Sandra Merville Hart's Blog, page 3

Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Women of the Way, Book 1

Martha’s Story

Martha learns the bitterness of loss at an early age. Her mother dies giving birth, leaving her father a shell of his former self and uninterested in his children. Martha, the oldest sibling, Martha takes care of Lazarus and baby Mary with the help of her grandmother and others.

While a teenager, Martha dreams of marrying the man she loves, yet the tragedies continue to mount. Her bitterness deepens.

Several years later, Martha and her siblings meet Jesus of Nazareth. He heals her friend’s husband. Could he be the Messiah?

I was quickly drawn into this fictional story about the Biblical siblings. It is told in first person from Martha’s point of view.

This well-written, poignant story held my attention from the beginning. The author has taken creative license to tell the story, including the timing of events and the people involved in some instances. The author addresses some of these in the Author’s Note.

Flawed, believable characters pulled me into their challenges and heartaches. It’s a powerful Biblical fiction set during the time of Christ.

Christianbook.com

Rift by Steven James

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Rift: Mind the Thin Places

Rift Trilogy, Book 1

Seventeen-year-old Sahara O’Shaugnessy is still reeling from her father’s death seven months later. She blames herself for his accident. Not only that, but her mother has gone off the deep end and sent Sahara to live with her grandmother in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee.

Sahara’s active imagination, fueled by her grandmother’s storytelling, leads her to write fairy tales. Not only that, she tells some grisly tales she’s heard to her friends. Telling fairy tales that should never be shared sets a terrifying chain of events in motion.

James is a master storyteller. This YA Suspense novel gripped me from the first page, the first sentence.

Spine-chilling experiences mix with dangerous ghostly lore. Some violent fairy tales are horrifying.

It ends on a cliffhanger that propels readers toward the next book.

The entire story is a thrilling epic of unexpected and unexplainable events that kept me on the edge of my seat.  

An unforgettable story.

Christianbook.com

The Hidden Meaning of Flowers

by Sandra Merville Hart

While researching the secret language of the fan, I discovered some fascinating facts about the hidden meaning of flowers. As a writer of inspirational historical romance novels, I’m always searching for fun facts lost in time.

My grandmother wore a plain silver wedding band. The painted orange blossoms that originally decorated it had long since faded by the time I was born. A century ago, orange blossoms were often part of wedding decorations. Blossoms might have been worn in the bride’s hair or included in the bouquet. Orange blossoms symbolized fidelity, chastity, and loving thoughts.

The gift of flowers held deeper meaning in bygone eras. The type of flower and its shade varied in meaning.

Even the way they were given held hidden meaning. If the giver extended the flowers in the right hand, it meant “yes” while the left hand meant “no.”

There are a myriad of floral meanings—and not all of them are good. Here is a list of popular flowers with their own language:

Amaryllis—Pride

Azalea—Temperance, womanhood

Baby’s Breath—Pure heart, everlasting love

Begonia—Beware

Bluebell—Humility

Borage—Bravery, bluntness

Calla Lily, white—Sophistication, seduction

Carnation, pink—I’ll never forget you, a mother’s undying love, beauty, pride

Carnation, red—Deep love

Carnation, striped—Refusal of love

Carnation, yellow—Rejection, Disdain, Disappointment

Chamomile—Wisdom, patience

Chrysanthemum, red—Love

Chrysanthemum, yellow—Slighted love

Cornflower—Delicacy, felicity, unity

Dahlia—Good taste

Daisy—Innocence, simplicity, gentleness, loyal love

Dandelion—Wishes come true

Eucalyptus—Protection

Forget-me-not—Remembrance, true love, good memories

Gardenia—Secret love, ecstasy

Geranium, red—Comfort, beauty without virtue

Goldenrod—Encouragement, precaution

Hyacinth, blue—Constancy

Hyacinth, purple—Sorrow

Hyacinth, yellow—Jealousy

Hyacinth, white—Loveliness, prayers for someone

Hydrangea—Thanks for understanding, boastfulness

Iris—Faith, wisdom, valor, hope, trust

Jasmine, yellow—Grace, elegance

Larkspur—An open heart

Lavender—Devotion, luck, success

Linden branches—Romance

Lily, orange—Hatred

Lily, tiger—Wealth, pride

Magnolia—Perseverance, sweetness, love of nature

Marigold—Remembrance, grief

Mint—Warmth of feeling, protection from illness

Mistletoe—Fertility

Morning Glory—Affection

Peach blossom—Captive heart

Peony—Wedded bliss, aphrodisiac

Petunia—Don’t despair

Phlox—Proposal of love, agreement

Rose, golden—Jealousy

Rose, lavender—Love at first sight, rarity, wonder, enchantment

Rose, orange—Energy, desire, enthusiasm, fascination

Rose, peach—Sincerity, modesty, gratitude

Rose, pink—Grace, beauty, youth, innocent love, elegance, sweetness

Rose, red—Love, passion

Rose, yellow—Joy, friendship, I love another, jealousy

Sweet Basil—Best wishes

Sweet Pea—Delicate pleasures, birth, goodbye

Thistle—Sternness

Tuberose—Dangerous pleasures

Tulip, white—Lost love

Tulip, yellow—Hopeless love

Verbena—May you get your wish

Zinnia—Thoughts of an absent friend

Those who gave and received floral bouquets would have been aware of the hidden meanings behind the gift two hundred years ago. It’s fun to learn—or perhaps re-learn—about the hidden meaning of flowers.

Sources:

Boeckmann, Catherine. “What Does Each Flower Symbolize?” Almanac, 2025/04/21 https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.

“Rose Color Meanings,” Fifty Colors, 2025/04/22 https://fiftyflowers.com/blogs/flowers/rose-color-meanings.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.

Crossroads of Awakening Memory by MD House

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The End Times Convergence, Book 1

Fifteen-year-old Rain Barynd thinks it was simply another training exercise when the Commander of the Council Guard leads the trainee unit miles away from New Haven. They end up in a battle that not everyone survives. Rain rescues the only survivor of a caravan, little knowing the impact that Antara will have on him.

Believing that she is dying, she gives Rain something magical that changes his life and his future. Further, when his hometown of New Haven is under attack, his commander sends him on an important mission.

Rain isn’t prepared for many of the adventures and battles yet the magical object and others seem to believe differently.

This YA Fantasy saga is an epic journey where some serve God faithfully. Magic, flying dragons, travel to other worlds, constant danger, and battles are a few of the surprises in store for readers.

There are many characters in various story locations. Readers will see that it is leading up to an epic confrontation. At times, the story reminded me of the Lord of the Rings Series.

The story leaves readers hanging at the end. They will want to discover what happens next.

This YA Fantasy was a page-turner for me. Highly recommend.

Amazon  

Edible Flowers

by Sandra Merville Hart

I’ve always appreciated the fragrant beauty of fresh flowers served on my plate, but never considered eating them as part of my dinner. After learning about the variety of edible flowers, I’m eager to try them.

Boiled hibiscus makes a slightly acidic beverage.

Gladiolus tastes a bit like lettuce.

Lemon Verbena’s lemony flavor can be steeped to serve as tea.

Lilacs also taste like lemons with a pungent floral aroma.

For salads, use arugula for a nutty, peppery flavor. Chives add a mild onion taste. Basil tastes like lemon and mint. Adding borage will give a hint of cucumber flavor while fennel provides hints of licorice.  

When fried in butter, young dandelion buds have a similar taste to mushrooms.

Dill is often added to cheese dips, seafood, and sour cream.

One teaspoon of dried marigold, jasmine, chamomile, rose, or yarrow petals can be steeped in boiling water for five to ten minutes to make a fragrant cup of tea.

Violets are sweet.

Roses are also sweet and fragrant, but the petals contain bitter white portions that should be removed.

Both safflower and calendula are described as “poor man’s saffron.”

Lavender has a floral flavor. Lavender oil may be poisonous.

Chicory buds and nasturtium buds can be pickled.

Carnations have a spicy, peppery taste while English daisies have a tangy, leafy flavor.

Fresh and dried flowers have been used in cooking for centuries, yet cooks and bakers must be careful. Some flowers are poisonous or otherwise unsafe for consumption, so check with food or plant experts to understand which are safe to eat. Also, flowers must be grown without pesticides and sprays to be edible.

Cooks and bakers have prepared dishes with edible flowers at least as early as the Roman Empire.

After doing all this research on edible flowers, I’ll be happy to sample different floral flavors.

Sources

“Edible Flowers,” 101cookbooks.com 2025/06/09 https://www.101cookbooks.com/edible-flowers/.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.

“How to Cook with Edible Flowers,” Savannah Bee Company 2025/06/09 https://savannahbee.com/blogs/the-latest-buzz/how-to-cook-with-edible-flowers.

ACFW New Releases June 2025

June 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s/ Picture Book:

If Jesus Came To My School by April Graney — A young girl learns how Jesus’s love can shine at school through her compassion, kindness, and inclusion. (Children’s Picture Book from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])

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Phooey Kerflooey vs the Battle Squirrel by Kristen Joy Wilks — Phooey Kerflooey has finally found a home of her own.
Too bad a raging squirrel found it first! (Children’s, Independently Published)

Cozy Mystery:

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Something Wicked This Way Hums by Jennifer Lamont Leo — Return to charming Timber Coulee, Idaho, where amateur sleuth Amanda Parrish is about to discover that murder can strike a sour note even in the most harmonious of places. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

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Angel from the East by Barbara A. Curtis — Caleb Morgan has had everything stolen from him-his strength, the job he loved, even his good name. He’s determined to even the score with the man responsible, until he meets the captivating new owner of the Double E Ranch. Though he’s drawn to her compassion, he fears she may never see beyond his supposed wrongdoings, unless he can prove his innocence and reclaim his honor. Eliza Roberts is a teacher, not a rancher. But if she has any hope of selling the ranch she inherited from her grandfather and continuing on to her new life in California, she needs to restore it to some semblance of order. If only the man her grandfather advised her to trust wasn’t refusing to help her. When an offer of courtship arises from the current foreman, Eliza sees the practicality in the offer. So why does her heart keep wandering back to Caleb? And why can’t she shake the feeling that something’s not right at the Double E Ranch? Will she have the courage to follow the clues behind the strange mishaps at the Double E-and possibly embrace a different life than she imagined? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep — Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . . In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents’ deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family’s crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva’s situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva’s need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics. Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he’ll risk exposing his uncle’s deteriorating memory and they’ll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires–provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva’s and Bram’s hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Heart’s Promise Heart’s Desire by Linda Hoover — Welcome back to Jacob and Julia’s Iowa farm. The year is 1893. Their son Justin is now eleven. and daughter Annaliese is ten. When Jacob and Julia adopted Annaliese as an infant, they were told God had a special plan for her. As Annaliese grows up, she can’t help but wonder if her purpose will be world-changing. Julia’s old friend, Edward Harrington, comes to visit from England, along with his wife and son, Robbie. Their time at the farm is the beginning of a like/hate relationship and later something more between Robbie and Annaliese. When the families travel to San Francisco in 1900, a shocking revelation from Edward’s wife could change everything, beginning with taking Annaliese back to England with them. If this is God’s plan, Annaliese is disappointed. It’s nothing like she imagined, and her heart’s desire is to go to veterinary college. She must consider if this is truly God’s calling for her because her decision could mean a very different future. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Heart of Hope by Kimberly Keagan — One Philadelphia socialite, one man who broke her heart, and a town called Victory that might live up to its name. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Madison’s Mission by Susan G. Mathis — 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. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Secrets of the Revolution by Megan Soja — Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies…and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz — Canada, 1837. In a British colony on the brink of rebellion, widower and lawyer James Kinney bands together with laundress Sara O’Connor to save the life of his lonely little girl. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)

To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer — Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses. Beauty & the Beast story in 1800’s Texas. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Rescued by Jerusha Agen — As the nanny of twin two-year-olds who lost their mother, Valena Greer wants to create a happy and safe home for the children. The kids must know they’re loved and protected—the opposite of her own unstable childhood. But when danger comes to her door, the illusion of safety is shattered. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

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Romeo by Jessica Ashley — A deadly secret, an unexpected love that could cost everything. Riley “Romeo” Hunt is an expert at finding those who don’t want to be found. When he’s hired to catch a notorious jewel thief responsible for a brutal murder, he never expects to find a beautiful woman caught in the middle. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Reframing Trust by Regina Rudd Merrick — FBI Special Agent Julia Rossi returns to Clementville to investigate signs of criminal activity linked to a case she’s struggling to leave behind. After losing her fiancé to infidelity and her partner to prison, trust has become a foreign concept. Can she trust her job, her instincts, or even her faith? Carpenter Eli Reno isn’t thrilled when his exploration of the tunnels underneath Clementville not only uncovers evidence of recent criminal activity but also forces him to work alongside the woman who broke his friend’s heart. As the two explore the dark tunnels, Eli battles his anger over his friend’s betrayal, while Julia fights to regain her footing in a world full of broken trust. But in the depths below, can they learn to rely on one another—and on God—to uncover the truth and find healing in each other’s hearts? (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Capturing You by Robin Patchen — In a town shrouded by secrets, a photographer and the reclusive heir of the Ballentine fortune join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

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Trinity Sands Beach Club by Deborah Sprinkle, Jen Dodrill, and Sharon H. Carpenter — What do a widow, a newly divorced woman, and a retired professor of art history have in common? They all came to Trinity Sands Island to find a simple life without any entanglements. But instead, they are each confronted with a mystery and another chance at romance. Will they be brave enough to face the possible dangers of solving a mystery and losing their hearts? This collection includes three novellas. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner — The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

Haunting of Time by Demi Griffin — In the Age of Augury, Kairos, also known as Time, had grown weary of her role in playing both sides. With the departure of the Enchantress, she saw an opportunity to strengthen her alliance with Mortality. Possessing the ability to manipulate time, she would haunt Everlasting, siphoning time by stealing it from the citizens. As Kairos pieced together her plan, the King summoned his chosen Harbingers. This group of eleven seemingly unrelated individuals had been brought together by a divine entity known as Portent. They accepted the calling under one condition. They were explicitly instructed not to engage directly with Time. Their sole objective was to deliver the King’s message. If they succeeded in doing so, the Age of Augury would reach its anticipated conclusion. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Felling Fury by F.D. Adkins — As Ray vows to protect the woman he is falling for, it may be Ray who is in danger. Will he allow his anger and resentment to destroy him, or will he heed God’s voice calling to him from the light of Sandy’s faith? (General Suspense)

The Memory Garden by Jessica Brodie — In the small Southern town she vowed to escape forever, a shattered journalist discovers that protecting a boy with secrets as haunting as her own might be her last chance at redemption. (General Contemporary)

Keepsake by Susan Page Davis — Stanna Waverly is cleaning out her grandmother’s attic when she finds an old love letter. It’s to Emma, her grandma, all right, and the writer is urging her to elope with him. But at the end of the letter, she stares at the signature. That’s not her grandfather’s name. (Contemporary Romance)

The Ties That Loose by Felicia Ferguson — Can you really trust God when life plummets out of your control? As she searches for a way to bring Chris home and he strives to stay alive, they each battle their family histories desperate to find God’s future for them both. (Military Suspense)

Portent by Demi Griffin — Short interactions that led to beautiful moments captured more than Traveler’s heart. They were the bridge to the discovery of his name. Once he found that, he realized his decision to be a part of the King’s plan or not had already been made for him. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick — Based on a true story of the life of Mary Gerritse, wife, mother of four and the first woman to deliver the mail on the treacherous Oregon Coast in the late 1890s. (General Historical)

Judging Athena by Perrin Lovett — Judging Athena is an exciting foray into innocent, pure, and productive love. It is also a clarion call to return to the traditions of marriage, large families, and genteel society. (General Romance)

Sweet Double-Cross by Sally Jo Pitts — As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross? (Romantic Suspense)

Surviving the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker — At an accident scene, Paramedic Curtis Whitman and EMT Aurora “Rory” Graham discover a gunshot victim and an absent driver. Rory’s unease intensifies when she spots a man watching her from the woods, followed by a barrage of gunfire. Now, a sinister stalker lurks, convinced Rory has witnessed too much. (Romantic Suspense)

His Liberating Flame by Ashley Thompson — She grew up in church and has never been in a relationship, he’s a prestigious model with a scarlet past in search of redemption. (Contemporary Romance)

The Oasis by Lorisa D. Wiedenheft — Ten-year-old Charly Harding has had a rough life. Her parents died in a car accident when she was five. She and her younger brother Matty moved three hours away to live with Granny, who is always strapped for cash. Then the unthinkable happens. One night, their double-wide trailer catches on fire and burns to the ground. (Children’s)

Shattered Peace by Julie McDonald Zander — A forgotten diary. A century-old secret. A town still haunted by its past when a peaceful parade turned deadly. A gripping time-slip novel inspired by true events. (Dual Time)

CelebrateLit Summer Kickoff Giveaway

Hello Readers!

Every June Celebrate Lit celebrates summer by doing a huge giveaway just for readers. I have partnered up with them for this amazing giveaway so I can have the opportunity to show my appreciation for you!

I’m excited that Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in Spies of the Civil War Series, is my book in the kick-off.

Here is your chance to win over 25 books and a $50 Amazon gift card to buy a ton of books for yourself in Celebrate Lit’s Summer Kick-Off.

Click here to enter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54182/

The giveaway is going on now through June 22.

Betrayed by her brother and the man she loves…whom can she trust when tragedy strikes?

My book in the giveaway is Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series. Although the book is about a fictional family, it incorporates actual historical spies.

Avenue of Betrayal is set in Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861. Union soldiers came to the capital to train. There were so many regiments camped in and around the city that citizens saw a sea of tents in every available field. They drilled daily, so the sounds of marching feet, bugles, drums, and musketry permeated the atmosphere.

And there was a lot of spying for the Confederacy that happened within blocks of the White House.

The True Story Behind Thousand Islands’ Boldt Castle

by Susan G. Mathis

Susan G. Mathis, fellow author and friend, gives some historical background for her new release, Madison’s Mission. It’s a great read! Welcome back to Historical Nibbles, Susan!

Amid the sparkling waters of the St. Lawrence River, nestled within the enchanting Thousand Islands, stands one of North America’s most romantic landmarks—Boldt Castle. For many, it is a fairytale fortress. But behind its towering spires and elegant stonework lies a story both beautiful and bittersweet—a testament to love, loss, and the legacy of dreams left unfinished.

At the turn of the 20th century, George C. Boldt—hotel magnate and proprietor of New York’s famed Waldorf-Astoria—set out to build something extraordinary: a summer home that would express his deep affection for his beloved wife, Louise.

Boldt had already fallen in love with the Thousand Islands, a lush archipelago straddling the U.S.-Canada border. In 1900, he purchased Heart Island as the canvas for his romantic vision—and even reshaped the island itself into the form of a heart. This was no ordinary construction project. It was a love letter in stone.

George Boldt commissioned hundreds of workers to build a Rhineland-style castle featuring 120 rooms, grand staircases, balconies, and ornate towers. The castle was only one part of an ambitious estate. The plans included a powerhouse to supply electricity, Italian-style gardens, a dove cote, a children’s playhouse known as Alster Tower, and a stately yacht house on nearby Wellesley Island. Every detail reflected George Boldt’s desire to create a haven of luxury and love—a private paradise for Louise and their family.

But in 1904, just four years into construction, tragedy struck. Louise Boldt died suddenly at the age of 41. Heartbroken, George Boldt called an immediate halt to all work on the island. The laborers put down their tools and walked away. Boldt never returned.

For the next 73 years, Boldt Castle stood silent—weathered by time, vandalized by visitors, and abandoned to the elements. What had begun as a dream became a haunting monument to grief. And yet, even in ruin, the castle captivated the imagination. Passing boaters gazed at its crumbling silhouette and wondered about the love story it represented.

Then, in 1977, hope was reborn. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property for the symbolic price of one dollar, pledging to preserve and restore the estate for public enjoyment. What followed was one of the most significant preservation efforts in the region’s history. Craftsmen and restoration experts worked tirelessly to revive the castle—not only repairing its damage but finishing what George Boldt had begun.

Today, visitors arrive by boat to explore this magnificent site. They wander through ornately decorated rooms, stroll along the restored gardens, and marvel at the castle’s transformation. The once-abandoned estate now tells a story not just of sorrow, but of enduring love and visionary beauty.

To my knowledge, no accident ever occurred during the construction of Boldt Castle. Its abandonment came not from disaster, but from a broken heart. In many ways, the story of Boldt Castle mirrors the emotional journey of Madison, the heroine in my novel Madison’s Mission. Like George Boldt, she carries the weight of loss—afraid to love again, afraid of what the future might bring. But just as Boldt’s dream was eventually redeemed, so too is Madison’s journey one of restoration, hope, and the healing power of love.

Boldt Castle now stands not as a symbol of what was lost, but of what can be reclaimed. It reminds us that even in our most fragile moments, beauty can rise from brokenness—and that love, though it may grieve, can leave a lasting legacy.

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.

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles |

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

A Sale! Love Stitched in Blue and Gray Discounted for a Limited Time!

by Sandra Merville Hart

Exciting news!

Last month, my publisher, Wild Heart Books, released a five novel-length Kindle collection called Love Stitched in Blue and Gray. Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, is part of the collection along with talented authors Tamera Alexander, Misty M. Beller, Susan Pope Sloan, and Sherry Shindelar.

The book is on sale for 99 cents! This deep discount will only last a limited time!

Here’s a bit more about each novel in the collection:

5 Full-Length Civil War Romance Novels Where Love Bridges Every Divide!

From Texas ranches to Washington’s political circles, and from Georgia cotton mills to Comanche territory, experience the transformative power of love during America’s most turbulent era in these five captivating Christian historical romances.

The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller

When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole arrives in Franklin, Tennessee in 1866, searching for her twin brother Ryan, a conscripted Confederate soldier. With only her spitfire little sister and Ryan’s last cash gift in tow, she catches the attention of Wade Cunningham—a former Federal soldier now secretly investigating counterfeit rings for the U.S. Secret Service. When the money in Catriona’s possession proves counterfeit, Wade must choose between his duty and his growing feelings for the woman he’s supposed to prosecute.

Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan

When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky.

But when two fugitives arrive and complicate matters between Rose and Noah, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.

Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart

As the Civil War looms over Washington City, Annie Swanson discovers her beloved brother has joined the Confederate cause, betraying their mother’s abolitionist beliefs. When Sergeant-Major John Finn—who fell for Annie at her brother’s wedding—is tasked with spying on her banker father’s loyalty to the Union, their budding romance becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties that could destroy them both.

Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar

Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.

Five compelling stories of faith, courage, and love that prove God’s power to heal even the deepest wounds of war.

This Kindle book is on sale for just 99 cents! Pick up your copy today because the sale won’t last long.

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Waiting for Sunset by Starr Ayers

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Summer is Tomorrow, Book 1

Time Slip Novel

Current Day—Interior Designer Olivia Houston takes a working vacation on Sunset Beach to escape her grief over loving her husband the previous year. She walks to a Kindred Spirits mailbox on Sunset Beach where strangers are invited to write in the journals. Not only does she meet Charter Boat Captain Chase Evans on the walk, she also finds something that leads her and Chase on a search to the past.

1945—Sergeant Walter Larsen is on a ship home after the war ends, eager to see his wife and meet his daughter. He’s just as eager to keep his secret, for it can only hurt his wife. When a storm at sea threatens, he tosses a bottle with some items inside, hoping they will reach his family even if he perishes in the storm.

Loveable, believable characters endure many surprises, challenges, jealousy, and heartache in a myriad of twists and turns that kept me riveted to this well-written story.

The contemporary side of this story, where readers will wonder if Olivia’s relationship with Chase has a future, kept me turning pages. The heartache in the historical story and how the two stories collide make this a page-turner.

I can’t wait to read the second book in the series. Highly recommended.  

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