A special welcome to Susan G. Mathis for joining us for an interview on her new book, Madison’s Mission, a story of love, loss, and the legacy of Boldt Castle.

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 steeped in romance, heartbreak, and grandeur—all the ingredients for a compelling historical novel. I was especially captivated by the real-life love story of George and Louise Boldt. George Boldt, the wealthy hotelier behind the Waldorf-Astoria, began building the castle in 1900 as a summer home and a tribute to his beloved wife. He even reshaped Heart Island into the shape of a heart—how romantic is that?

Q: That’s very sweet. How much of the story is based on real events?

Susan: Quite a bit of the historical backdrop is real. The castle itself, the surrounding structures like Alster Tower and the powerhouse, the timeline of construction—all of that is historically accurate. But to my knowledge, there was never an accident during construction. That part is fictional. I imagined what might happen if a tragedy had occurred during that time—and how it would affect the people working and living on the island.

Q: Tell us about Madison, the heroine of your novel. What is her connection to the Boldts?

Susan: Madison Murray is a devoted lady’s maid to Louise Boldt. She’s carrying a heavy burden from her past—she’s lost her entire family, and now she’s terrified of losing Mrs. Boldt, who is fragile and ill. Madison pours herself into her duties, trying to hold her world together while quietly unraveling inside. Her fear of further loss keeps her from truly connecting with others… especially Emmett.

Q: And Emmett is the romantic lead?

Susan: Yes! Emmett O’Connor is the distinguished foreman overseeing the construction of the castle. He’s principled, skilled, and kind—and he sees something special in Madison. But their growing bond is challenged by social class, emotional wounds, and secrets that run deep. Then tragedy strikes, and Emmett finds himself at the center of an investigation that could ruin everything.

Q: That sounds intense. How do Madison and Emmett grow through these trials?

Susan: Both are forced to confront their fears and grief in deeply personal ways. When Mrs. Boldt dies, Madison is left feeling like she’s failed and lost a loved one yet again. She’s alone and afraid. But through the pain, she begins to see how God can still work—even in loss. Emmett, meanwhile, must rise above the guilt he carries and prove himself in a world quick to judge. Their journey is one of healing, redemption, and the quiet bravery of choosing love again.

Q: You mentioned God working through loss. What spiritual themes does Madison’s Mission explore?

Susan: At its heart, this story is about letting God heal your heart. Madison is terrified of opening herself up again because of all the pain she’s endured. But God gently leads her to realize that love and community are part of the healing process. Through Emmett, and through unexpected circumstances, she learns that God is not finished with her story. That’s something I think many readers will relate to.

Q: Boldt Castle itself has a tragic real-life story. How does that parallel your fictional narrative?

Susan: The castle was left unfinished for 73 years after Louise’s death. George Boldt never returned, and the site slowly decayed. But even in its ruin, it continued to capture imaginations. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought it for one dollar and began restoring it according to Boldt’s original vision. That restoration mirrors the emotional and spiritual restoration in Madison’s Mission. The idea that something broken can become beautiful again—that’s a powerful message.

Q: What can visitors expect if they travel to Boldt Castle today?

Susan: It’s truly magical. You arrive by boat and step into a world that feels suspended in time. The castle’s lavish interiors, Italian gardens, and stone towers have all been lovingly restored. It’s no longer just a monument to loss—it’s a celebration of beauty, craftsmanship, and enduring love. I hope readers who finish Madison’s Mission will want to visit and see it for themselves.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Susan: I hope they’re encouraged. Life can bring deep wounds and unexpected loss, but God is always working—even in our pain. Madison and Emmett’s story is fictional, but the truths they uncover are real: that love requires courage, healing takes time, and our stories are not over when we think they are. There is always hope for restoration.

Q: Beautifully said. So, what’s next for you?

Susan: I have more novels in the works that explore life in the Thousand Islands during the Gilded Age, each one filled with faith, history, and romance. This area and era are endlessly inspiring to me, and I’m excited to keep bringing it to life for readers.

Thank you so much for joining us, Susan. May God bless you as you write for Him.

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?

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.

Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books

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Madison’s Mission book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viMY4EJLRZc