Whether on vacation or staycation, summer is a good time to enjoy an engaging book with an inspirational message. I’m delighted to share this interview with author Susan G. Mathis about her new book, Madison’s Mission.
Q: Susan, your latest novel, Madison’s Mission, is set during the construction of Boldt Castle. What drew you to this fascinating historical site as the backdrop for your story?
Susan G. Mathis: Boldt Castle is a place where love and loss are etched into every stone, and that made it a perfect canvas for a story of God’s grace and healing. The true story of George and Louise Boldt is both romantic and heartbreaking—he was a wealthy hotelier who began building the castle in 1900 as a summer home and a tribute to his beloved wife. When he reshaped Heart Island into the form of a heart, it was such a beautiful symbol of love. But when Louise died suddenly, construction stopped, and the castle was abandoned. That kind of deep devotion—and sorrow—offered a poignant setting to explore themes of faith, healing, and redemption.
Q: That’s incredibly moving. How much of the story is based on actual events?
Susan: Much of the historical backdrop is accurate—the construction timeline, structures like Alster Tower and the powerhouse, and even George Boldt’s architectural vision. However, the fictional elements, like a tragic accident during the build, are imagined. I wanted to explore how God might use such a tragedy to reveal deeper truths and transform hearts. Sometimes, it’s in our darkest hours that we most clearly see the light of His presence.
Q: Tell us about Madison, the heroine of your novel. What is her connection to the Boldts?
Susan: Madison Murray is a dedicated lady’s maid to Louise Boldt. She’s a young woman carrying heavy grief—she’s lost her entire family back in Ireland and clings tightly to Mrs. Boldt, who is now ill and fragile. Madison is trying to stay strong, but inside, she’s unraveling. Her fear of losing anyone else has caused her to build emotional walls. But God begins to work in her life through her circumstances—and through Emmett.
Q: Emmett is the romantic lead, correct?
Susan: Yes! Emmett O’Connor is the lead foreman overseeing the castle’s construction. He’s Irish, principled, and kind—a man of quiet strength. He sees past Madison’s defenses and recognizes the beautiful heart God has given her. But their relationship faces challenges—differences in class, buried grief, and secrets that threaten to undo them. When tragedy strikes, Emmett is tested in ways that could destroy his future…unless he leans fully into God’s grace.
Q: How do Madison and Emmett grow spiritually through these trials?
Susan: They both face deep wounds that only the Lord can truly heal. When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is devastated—she feels like she’s failed again and that her life has unraveled. But in this brokenness, she begins to see how God can bring beauty from ashes. Emmett, on the other hand, must confront his past and his fears and learn to trust God’s justice and timing. Their love story is really about learning to trust God with their future—and with their pain.
Q: You mentioned that this story is about letting God heal your heart. What spiritual themes are woven throughout Madison’s Mission?
Susan: This book speaks to anyone who’s faced loss or disappointment. Madison’s journey is one of learning to surrender her fears and trust God’s plan, even when she doesn’t understand it. Through Emmett, the love of community, and divine providence, she discovers that God is not done with her story. Themes of restoration, forgiveness, courage, and hope are woven throughout—and ultimately, it’s a story about how God meets us in our broken places and gently restores what’s been lost.
Q: The story of Boldt Castle itself is tragic. How does that parallel your fictional narrative?
Susan: After Louise’s death, George Boldt never returned to the island, and the castle stood unfinished for 73 years. But in 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased it for a symbolic dollar and began restoring it according to George’s original vision. That real-life restoration beautifully reflects the emotional and spiritual restoration in Madison’s Mission. God is in the business of restoring broken things—whether it’s a castle, a relationship, or a heart.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from Madison’s Mission?
Susan: I hope they come away reminded that no matter what they’ve faced, God is not finished with them. Life may bring sorrow, but with God, there is always hope. Madison and Emmett’s story is fictional, but the spiritual truths are very real: God sees us, loves us, and has a purpose for our pain. He is always writing a greater story—one of redemption, healing, and eternal hope.
About Madison’s Mission:
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, the devoted maid to 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 difference and hidden secrets loom 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? Get your copy today!
Meet 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 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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Madison’s Mission book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viMY4EJLRZc
Interview with Author Susan G. Mathis: Madison's Mission #newbook, #romance, #mystery Share on XDear reader, what kind of books do you enjoy in the summer? Click here to comment.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
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I don’t read fiction very often but this sounds so interesting, I’m going to put it on my list of summer reads! Thank you for sharing Debbie.
I used to not read much fiction, but now I use it as a reward. 🙂 This does sound interesting. I like being familiar with authors who write inspirational and clean stories.
I love reading fiction, non-fiction, and children’s stories. I enjoy inspirational messages. This looks like a great story to add to my list of books to read. 🙂 Thank you for sharing about Susan and her writing. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Thank you, Melissa. I enjoy all of those too!
What an awesome sounding book. I need a new one for summer travel so I will check it out. Thanks Debbie and Susan.
I haven’t read it yet, but it sounds good to me too. I hope you enjoy it.
I love a good behind-the-scenes author interview! Thanks Debbie and Susan!
Michele, you always do a great job introducing us to new books and authors.