I love to unwind with a good book of fiction. That’s why I’m delighted to have Susan G. Mathis back to introduce her new book, Julia’s Joy. Here’s Susan.
Of all the characters in Julia’s Joy, Julia Collins holds a particularly cherished place in my heart. As a young woman navigating the complexities of grief, love, and personal growth, Julia’s journey resonates deeply with me, making her more than just a fictional character—she becomes a friend and a source of inspiration.
Julia’s story is fundamentally about healing from heartbreak, a theme many readers can relate to. Julia’s struggles with her past, particularly the loss of her parents and the weight of her grandmother’s death and expectations, make her journey poignant and relatable. I appreciate the depth of Julia’s emotional landscape, as it mirrors the real-life challenges many face when dealing with loss and the quest for self-discovery.
What makes Julia so special to me is her complexity. She is not just a character who seeks love; she is a young woman grappling with her identity and purpose. As Julia confronts her pain and begins to embrace the possibilities of life on Sister Island, she embodies resilience and hope. I found joy in portraying Julia’s growth—from a woman burdened by sorrow to one who opens her heart to love and redemption. This transformation is precious to me, reflecting the healing journey that many individuals undertake in their own lives.
The Relationship Between Author and Characters
The relationship with my characters goes beyond the writing process; they become companions that linger long after the story is completed. Julia’s presence in my life is akin to that of a dear friend—one who shares in my triumphs and struggles. This emotional bond enriches the storytelling experience, allowing me to infuse my writing with genuine warmth and empathy.
I hope that readers will connect with Julia in the same way I do. By sharing Julia’s journey, I invite readers to reflect on their own experiences with healing and love. The character’s relatability and depth make her memorable, leaving a lasting impression that resonates beyond the pages of the book. I smile at the thought of readers finding comfort in Julia’s story, as it reinforces the idea that healing is possible and that love can flourish, even in the aftermath of pain.
About Julia’s Joy:
She came to claim her inheritance, but the mysterious scarred lighthouse keeper makes her question all her plans.
When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her wealthy 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?
About 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 more than thirty times full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books.
Susan’s fiction line includes: 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, the second in her three-book lighthouse series.
Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, 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.
Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books
Social media links: Website |Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram| Goodreads l Book Bub| Pinterest |
Julia’s Joy book trailer
Reader Alert!
Grab this just released inspirational historical romance on Amazon Kindle for just $3.99!
Thank you, Susan!
A Special Connection with Julia by Susan G. Mathis #NewRelease, #newbook Share on XClick here to comment.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#RememberMeMonday #InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This doesn’t add any cost to the purchase
Thanks for hosting Julia and me. Smiles, Susan G Mathis
Susan, I’m excited about your new book. Julia sounds like someone I’d enjoy. I love the setting having grown up by the coast. And our ministry is Lighthouse Ministries!
That is a fascinating story and while I don’t read fiction often, right now being immersed in a good story, away from the world’s chaos, sounds wonderful!
Ann, I have really come to appreciate my fictional escapes, especially when they have heroes that set examples I want to follow.
Sounds like a great read! I love when a character is someone you can really relate to. Susan, I hope your story touches many hearts.
I do too, Jerralea. Thanks for dropping by.
I don’t read fiction often enough so I appreciate you sharing about this book. May the story bless many!
I rediscovered fiction several years ago and am hooked. A fun escape and usually educational.
thanks for this lovely review, friend. this is a perfect time to settle down in a cozy chair with a fuzzy throw, a cup of hot tea, and a great fictional story.
I totally agree, Linda!
thanks for this lovely review, friend. this is a perfect time to settle down in a cozy chair with a fuzzy throw, a cup of hot tea, and a great fictional story.
Thanks, ladies, for all the interesting and encouraging comments. Hope you enjoy my stories and they bless you. Susan G Mathis
What a wonderful sounding story. Thank you Debbie, I love learning about other authors and their work.
I’m glad you enjoyed meeting Susan. I love finding trusted authors too.