Touring the Thousand Islands
In most of my novels, I take the readers on a boat tour of the Thousand Islands, and in Rachel’s Reunion, it’s no exception. This time, though, you get to travel with William Howard Taft, who would one day become our President:
Mitch steered the vessel into the main channel. “At this point, we’re heading northeast toward the American Narrows. It’s a deep but narrow channel of the mighty St. Lawrence between Wellesley and the mainland, both of which are in New York State. With the jagged rocks and strong currents, this part of the river can be quite dangerous.” He leaned closer. “In fact, these waters have sunk many vessels.”
Mrs. Abbott threw a hand up to her ample chest. “I cannot swim. Are we in danger?”
Mitch’s assistant, Steve, addressed her concern. “No ma’am. Captain Mitch is a fine navigator. He’s been sailing these waters for years on large freighters—like the one we’re now passing.”
He pointed to a huge laker that dwarfed the Island Swan. All six of the passengers oohed and aahed.
So did Rachel, whose pretty mouth dropped open. She snapped a glance at Mitch and then back at the freighter.
What was she thinking?
Mr. Sherman walked over to the port side, held on with one hand, and waved with the other.
Mr. Abbott joined him. “I’ve seen many a ship from a distance, but none from this perspective. Makes you feel rather small, doesn’t it?”
Mr. Sherman nodded as they returned to their seats.
Mitch continued the tour. “Salties and lakers travel from the Great Lakes eastward through the St. Lawrence and then all around the world. Pleasure boats of all sizes, too. At the moment, a series of troublesome canals link the system together, and some canals are too shallow and narrow to support the largest ships. Maybe one day the U.S. and Canada will work together to become a binational comprehensive waterway, and I’m all for that. Aye, I’ve spent five years navigating these waters, and I’ll tell you, it’s no simple task.”
Mr. Taft set down his glass. “Bravo, lad. I agree. This mighty St. Lawrence River is of strategic importance to our national interests. They fought the War of 1812 here as well, correct?”
Mitch nodded as he eased into the narrowest part of the channel. He cleared his throat. “Now we’re traveling through what some have called Millionaire’s Row. Many wealthy industrialists built their magnificent summer homes here.”
Sam pointed as they passed a small island. “This is Comfort Island with its western summer home, Neh-Mahbin, and its eastern cottage, Comfort, owned by the Chicago Clark family. I hear there are magnificent murals painted on the walls by the famous impressionist, Alson Skinner Clark, and a hand-dug canal separates the two properties. Aren’t they beauties?”
Mrs. Sherman nodded. “Yes, but it must be a bother to live on an island.”
About Rachel’s Reunion
Summer 1904
Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.
Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?
Meet author Alyssa Schwarz

Contemporary romance author Alyssa Schwarz is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines with a Master’s in Geology & Geological Engineering. She also works as a professional watercolor artist along the Colorado Front Range and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Alyssa’s second full-length novel, The Glass Road, is set in the Colorado mountains, and is the third installment in her new series, A Prescott Family Romance. You can find her online at www.alyssaschwarzauthor.com.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Glass Road is book #2 in the Prescott Family Romance series. It picks up with Tess and her story (briefly hinted at in book #1). Training for the Olympics, an early season injury puts her on the sidelines. When all she’s ever worked for hangs in the balance, she is more than surprised to find God’s plan for her recovery involves a summer camp in the Rocky Mountains and an unexpected new friendship that quickly blossoms into something more.
What inspired you to write The Glass Road?
After writing The Glass Cottage, I wanted to give Abigail’s cousin, Tess, a chance to share her story. Each book in the Prescott Family Romance series centers around a different Prescott cousin: Tye in Dear Beth, Abigail in The Glass Cottage, and now Tess.
Growing up in Colorado, I’ve always held a deep love and appreciation for the mountains and all their quaint small towns. This book takes place just outside Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, a place I’ve gone back to countless times over the years. I remember school and church trips to the YMCA of the Rockies, hiking through the forest, drawing closer to friends and to God. I wanted to capture that sense of finding peace in nature, and I hope this book does just that.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
At a summer camp set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, two people must learn to work together—even if it means sacrificing the dreams they once strove so hard to protect.
At a glance, you can expect:
- A funny meet-cute (that may include someone almost running the other one over!)
- Sweet, slow-burn romance
- A charming summer camp set in a small Colorado mountain town (anybody ever been to Rocky Mountain National Park?)
- A wedding and some cute family time with the other Prescott cousins (if you’ve read either The Glass Cottage or Dear Beth, you’ll recognize a few)
What genre do you focus on and why?
So far, I’ve focused on writing contemporary Christian fiction romance. Although, as a reader, I love both contemporary and historical Christian fiction. They’re both so different from one another, but they both have the power to speak life and truth into our lives. I’d love to venture more into historical fiction, and I have a few ideas in the works, but I plan to finish this current series first and see how it all goes!
Why do you write?
God has opened so many doors for me to pursue this dream, and every day is a step in faith.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The main character of this book is Tess Prescott, a driven, head-strong, self-sufficient athlete who has built her life around trying to be the best in her chosen career. She has placed her identity in the fact that she is a professional triathlete, so when she gets injured and has to sit out for a season, she has to learn to see herself and her self-worth as God does.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I have another part-time job, so I mainly write Wednesdays through Fridays. Every day is a little bit of writing, editing, coming up with creative ideas for Instagram posts or marketing plans…
I probably should create more of a firm schedule to stick to, but the helter-skelter method has worked so far!
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Everything that comes after the initial idea for a story! That and time management. And marketing…
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I love that I get to do something creative. My background is in geological engineering, which oddly enough involves a fair bit of storytelling in itself, but it’s so much more fun getting to dream up stories all day.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I am also a watercolor artist. About a year ago, my mom and I created our own art company, Sundog Studios Co, and we have been blessed to be able to showcase some of our artwork in a few galleries in the Denver Metro area.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
This past year has brought with it a lot of challenges, and I feel (hope) I’ve grown from them all in some way. I’m still learning a TON from other amazing writers, and I look forward continuing to grow my craft in the future.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to read, bake, paint, explore, and hike. I’d be happy spending an entire day doing either or all of those activities!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes! I have two other books out in the same series: Dear Beth (a novella prequel) and The Glass Cottage. I’ve also written a handful of flash fiction stories for Spark Flash Fiction online magazine.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the final book in the series, Fields of Glass. So far, I’m really enjoying this next story as it delves into the lives of not one but two Prescott cousins, Micah and Caden. They each make a minor appearance in The Glass Road, but there is so much more to their stories. Stay tuned for more!
Website:
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHFH5147
Social media links:
- Facebook: https: facebook.com/authoralyssaschwarz
- Instagram: https: instagram.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/
- Pinterest: https: pinterest.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/
- Goodreads: https: goodreads.com/author/show/21846420.Alyssa_Schwarz
Meet author Tabitha Bouldin

Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book.
Tell us about your newest book.
Waiting on the Tides is a contemporary Christian romance set at the beach. It brings Abby and Christian together, two characters that readers will recognize from throughout the series. Christian is a single father who will do anything to make certain that is daughter never feels abandoned after his wife left them. Abby wants nothing more than to prove that she’s more than the naïve college kid everyone assumes when they first meet her. When she takes a job at the school where Christian’s daughter attends, sparks fly between this pair of opposites.
What genre do you focus on?
I go back and forth between contemporary Christian romance and Christian fantasy. I love the styles that each genre provides and the stories that I’m able to tell. Underneath any type of genre I write, you’ll find romance at the core. I love reading and writing a novel that puts characters together in situations where they learn to push past what they think they know and want and see the plan that God has in store for them.
Why do you write?
I write because I can’t stop. Even if I wanted to, the words keep coming. If I don’t write them down in some form, either in a notebook or by typing on the computer, then I’ll stay awake all hours of the night imagining the story in my head. Characters refuse to be quiet until they get their moment in the spotlight. I was not the person who always knew they wanted to write. It came to me about six years ago and I’ve been chasing down stories ever since.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m almost always writing a book. That means I sit down every morning around 8 am and work until noon. Most days, I’m still at the keyboard, typing away, until 3 pm. I’m easily distracted and will procrastinate at a moment’s notice, so those extra hours can be necessary to ensure I get the work done on time. After I finish my word count for the day, it’s time to check on the kids schooling and then family time.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is letting a story go. There are times when the story isn’t ready, or it’s not the right time to tell that story. I want to push through and force the words to come to me. But I’ve learned that it’s always better to wait. The story stays in my head but not focusing on it allows thoughts and ideas to percolate until I reach the point that I know what needs to happen.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is seeing the story come alive. And holding the paperback in my hands. There’s nothing better than flipping through the pages and having that sense of peace that is God telling me I’ve done my part. I followed His calling and put pen to paper and now it’s time to start all over again. I love the thrill of discovery that comes from each story, and I get to experience that again and again.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’ve been a farmgirl all my life. I’ve owned horses, cows, pigs, cats, dogs, and chickens. Often all at the same time. You’ll see that come out in my stories from time to time. In fact, I recently adopted a blind quarter horse who was used as a therapy horse for autistic children. He’s now living the high life in the pasture, occasionally being ridden by me or one of my kids or a niece or nephew. I’ve never been able to look at an animal and think they have nothing left, that I shouldn’t do my absolute best to make what remains of their life peaceful as a thank you for all the love they have given.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. Hands down. I would read all the time if I could. I love words. All the words. I’m a voracious reader who believes there’s no such thing as too many books…just ask my bookshelves after I tried to find a place to put my latest book order.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have several books out now. My very first series is a Christian speculative fiction based on a woman who can see the future and tries to change it to save a man’s life. Then there’s the Independence Island series which is wrapping up soon with this last book, Waiting on the Tides. I also have a steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling titled Madness in Wonderland.
What are you working on now?
Right this moment, I’m working on another Christian fairy tale retelling that is outside my Madness in Wonderland series while also plotting another contemporary Christian romance for the Suamalie Island series. There are so many words out there ready to be explored!
Website: https://tabithabouldin.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09R3LGZGG
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/tabithabouldinauthor
https://www.instagram.com/tabithabouldin
https://www.twitter.com/tabithabouldin
https://www.tiktok.com/@steampunk_tales_tabitha
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tabitha-bouldin
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17732105.Tabitha_Bouldin
https://www.amazon.com/author/tabithabouldin
https://mailchi.mp/336c3621e5e7/tabithabouldinauthor
Photography in 1904

It’s always fun to research new things, and I had fun learning about cameras and photography in 1904. The Century Camera was a favorite of professionals, and the Brownie was an all-around every man’s camera that was sold well into the 1960s. I actually played with one that I found in my attic growing up. Here’s an excerpt from Rachel’s Reunion about photography during this time:
He took her hand and led her to his camera. “And now, I’d like to introduce you to my most prized possession. The Century Camera.” The unmistakable pride in his voice as he placed a hand on the wooden tripod that held the contraption aloft caught her attention. “It’s a high caliber camera. Used by only the best photographers.”
Rachel inspected the polished mahogany box covered in black leather. She ran a fingertip across the warm brass hardware that sparkled in the sunshine. “It’s beautiful.”
“I have a Brownie and a folding pocket Kodak for everyday pictures, but for portraits and masterpieces such as I’m taking today, she’s the key. Just months ago, this new camera led the technology breakthroughs introduced at the St. Louis World’s Fair. I’m thrilled to have it.”
Rachel shivered. “Not to impute your skill, sir, but I doubt you’ll create a masterpiece by taking a picture of me.”
Chester gazed at her with such admiration she went weak at the knees. “Oh, but my dear Rachel, in all my travels, I’ve never seen a face like this.” He cupped her chin tenderly, scanning her face. “Not in the gilded halls of New York, nor the finest hotels of Chicago. Not even at the World’s Fair, which I attended. Your face exceeds them all.”
Rachel’s breath caught in her throat under his flattery. “You mock me, sir.”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “On my mother’s grave, I do not.” He withdrew his hand and slapped his thigh. “But let’s end this banter and get to work. Martha will attend to your ministrations while I finish here.” He waved his hand toward the maid and turned his back to her, thus ending their conversation. “Martha. Chop chop.”
The buxom, middle-aged woman patted the chair. “Come, let’s prepare you for the camera. You have such lovely hair, miss.”
Rachel halted. “Prepare me?”
The matronly woman held out her arms as if to embrace a child. “Just a tad. To enhance you. Not make you a courtesan. Fear not, my dear.”
Reluctantly, Rachel sat and let the woman work on her hair. “You did a fine job on your Gibson. A few adjustments, and it will be perfect. Then we’ll do your makeup.”
Rachel’s hands flew up to her warming cheeks. “No makeup. It would be too… embarrassing.”
Martha put her hands on Rachel’s shoulders and patted them. “The camera needs a little shading else you’ll look like a corpse. Don’t worry. We’ll wipe it all off before anyone sees.”
Rachel swallowed her angst and allowed Martha to add a few dabs of rouge to her cheeks and lips before handing her the mirror.
The woman’s dark eyes twinkled. “There now. You’re simply stunning.”
About Rachel’s Reunion
Summer 1904
Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.
Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?
Meet author Alicia Whittle

The West has always been a fascinating subject for Alicia Whittle’s writing, especially romance. Later in life, she was able to settle in Colorado, which helped inspire her. Cowboys have influenced her since childhood when the TV was full of stories about them. She has enjoyed reading romance since a very young age. Travels with her Air Force husband and later with RVing have also inspired her stories.
Tell us about your newest book.
Madeline Westwood has been widowed for three years. While vacationing in Colorado with her twenty-six-year-old daughter, she literally stumbles into a handsome rancher whose uncanny resemblance to her deceased husband causes her to question her attraction to him. Are her new feelings actually for Clint or echoes of her lost love, and how will she resolve them?
Horseman Clint Remington is intrigued by the woman staying at the ranch where he is stabling his horses. He’s sworn off relationships, but Madeline and the secret she may be harboring prove irresistible. Is two weeks enough time to heal past wounds and find new love in the face of unrelenting truth?
What inspired you to write Dead Ringer Cowboy?
I was watching my husband and wondered if I passed away (sorry if that sounds maudlin) would another woman be attracted to him because he looks like her deceased husband?
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A vacationing widow finds her world turned upside down when she encounters her late husband’s double.
What genre do you focus on?
I enjoy romantic westerns stories about cowboys and independent women. I grew up watching TV shows on Saturday mornings with cowboys like Sky King, Cisco Kid, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger. I’ve always been a romantic. I think it’s just in my nature.
Why do you write?
I never thought much about writing although I used it in a different form most of my life in letters to family and friends and spent many years as an administrative assistant (business writing). Not until I took some classes in college later in life did I realize there might be potential to write books when I retired. After praying about it, the Holy Spirit’s nudge kept telling me to write. I want to share encouraging hope mostly to women that there are good men out there.
Who is your main character and how did you choose the name?
The main character for my book was Madeline Westwood. I’m not sure how I stumbled on the name, but it seemed like a woman of that age would be named Madeline. Westwood was a switch of Eastwood, since my stories are out west.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing a book?
I’m not as disciplined as I would like to be, but it seems that my window to write is in the afternoon. I can write for two or more hours straight, with occasional breaks.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing. When you self-publish a book, you become not only an author, but a publisher and have to know the ins and outs of marketing if you want your book out there for others to read. It takes a chunk of time away from your writing schedule.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
For me, it’s a form of escaping from stress. I love to get into the characters, setting, and the story line itself. This world has so many negatives going on, that it’s nice to take your mind to a place of hope and happiness.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I have owned dachshunds most of my life.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
After about eight years, I think I’ve learned that writing a book is not what I learned in high school English or college courses. It’s a journey of growth. It takes time and support from other authors to write a good book. I believe I’ve come a long way in understanding what makes up a decent manuscript.
What is your favorite pastime?
Two actually: spending time with family whenever possible and reading a good clean western romance.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
At this point, I don’t have other books published, however, Dead Ringer Cowboy is the beginning of a series.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Natalie’s Cowboy.
Website: https://aliciawhittle.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dead+Ringer+Cowboy&crid=6NW5RK28BNU1
Social media links: Instagram: alicia.r.whittle.author, FB: Alicia Whittle, author
Meet author Paula Peckham

A fifth-generation Texan, Paula Peckham graduated from UTA. She worked at Burleson High School for 19 years as a math teacher. She divides her time between Burleson, Texas, and Rio Bravo, Mexico. She and husband John have four children and nine grandchildren. Her debut novel, Protected, was a semi-finalist in the 2020 ACFW Genesis contest. Paula has an online presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and www.paulapeckham.com
Tell us about your newest book.
A Father’s Gift is book two in my San Antonio series. Originally written for a Christmas anthology, my publisher picked it up and added into the series. The story follows the lives of my characters from book one, Protected, two years later. I originally intended for it to loosely follow the story of the birth of Jesus in a barn, complete with angel Gabriel, but, as stories tend to do, it took on a life of its own and ended up going a completely different direction.
What inspired you to write A Father’s Gift?
I used the characters from book one since I already knew them and the setting. Thanks to an extremely clever plot twist idea, I got from one of my critique partners, the story morphed into something much more complex than my original sweet Christmas story idea.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Abby and Manny Blair anticipate the birth of their first child. Orphaned at age eighteen, Abby prays daily for a safe delivery and a future with her child. Manny yearns for guidance from his own father, who died when Manny was only five years old. His grandmother, Yaideli, raised him, doing her best to stand in the gap. It’s nearing Christmas and the babe’s birth. His adventure of discovery finds something completely unexpected. Abby and Manny receive a precious gift—learning about the love and sacrifice only a father can give.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Historical romance. It’s always been one of my favorites to read. I enjoy the happily-ever-after endings of romance, and I like learning new things when reading historicals.
Why do you write?
I write because I have stories in my head, and God gave me the talent, such as it is, to write them down and share them. I want other people to realize being a Christian doesn’t mean being perfect. I hope my stories show people living their lives, struggling with problems and doubt, but who learn they can depend on God no matter what.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
In book two, the main character shifted more to Manny. Usually, I end up focusing a little more on the female character, but Manny took the stage in A Father’s Gift. Manny is Hispanic, and I borrowed the name from one of my friends in Rio Bravo, Mexico.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Schedule? That would imply structure and planning. My goal is to write 1,000 words a day at the minimum. But marketing, research, the business end of things – all that takes time, and some days I don’t make my goal. I feel very unorganized some days, and I know this is an area where I could improve.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I saw a meme once that said, “Deciding to become an author means you agree to have homework every day for the rest of your life.” It’s so true. There is always something else to learn, whether it is about the craft of writing, or learning how to format in Word, or create social media posts in Canva, run an ad in Amazon, or increase your email list … this list goes on and on.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I am doing something I love. I have the freedom to set my schedule (or not… see the previous answer). And what I’m doing will hopefully affect a reader’s life somewhere, for the glory of God.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I took a class about how to launch your books, and the first thing I had to do was realize who I am, at my core, as an author. They instructed me to send ten emails to people who were very close and ten more to acquaintances. I asked them to list three words that came to mind when they thought of me. (This was uncomfortable for me to do, by the way.) The word that came back the most often was social justice. It surprised me but shouldn’t have. That is indeed something very important to me at my very core. So, you will always find at least a tiny thread of social justice woven into my stories.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve gained confidence. I think all writers struggle with imposter syndrome when they first start out. What gives us the right to call ourselves authors? Somewhere along the way, that faded and disappeared. I know so much more about the craft of storytelling now. I feel like I can write a good book.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading!! Always.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Protected is book one in this series. I also have contributions to the Christmas anthologies, Christmas Love Through the Ages and Texas Heirloom Ornament.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on book three in my series as we speak. Look for Accepted to come out sometime next spring.
Website: www.PaulaPeckham.com
Link to book: https://tinyurl.com/PeckhamFathersGift
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulaPeckhamAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulaPeckham
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulajopeckham/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulapeckham
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09FP2JPR6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21803544.Paula_Peckham
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ppeckham/books/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/4140515461