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Thousand Islands Gilded Age #3
Devyn's Dilemma
Longing for love, can she escape the shadows that follow her to Dark Island?
1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it's a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne's valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn's heart.
Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he's certain she's hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne's investment in Vanderbilt's New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.
1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it's a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne's valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn's heart.
Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he's certain she's hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne's investment in Vanderbilt's New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.
- GenresRomance
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
44 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Susan G. Mathis
27 books396 followersABOUT 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. 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.
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What people are saying about Susan’s stories:
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
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.
~ ~ ~
What people are saying about Susan’s stories:
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
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 2, 2020
I really liked this book! Reminiscent of Upstairs Downstairs -with more downstairs, which is really more interesting if we're honest. The story moves easily and the characters are full developed. A very good book I recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction.
June 10, 2021
Quite an enjoyable novel of the Gilded Age and Dark Island at the summer house of Singer Sewing Machine Mogul Fredrick Bourne.
I liked how the author wove interesting information such as the other millionaires and the origins of Thousand Island Dressing. The Irish Blessings that the hero was fond of quoting were a nice touch. “Count your blessings instead of your woes, count your friends instead of your foes.” And the heroine loves books! I enjoyed the wealthy Bourne family, who were outspoken Christians and the glimpse of the lives of service people. It reminded me of Downtown Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs only in America. The secret passages, the boat races, picnics on other small islands and a treasure hunt were fun. As was trying to uncover a mystery and a couple of dastardly villains.
This was a well done story about family and who family really consists of, by a new to me author.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
I liked how the author wove interesting information such as the other millionaires and the origins of Thousand Island Dressing. The Irish Blessings that the hero was fond of quoting were a nice touch. “Count your blessings instead of your woes, count your friends instead of your foes.” And the heroine loves books! I enjoyed the wealthy Bourne family, who were outspoken Christians and the glimpse of the lives of service people. It reminded me of Downtown Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs only in America. The secret passages, the boat races, picnics on other small islands and a treasure hunt were fun. As was trying to uncover a mystery and a couple of dastardly villains.
This was a well done story about family and who family really consists of, by a new to me author.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
April 3, 2020
If you enjoy romantic mysteries that include historical truth, Devyn’s Dilemma has your name written on every page. Susan Mathis’ looking-glass style of writing, opens a portal you eagerly walk through to discover a time period you’ll forever remember.
Her well researched storyline and endearing characters take you on a journey to a real location where a real family experiences the problems of real life in an adventurous way.
Her well researched storyline and endearing characters take you on a journey to a real location where a real family experiences the problems of real life in an adventurous way.
April 3, 2020
Author Susan Mathis weaves mystery, secrets, and false accusations into this Gilded-Age tale of castles, their wealthy owners, and the heart-felt longings of those whom 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.
April 7, 2020
Devyn is a timid and fearful young woman when she arrives on the Dark Island, one of the Thousand Islands in the St Lawrence River, to work for the Bourne family in their summer home, The Towers castle. But even amidst the kindness and generosity of the godly Bourne family members and most of her co-workers, especially the handsome and charming valet Brice, Devyn's past continues to haunt her. And then there are the strange clues that hint at intrigue and secrets right there in The Towers...
Devyn's Dilemma is a well-researched and beautifully crafted historical novel about love and loss, fear and forgiveness, and ultimately freedom.
Devyn's Dilemma is a well-researched and beautifully crafted historical novel about love and loss, fear and forgiveness, and ultimately freedom.
April 10, 2020
I so enjoyed learning about The Thousand Islands through this sweet romance. The characters were well-developed and Devyn’s love interest Brice being Irish added to the story with his appropriate Irish sayings scattered throughout. Exploring the castle summer home of the Bourne’s, real-life people from the early 20th Century, held my interest. The details regarding the secret passages showed how much research the author did to capture the setting. The dialog and attitude of the time were spot on. I cheered on Devyn and Brice and booed the bad guys as the story unfolded. I will say although Devlyn had a guilty secret that haunted her, I thought she cried or held back tears way too much. That said, I loved all the characters, even the wicked ones and can’t wait for the next book in the series. Stories such as this set in Historical places have always perked my interest. Susan Mathers has done such an excellent job of sprinkling history and historical characters throughout the story that I learned all sorts of wonderful things about the time period. I will definitely be ordering the next book in this series when it comes out.
August 13, 2020
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review. The review is my own, freely given.
This book is the second in the series, Thousand Islands Gilded, but is a good stand-alone also. I did not read the first book and it had no effect on my enjoyment of this book.
This is a Christian book, but by no means is it preachy. It shows how living by faith is the best.
Devyn is the main character, of course, and this book tells her story from her point of view. She thinks back to when she was 10 years old and the problems she had and how they affect her life now. It tells of her fears and how she deals with them.
It is also a love story and a bit of mystery, nicely told.
There are a few main characters and all are nicely developed. Even the minor characters are well done.
The editing of this book was also well done. The biggest problem I had was that a few times there were words used that I did not recognize and the dictionary on my Kindle could not define them. That was slightly annoying but did not make a big impact on my enjoyment.
This was an easy read and I'm sure anyone that enjoys clean, faith-based, historical novels will enjoy this book. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
This book is the second in the series, Thousand Islands Gilded, but is a good stand-alone also. I did not read the first book and it had no effect on my enjoyment of this book.
This is a Christian book, but by no means is it preachy. It shows how living by faith is the best.
Devyn is the main character, of course, and this book tells her story from her point of view. She thinks back to when she was 10 years old and the problems she had and how they affect her life now. It tells of her fears and how she deals with them.
It is also a love story and a bit of mystery, nicely told.
There are a few main characters and all are nicely developed. Even the minor characters are well done.
The editing of this book was also well done. The biggest problem I had was that a few times there were words used that I did not recognize and the dictionary on my Kindle could not define them. That was slightly annoying but did not make a big impact on my enjoyment.
This was an easy read and I'm sure anyone that enjoys clean, faith-based, historical novels will enjoy this book. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
May 19, 2020
I was intrigued to discover that the Bourne family-Devyn’s employers-were real people, which made me enjoy the story even more. I love a historic novel that informs me about people and events I don’t know. I struggled to relate to Devyn, probably because of her age…I could almost be her grandmother! But I understood her reticence and fears because of the terrible trauma she’d experienced as a child and the continued poor treatment by her mother and siblings. Brice is delightful, and I loved the Irish sayings sprinkled through us dialogue. He seemed to have one for most occasions. The author’s delight with Singer castle is evident in her descriptions of the property which enabled me to visualize the grand house and its maze of tunnels and passageways. I was pleased to see Devyn grow and mature among the safe and loving environment. The staff enveloped her as one of their own. The story is sweet and a diverting read during difficult times.
April 3, 2020
Devyn’s Dilemma is a delightful read. I had the privilege to read pre-release and am about to read again. The setting alone is intriguing—the summer home of wealthy industrialist Frederick G. Bourne on Dark Island in the middle of the majestic St. Lawrence River. The five-story castle-like lodge provides multiple rooms and buildings, secret passageways, an underground tunnel, and towers to enhance the plot. The characters are believable, endearing, and manage to work their way through past hurts and present threats and dilemmas with faith, patience, and kindness. The author’s diligent research blends notable events of 1910 (first Father’s Day, the appearance of Halley’s Comet, life on an island amid the Golden Age of the Thousand Islands) with a well-executed storyline to create historical fiction sure to bless its readers.
April 3, 2020
Book 2 in the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, author Susan Mathis takes us back to the Thousand Islands. And she does it so well! She gives us wonderful descriptions of the homes and the island. I’d love to visit some day. Her research is very well done and we learn about new things from that time period.
Well developed characters will draw you into the story. The plot will keep you reading. With secrets, tunnels, suspense and romance there’s something for everyone. Even the proverbial bad guy! I highly recommend reading it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Well developed characters will draw you into the story. The plot will keep you reading. With secrets, tunnels, suspense and romance there’s something for everyone. Even the proverbial bad guy! I highly recommend reading it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
April 15, 2020
Cheers to Susan Mathis for Book Two from The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series!
Devyn’s Dilemma is a marvelous tale of mystery, romance, intrigue, transformation, and especially the grace of God’s love during one magical summer job. It’s the best one of Susan’s yet and I had a hard time putting it down. Godly values and scripture are woven into the Irish tapestry of this beautiful tale… I’m sure my teenage granddaughter will enjoy. Thank you for giving this historical setting life through story, Susan.
Devyn’s Dilemma is a marvelous tale of mystery, romance, intrigue, transformation, and especially the grace of God’s love during one magical summer job. It’s the best one of Susan’s yet and I had a hard time putting it down. Godly values and scripture are woven into the Irish tapestry of this beautiful tale… I’m sure my teenage granddaughter will enjoy. Thank you for giving this historical setting life through story, Susan.
April 26, 2020
A story of letting go of a damaging past and embracing truth for the future, Devyn’s Dilemma is a delightful read that carries the reader into the world of Dark Island with author Susan G. Mathis’ vivid historical detail. You’ll wish your visit there could last longer! Lovers of sweet historical romance will truly enjoy this charming novel.
May 3, 2020
Sooooo delightful. I loved the time period and to know that many of the characters were real and talked about your life events. The characters were very "real" in the sense of not being perfect but overcame their struggles. I highly recommend this book.
July 16, 2020
Great historical story
An uplifting story with the heroine turning to God for support. She is a bit timid for my taste but still comes right in the end. I loved the Irish sayings, especially the ones I have heard from my own Irish Grandmother!
An uplifting story with the heroine turning to God for support. She is a bit timid for my taste but still comes right in the end. I loved the Irish sayings, especially the ones I have heard from my own Irish Grandmother!
July 30, 2020
A good read
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good historically accurate story. I liked how the author brought in love, forgiveness and love for the Lord into the journey.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good historically accurate story. I liked how the author brought in love, forgiveness and love for the Lord into the journey.
August 3, 2020
Complicated
Death's Dilemma is a complicated story from the early twentieth century about a fine Christian millionaire family and their many servants. Well written with no errors it is quite good.
Death's Dilemma is a complicated story from the early twentieth century about a fine Christian millionaire family and their many servants. Well written with no errors it is quite good.
December 2, 2021
I really enjoy the rich setting of time and place. The Thousand Islands were not familiar to me prior to this series. Susan G Mathis is an excellent storyteller who adds to my deep desire to know more about our history through entertaining fiction set in real history. Love it and love this author!
April 26, 2022
awesomeness continues
This book was just as good as the first one. Susan sure knows how to keep a book interesting right till the end. Thank you again for another great read. Look forward to Susan’s Third book coming in May.
This book was just as good as the first one. Susan sure knows how to keep a book interesting right till the end. Thank you again for another great read. Look forward to Susan’s Third book coming in May.
February 26, 2023
Ferguson's Dilemma
This is a feel good love story. Though Dervyn and Brice experience many trials as tribulations along the way they have a happy ending. Includes wonderful descriptions and life in an upper class home and the differing roles of staff.
This is a feel good love story. Though Dervyn and Brice experience many trials as tribulations along the way they have a happy ending. Includes wonderful descriptions and life in an upper class home and the differing roles of staff.
April 3, 2023
Enjoyable read
The bits of history, regarding JP Morgan, Vanderbilt, and the founder of Lipton tea bags, Thomas Lipton were fascinating. More
importantly, though, is the message that forgiveness gives freedom to live and love.
The bits of history, regarding JP Morgan, Vanderbilt, and the founder of Lipton tea bags, Thomas Lipton were fascinating. More
importantly, though, is the message that forgiveness gives freedom to live and love.
July 16, 2020
A Maid's Choice
Devin had never worked as a maid but her brother brought her to Dark Island to do just that. Brice befriended, then fell in love with her.
Devin had never worked as a maid but her brother brought her to Dark Island to do just that. Brice befriended, then fell in love with her.
July 22, 2020
Novel
Unable to read the book was not programmed right so unable to make sense of the book
Can't give a review
Unable to read the book was not programmed right so unable to make sense of the book
Can't give a review
June 8, 2021
Good reading
Great book, good twists but, more than anything, felt pulled into the life of the time and into the heart of the family
Great book, good twists but, more than anything, felt pulled into the life of the time and into the heart of the family
June 17, 2021
Hidden gem
I've been looking for a book like this for Years! Finally a book about where I am from. Loved. Read 2 books in a week.
I've been looking for a book like this for Years! Finally a book about where I am from. Loved. Read 2 books in a week.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews