The Thousand Islands’ White House
Casa Blanca is one of the most well-preserved Gilded Age cottages along “Millionaire’s Row” in the Thousand Islands and the setting for my latest novella, Reagan’s Reward. Set on the downriver tip of Cherry Island, just off the mainland shore near Alexandria Bay, NY, this white house is one of the most photographed and touted mansions on the river.
I had two wonderful opportunities to stay in this historic home, and the owners are fabulous hosts. Magical was the word…especially when I got to sit and write right where the scene was taking place!
Emily and Albert Pullman built the original Melrose Lodge in 1880, and in 1897 Luis Marx bought it for $3,500. This American businessman owned tobacco and sugar plantations in Cuba. He and his wife, Eugenia, renovated and enlarged the small lodge into a three-story, twenty-five-room palatial mansion. The wrap-around veranda captures the main channel sights of passing ships and boats, spectacular sunsets, and views of other islands. Marx even installed a grand electric fountain on the front lawn that had been featured in the Chicago World’s Fair, and many enjoyed passing by the island to see it.
The work on the mansion was finished just in time for their daughter’s wedding. On June 30, 1899, Mary and Henry Bernheim were married on the island. Unfortunately, after only five years, Eugenia died at Casa Blanca in 1902. The Bernheims continued to summer on the island, with frequent visits from Luis Marx, until it was sold in 1926.
In 1962, the current owners saved the deteriorating Casa Blanca from destruction. They restored and renovated the mansion to its original grandeur, right down to the teaspoons and stained-glass transoms.
The house is a Gilded Age living museum with everything like it was nearly one hundred years ago. The reception hall/living room has pressed tin ceilings and side walls. Two player pianos and a pump organ, bentwood Thonet furniture from Vienna and Fostoria glass, a collection of blue and white Meissen china and the butler’s pull station, take visitors back to the early 1900s. The paneled staircase has a stained-glass window at the landing, with a scene depicting pheasants on the river in the morning light. On the second floor are four master suites with a total of thirteen bedrooms and screened sleeping porch. The third floor, originally the servants’ quarters, hosts several bedrooms, a bath, and a plethora of antique toys, quilts, and more. The home can sleep twenty-eight. Moreover, there are several outbuildings, including a Laundry House, Ice House, and the Boat House that has an entire apartment on the second floor and houses a fleet of boats. All of these features are a part of my story.
The family enjoys summering here and welcomes frequent guest, including me. It’s been opened to the public for fund-raising tours, teas, and weddings to benefit the Thousand Islands community. The mansion was even featured on Sweet Retreats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpl76DswmRM&t=60s
Watch the Reagan’s Reward book trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc3W_tu55vE&t=4s
Meet author Becky Harling
A best-selling author, Becky Harling is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats, and other events. Authentic. Passionate. Funny and Biblical all describe Becky. She has been a guest on many radio and T.V. shows and holds a degree in Biblical Literature and is a Certified Leadership and Communications Coach. Her life experiences as a Pastor’s wife, Missionary, Women’s Ministries Director, survivor of breast cancer and childhood sexual abuse, bring depth and realism to her message.
Tell us about your newest book.
Psalms for the Anxious Heart is a 30-day devotional that helps the reader find comfort for their anxiety. Each day includes a verse or two from the Psalms, a short devotional targeting the felt need of anxiety/fear, a section called, Selah, that includes a reflective question, a truth for each day, suggested worship song and a closing prayer.
What inspired you to write this book?
I realized during the COVID-19 crisis anxiety and fear were at an all-time high. Moody Publishers asked if I had any ideas for a quick book that would bring comfort to people. Because I have wrestled with anxiety and know how comforting the Psalms were to me, I thought they would be a blessing to others.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A short devotional that will bring comfort when you’re wrestling with anxiety.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Non-fiction because the Lord has called me to be a teacher of the Word.
Why do you write?
I felt called to write about 20 years ago. I realized it was a great method to reach more people with truth from God’s Word.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
It varies from book to book because I travel extensively speaking and also teaching with my husband both nationally and internationally. Over the last four years we’ve been in over 70 countries. That meant I had to learn to write everywhere and anywhere.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing because I love the message of Christ and want to get it out there but it feels like marketing is always changing.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I have a flexible schedule and can write in my jammies!
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I love coffee and hiking with my husband.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’m now able to write much more quickly than when I first started.
What is your favorite pastime?
Hanging out with family and grandkids.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, Rewriting Your Emotional Script, Freedom From Performing, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents, How to Listen so People Will Talk, Who Do You Say That I Am?, Listen Well, Lead Better, Psalms for the Anxious Heart, How to Listen so Your Kids Will Talk (Coming January 2021).
What are you working on now?
A Bible study called, The Extraordinary Power of Praise (Coming June 2021).
Website: www.beckyharling.com www.harlingleadership.com
Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/becky.harling/
https://www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries
Twitter: @beckyharling
Instagram: BeckyHarling
Meet author Jodi Artzberger
Jodi Artzberger writes inspirational romantic suspense stories that are Gospel centered and intertwined with God’s love and plan of redemption. She has a passion for the Word and loves to study the Bible, especially with her kids. She’s also a homeschool mom and loves most minutes of it. She lives in beautiful Colorado with her wonderful husband, two awesome boys, and rescue dogs. In her spare time, you can find her playing with her latest kitchen gadget and exploring where God has graciously placed her in Colorado.
Tell us about your newest book.
Don’t Give Up on Me is a romantic suspense story about God’s redemption and a second chance at love. Amanda is left for dead. She’s found by the man who walked away eight years ago. As the threats continue, Amanda has to decide if she will accept help from the only man she’s ever loved and who left Otter Bay without explanation. Ryker’s going to have to use his skills as a trained Army Ranger if he’s going to keep the only woman he’s ever loved alive. It’s a Gospel-centered story about the power of God’s love and redemption.
What inspired you to write “Don’t Give Up on Me”?
A contest. I entered a contest with a publishing house. They didn’t take my title but asked me to submit again. They liked what I wrote but said it wasn’t a good fit for them. So, I finished the book myself and published it.
What genre do you focus on?
Christian Romantic Suspense. It’s my all-time favorite. I love strong heroes. And I love strong heroines. And I’m a sucker for a happily ever after! The world we live in is crazy enough so when I escape (or help someone else escape), I want to enjoy the ride and know the happy ending is coming.
Why do you write?
God. We all need the gospel. My prayer is that I convey that in my writing. Jesus does change lives.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Never enough time! There seems to always be more I could do and want to do. I just need more time and a lot of it.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
It’s fun, it’s flexible, and you’re always meeting other wonderful writers and readers!
What’s one unusual fact about you?
When I was in the eighth grade, I wrote a book for my best friend. She wanted to star in a popular horror movie of the time. So, I wrote it for her! She loved it!
How have you changed or grown as a writer.
This is one of the craziest most fun careers I have ever had! And that’s saying a lot since I had my own wedding business in Las Vegas a number of years ago. But I love it! This business has allowed me to use my creative side and my analytical side. It has taught me to be flexible and I’m always learning.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. But I homeschool and love that! I also enjoy studying with my sons and playing around in the kitchen – everything from my Instant Pot to canning!
Do you have other books?
I have a novelette available, for free, that can be found on my website. It’s a prequel to Don’t Give Up on Me.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the next book in my Otter Bay series and planning out a new series. I’m excited about both!
Website: www.JodiArtzberger.com
Link to book: www.JodiArtzberger.com
Social media links:
Facebook.com/JodiArtzberger
Instagram.com/JodiArtzberger
Meet author Debi Nottingham
Debi Nottingham is a four-time cancer survivor of over 30 years. She loves to hike, especially in Colorado and has hiked in all 50 states. She plays the piano, writes, paints, and leads Bible studies. Debi is a graduate of Indiana University with a BS in Medical Technology and the University of Houston with an MBA. She worked in healthcare in sales and marketing for thirty years and is the author of two books.
Tell us about your newest book.
Remarkable Journey: Breast Implant Illness and Cancer details the illnesses and the healing physically, spiritually and emotionally of one woman with two different breast cancers and reconstruction defective implants over a 28-year journey.
It is the story of her breast cancers and the subsequent illnesses from a ruptured silicon implant and a mold-filled saline implant. From her journals, she documents the strange and spiraling illnesses she experienced with no idea they came from her reconstructed breast implants.
The book is written in two voices. The earliest writing is taken from her journals and is a raw expression of her journey from being bucked off a horse and rupturing an implant through her decision to explant or take out her implant. Four years after the explant, she wants to bring help to women in their physical, spiritual, and emotional health journey.
What inspired you to write Remarkable Journey?
My improvement in health has been remarkable after removal of my breast
implant and yet, 300,000 women per year have implants. There are 85,000 women searching for answers on Facebook sites dedicated to the issue of implants and illness.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
My 32-year journey surviving breast implant illness and four cancers.
What genre do you focus on?
Non-Fiction. I enjoy reading true stories of other people’s lives and how God has impacted them.
Why do you write?
People constantly told me I needed to write a book about my life experiences. So, I did write the story of finding out my Christian husband was bisexual after twelve years of marriage. Now I have written my secondbook about breast implant illness. Both were very personal stories that may help someone else.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I write the rough drafts and getting words onto paper for about four hours 4-5 days a week until the project is finished. After it goes to the editor – the marketing process begins. During the whole project, I am connectingwith readers through a blog, website, Facebook, etc.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Having to settle my mind in order to go into the story or relive hard times. It requires a reexamination of a time past that I really would like to forget.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
People’s comments are a joy. “I didn’t know you went through that. If you can survive with your faith intact, I can.”
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
Hiked all 50 states. I have written blogs about Hiking Devotionals
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Understanding of the industry and I have only touched the surface with one hybrid and one self-published.
What is your favorite pastime?
Hiking in Colorado
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Deception: Revelation to Release published 2019
What are you working on now?
Hiking blogs and deciding if I want to put them into a travelogue book.
Website: DeborahNottingham.com
Facebook.com/deceptionrevelation
https://www.amazon.com/Deception-Revelation-Release-Response-Christian-ebook/dp/B07WWKN2ZK/
Instagram: DebDaysDeborahNottingham
Twitter: @Dnottingham
Meet author Janet Grunst
Janet Grunst is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of ten living in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her debut novel, A Heart Set Free was a Selah Award winner. A Heart For Freedom was a Christian Indie Award winner. Her novella is The Highlanders. Her love of history and writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, inspire, and encourage readers.
Tell us about your newest book.
Donald Duncan joined the Patriot cause for noble reasons, battling the British while enduring deprivation and hardship on every side. The war has changed him, and now the battle is internal. Returning home to Virginia is in sight where a new life and his Mary wait for him. Mary Stewart spends the war years with her family at Stewarts’ Green, helping them operate their ordinary. Daily, she prays for Donald’s safe return, eagerly waiting for him … until that day the evil side of war touches her. Two hearts changed by a war that dragged on for six years. Two hearts left hurting and struggling to find the love and trust they once knew. Is there a path for them to rekindle what was lost, Setting Two Hearts Free?
What inspired you to write Setting Two Hearts Free?
Trauma, either from war or other events, can leave people with invisible wounds that need to be addressed mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This book is dedicated to those who suffer from trauma and those who love them.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
This is the third book in my Revolutionary War Series and is primarily about the next generation. The Revolutionary War is winding down but the danger and challenges the characters face haven’t—and some will last long after leaving the battlefield. Donald and Mary have both survived significant trauma. Would their love survive the invisible wounds of war?
What genre do you focus on?
Historical Romance. Most people experience romance. I find history fascinating and instructive. Sadly, not enough attention is given to teaching the truth about history in our schools. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I reread what I wrote at the last sitting to get back into the storyline as well as to edit.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing and… I’m an introvert and I find social media and promoting my own work very challenging.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I’ve gotten to know some wonderful and inspirational people, other authors, editors and my agent. Why? I learn so much from them and I’ve enjoyed the friendships even though we are geographically distanced.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I lived in Spain as a young child when there were very few other Americans. Since the DOD schools were just being instituted then starting with the upper grades, I was educated in a convent, the only blue-eyed, blonde, Protestant there.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
A Heart Set Free ~ Selah Award for Historical Romance
A Heart For Freedom ~ Christian Inspy Award for Historical Fiction
The Highlanders: A Smitten Historical Romance Collection
What are you working on now?
A story about a woman who migrates from Ireland to America during the potato famine.
Website: https://janetgrunst.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Hearts-Free-Janet-Grunst-ebook/dp/B085DRXFZY/ref
Social media links:
https://JanetGrunst.com https://www.facebook.com/Janet-Grunst-Author-385405948228216 https://colonialquills.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/janetgrunst/ https://twitter.com/janetgrunst https://www.pinterest.com/janetgrunst/
Meet author Carol James
Carol James writes redemptive romance. She lives in a small town outside of Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, Jim, and a perky Jack Russell “Terrorist,” Zoe. Having always loved intriguing stories with happy endings, she was moved to begin writing to encourage others as she’d been encouraged by the works of inspirational fiction writers. Carol enjoys spending time with her family, traveling with friends, and serving in the production department at her church.
Tell us about your newest book.
Season of Hope is set during and immediately after the Vietnam War. It’s the story of a young, unmarried mother whose life is frozen in a winter of guilt, deceit, and fear. Hope believes the mistakes she’s made have not only separated her from God’s love but also have brought about His wrath. She’s lost everyone she holds most dear, except Mattie, her young son. And she will do anything to make sure he is not taken from her. When a handsome young pastor, Josh Lewis, comes to serve in her church, she wonders if she can trust him with her secrets. But Josh has secrets, too. Will he be able to help her find the answers to the questions that have been buried in her heart for years? Or will his own secrets drive them apart and prevent him from helping Hope find her spring of forgiveness?
What inspired you to write Season of Hope?
Season of Hope was first manuscript I wrote. Hope bears a universal burden—regret. She wants to find forgiveness, but her shame prevents her from feeling worthy enough to even ask. The plot was born out of the strife, rebellion, and uncertainty of the late nineteen-sixties and early nineteen-seventies (my college years). A wise author friend told me to pack it away for a few years and work on other manuscripts while I waited. So, ten years later, I brushed it off, tweaked it, and here it is. Just like Hope, I had to wait for the right season.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Season of Hope is the story of two people with broken hearts and painful pasts who are searching for peace and the one redeeming hope.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I like to write Redemptive Romance. When I first felt called to write romance, I cringed. I believed romance authors were often not taken seriously—that stories of romance are viewed as fluff. But then God reminded me that the greatest story of all time is a romance, the story of a loving Father chasing after the hearts of His children. In that revelation, the idea of Redemptive Romance was born. My novels focus on developing not only the relationship between the hero and heroine, but also their relationships with their heavenly Father.
Why do you write?
For me, writing is a ministry. It’s not something I ever aspired to do. In fact, a few years ago, not much would have sounded less appealing than being a writer. But the journey of life led me into the desert. I was teaching part-time at a Christian school. I loved my work and considered it my personal ministry. Then my husband suffered a health issue and lost his job. With two daughters in college, I needed to find full-time work. But leaving the school meant leaving my ministry. Yet God promised me He was doing a new work in my life. I just needed to trust. I clung to Isaiah 43:18-19. I searched for His new work. God led me to a new job where my boss was a…guess what?? Writer. She became my mentor, my critic, my encourager. And once I typed the first words of Season of Hope, I knew this was what God had called me to do.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The main character in Season of Hope is, believe it or not, named Hope. Choosing character names can be a challenge. When I first began writing, I felt God was leading me to write three novels in which the heroines were named Faith, Hope, and Charity. So, here we have Hope in Season of Hope. Faith is featured in Rescuing Faith. And Charity is still in manuscript form.Most of the time, I give the heroes Biblical names. They’re classic and timeless. Here, Joshua is our hero’s name. Even though Josh is flawed, he exhibits the grace of Jesus.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I wish I could say I write for three or four hours every morning, or that I log a certain number of words a day, but I’m not that organized. I am a slow writer, and I spend a lot of time just thinking the plot through before I ever put the first word into my laptop. I usually determine 3-4 plot points and let the characters fill in between. I’ll write a bit, and think a bit more, write, think, write, think, write.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
For me, the most difficult part of writing is not the actual creation of the story, but not comparing myself and my “successes” to other authors around me. It’s easy to get tied up in the reviews and comments—both good and bad—and forget the true purpose of my writing. When even one person tells me one of my books ministered to them, that’s the greatest success I could want.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I have always loved imagining and reading happily-ever-after stories. My favorite part of being a writer is putting the stories onto paper (or my computer screen). I love being able to place my characters in dire situations, watch them struggle, and then help them overcome the trials. And all the time I know what’s around the next corner.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I am a huge fan of British Premier League soccer. In addition to absolutely loving the game itself, I really enjoy the commentary by the announcers. In what other sport would you hear the announcer say, “That brilliant pass gave Klopp’s side a massive victory.” Perfect for a wordsmith.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
That’s a great question. And my answer has to do with questions. A popular phrase among writers of fiction is “Deep POV” (Point of View). The idea behind this is to write in such a way so the reader honestly feels as if he or she is able to perceive the action through the character’s eyes. The reader should actually be in the mind of the character. This involves, in general, eliminating words like thought, wondered, felt, hoped. And that can be hard. When I first started writing, I would use questions to get around this. I couldn’t say, “She wondered what he thought of her.” So I’d write, “What would he think of her?” An editor explained that internal questions generally pull the reader out of the story thereby placing distance between the reader and the character and impeding Deep POV. I’ve come to agree with that. Most of the time, the character has an opinion or idea about a situation. So, unless the character honestly doesn’t know the answer, doesn’t have an opinion, I’ve learned to avoid internal questions.
What is your favorite pastime?
(Besides reading?) I have many, but I just recently learned how to loom knit, and I am loving it! There are three of us in our little “pod” who enjoy knitting, and we’ve started getting together about once a week to talk and knit (emphasis on the “talk”). Plus, I can do it while I watch my soccer games.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Full length novels: Rescuing Faith, The Waiting, No Longer a Captive (coming soon)
Novellas: Mary’s Christmas Surprise, The Unexpected Christmas Gift, Redeeming Christmas (Christmas 2020)
What are you working on now?
I am currently finishing up the manuscript about Charity. The working title is A Time for Singing. It’s the story of a man and woman who are both recovering from heart-breaking rejections and learning to trust and love (themselves and God) again. The two write secret, anonymous letters back and forth, and leave them in the drawers of an old inn. The idea is based on the Secret Drawer Society at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn. My husband and I stayed there a few years ago. When we discovered the drawers filled with letters, I knew I’d include that in a novel one day.
Website: www.carol-james.com
Link to book:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/30mNHV9
Pelican Soft Cover: https://bit.ly/2MGgewZ
Pelican Ebook: https://bit.ly/2MGe28A
Barnes and Noble Soft Cover: https://bit.ly/2BIhkGo
Barnes and Noble Ebook: https://bit.ly/30lXZF9
Link to promo video by Pelican:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZJwf2m98HE
Social media links:
https://www.instagram.com/caroljamesauthor
https://twitter.com/CarolJamesAuth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19149238.Carol_James
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carol-james
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3duHqKc