Welcome!

Introducing 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. She has been published more than twenty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. Susan has seven 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, and her newest, Colleen’s Confession. Peyton’s Promise and Rachel’s Reunion release in 2022 and she just finished book ten, Mary’s Moment. Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and two Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist.

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Peyton’s Promise Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE39GyUfMjA

Interview with Susan

Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

I’ve been to 48 countries and hope to visit several dozen more in the next year.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Joyful, friendly, and creative.

What was your favorite book when you were a kid? Did it play any part in your writing style today?

Anne of Green Gables (the whole series), and yes, every now and then I eek out an echo of them. Smiles.

What book is currently on your bedside table?

The Bible. I read novels mostly on my iPad.

Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?

Yes. My first novel came out in 2017. Peyton’s Promise is my eighth title. Rachel’s Reuion, #9 comes out in October, and I just finished writing, Mary’s Moment, #10.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been teaching writing, editing, or writing most of my life. Before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. My first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. I’m also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. I’m published in various book compilations including five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. I’ve also written several hundred magazine and newsletter articles.

If you could travel anywhere or any when for research where/when would you go?

Goodness! My list is too long.

Tell us about your first published book? What was the journey like?

My debut novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, is loosely based on my family story. I traveled to Ireland, Wolfe Island, and the St. Lawrence River for research and got to read it to my 94-year-old mother just months before she went to heaven.

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and the true stories of the owners of that island. So my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story.

Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

There’s a lot of information in the story about fireworks—how they’re made, how they’re shot off, etc. I connected with the leading fireworks historical and gleaned lots of great information I sprinkled into the story. I’ll never view another fireworks’ show the same.

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

I love Peyton and Patrick. My characters become so real to me; they become friends. Smiles.

What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?

Between the subplots of suffrage, fireworks, upholstery work, and carpentry, research became rather complex. But hey, I love to research, so it was fun.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

Helping Peyton overcome the prejudices of the day.

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

All of my stories have the central theme of hope and redemption. Peyton’s Promise also explored forgiveness.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Buy links: Lighthouse Publishing | Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Walmart

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Rachel’s Reunion (October 2022) Thousand Islands Brides book 4

Summer 1904

Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.

Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?

Mary’s Moment (Spring 2023) The Thousand Islands Gilded Age Book 4

Summer 1912

Thousand Island Park’s switchboard operator Mary Flynn is christened the community heroine for her quick action that saves dozens of homes from a fire. Less than a month later, when another disastrous fire rages through the Park, Mary loses her memory as she risks her life in a neighbor’s burning cottage. Will she remember the truth of her life or be deceived by a treacherous scoundrel?

Widowed fireman George Flannigan is enamored by the brave raven-haired lass and takes every opportunity to connect with Mary. But he has hidden griefs of his own that cause him great heartache. When George can’t stop the destructive Columbian Hotel fire from eradicating more than a hundred businesses and homes, he is distraught. Yet George’s greater concern is Mary … will she come to remember their budding relationship or be forever lost to him?

About The Book

Title: Peyton’s Promise

Series: Thousand Islands Gilded Age (Book 3)

Author: Susan Mathis

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication date: May 24, 2022

Back Cover Blurb:

Summer 1902

Peyton Quinn is tasked with preparing the grand Calumet Castle ballroom for a spectacular two-hundred-guest summer gala. As she works in a male-dominated position of upholsterer and fights for women’s equality, she’s persecuted for her unorthodox ways. But when her pyrotechnics-engineer father is seriously hurt, she takes over the plans for the fireworks display despite being socially ostracized.

Patrick Taylor, Calumet’s carpenter and Peyton’s childhood chum, hopes to win her heart, but her unconventional undertakings cause a rift. Peyton has to ignore the prejudices and persevere or she could lose her job, forfeit Patrick’s love and respect, and forever become the talk of local gossips.