Thousand Island House History
Liam averted her attention, pointing to the hotel. “Let’s start here with a brief history. The Thousand Island House was finished in 1873, the year after President Grant visited the islands with George Pullman and thus began the Golden Age of the Thousand Islands. Col. Orin G. Staples built the establishment in less than a year, and it’s been a popular destination ever since.”
Miss Bell put a thin finger to her chin. “I’ve heard of him. Didn’t Col. Staples start a medicine business in Watertown, sell it to someone in Albany, and build dozens of houses in the city with the profits?”
“Fifty-seven fine homes, to be exact. You have a keen memory. And just two years ago, he built the elegant Willard’s Hotel in Washington, D.C.”
“You don’t say?” She studied the four-story hotel. “He certainly is a talented businessman, and this hotel is mighty grand.”
He nodded. “Three-hundred-ninety-five rooms accommodate up to seven hundred guests, complete with family suites, a huge hundred-foot by forty-foot dining room, and a glorious six-hundred-and-twenty-four-foot grand promenade verandah.”
“My, there must be an army of staff to serve so many guests.” She put her hand to her chest.
He chuckled. “One-hundred-and-fifty. Most are locals.”
“But why is it named Thousand Island House without an ‘s’ on Islands. Aren’t there over eighteen hundred islands?”
He thought a moment. “I don’t rightly know. Maybe to be different? You ask some crackin’ good questions, miss. No wonder you’re a teacher.”
“Thank you, kind sir. I appreciate the complement.” Miss Bell grinned, her dark eyes sparkling like garnet gemstones.
They entered the hotel servants’ area and passed through an enormous and modern kitchen. Liam warmly greeted everyone he met, whether servant or guest. They deserved no less.
He led the pretty lass up the staff stairs and stopped before entering the first-floor corridor, keeping his words barely above a whisper so as not to disturb any guests. “I’ll take you floor by floor, but we must be discreet.”
“Of course, sir.” She nodded, her dark eyes twinkling with excitement.
Opening the door to a wide hallway, he began his tour. “On the first floor is the office, parlor, reception, reading rooms, bar, billiard room, telegraph office, barber shop, dining room, bathrooms and twenty-one guestrooms. You’ll rarely, if ever, need to come here, but follow me, please, while I drop off this envelope.”
On the way, Miss Bell’s curiosity reminded him of a wee lassie in a sweets shop. She peeked into the luxurious common areas, gawked at the elaborate artwork, and discretely glanced at the elegantly dressed patrons. No wonder she wanted to share that enthusiasm with the children.
Meet author Sherri Wilson Johnson
Sherri Wilson Johnson has always been a sucker for a good love story—whether it’s real life or fiction (both historical and contemporary). She writes faith-based Contemporary Romantic Suspense and Historical Romance with a splash of suspense and/or mystery. Sherri and her husband are empty-nesters and live in Georgia with their two dogs. When not working as a publishing assistant, she spends time with family, does jigsaw puzzles, or curls up with a book.
Tell us about your newest book.
A Season at the Grand is set in the Mobile Bay Area of Alabama, specifically in Point Clear. Amelia Harris is a traveling photographer with The Photographic Times, and she’s commissioned to take pictures of the wealthy vacationers at the resort. Her matchmaking aunts are trying to marry her off because they think she’s a spinster. But she’ll have nothing to do with it. Little did she expect to fall in love while at the Grand!
Here is the official blurb:
Can the perfect picture reveal the truth before it’s too late? Photographer Amelia Harris has had enough of her aunts’ meddling matchmaking. So when The Photographic Times commissions her to spend the summer on Mobile Bay taking portraits of the elite and capturing nature for penny postcards, Amelia happily accepts. But this job is not as simple as it appears, and Amelia must defend against naysayers if she’s to ever gain respect in a man’s world. And that doesn’t leave any room for romance.
Point Clear Resort General Manager Titus Overton never wanted the position he inherited when his cousin passed away. If it were up to him, he would be traveling with the Audubon Society to far-off places, enjoying the solitude of nature instead of providing relaxation for his guests. And now he has to deal with the big-city photographer stomping her way through sand dunes that house the migratory birds nesting there. But when she reveals an admiration for his feathered friends, it reawakens a longing in his heart he’d buried after the death of his fiancé. When threats arise against Amelia and the other resort guests, Titus knows he must step in to help. But she insists they trust God for deliverance. How can he turn to a God who took away his first beloved? As the danger closes in, he must find the courage to overcome his past before someone gets hurt—especially the woman he’s come to love.
What inspired you to write A Season at the Grand?
My love for the Mobile Bay, Alabama area, the ocean, and birds. Mobile Bay, specifically the Gulf Shores area, is my favorite vacation spot. Every time we’re there, I am inspired to write another story. This story was birthed out of one of those trips.
Also, the heroine, Amelia Harris, is a photographer making her way against all odds, and she’s loosely based off my daughter, who is a professional wedding photographer. Amelia refuses to take no for an answer and refuses to accept defeat. She’s inspiration for us all–much like my daughter who struggled to keep her business afloat during Covid when all weddings and large group activities were canceled. God was so good to her during that time, and she’s become quite resilient through it all.
What genre do you focus on?
I focus primarily on Contemporary Romantic Suspense because I like the excitement of solving a crime or finding a killer. I also love the romantic aspect, writing how a hero and heroine come to need and want each other and work together to solve problems.
Why do you write?
I write because it’s my favorite thing to do. I love to tell an entertaining and inspiring story but one that also brings to the reader the message of hope and perseverance. I’m not a super competitive person, but I’m competitive with myself. So I’m driven to write the next book and tell the next story in a better and more well-crafted way. In a way, I guess I’m driven to outdo myself.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The heroine is Amelia Harris, a photographer for The Photographic Times. Her name comes from the name of one of my husband’s great-great grandmothers.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I work fulltime as a virtual assistant for Christian authors and speakers, publishers, and agents. I also am a self-publishing coach and a graphic designer. Because of that full schedule, I write in the mornings before work, in the evenings, and on the weekends whenever time allows. I set word count goals for myself, and I try as hard as I can to meet those goals.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’m much younger in my mind than I am in real life. I’m probably more playful than I should be at my age. I love to sing and dance around the house, love to ride roller coasters, love to splash like a child in the ocean. I try hard not to take myself too seriously.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve learned how to let go of my book babies and move on to write the next one rather than spend years and years on the same book. Author Carrie Turansky told me once that I needed to let go of my book baby and not act like it was the only book I would ever write. She said this because my first book took from 1993 to 2011 to write, edit and see published. That was probably the best advice I’ve ever received. Now, even though I love each book and all my characters, I can let them go and meet some new friends in the next story.
What is your favorite pastime?
Besides writing and reading, I love to put together jigsaw puzzles, try my hand at oil painting (I’m not any good), go to church and hang out with friends and family.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, I have thirteen published books and am currently writing book fourteen. Readers can find all my books on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/author/B004VLWLR4
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing book five in my Jeopardized Reunions series, also set on Mobile Bay, Alabama, like A Season at the Grand. This book is set on an offshore oil platform out in the Gulf of Mexico.
Website: https://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Season-Grand-Romance-Gilded-Resorts-ebook/dp/B0BTDW31DB
Social media links: https://linktr.ee/sherriwilsonjohnson
Thousand Islands Searchlight Boat Tours
Though I haven’t had the privilege of experiencing a searchlight tour, my fascination with them brought me to include an important searchlight boat tour scene in my latest story, A Summer at Thousand Island House.
But what are they? In essence, a searchlight boat tour takes passengers on an evening tour through the Thousand Islands. In the darkness of night, the boat creeps along the channels and shines a searchlight on interesting things they come across.
I can imagine it’s a mixture of excitement, fear, and a bit creepy, and my characters experience all of these. The Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River was known for such a thrill, from the late 1800s until today.
Here’s a little taste of a searchlight tour:
The setting sun glowed a dramatic orange as Liam escorted Addi onto the gleaming white St. Lawrence steamer, along with several hundred other passengers. He led her to the bow’s upper deck railing, facing west. A large flag fluttered in the gentle breeze on its bow, another on a tall mast near the wheelhouse, four smaller flags midship, and an enormous US flag hung on the stern.
Midship, a trio played a haunting tune on a harp and two violins, echoing down the hallway and dancing on the water, creating a most pleasant beginning to what he hoped would be a magical evening.
Addi leaned on the railing, closed her eyes, and smiled. “Isn’t the music wonderful? It sounds like a sunset.”
As if she’d forgotten something, her eyes popped open just as the orange ball exploded into reds and yellows, and then burst into the prettiest purples and lavenders Liam had ever seen. She gasped and spread her arms as if she were a bird taking flight, almost smacking him in the face. She didn’t even notice, so absorbed in the moment.
He loved that.
“Oh, Liam, I’ve never seen such a dramatic, beautiful, wonderful sunset. Can you imagine what heaven must be like if it’s this lovely here on earth?”
He studied her angelic face, aflame with the colors of the sunset. “I cannot. But just now, your loveliness comes the closest to an angelic being as I’ve ever seen.”
“Oh Liam, you say the sweetest things.” She peeked out of the corners of her eyes, barely turning her head.
“Miss, I only speak the truth.” He pasted his hand on his chest as if offended.
The captain stepped out of the wheelhouse and onto the deck. The crowd quieted. In a booming voice, he addressed his passengers. “Ladies and gentlemen. If you think that sunset was lovely, that’s just the prelude. Our one-million candlepower searchlight with its forty-eight-inch parabolic mirror will take us on a unique and magical tour of the islands. In the dark, starry night, you’ll see the Thousand Islands like you’ve never seen them before. We’ll navigate through narrow channels and around islands. We may even see a muskie, happily popping its head out of the water to bid you good evening. Now, enjoy the refreshments, the music, and the magic of our Thousand Islands Searchlight Tour.”
The crowd clapped and cheered, and the familiar whistle, whose distinctive chime note could be heard whenever it left the dock, sounded loud and clear.
Liam chuckled. “You’ll hear those hisses of steam from the whistle throughout the evening. One blast signals something is dead ahead, two is for starboard, and three is for port. They sound it when they spot buoys and other official markers, when they see private markers, or when something else might prove a danger. Navigating the river in the day is tricky enough. Night navigation must be done with the utmost care.”
“Is it safe?” Addi’s eyes flashed with fear.
He took her hand in his. “I wouldn’t bring you if it wasn’t. Fear not. This crew has been navigating these waters, day and night, for years.”
To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of A Summer at Thousand Island House.
Meet author Kathleen Denly
Kathleen Denly writes historical romance to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.
Tell us about your newest book.
Murmur in the Mud Caves is Book 4 in my Chaparral Hearts series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Here is the official description: He came to cook for ranch hands, not three single women. Gideon Swift, a visually impaired Civil War Veteran, responds to an ad for a ranch cook in the Southern California desert mountains. He wants nothing more than to forget his past and stay in the kitchen where he can do no harm. But when he arrives to find his employer murdered, the ranch turned to ashes, and three young women struggling to survive in the unforgiving Borrego Desert, he must decide whether his presence protects them or places them in greater danger.
Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from her older sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior, but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for a remote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she finds there is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shambles of a ranch. When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only her plans to help her sister, but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’s stolen her heart.
What inspired you to write Murmur in the Mud Caves?
The heroine, Biddie, is the grown adopted daughter of Henry and Cecilia Davidson, two characters that appear in every book in this series. As an adoptive parent, the idea of exploring her situation and the emotions which might go with it appealed to me.
The hero, has wounds from his time in the Civil War which have left him without peripheral vision in one eye. He also suffers from frequent and severe ocular migraines that often leave him incapacitated and have lead to dangerous situations. I wanted to explore what it might be like for a man raised to believe that true men were physically strong and able to perform certain tasks, to suddenly be unable to fulfill that role. Despite not being a cowboy of any kind, myself, I resonate with the idea of mistakenly defining my self-worth through my accomplishments and what I can do for others instead of how the Lord defines my true value.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A visually impaired Civil War Veteran sets out to cook for ranch hands, not three single women living alone in the desert. When he can’t convince them to return to the safety of civilization, his heart isn’t the only thing in danger.
What genre do you focus on?
I focus on historical romance because I enjoy finding lesser-known historical events, people, and details, and sharing them with people through the art of storytelling.
Why do you write?
I write to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers to a better understanding of God and how He sees us. I believe we are surrounded by worldly pressures to see ourselves in ways that are contrary to how God sees us. It is my hope that my stories will help give a weary mind rest, encourage a discouraged child of God, and use God’s Truth to push back on the negative and distorted ideas the world would have us believe.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Bridget Baker is my heroine, but she is known as Biddie throughout the story because that is what her birth mother called her. I chose her name because of the cultural influences I imagined her parents would have experienced before she was born. Her last name is the last name of my virtual assistant, Jessica Baker, without whom I cannot imagine making it through this writing life. It also happens that her last name fits the cultural background of Biddie’s family. I don’t go into it in the book, but in my imagination, Biddie’s family has its roots in London, England, and by then many Irish would have migrated to that city, which is where the name Bridget and the nickname Biddie might have been encountered.
The name of my hero, Gideon Swift, came from the Bible, historical census records, and a vote by members of my Facebook readers group, the Armchair Adventure Krew.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Because I am also a homeschooling mom of four, my schedule often changes along with the developmental needs of my children. Most recently, I have established the pattern of writing in the morning when my brain is clearest, then teaching in the afternoon.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The amount of time spent on a computer. I suffered a life-altering repetitive strain injury last year as a result of not respecting my body’s needs.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Hearing from readers how my stories have impacted them. Whether it is just that a specific quote spoke to them or made them laugh, or it’s that a character’s journey caused the reader to contemplate their own views, I always treasure hearing from readers. It’s part of what keeps me going on the hard days.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
If I had to be a food, I would choose to be an apple, because you can bake it, boil it, crush it, slice it, dice it, or even juice it, and it stills serves its purpose and retains its value.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I have learned to compare myself to other writers less and to question anything someone says I “should” be doing. Just because something works for someone else, doesn’t mean it is best for me.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have currently published 4 full length novels and 2 novellas as part of my Chaparral Hearts series. There are other books I have written which are yet unpublished. We will see what God plans for them.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Book 5 in the Chaparral Hearts series, Shoot at the Sunset. There will be a total of six full length novels in this series.
Website: www.KathleenDenly.com
Link to book: https://kathleendenly.com/murmur-in-the-mud-caves/
Social media links:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathleen-denly
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KathleenDenly.author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleendenly/
Meet author Tara Taffera
Tara Taffera is an avid reader who writes contemporary Christian romance enveloped in God’s grace and love. Book two and three in her series, Love Unfailing, and Love Reunited, won the silver medal in the 2022 and 2023 Illumination Book Awards in the romance category. She lives in Virginia with her husband of more than twenty-five years. He is one of her biggest cheerleaders, along with her three daughters.
Tell us about your newest book.
Emily aches for a place to belong. Her fiancé left after discovering she couldn’t offer him the perfect life, a secret she holds close. She isn’t looking for a new man nor does she expect the electricity that crackles at a first meeting in front of a church bulletin board.
Jacob closed himself off when his wife left him, demanding perfection he couldn’t provide. And now, Jacob finds it impossible to stay away from Emily and her bright light that shines into his damaged heart. Still, he hides behind their nine-year age difference, fearing Emily will leave when she learns of his inability to give her a family.
While preparing for a mission trip to Guatemala, Jacob and Emily’s relationship blooms, and they gain a glimpse of the happiness they always craved. But when Jacob’s fears take hold, will he retreat, leaving them both tattered and torn?
What inspired you to write Stay?
I gained the idea for this group from a member of my writers group. She talked about how hard it is as a thirty something single woman to find a place in the church. That sparked this book idea and even served as the opening scene. She even served as a pre-reader for the book and gave me great suggestions along the way.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Stay is the story of Emily and Jacob, two wounded souls with secrets and fears keeping them apart, though they are drawn to each other from the moment they met.
What genre do you focus on?
I write contemporary romance as it’s my favorite genre to read. And I love getting ideas from everyday life.
Why do you write?
I love writing fiction, and the more books I write, the more I love it. I especially enjoy talking to people who have read all my books and notice my growth as a writer—that really makes me smile and gives me a sense of accomplishment as I think all of us should strive to always get better.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Emily is the main character. She is 31, and I think I chose her name based on popular names the year she was born.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I have a full-time job so most of my writing gets done on the weekends and early morning before work. I’m not a night time writer—I never have brain power left.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The marketing is the hardest part just because there are so many things you could be doing and it’s hard to figure out what to focus on. I think I am getting better at that as I go. But it’s difficult to find time for writing and marketing. It seems one of those always suffers.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Hearing from people I don’t know who love my books.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I published my first book at 47. It’s never too late to go after your dreams!
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I get better with every single book. I think reading great authors is a big part of helping authors grow. When you read a sentence that comes alive it makes you want to strive for that.
What is your favorite pastime?
It’s hard to find time for things other than writing and working. But in my free time I spend it with my husband and daughters.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes I have a complete Series, A Divine Love, with three books.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a book called The Christmas Quest to come out in October and this is the most excited I have ever been about a book. I am excited every day I sit down and write. I haven’t hit writers block yet (knock on wood), and I’m halfway done.
Website: www.tarataffera.com
Link to book: bit.ly/3lu2t9j
Social media links:
Meet author Aminata Coote
Aminata Coote fell in love with books as a child. She writes stories that point to a God bigger than our failings, who walks with us through our trials. She is also the author of several Bible studies and devotionals for women. Aminata lives in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with her husband and son.
Tell us about your newest book.
His Perfect Family is a contemporary marriage of convenience romance. Theo and Gaby marry to protect her son from his grandparents’ custody suit. But Theo and Gaby have a shared past–seven years earlier, they’d met and, if things had turned out how they’d hoped, they would have gotten married. Now they must navigate all those old feelings with their present challenges.
What inspired you to write His Perfect Family?
His Perfect Family is book two in my Orange Valley series which was inspired by the idea of a blue-haired girl (Brianna) falling in love with a pastor. Gabrielle is Brianna’s best friend and Theo is her brother. I thought it would be fun to write a story with the best friend’s brother trope, especially if the couple had a secret past they’d never shared with anyone.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Second chances, forced proximity, and a marriage of convenience. What more could you want?
Why do you write?
As a teenager, I loved reading. I was into Sweet Dreams, Sweet Valley High, Harlequin, Mills & Boon…when I became a Christian, I didn’t have access to any books that showed Christians living and thriving in their faith. They existed, but in my country, I didn’t have access to them–wasn’t even aware of any Christian fiction authors other than Grace Livingston Hill. I write because I want to provide stories for that person who may be new to their faith and wants to read books about people like them–imperfect people who learn how to exercise their faith every day they remain connected to Christ. They may stumble sometimes, but they keep getting up. They keep trying and pressing forward. Or maybe they’ve been in the faith for a while, but they need encouragement and examples of what it may look like to walk with God. These are the people I hope to reach.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Great question. When I wrote His Perfect Match which is book one in the series, Gabrielle Wright-Wallace was Elisa Donaldson. She was a minor character who worked with Brianna and they weren’t close. As I started thinking about book two, I thought about what tropes I wanted to include and the best friend brother came to mind. I decided I didn’t like the name Elisa for this character, and the name Gabrielle is one I’ve always liked.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I work full-time so writing happens around my day job. Usually, I set a word count goal of 50 thousand words and a deadline by which I want to complete it. This varies as I use challenges to motivate myself. In most cases, I give myself a month to complete the first draft. Once I have the goal, I put everything in the Reedsy Book Editor which tells me how many words I need to write each day to meet my target. Then I write. I typically write for 2-3 hours in the evening after work and several hours on the weekend.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The marketing and promotion. I struggle to talk about my books and because so much of the marketing and promotion I do cannot be quantified, I’m not sure how effective it is.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Making up stories. The characters become so real to me. Also, because I’m mostly a pantser, writing is almost like reading because the characters do things that surprise me.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
For years, I was a writer who didn’t write. Now, I’ve learned how to finish a book. Even if it’s not very good, I get it done. That’s what the editing is for–to polish and improve until you have a story you can be proud of.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. I know it sounds cliché but I love reading.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My Orange Valley series has two published books:
His Perfect Wife (full-length prequel)
His Perfect Match (book one)
His Perfect Family releases on May 26, 2023, and is now available for pre-order. The last book in the series, His Perfect Choice, releases on August 25, 2023.
I also have a series of devotionals and Bible studies for women, including God Sees You: 21 Devotions for the Woman Who Feels Invisible that published on March 31, 2023.
What are you working on now?
My focus at the moment is to get His Perfect Family and His Perfect Choice ready for publication. Once that’s done, I hope to start work on my next series which will be a spin-off from the Orange Valley books.
Website: https://aminatacoote.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/His-Perfect-Family-Contemporary-Convenience-ebook/dp/B0BYQDZS3T/
Social media links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AminataCoote
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aminatacoote/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AminataCoote
BookBub https://tinyurl.com/AminataCooteBookBub
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17239871.Aminata_Coote