Thousand Islands Life, A New Novel About Rock Island Lighthouse!

Finally, the third and final story in the “Love at a Lighthouse” series will be released on Tuesday, 21 January 2025. It’s about Rock Island Lighthouse . . . 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.]

Mark A. Wentling, a descendant of the Rock Island lightkeepers, says,

“Although I never met my ancestors Michael and Ada Diepolder, I truly felt transported into their time by Susan’s story. I thoroughly enjoyed imagining their world and the moments they might have shared through Mathis’s storytelling.”

About Emma’s Engagement:

Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper, a widower, and a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart?

For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island? Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder.

An Excerpt from Emma’s Engagement:

As they pushed out into the St. Lawrence, Emma wondered where they would go. She really didn’t care, but she’d rarely been able to explore the river with its many islands and inlets. Perhaps Michael and she could make that a regular adventure.

They began their day of fishing just downriver between Mandolin and Cedar Islands. “Walleye love it here. Bullheads too.”

They caught only a few and threw them back. Michael waved them off. “Let’s let them grow a little more. There are plenty of bigger fish in the river.”

They continued to cast their lines into the water, hoping for a successful catch. But luck wasn’t on their side, and they only managed to catch a few small fish, which they promptly released back into the river. Michael waved them off. “Let’s let them grow a little more. There are plenty of big fish in the river.”

For a long while Emma simply watched them. But finally, Emma couldn’t resist the call of the river herself. With a smile, she grabbed a fishing rod and joined Michael and Ada. Time seemed to stand still as they immersed themselves in the tranquility of the moment. The gentle lapping of the water against the boat and the distant call of seagulls created a serene atmosphere.

Ada’s laughter echoed through the air every time she caught a glimpse of a fish swimming beneath the surface. Michael patiently taught both Emma and Ada the art of angling, showing them how to cast the line and patiently wait for a bite. Emma watched with delight as Ada's eyes lit up with excitement and wonder, her small hands gripping the fishing rod with determination.

While Emma tried her hand at fishing, she found herself captivated by the surrounding beauty even more. The St. Lawrence River stretched out before them, its waters shimmering with the golden rays of the sun. The lush greenery of the islands provided a picturesque backdrop, and the fresh scent of the river mingled with the gentle breeze. She soaked in the peaceful ambiance and warmth of the sun on her skin. It was a moment of pure bliss, a chance to escape the worries of everyday life and simply be present in the beauty of nature.
Ada grew frustrated with her lack of catches, and her voice turned whiny.

“We aren’t catching much, Papa.”

Michael nodded, suggesting a change of location. “You’re right, darlin’. Let’s head up to Susan and Frederick Island and make our way down to Orient and Rylestone Islands. Then maybe we’ll end up at Reed Point before heading home. How does that sound?”

Ada nodded, and Emma shrugged. “I’ve heard of those islands, but you’re the expert. Carry on, then.” They set off, the boat gliding across the calm river surface, and soon they arrived at Frederick Island.

To their delight, the fish were biting furiously. Michael caught a largemouth bass, and Ada managed to reel in four perch. Emma tried, too, but both times she got a bite, the fish managed to escape her grasp.
Michael squeezed her hand. “Such are the ways of fishing on the St. Lawrence, darlin’.”

Emma shrugged, setting her pole in the boat. “It’s fine. Being family is all that really matters.”

The two other Thousand Islands Lighthouse books in the series:

Julia’s Joy (book two)

When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her grandmother’s will, she is intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on. But when she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled island life and connects with the handsome lightkeeper, William, Julia finds herself confronting her open wounds from her parents’ deaths.

William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Between that and his chronic pleurisy, he wants nothing to do with love. But when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions, William’s world is turned upside down. As she chips away at the walls William has built for himself, he finds his reluctance waning. But just as love begins to blossom between them, Julia is faced with a tempting proposal from a prominent Brockville family. Will she succumb to societal expectations or choose the richness of her island life and the love of the steadfast lightkeeper?

Libby’s Lighthouse (book one)

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.

When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

By Susan G. Mathis

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. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction.