Please help me welcome back Susan Mathis. It was such a delight to have her a couple of months ago, I decided to have her again! This time, she’s sharing her story Singer Castle with us. Here’s a little about the book.
Scandalous news just keeps begging to be told, and taming her tongue seems an insurmountable task.
Katelyn Kavanagh’s mother dreamed her daughter would one day escape the oppressive environment of their Upstate New York farm for service in the enchanting Thousand Islands, home to Gilded Age millionaires. But when her wish comes true, Katelyn finds herself in the service of none other than the famous George Pullman, and the transition proves anything but easy.
Thomas O’Neill, brother of her best friend, is all grown up and also working on Pullman Island. Despite Thomas’ efforts to help the irresistible Katelyn adjust to the intricacies of her new world, she just can’t seem to tame her gossiping tongue—even when the information she’s privy to could endanger her job, the 1872 re-election of Pullman guest President Ulysses S. Grant, and the love of the man of her dreams.
That sounds so good, Susan. Can you tell us more about the Thousand Islands, the setting for Katelyn’s Choice?
Singer Castle is set on Dark Island, one of the Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River. Originally called “The Towers,” Frederick Bourne affectionately dubbed it his “hunting lodge.” And it’s a wonder to behold!
It’s the only fully completed and existing castle of the Thousand Islands Gilded Age era. The castle can be toured from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and you can even spend the night there! I’ve toured the castle several times but still haven’t seen it all. One day, I hope to spend the night there.
Frederick Bourne, a New York resident, self-made millionaire, and the fifth president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company (thus the name “Singer Castle”), bought the seven-acre island and contracted Ernest Flagg, a famous architect of the time, to design the magnificent castle to surprise his wife and children. Flagg chose to design it much like the English castle in Sir Walter Scott’s book, Woodstock, complete with eight fireplaces, eight bathrooms, dungeons, secret passageways, a piazza, a portrait of King Charles II that can be opened to spy on guests, and more.
Construction began in 1903, but to support such a massive stone castle, Bourne bought nearby Oak Island and a plot of land in Canada to bring tons of granite to the island over water and the winter ice to build up the island. Two years later the 28-room, four-story castle is simply amazing.
Three towers/turrets, secret panels and passageways, massive stone arches, and the dungeon add mystery to the place. The island also includes three boathouses (one that houses a powerhouse), and an icehouse.
The castle is completely furnished with furnishings, a library full of books, dozens of sewing machines, period dishware, and all kinds of cool stuff from that era, most of which were actually there during the Bournes’ ownership and residence. Medieval weapons and suites of armor complete the castle’s ambiance.
Want to add this to your bucket list? Check out more here: https://www.singercastle.com
Susan G Mathis is an award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Her first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma and Katelyn’s Choice are available now, and she’s working on book three. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise are also available. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com for more.
Susan is also a published author of two premarital books with her husband, Dale, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her wonderful husband, Dale, and relishes each time she gets to see or Skype with her four granddaughters.
Lighthouse Publishing: https://shoplpc.com/devyns-dilemma
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Devyns-Dilemma-Thousand-Islands-Gilded/dp/1645262731
Website: www.SusanGMathis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis
Susan is giving away a copy of Katelyn’s Choice. Follow the directions below to enter.
Thanks for joining us again, Susan!
Linda McFarland says
I really don’t have a place in mind other than to go visit my mom. She will be 93 May 9 and the pandemic is keeping me home in PA. But as soon as I can I will be on my way! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Lynn Brown says
sounds good. the cover looks nice.
Alicia Haney says
This book sounds intriguing and like a very good read! One place I would like to visit is I would like to go on a train trip and visit different States, I think that would be a nice thing to do.
Vivian Furbay says
I would like to visit Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC.