI stories planned...
Comments
Jane Tremaine writes: Thank you for writing the piece on Susan Mathis! I can’t wait to order a few of her books. I also love the 1000 Islands and will appreciate this new book collection.
