Visiting Sister Island
In the Love at a Lighthouse series, we join the Row-family women, Libby, Julia, and Emma, as they navigate the isolation, danger, and hope for lasting love at three different Thousand Island lighthouses in the St. Lawrence River. These can be read in any order, the three women meet each other and their stories. Here’s an excerpt from Emma’s Engagement, where two of the women meet
As they approached Sister Island, Emma’s stomach churned. Would Mrs. Dodge approve of a Canadian old maid serving with her husband in an American lighthouse? Before the inspector raised his concerns, she hadn’t considered that her heritage might be a problem. Now, it hovered over her like a swarm of gnats. Added to that, her challenges with Ada, and the day could turn out badly.
“Isn’t she a beauty?” Michael cut into her thoughts as he tipped his chin toward the lighthouse. The limestone, two-story keeper’s house was magnificent, and the light tower popped out of the middle of the charming cottage like a steeple on a church. A wooden boathouse stood nearby, and a few trees were scattered about, but that was all. The long, narrow island’s isolation made her shiver.
“Are you chilly, Emma?”
She grinned. “No. I was just thinking how remote this place is. It must get lonely.”
“Especially if you’re a kid. Who would ever want to live here?” Ada spoke for the first time since they entered the skiff.
Michael clicked his tongue. His daughter hadn’t said a cheery thing all day. “The Dodges do. The new lightkeeper grew up on the island while his father kept the light. William loved it so much that he took the keeper’s position after his father passed last year. So be nice. my sweet Ada, and be on your best behavior while we’re with them.”
Ada rolled her eyes but said nothing. Her sour attitude was a stark change from the warm embrace of last night. What if she revealed the tension between them to the Dodges? Would Michael support his wife or child?
She wished she knew.
As they drew nearer to the island, three people stood on the dock waiting for them. The man had to be the keeper, William Dodge. He was tall and handsome with a wide grin and dark curly hair. The older woman had to be his mother, Mrs. Dodge. She was tall and thin, too, with wispy white hair.
Emma’s Engagement (book three)
Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart?
For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island? Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder.
Julia’s Joy (book two)
When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her grandmother’s will, she is intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on. But when she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled island life and connects with the handsome lightkeeper, William, Julia finds herself confronting her open wounds from her parents’ deaths.
William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Between that and his chronic pleurisy, he wants nothing to do with love. But when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions, William’s world is turned upside down. As she chips away at the walls William has built for himself, he finds his reluctance waning. But just as love begins to blossom between them, Julia is faced with a tempting proposal from a prominent Brockville family. Will she succumb to societal expectations or choose the richness of her island life and the love of the steadfast lightkeeper?
Libby’s Lighthouse (book one)
Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.
When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?
Meet author Megan Soja
Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories filled with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. Her favorite stories are those that point back to the author of life Himself. The kind that draw you into the lives and world of the characters, while also inspiring you with God’s truth woven throughout. When she isn’t writing, Megan enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and spending time with her family. She is also a musician and has played the French Horn for over twenty-five years. She lives in western New York with her husband and two young daughters.
Tell us about your newest book.
Spark of the Revolution is a historical romance set against the backdrop of the Boston Tea Party. It features Patience, the daughter of a Loyalist who longs for a fresh start as she reunites with her father, and Josiah, a blacksmith and member of the Sons of Liberty yearning for a true home and family. As tensions mount following the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor, they must determine if the obstacles between them are too great to overcome, or if their search for belonging will lead them to each other and to the One who calls them His own. This is the first book in my Harbor of Spies series, and there’s a hint of espionage in there too!
What inspired you to write your story?
I’ve loved the American Revolutionary era since I was a little girl with a Felicity American Girl doll. I knew I wanted to write a historical novel in that time period, but wasn’t sure what to focus on. My younger daughter has a complex congenital heart defect, and we traveled frequently to Boston for several years so that she could receive specialized surgeries at the children’s hospital there. On one such trip we had the opportunity to do a bit of sightseeing, and I realized what a wealth of history was right there in front of me – in a city that had become so special to our family. I actually began researching and brainstorming this story from her bedside in the ICU. Thankfully, her surgeries were a success and she is now thriving, and this book holds an extra special place in my heart because of where and how it began.
Why do you write?
I write because I’ve had stories in my head for years and I can’t help but bring them to life! I also write Christian fiction in particular because I have seen God work in my own walk with Him through lessons I’ve encountered in novels. It is my hope that the faith woven into my stories can encourage others in the same way.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My heroine’s name is Patience. I didn’t so much choose her name as her name chose me. It just showed up in the opening line that came to mind as I was thinking about this story and I knew it was who she had to be. Hopefully, if you read the book, you’ll see why.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
As a mom to two elementary-aged kids, my work schedule is mainly to write as much as possible when they are at school! While I’ve been known to write in short snippets if necessary, I definitely prefer to write for more extended and focused stretches of time.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
One of the hardest parts as an author of historical fiction is making sure my research is thorough, and then taking all that information and weaving it into the story in a way that feels natural and realistic. I love to bring the time period to life, and always strive to make things as authentic as possible.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
While writing fiction has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, I actually studied biology in college. I worked in research and development for a time, then went on to get my teaching degree and taught both special education and biology at the high school level. I loved my experiences in science and teaching, but it is such a joy to see my dream of publishing become a reality.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to be outdoors whenever I can and especially enjoy hiking, canoeing and kayaking. The Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY are one of my favorite places in the world, and I’ve climbed all forty-six of the high peaks there. Of course, I’d count reading a good book in the hammock or by the lake as an enjoyable outdoor activity too!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Spark of the Revolution is my debut novel, but my next book in the series comes out this June. It follows Will, Patience’s older brother, and hits upon the aftermath of the Boston Tea Party as well as the battles of Lexington and Concord. I also have a contribution in the Image Bearers Anthology.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing book three of my Harbor of Spies series. This one features a British soldier as the hero, which is quite a change from the patriotic heroes of books one and two and a fun challenge. He’s quartering in the home of my heroine, so there’s some interesting forced proximity situations. From a historical standpoint, it covers the siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Website: https://megansoja.com/
Link to book: https://megansoja.com/sparkoftherevolution/ – all other links (Amazon, B&N, etc are here)
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/authormegansoja/
https://www.instagram.com/megan.soja/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52937401.Megan_Soja
Inspecting Rock Island
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Enjoy an excerpt from Emma’s Engagement, book three of the Love at a Lighthouse series.
Michael escorted Lieutenant Worthington across the grounds of Rock Island Lighthouse, the inspector’s keen eyes taking in every detail as he inspected the smokehouse and carpenter’s shop. Worthington paused beside the smokehouse, running a hand along the freshly painted wall. “Impressive work, Michael. Your smokehouse is in excellent condition.”
Michael nodded gratefully, his chest swelling with pride at the praise. “Thank you, Lieutenant. It’s served us well over the years.”
Moving on to the carpenter’s shop, Worthington examined the tools and equipment with a critical eye. “And your carpenter’s shop seems to be well-stocked and organized. You’ve done a fine job maintaining it.”
He nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. “Yes, sir. We do our best to keep everything in working order. You never know when you might need to make repairs around here.”
As they continued their inspection, Worthington’s gaze fell upon the well, and he motioned toward it. “How’s the well working? Any issues with water supply?”
Michael shook his head and gave the pump a firm pat. “No, sir. The well has been working perfectly fine. We installed the new pump last year, and it’s been running smoothly ever since.”
Worthington smiled, his expression turning thoughtful. “And I see you’ve dug a root cellar as well. That’s a wise investment, especially for storing perishable goods.”
Michael’s pulse ticked up a notch at Worthington’s commendation. “Yes, sir. The board’s improvements have been a blessing to us in the past few years. The fertile soil brought in to cover the bare rock has sure helped. And though it took a few years to coax the grass to grow, it’s thriving now.”
Worthington’s eyes scanned the lush green grass that now covered the once-barren rock. “Well done, Michael. It seems you’ve made some significant improvements to the grounds here at Rock Island Lighthouse. Keep up the good work.”
The inspector glanced up at the lighthouse as he prepared to inspect the light tower. He scratched his chin. “I don’t understand why this is still set so far back on the island. After the A.E. Vickery shipwreck in ’89, we can’t afford to take any chances with the safety of our navigational aids.”
Michael nodded solemnly, his mind already racing. “I agree, Lieutenant. Moving the lighthouse out to the shore or raising it would greatly increase its visibility and reduce the risk of future accidents, as I’ve mentioned every year in my report to the board.”
Worthington sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Take heart, Michael. There’s a plan to help, at least in the short term. In the fall, the platform will be raised by five feet. Workers will set the platform atop a solid octagonal wall of granite laid in Portland cement with sufficient mortar beneath. That should significantly increase the visibility from the water. But we’ll continue to push for approval to move the lighthouse out to the shore permanently. As you’re well aware, such decisions require approval from higher authorities, and the bureaucratic process can be slow-moving at best.”
About Emma’s Engagement:
Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart?
For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island? Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder.
Mark A. Wentling, a descendant of the Rock Island lightkeepers, says, “Although I never met my ancestors Michael and Ada Diepolder, I truly felt transported into their time by Susan’s story. I thoroughly enjoyed imagining their world and the moments they might have shared through Mathis’s storytelling.”
Meet author Jen Dodrill
Jen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad. Her family-focused novels depict her values of cooperation, connection, compassion, and community, demonstrating the importance of helping one another brave the waves of the world together. As a mother of five, family life and travels have left her with decades of stories to tell, and she cherishes the time she has now to tell them, in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee.
Tell us about your newest book.
Where’s the Quetzal? is book #2 in the Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery Series and continues with the main character Peg Howard and her quirky mother-in-law Hazel. When the book begins, Peg’s oldest daughter is expecting, and on the day of her baby shower Peg finds out Estelle and Roger Keaton are back in Pensacola, disrupting her peace and reigniting old mysteries. She then learns about the discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck which sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives. With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried. Peg has to confront her deepest fears and face an adversary more cunning and unexpected than anyone anticipated. She and her friends journey through intrigue and peril, where bonds of friendship and family may be their only salvation. The question is, will they uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will the past come back to haunt them all?
What inspired you to write your story?
I started book #1, Birds Alive!, when I was at my dad’s. He and his wife were avid birders, and the quetzal was his favorite bird. I set the series in Pensacola because I grew up in Gulf Breeze and went to college in Pensacola. It’s a unique town with lots of places for interesting adventures.
What genre do you focus on.
Cozy mysteries and also women’s fiction although I’ve not published my women’s fiction yet. I love cozy mysteries – the small-town setting, unique characters, and they often have pets included. My cozy series features a Weimaraner and a canary.
Why do you write?
I want to write clean fiction showing older women living a full, active life even as they’re dealing with changes – physical, relationships, children. I particularly love to share hope.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Peg Howard is the main character in my cozy series. I don’t remember how I chose her name.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Erratic. I am not scheduled, but having a deadline works well for me. I have five kids and three grandchildren, and they and my husband are priority to me.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Trying to do all the things – writing, blogging, social media. It’s time consuming, and it’s important to set boundaries and stay in my own lane.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Writing a book that resonates with people. Not that they all have to rave over it (although that’s wonderful), but something that touches people’s lives in a meaningful way. The opportunity to do this means so much to me.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I love to know people. I’m not a surface person; I really want to get to know the people I’m with and live life alongside of them.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Even though Where’s the Quetzal? is only my second book to be published, I have been writing for a while. I know I’ve learned so much and have lots more to learn. One way I’ve changed is thinking ahead of time about what I want to convey. I’m a pantser attempting to reform into a plotter.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading! Oh, and drinking coffee.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Birds Alive! is book #1 in the series. I also have a women’s fiction book, Finding Ginny, that I’m looking to get published.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on No Egrets which is book #3 in the Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery series. Plus, another women’s fiction, Wrong Side of the Tracks.
Website: https://jendodrillwrites.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dodrill/author/B0CSDW3CHR
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47887511.Jen_Dodrill
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-dodrill
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Birds-Alive-Empty-Nesters-Book-ebook/dp/B0CSCTLL9Z/ref=sr_1_2
Preorder for Where’s the Quetzal is coming soon!
Meet author Sandra Merville Hart
Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.com/.
Tell us about your newest book.
A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love?
Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home.
First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy.
What inspired you to write your story?
The Confederate army lost both its army and the city at the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg. They surrendered on July 4, 1863. I learned that Vicksburg citizens didn’t celebrate Independence Day for about one hundred years.
What made that experience so terrible that the city couldn’t celebrate the independence of the United States for a century?
I had to discover what those citizens endured. It took three books to write their story. From 1861-1863, through mainly fictional—and a few historical—characters, Books 4 – 6 transport readers to a small Southern city on a bluff beside the Mississippi River, one that the Union was as determined to conquer as the Confederacy was to protect it.
What genre do you focus on.
I write Historical Romance because of my love for history. My favorite novels are those that transport me back in time. I want to experience their way of life, their challenges, and the “current” events of that period. That’s what I try to do for my readers. I research for my stories until I feel as if I’m there…only then can I transport my readers to that time period.
Why do you write?
Stories have pursued my imagination relentlessly my whole life. Now that I’m writing them down, there’s a calm that settles over me when the story is finally completed and on paper. The peace that I feel upon reaching those wonderful words “THE END” lets me know that I’ve found my place in this world. I write because I can’t stop. I won’t stop until the stories stop coming. With all the books swirling in my imagination, that won’t be any time soon!
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Savannah Adair is the heroine in Tides of Healing. We first meet her in Streams of Courage, Book 4. She endures tragedy in advance of being able to tell her story in Book 6. She’s feisty, courageous, and strong. She’s also one of the most beautiful women in Vicksburg but that doesn’t matter to her. I wanted to give this brave Southern belle a name that immediately hearkens to the South.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I write full-time. When writing a book, I average about 10-12 hours a day, depending on the deadline. Two days a week, there are other obligations that limit my writing time. I try to make up for this lost time on the weekends. As the deadline looms closer, my work day expands until I finish it.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Making friends with authors, editors, agents, and other writing professionals has been the greatest blessing to me. I have friends all over the country and in other countries that I’ve met at conferences, workshops, booksignings, festivals, and writers’ meetings. What an amazing gift!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My Second Chances Series was also published by Wild Heart Books. A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1, is one of the first books I ever wrote. It was rejected early on but the story wouldn’t let me go. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about the characters. I went to sleep thinking about them. I woke up thinking about changes to a scene in the book. I continued to modify it in between other writing projects. It was the story that wouldn’t let me go. The story didn’t stop hounding me until it was published. I love this whole series. Another of my recent books is A Spring at The Greenbrier, a novella in Wild Heart’s Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series. I love this sweet, nostalgic story set in 1914! I have other books as well that I hope you will read.
What are you working on now?
I am beginning a new historical romance series. It’s set in Tennessee. I’ve started writing the first book but am trying to find one more historical fact. Research for a new series can take months. Selecting a location is key, something that was more challenging than usual. I’ve honed in on the location and can’t wait to write it.
Website: https://sandramervillehart.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGMLVJWK
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/sandra.m.hart.7
https://www.pinterest.com/sandramhart7/_saved/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8445068.Sandra_Merville_Hart
https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Merville-Hart/e/B00OBSJ3PU/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sandra-merville-hart
https://twitter.com/Sandra_M_Hart
I Don’t Want a Stepmother!
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Emma’s challenges of being a stepmother wasn’t easy. Here’s an excerpt from her story.
Michael sucked in a steadying breath as he held his soon-to-be bride close, the gentle librarian who charmed everyone frequenting the Park’s library. Her shy nature made her approachable and inviting for those seeking assistance among the bookshelves. Behind her reading spectacles, her gaze held a depth of knowledge and empathy. She was slow to speak and always ready to provide a listening ear to those in need. How someone hadn’t won her heart before now was a mystery and a gift.
Somehow, in God’s great mercy, he had won her heart! He wanted to jump up from that bench and shout it to the world. Instead, he sat next to her, quietly thanking the good Lord for her.
Dressed in modest yet tasteful attire, Emma’s soft-spoken mannerisms were complemented by her warm and understanding mahogany eyes. Despite her gentle disposition, she also harbored a curious strength. When faced with challenges, Emma exhibited resilience and determination, just what she’d need to be a lightkeeper’s wife and a stepmother.
Best of all, her love for literature and the pursuit of knowledge made her all the more interesting. That’d be welcome on those long winter nights. He’d come to love her for all of it.
But a weight settled on Michael’s shoulders as he pondered how this gentle and shy librarian would handle the challenges that awaited her on tiny Rock Island. She’d voiced her apprehensions, valid ones he shared, about the responsibilities of being a lightkeeper’s wife. But she hadn’t mentioned her role as a stepmother to his twelve-year-old daughter, Ada. That worried him the most.
Though he should discuss the matter with her, he hesitated, the weight of the unspoken words pressing on him. He had wanted to savor this perfect moment, to bask in the joy of their love before broaching the topic.
He shifted to face Emma who stared at the lighthouse across the water. The sparkle in her eyes mirrored the radiance of the sun, and for a moment, Michael found himself captivated by the beauty of the scene and the woman beside him.
Her thin, narrow face, tiny turned up nose, and full pink lips reminded him so much of Ada. So did her thick auburn hair. Why, they could pass for mother and daughter.
But how would Emma feel about that? How would Ada?
Could Emma be happy with life on the tiny island, the duties of being a lightkeeper’s wife, and her role as stepmother to his twelve-year-old daughter? Though they’d talked about Ada several times, Emma had yet to meet her. His daughter lived over one-hundred-fifty miles away while in school in Rochester, living with her grandparents. And now she’d be home for the summer.
About Emma’s Engagement:
Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart?
For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island? Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder.
Mark A. Wentling, a descendant of the Rock Island lightkeepers, says, “Although I never met my ancestors Michael and Ada Diepolder, I truly felt transported into their time by Susan’s story. I thoroughly enjoyed imagining their world and the moments they might have shared through Mathis’s storytelling.”