SARA'S SURPRISE - Susan G Mathis - One Free Book

Bio: Susan G Mathis is a multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Katelyn’s Choice, the first in The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, is available now, and book two, Devyn’s Dilemma, releases in April, 2020. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise are available now. 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.

Welcome back, Susan. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’m having a blast writing stories of the Thousand Island Gilded Age. Book two of the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series comes to life in Devyn’s Dilemma. It’ll release in April 2020. Here’s the summary of the story: 1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.

Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m married to the most amazing man on the planet. He’s my best friend, encourager, and my knight in shining armor. We have five grown children and four granddaughters.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I have to put my editor self under lock and key so I don’t edit, critique, or correct what I’m reading. Smiles.

I had a hard time learning to turn off my internal editor when reading for pleasure. What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my next novella, Reagan’s Reward, which will come out next year.

What outside interests do you have?

Besides enjoying time with my grandchildren, I love to travel, especially cruising, spending time with friends, and exploring the Rocky Mountains and the Thousand Islands.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I grew up in the Thousand Islands, and there are so many wonderful stories to tell. The Thousand Islands Gilded Age is full of wonderful islands and characters like George Pullman, Frederick Bourne, and hundred of famous people like J.P. Morgan, Vanderbilt, and others. So I aim to tell at least some of them.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

I’d have loved to meet Frederick Bourne and his family who built Singer Castle, the setting for my next novel, Devyn’s Dilemma. As president of Singer Sewing Machine Company and a strong Christian, it’d be thrilling to get to know him and the entire family in person. After writing the story, though, I feel like we’re already friends!

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Everyone said, “show, don’t tell” but very few explained what that really means. I wish I’d had understood that better and glad it finally comes easily to me.

That took me until about my third book to really understand. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

My husband has been diagnosed with cancer, so I’m learning to hold on to God’s peace in the midst of the storm.

I really understand. We went through skin cancer this year with my husband. He hadn’t wanted to go to the doctor for way too long, so a couple were really serious and two were easily taken care of. Last Thursday, we got the report that there is no more cancer. And yes, God will carry you through. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Never stop learning. Take criticism graciously. Have fun!

Tell us about the featured book.

In Sara’s Surprise, Sara ​O’Neill, works as an assistant pastry chef at the magnificent Thousand Islands Crossmon Hotel where she meets precocious, lovable, seven-year-old Madison and her charming father and hotel manager, Sean Graham. But Jacque LaFleur, the pastry chef Sara works under, makes her dream job a nightmare.

Sean Graham has trouble keeping his mind off Sara and Madison out of mischief. Though he finds Sara captivating, he despises LaFleur and misreads Sara’s desire to learn from the pastry chef as affection. Can Sean learn to trust Sara and can she trust herself to be an instant mother?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Alexandria Bay, New York

July 1873

The St. Lawrence River sparkled in the early morning sunshine as Sara O’Neill walked toward her new life at the elegant Crossmon House Hotel. An abundant variety of colorful flowers and blooming bushes decorated the entrance. She took in a magical whiff of nature’s loveliest fragrances as she climbed the grand staircase leading to the lobby. On her first day of employment, she wanted to walk through the front doors and experience the grandeur of the famous hotel like an upper-class guest. Just this once.

“Please, miss. Allow me.” A wee girl popped into her path. Where did she come from? Sara glanced at the nearby bush and grinned. The child pulled open the heavy, leaded-glass door with all her might, grunting and nearly losing her balance. Sara tossed her a smile and a nod as she passed over the threshold. The little girl grinned back, a full four—or was it more?—teeth missing.

That explained her adorable lisp.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Saras-Surprise-Susan-G-Mathis/dp/1087235715

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.

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