Susan G. Mathis's Blog
November 4, 2023
What people are saying...
Susan G Mathis never fails to pack her books with memorable characters. ~Margaret Brownley, N.Y. Times bestselling author
Could it be my imagination, or is each Thousand Island story from Susan G Mathis better than the last? It’s hard to tell because they’re all delightful! ~Kathleen Rouser, award-winning author of Rumors and Promises
Like a monarch emerging from her cocoon, Susan's characters spread their wings in Mathis’s Thousand Island Gilded Age novels and learn how to fly with beauty and grace. ~Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Catching the Wind and the Legacy of Love series
Spun with mystery, romance, and atmospheric history, Susan's stories capture readers' imaginations in a world divided by class yet brought together by the common bonds of humanity and love. A story Downton Abbey fans won't want to miss! ~J'nell Ciesielski, author of Among the Poppies and The Songbird and the Spy
Susan G Mathis has written another story full of history, love, and faith. She weaves a tale of longing, intrigue, and mystery around real-life people and events. A must-read for any fan of well-written fiction. ~Donna Schlachter, historical fiction author
Mathis's delightful writing style is a refreshing sip of iced tea on a hot summer day, making a perfect fit for fans of Christian historical romance. ~Kathleen Denly, award-winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series
The author’s superb attention to detail in both the historical accuracy of the Gilded Age and the way in which she describes the picturesque landscape of the Thousand Islands took me on a lovely journey through time. ~Blossom Turner, award-winning author of The Shenandoah Brides Series
Once again, Mathis has captured the essence of the Gilded Age in this lovely romance. Her extensive research adds layers of realism to the setting and characters. That you-are-there feeling follows the reader to the very last page. ~Cindy Ervin Huff, award-winning historical and contemporary romance author
Susan G Mathis gives us a sweet story set in the Thousand Islands area of New York. She takes us on a journey with characters willing to change their attitudes and maintain enduring faith, and many historical details that will keep readers turning the pages. ~Janet Grunst, author of A Heart Set Free
Get ready to laugh, cry, and sigh as you experience a unique perspective of the Gilded Age by those who serve the affluent and influential. An added bonus is the opportunity to delve into the rich history of the Thousand Islands. ~Linda Shenton Matchett, best-selling author Spies & Sweetheart
Mathis’s attention to detail and rich history is classic Mathis, and no one does it better. ~Margaret Brownley, N.Y. Times bestselling author
Mathis whisks us once again into a historically charming and unique setting in the Thousand Islands Gilded Age. ~Jayme H. Mansfield, author of Portrait of Deceit
Mathis’s characters are real people I know and love, and I hate to say goodbye to them when I come to the end. ~Donna Schlachter, historical romance author
With Mathis’ beautiful turn of phrases, always expect the unexpected. This book will become a favorite. ~Anne Greene, author of Trail of Tears
Susan G Mathis takes us to the Thousand Islands once more, Rich in detail, the fabulous setting carries the reader away to the Gilded Age amid some of the most famous entrepreneurs the United States has ever known and makes you wish you were there. ~Marilyn Turk, multi-published, award-winning author
Mathis weaves mystery, secrets, and false accusations into this Gilded-Age tale of castles, their wealthy owners, and the heart-felt longings of those they employ. If you like Downton Abbey, you’ll quickly find yourself lost in this story of love and intrigue set in America’s Thousand Islands.~Davalynn Spencer, award-winning author of An Improper Proposal
With a passion for the Gilded Age and the heart of a writer, Susan G Mathis brings another heartfelt story to life set during a fascinating slice of American history. Weaving countless hours of in-depth research and miles of solid foot travel in the breathtaking beauty of the Thousand Islands, Mathis melds historical fact with engaging and memorable characters—once again, paying tribute to an era that uniquely shaped the country. ~Jayme H. Mansfield, Author of award-winning historical novels, Chasing the Butterfly and RUSH
From character development to historical accuracy, Susan creates delightful novels. Her beautiful writing voice and obvious love for the rich heritage of the Thousand Islands shines through enticing the reader to keep reading to a satisfying ending. Bravo, Ms. Mathis! ~Angela Breidenbach, author and president of the Christian Authors Network
A romance, a mystery, and a wonderfully historic setting! Not only did her story warm my heart, it made me want to visit the Thousand Islands for myself. What a great combination of history and fiction. ~Anne Mateer, author of Wings of a Dream
It's a delightful read that carries the reader into the world of the Thousand Islands with author Mathis’s vivid historical detail. You’ll wish your visit there could last longer. ~Kathleen Rouser, award-winning author of Rumors and Promises
An unusual historical American family is portrayed through the eyes of its domestic staff, with the deep research we expect from Mathis. ~Susan Page Davis, author of Lady Anne’s Quest and Maine Brides.
Susan G Mathis creates relatable fictional characters and masterfully sets them in a real place (Dark Island, Cherry Island, Wolfe Island, Pullman Island, Comfort Island, Calumet Island in the St. Lawrence River near Chippewa Bay, NY), living in a real home (the Towers, now Singer Castle and others) with a real family (that of Frederick and Emma Bourne and others), at a real time (the Gilded Age). Mathis weaves in carefully researched events and cultural details of the era and the area to give breath and believability to persons and plot where all things work out together for good. Her stories are tales you will be blessed to have read. ~Judy Keeler, Singer Castle historian, and co-author of Meandering Among the Thousand Islands, Second Edition
Mathis's novels put me in mind of the old Upstairs Downstairs series on TV, but this is more of the downstairs, which is always more interesting. Romantic and satisfying, I think you’ll love them. ~Ane Mulligan, Amazon bestselling author of Chapel Springs Revival.
Could it be my imagination, or is each Thousand Island story from Susan G Mathis better than the last? It’s hard to tell because they’re all delightful! ~Kathleen Rouser, award-winning author of Rumors and Promises
Like a monarch emerging from her cocoon, Susan's characters spread their wings in Mathis’s Thousand Island Gilded Age novels and learn how to fly with beauty and grace. ~Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Catching the Wind and the Legacy of Love series
Spun with mystery, romance, and atmospheric history, Susan's stories capture readers' imaginations in a world divided by class yet brought together by the common bonds of humanity and love. A story Downton Abbey fans won't want to miss! ~J'nell Ciesielski, author of Among the Poppies and The Songbird and the Spy
Susan G Mathis has written another story full of history, love, and faith. She weaves a tale of longing, intrigue, and mystery around real-life people and events. A must-read for any fan of well-written fiction. ~Donna Schlachter, historical fiction author
Mathis's delightful writing style is a refreshing sip of iced tea on a hot summer day, making a perfect fit for fans of Christian historical romance. ~Kathleen Denly, award-winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series
The author’s superb attention to detail in both the historical accuracy of the Gilded Age and the way in which she describes the picturesque landscape of the Thousand Islands took me on a lovely journey through time. ~Blossom Turner, award-winning author of The Shenandoah Brides Series
Once again, Mathis has captured the essence of the Gilded Age in this lovely romance. Her extensive research adds layers of realism to the setting and characters. That you-are-there feeling follows the reader to the very last page. ~Cindy Ervin Huff, award-winning historical and contemporary romance author
Susan G Mathis gives us a sweet story set in the Thousand Islands area of New York. She takes us on a journey with characters willing to change their attitudes and maintain enduring faith, and many historical details that will keep readers turning the pages. ~Janet Grunst, author of A Heart Set Free
Get ready to laugh, cry, and sigh as you experience a unique perspective of the Gilded Age by those who serve the affluent and influential. An added bonus is the opportunity to delve into the rich history of the Thousand Islands. ~Linda Shenton Matchett, best-selling author Spies & Sweetheart
Mathis’s attention to detail and rich history is classic Mathis, and no one does it better. ~Margaret Brownley, N.Y. Times bestselling author
Mathis whisks us once again into a historically charming and unique setting in the Thousand Islands Gilded Age. ~Jayme H. Mansfield, author of Portrait of Deceit
Mathis’s characters are real people I know and love, and I hate to say goodbye to them when I come to the end. ~Donna Schlachter, historical romance author
With Mathis’ beautiful turn of phrases, always expect the unexpected. This book will become a favorite. ~Anne Greene, author of Trail of Tears
Susan G Mathis takes us to the Thousand Islands once more, Rich in detail, the fabulous setting carries the reader away to the Gilded Age amid some of the most famous entrepreneurs the United States has ever known and makes you wish you were there. ~Marilyn Turk, multi-published, award-winning author
Mathis weaves mystery, secrets, and false accusations into this Gilded-Age tale of castles, their wealthy owners, and the heart-felt longings of those they employ. If you like Downton Abbey, you’ll quickly find yourself lost in this story of love and intrigue set in America’s Thousand Islands.~Davalynn Spencer, award-winning author of An Improper Proposal
With a passion for the Gilded Age and the heart of a writer, Susan G Mathis brings another heartfelt story to life set during a fascinating slice of American history. Weaving countless hours of in-depth research and miles of solid foot travel in the breathtaking beauty of the Thousand Islands, Mathis melds historical fact with engaging and memorable characters—once again, paying tribute to an era that uniquely shaped the country. ~Jayme H. Mansfield, Author of award-winning historical novels, Chasing the Butterfly and RUSH
From character development to historical accuracy, Susan creates delightful novels. Her beautiful writing voice and obvious love for the rich heritage of the Thousand Islands shines through enticing the reader to keep reading to a satisfying ending. Bravo, Ms. Mathis! ~Angela Breidenbach, author and president of the Christian Authors Network
A romance, a mystery, and a wonderfully historic setting! Not only did her story warm my heart, it made me want to visit the Thousand Islands for myself. What a great combination of history and fiction. ~Anne Mateer, author of Wings of a Dream
It's a delightful read that carries the reader into the world of the Thousand Islands with author Mathis’s vivid historical detail. You’ll wish your visit there could last longer. ~Kathleen Rouser, award-winning author of Rumors and Promises
An unusual historical American family is portrayed through the eyes of its domestic staff, with the deep research we expect from Mathis. ~Susan Page Davis, author of Lady Anne’s Quest and Maine Brides.
Susan G Mathis creates relatable fictional characters and masterfully sets them in a real place (Dark Island, Cherry Island, Wolfe Island, Pullman Island, Comfort Island, Calumet Island in the St. Lawrence River near Chippewa Bay, NY), living in a real home (the Towers, now Singer Castle and others) with a real family (that of Frederick and Emma Bourne and others), at a real time (the Gilded Age). Mathis weaves in carefully researched events and cultural details of the era and the area to give breath and believability to persons and plot where all things work out together for good. Her stories are tales you will be blessed to have read. ~Judy Keeler, Singer Castle historian, and co-author of Meandering Among the Thousand Islands, Second Edition
Mathis's novels put me in mind of the old Upstairs Downstairs series on TV, but this is more of the downstairs, which is always more interesting. Romantic and satisfying, I think you’ll love them. ~Ane Mulligan, Amazon bestselling author of Chapel Springs Revival.
November 19, 2020
ABC News 50 Interview!
Fun interview on ABC News https://www.informnny.com/abc50-now/h...
February 22, 2019
The Thousand Islands Gilded Age comes to life!
Did you know the U.S. Gilded Age and the Thousand Islands Gilded Age is historically from 1870 to the early 1900s? It was a time of great economic growth, a time when European immigrants flooded into the U.S., and a time of railroads expanding America at an alarming rate.
Mark Twain first coined the term in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. In it he used satire to show this time period as one of masking social problems with thin gold gilding.
He had a point. It was a time of rich and poor, servant and served, beauty and trouble. In my Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, I show what those days were like through the history and setting of the beautiful Thousand Islands in Upstate New York. My stories are a kind of Downton-Abbey-meets-the-Thousand-Islands, but from the perspective of the servant girl.
In 1872, George M. Pullman invited President Grant to visit his small island during the reelection campaign. In so doing—and thanks to hungry journalists—he launched a season of the rich and famous buying lots of the Thousand Islands and building castles, mansions, and magnificent summer homes. Those islands, those homes have delightful, intriguing, and often poignant stories to tell. And I aim to tell a lot of those stories!
In Katelyn’s Choice, The Gilded Age comes to life in this first installment of the Thousand Islands Series!
Katelyn Kavanagh’s mother dreamed her daughter would one day escape the oppressive environment of their Upstate New York farm for service in the enchanting Thousand Islands, home to Gilded Age millionaires. But when her wish comes true, Katelyn finds herself in the service of none other than the famous George Pullman, and the transition proves anything but easy.
Thomas O’Neill, brother of her best friend, is all grown up and also working on Pullman Island. Despite Thomas’ efforts to help the irresistible Katelyn adjust to the intricacies of her new world, she just can’t seem to tame her gossiping tongue—even when the information she’s privy to could endanger her job, the 1872 re-election of Pullman guest President Ulysses S. Grant, and the love of the man of her dreams.
Here’s an excerpt from Katelyn’s Choice, the first in the Thousand Island Gilded Age series. It releases on March 15th! I hope it’ll whet your imagination and desire to read the entire story.
Even at breakfast, Katelyn marveled that the swirl of fumes didn’t choke President Grant as he continued his cigar smoking. After she poured his coffee—without incident—she responded to his wink with a relieved smile and stepped back in line.
Mr. Pullman took a generous slurp of coffee and set the cup down. “How did you fare the night, sir?”
The president stopped cutting his omelet and gazed wistfully out the window and then at Mr. Pullman. “My repose was most assuredly that of genuine enjoyment, a wonderful treat during this harried campaign. This blue bosom of the mighty St. Lawrence held me in its spell all the night long, enchanting me with a dream of a quiet piece of heaven and that of calmer affairs than I have had in a long while. Pullman, old chap, you respite on one of the myriads of gems you call an island. I call it a bit of paradise.”
Mrs. Pullman sent a pleased glance toward her husband, who gave her a slight nod. “I am delighted you rested well, sir, and you are most welcome here anytime.” She took one of the dainty muffins that Katelyn offered from a silver platter.
The first lady turned to Mrs. Pullman. “It is a delightful place. I should think every island here will be quickly scooped up by those who can afford such a summer’s rest.”
President Grant agreed and smiled so lovingly at his wife that Katelyn wondered if he would get up and kiss her at the breakfast table. “Did you know I spent four years stationed at the Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor? It was beautiful, to be sure, but not like these islands.” He went on to talk about the War of 1812 battlegrounds and the quaint little town on the shore of Lake Ontario, not fifty miles from there. “It got mighty cold in the winter, and the snow? Never saw the like of it. One winter we had near ten feet of it, and a nasty blizzard nearly froze us all to death.”
Mr. Pullman laughed. “Yes, that’s why the Thousand Islands is only a summer spot.”
Mark Twain first coined the term in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. In it he used satire to show this time period as one of masking social problems with thin gold gilding.
He had a point. It was a time of rich and poor, servant and served, beauty and trouble. In my Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, I show what those days were like through the history and setting of the beautiful Thousand Islands in Upstate New York. My stories are a kind of Downton-Abbey-meets-the-Thousand-Islands, but from the perspective of the servant girl.
In 1872, George M. Pullman invited President Grant to visit his small island during the reelection campaign. In so doing—and thanks to hungry journalists—he launched a season of the rich and famous buying lots of the Thousand Islands and building castles, mansions, and magnificent summer homes. Those islands, those homes have delightful, intriguing, and often poignant stories to tell. And I aim to tell a lot of those stories!
In Katelyn’s Choice, The Gilded Age comes to life in this first installment of the Thousand Islands Series!
Katelyn Kavanagh’s mother dreamed her daughter would one day escape the oppressive environment of their Upstate New York farm for service in the enchanting Thousand Islands, home to Gilded Age millionaires. But when her wish comes true, Katelyn finds herself in the service of none other than the famous George Pullman, and the transition proves anything but easy.
Thomas O’Neill, brother of her best friend, is all grown up and also working on Pullman Island. Despite Thomas’ efforts to help the irresistible Katelyn adjust to the intricacies of her new world, she just can’t seem to tame her gossiping tongue—even when the information she’s privy to could endanger her job, the 1872 re-election of Pullman guest President Ulysses S. Grant, and the love of the man of her dreams.
Here’s an excerpt from Katelyn’s Choice, the first in the Thousand Island Gilded Age series. It releases on March 15th! I hope it’ll whet your imagination and desire to read the entire story.
Even at breakfast, Katelyn marveled that the swirl of fumes didn’t choke President Grant as he continued his cigar smoking. After she poured his coffee—without incident—she responded to his wink with a relieved smile and stepped back in line.
Mr. Pullman took a generous slurp of coffee and set the cup down. “How did you fare the night, sir?”
The president stopped cutting his omelet and gazed wistfully out the window and then at Mr. Pullman. “My repose was most assuredly that of genuine enjoyment, a wonderful treat during this harried campaign. This blue bosom of the mighty St. Lawrence held me in its spell all the night long, enchanting me with a dream of a quiet piece of heaven and that of calmer affairs than I have had in a long while. Pullman, old chap, you respite on one of the myriads of gems you call an island. I call it a bit of paradise.”
Mrs. Pullman sent a pleased glance toward her husband, who gave her a slight nod. “I am delighted you rested well, sir, and you are most welcome here anytime.” She took one of the dainty muffins that Katelyn offered from a silver platter.
The first lady turned to Mrs. Pullman. “It is a delightful place. I should think every island here will be quickly scooped up by those who can afford such a summer’s rest.”
President Grant agreed and smiled so lovingly at his wife that Katelyn wondered if he would get up and kiss her at the breakfast table. “Did you know I spent four years stationed at the Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor? It was beautiful, to be sure, but not like these islands.” He went on to talk about the War of 1812 battlegrounds and the quaint little town on the shore of Lake Ontario, not fifty miles from there. “It got mighty cold in the winter, and the snow? Never saw the like of it. One winter we had near ten feet of it, and a nasty blizzard nearly froze us all to death.”
Mr. Pullman laughed. “Yes, that’s why the Thousand Islands is only a summer spot.”
May 23, 2018
Finalist in national award contest!
I just found out that my novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, is a National Indie Excellence Award finalist. So thrilled! /Users/susanmathis/Desktop/NIEA award.png
September 10, 2017
Meet great Christian authors
With the release of my novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, I’ve been interviewed on nearly a dozen blogs. I’ve been asked some very interesting questions and enjoyed doing each one. I’ve heard from old friends and made new ones. I’ve connected with new potential readers and enjoyed getting to know the interviewees.
Over the past year, many of you have asked me to recommend authors and books to read. I finally got your message! To better serve you, I’m changing up my blog.
Although I’ll still write a personal blog now and then, I’m moving from my various ponderings to providing author interviews. I hope this will meet your voracious reading needs. Smiles.
Each Wednesday, I’ll be introducing an author to you on my website blog http://www.susangmathis.com/susans-blog. These authors are all Christian authors and friends or acquaintances of mine. They will tell you about one of their books and what they are working on, yes, but they’ll also answer some fun questions, too.
You’ll learn about what drives authors to write, why they name characters the way they do, what their writing days look like, what they like and dislike about being an author, what their favorite pastimes are, and much more.
I’d love to know what you think about this. Let’s make this a conversation, ok? Who would you like me to interview? What questions would you like me to ask? And as you read them, whose interview did you enjoy? I want to serve YOU, so let me know, please!
Over the past year, many of you have asked me to recommend authors and books to read. I finally got your message! To better serve you, I’m changing up my blog.
Although I’ll still write a personal blog now and then, I’m moving from my various ponderings to providing author interviews. I hope this will meet your voracious reading needs. Smiles.
Each Wednesday, I’ll be introducing an author to you on my website blog http://www.susangmathis.com/susans-blog. These authors are all Christian authors and friends or acquaintances of mine. They will tell you about one of their books and what they are working on, yes, but they’ll also answer some fun questions, too.
You’ll learn about what drives authors to write, why they name characters the way they do, what their writing days look like, what they like and dislike about being an author, what their favorite pastimes are, and much more.
I’d love to know what you think about this. Let’s make this a conversation, ok? Who would you like me to interview? What questions would you like me to ask? And as you read them, whose interview did you enjoy? I want to serve YOU, so let me know, please!
