Creating the Luxury Hotel Experience
George C. Boldt, the man who created the soaring towers of Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands, is an interesting character. He wasn’t just a man of wealth—he was a visionary for his time. Not only did he dream of the beautiful castle, a gift for his beloved wife, but he was a man innovation, determination, and brilliance that forever changed the American hospitality industry.
He came to America as a poor boy, worked hard, and built a fortune one guest at a time. Born in Prussia in 1851, George Charles Boldt immigrated to the United States as a teenager with little more than ambition and work ethic. His career began modestly as a kitchen worker in New York City, but it didn’t take long for his talent to shine.
In Philadelphia, he rose through the hotel ranks until he was hired to manage the Bellevue Hotel. There, he transformed a local business into one of the most prestigious destinations in the country. His secret was his attention to detail, impeccable service, and a luxury experience like no other.
In 1890, George supervised the construction of the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia where he combined two buildings into one great property. The opulent architecture, cutting-edge amenities, and focus on elite service, quickly gave it the reputation as “the most luxurious hotel in America.”
Boldt began and then popularized concepts that we now take for granted in upscale hotels—private bathrooms in each suite, gourmet dining, personalized guest services, and lavish ballrooms. Under his leadership, hospitality became an experience, not just a necessity.
Perhaps Boldt’s most well-known achievement was the transformation of the Waldorf Hotel in New York City. Originally managed by William Waldorf Astor, the Waldorf stood alone until Boldt engineered a brilliant merger with the neighboring Astoria Hotel, owned by rival cousin John Jacob Astor IV.
Boldt not only managed the delicate family negotiations, but he also managed the merger of the two hotels into the legendary Waldorf-Astoria. Now, it wasn’t just a hotel—it was a New York City landmark. With over 1,000 rooms, it was the largest hotel in the world at the time and became the preferred choice for presidents, royalty, and the rich and famous.
Thanks to Boldt’s innovation, the Waldorf-Astoria set a new standard for urban luxury and sophistication. His business acumen went far beyond bricks and mortar. He became famous for his progressive treatment of staff, fair wages, and attention to employee well-being that was rare in the Gilded Age. He was also a generous philanthropist, quietly supporting hospitals, schools, and churches.
But back to Boldt Castle. It was his personal passion, an extravagant gift of love to his wife Louise. But even though she died before its completion, the castle remains one of the most famous landmarks in the Thousand Islands, a monument to his heart and imagination.
Though George C. Boldt passed away in 1916, his influence still echoes through the hallways of luxury hotels around the world. He set standards that became standard, he had the vision to treat his workers well, and he brought elegance to hospitality that have become the norm for the modern luxury hotel.
He didn’t just manage hotels—he transformed them. And that legacy, much like the castle that bears his name, is built to last.
About Madison’s Mission:
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large.
Just as their budding romance begins to flourish, tragedy strikes, shattering their world. A deadly accident leaves Emmett wrestling with guilt and at the center of an investigation that could unravel everything he holds dear. Then Madison finds herself ensnared in a dangerous coverup that threatens her very life.
When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling—jobless and burdened by the weight of her perceived failures. In a world filled with uncertainty, can she summon the strength to move forward and confront her past? Will Emmett rise above his challenges to forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?
The Irish Rose Girls Step Into Service
In Brooklyn, 1876, the snow falls softly on the roof of the Irish Rose Orphan Asylum for Girls, where seven young women prepare for their final Christmas together. Soon, each will leave the only home they’ve ever known to enter service among the elite families of the Thousand Islands.
For these seven spirited young women—Annie, Taryn, Fiona, Vivian, Cassie, Isabel, and Gloria—the future glitters with promise and uncertainty. In the Gilded Age, service is often the only path open to orphaned girls, yet it is also a doorway to independence, adventure, and perhaps redemption.
Each assignment will test them in new ways. Annie and Taryn, twin sisters once inseparable, must confront their silent rift as they are sent to different households. Fiona, whose heart still aches from abandonment, wonders if she will ever belong anywhere. Vivian hides her fear behind a bright smile, determined to make the best of whatever comes. Cassie, the would-be teacher, strives to be the steady anchor for them all. Isabel and Gloria cling to one another as the reality of separation looms.
Stepping into service means more than scrubbing floors or polishing silver—it means entering a new social order where one’s worth is often measured by obedience and grace. The girls will serve the very people who dine under chandeliers and sail gilded yachts, glimpsing a life of luxury from the other side of the parlor door.
Before they part, Sister Rose gathers them for one final Advent reflection. She reminds them that service, when done with love, becomes a calling rather than a burden. Each girl receives a small tin locket adorned with the Irish Rose, a symbol of hope and belonging—a promise that no matter how far they travel, they are never truly alone.
This prequel to Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series is more than a tale of historical fiction—it’s a celebration of resilience, sisterhood, and the quiet heroism of those who serve. As these seven young women take their first steps into a world defined by class and elegance, readers will be drawn into their courage and grace.
This Christmas, as the girls of the Irish Rose Asylum prepare to say goodbye, they discover the truest meaning of service: not servitude, but strength born of love and faith.
Meet author Becky Van Vleet
Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal and award-winning multi-genre author. She has been published in Guideposts, The Country Register, Christian Devotions Ministry, Lighthouse Academy, and more. Becky is also the author of historical fiction novels, children’s books, and a women’s devotional book. A member of ACFW, Allauthor, and Shepherd for Authors, Becky has devoted her website to preserving family memories and sharing family stories for the next generations through her monthly blogs.
Tell us about your newest book.
Inspired by true events of my grandmother’s journey to America over one hundred years ago, Her Strength Within is a riveting story of a young woman’s courage to leave her home and country. When I was quite young, I’d sit cross-legged on our living room floor while my grandmother wove tales of her journey from Poland to Czechoslovakia to America. Her words came wrapped in an accent I barely noticed at the time. It wasn’t until high school I connected the dots that I had a significant piece of American history sitting at our kitchen table, spooning out her authentic dishes from the old country. She shared bits and pieces of her arrival at Ellis Island. All her stories took up a restful residence in my mind as a young girl. But more than fifty years later, they awakened, prompting me to share them with others in my new novel. My grandmother was a trailblazer, traveling alone on the SS La Touraine ship at the age of nineteen. She had no idea she was participating in our country’s history. Her inner strength prevailed against extraordinary obstacles.
What inspired you to write your story?
Not so long ago, I pulled out my grandmother’s recipe for pierogies. With each fold and press of the dough, I heard her voice telling the tales of the old country, packing her trunk, and crossing the Atlantic. I initially thought to gather these stories in a simple family keepsake. But as I researched, digging deeper, I began to see the outline of something larger, a novel that might carry her voice beyond our family.
What genre do you focus on.
For a multi-genre author, this is a good question. I started writing children’s picture books first, followed by a women’s devotional book. But once I started writing my first historical fiction novel, Unintended Hero, I knew I’d found my sweet spot to focus on. Although I’ve enjoyed the writing paths of the other genres, I believe I’ll be sticking with historical fiction.
Why do you write?
I write as a hobby and for enjoyment of it. To be honest, I never really liked writing in high school, nor college. But once I retired, and I started my first children’s picture book, the bug hit me! A new world opened for me to really learn the craft of writing. Networking with other writers is icing on the cake.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character is Alzbeta Holeva, my grandmother’s actual name. But the interesting thing is, I never knew that Alzbeta was her first name when I was growing up. I only knew it to be Elizabeth. But I got excited when I discovered that Alzbeta was her actual Slavic name on the ship manifest, this forgotten piece of her identity restored.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
Hands down, I’d like my readers to know I’m passionate about family stories. Everyone has a story, and they are powerful. We bond through them. Our cultures, roots, family customs, and traditions are revealed. I believe humanity gets stronger as we learn from one another. Writing out our stories or preserving them in some fashion is important so they won’t be lost.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
As I have traveled on my new writing path for the past six years, I’ve grown tremendously with my writing skills through my Colorado Springs ACFW chapter as well as rubbing elbows with other writers in a myriad of ways. I love how my critique group holds my hand. But most importantly, my life has grown richer from all my writing friendships, both online and in person. My heart is grateful for that!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
To date, I have five children’s picture books in my “Traveling Series”. My latest is Vinny, the Traveling Violin, inspired by the true story of my grandfather purchasing a violin for one dollar on a street corner in San Francisco in the 1930s. The violin traveled from him to my father, and then to me. My first historical novel, Unintended Hero, surrounds the true events of my father’s experiences and battles on the USS Denver in WWII. Last, but not least, I wrote a women’s weekly devotional book for everyday living, What’s in Your Purse?.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a WWII romance series that takes place at a shipyard. I’m very excited about it, and I’m enjoying the research.
Website: https://www.beckyvanvleet.com
Link to book: https://bit.ly/3Ksi5a4
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckyvanvleet/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-van-vleet-ms-806055181/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becky_van_vleet_author/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beckyvanvleet/
Amazon Central Author Page: https://amzn.to/3INHIPB
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/125841473-becky-van-vleet
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beckyvanvleet9907
Meet author Kathleen Rouser
Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.
Tell us about your newest book, Secrets and Wishes:
Determined widow Maggie Galloway dreams of a peaceful life and a successful business. And winning the Silver Leaf Flour Company baking contest could be the key to that success. She even has a chance at a prestigious position through a dashing former beau. But when her son gets into a fight with the local pharmacist’s son, Maggie’s peaceful life is derailed.
Reserved pharmacist and recent widower Thomas Harper is also looking for a fresh start for himself and his four children. But when Thomas falls gravely ill, his only choice is to enlist the help of the local baker with a knowledge of concocting remedies. He’s even more reluctant to admit that Maggie may also be the remedy for his grieving heart. And when a traveling medicine man’s medicines beget tragedy, Thomas and Maggie must overcome their differences to save the children of Stone Creek—and face the growing attraction between them—before it’s too late.
What inspired you to write your story?
In my first full-length novel, Rumors and Promises, the hero, Ian McCormick had a housekeeper who happened to be his bossy older sister, Maggie Galloway. I had so much fun writing Maggie’s character and her banter with her brother, I decided to give Maggie her own story.
What genre do you focus on.
Historical Christian romance, though I’ve dabbled in contemporary, and in historical women’s fiction. I like the sense of being transported to another time and place, a window into the past (without leaving my modern conveniences). I also like the more formal way in which people spoke and their elegant manners. We’ve lost so much of that. And I love the feminine styles in historic clothing, though I’m thankful I don’t have to wear a corset! Also, with all the difficulties and struggles in our world today, I love writing a happily ever after ending to each romance and give my readers a fun, clean escape.
Why do you write?
From the time my mom started reading to me, books became an important part of my life. Even before I learned to read, I wanted to write stories. It’s a passion I believe God put on my heart at an early age. I loved being immersed in the world of imagination and escape. In sixth grade, I wrote a Nancy Drew type mystery titled The Beast with the Glowing Fingers. I was so pleased when my teacher wrote on my little book: “Exciting to the very end!” And as I said in the previous question, because of my desire to give my readers the same kind of happily ever after and escape from our weary world, which is the same type of story that I enjoy reading. It’s even better when I’m able to include uplifting messages based on the truth of God’s word with themes of hope, second chances, or identity in Christ.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Maggie Galloway. Since she was a secondary character, and I was looking for a good old-fashioned Irish-sounding name, it seemed to fit. I could picture her with auburn hair. And if you do look up Maggie or Margaret, it means pearl.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I often wind up writing in the mid to late afternoon and I try to reach a certain word count, writing as many days a week as I can. The goal is five, but I don’t always get that many days of writing into my schedule because of other conflicts.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
It’s the promotion part. I’m shy about tooting my own horn and it’s hard keeping up with the constant changes in marketing and social media, when I’d rather be writing—or reading.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
It’s about story. It’s creating a new story and becoming immersed in a character’s life that is so fun. And I think it’s an awesome privilege that God, our Creator, gave us the awesome ability to create stories.
The second thing is holding the book in my hands when after it’s published. It gives me a such a sense of satisfaction.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m thankful to be saved by God’s grace through faith, because Jesus died on the cross in my place, so I could be reconciled to Him. Romans 10:9 says it all: because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
I can rely on Him no matter what I’m going through, though sometimes I struggle to trust Him fully. I’m doing my best to follow Him through the power of His Spirit. It’s definitely a journey through the ups and downs of this earthly life.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
While I’m more of a character-driven writer and started out as a pantser, I’ve been learning how to plot and outline my stories better and how to weave the wounds of my characters’ pasts into their present stories.
What is your favorite pastime?
I hate to sound cliché, but I’m so thankful to be blessed with 43 years of marriage to my husband, Jack. I’m happy to be spending time together, whether we’re quietly watching a movie or a whodunit, going for a walk, or having dinner out.
I also enjoy designing and making jewelry when I can find the time.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The first and third books of the Stone Creek Brides series: Rumors and Promises and Scandals and Mercies. I also have a contemporary indie novel out, When Hearts Take Flight, which also has a WWI split-time subplot.
What are you working on now?
Stone Creek Brides Book Four, which is nurse Rose Sinclair’s story. Here is part of the description:
Rose Sinclair, the compassionate nurse at the unwed mothers’ home, Hope’s Place, needs a change. Her heart breaks each time a new baby is separated from their mother. Perhaps God can use her to help children at the orphanage heal, while she finds solace for her wounded soul. Two mischievous siblings become a balm for what ails her, and she’ll do anything to protect them. Then charming and enigmatic Caleb Ellis shows up in Stone Creek, claiming to be a former lawman. Her curiosity is piqued, but she’s also concerned about Caleb’s interest in the identity of her charges.
When Caleb Ellis started his private investigation business, he was looking for adventure and a way to escape the griefs of the past. He answers an ad in a local newspaper placed by a desperate grandfather, looking for his orphaned grandchildren. Having lost much of his immediate family, Caleb is willing to take on the challenge to see this family reunited.
What he doesn’t bargain for is meeting the darkhaired beauty caring for the grandchildren. He can’t deny the pull on his heart from this warm and compassionate woman…
Thank you, Susan, for the opportunity of being a guest on your blog!
Website: https://kathleenrouser.com
Link to book: Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Social media links: Amazon Book Page, BookBub, GoodReads, Pinterest, Facebook Author Page
The Boldt’s Wellesley House
George Boldt’s Wellesley House stood as a reminder of the grandeur and ambition of the Gilded Age. While often overshadowed by the more renowned Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Wellesley House offered a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of the hotel magnate George C. Boldt.
In the late 19th century, George C. Boldt, the proprietor of New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and Philadelphia’s Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, began acquiring land on Wellesley Island. His vision was to create a summer retreat that mirrored the opulence and sophistication of his urban establishments as well as provide for his hotels.
By 1899, Boldt had purchased several hundred acres of farmland from the Cornwall brothers, laying the foundation for what would become the Wellesley House estate. Though Mrs. Boldt called it their “summer cottage,” it was no ordinary dwelling. During the building of Boldt Castle, George and Louise stayed in the Wellesley House, making it a centerpiece for Madison’s Mission.
Wellesley House had over fifty rooms, the mansion featured intricate architectural details and was strategically positioned along a man-made canal between Wellesley Island and Tennis Island. This canal, a remarkable feat of engineering, was approximately two miles long, seventy feet wide, and ten feet deep, facilitating direct access to Lake Waterloo. The canal’s construction involved extensive dredging and blasting through solid rock, reflecting Boldt’s commitment to creating a seamless and luxurious environment.
The Wellesley House estate was also a hub of agricultural innovation and social activity. Boldt established modern stables and raised high-quality stock, supplying his hotels with fresh produce and dairy products directly from his Wellesley Island farms. The estate eventually featured a golf course, tennis courts, and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering guests a plethora of recreational activities.
Nearby the Wellesley House was the Boldt Yacht House on the northeastern shore of Wellesley Island. Completed in 1903, this shingle-style structure housed the Boldt family’s fleet of yachts and boats. The yacht house is a beauty in itself with towering bay doors, a workshop for building racing launches, and accommodations for crew and staff. Today, it stands as the only remaining wooden yacht house of its kind and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Following the untimely death of Louise Boldt in 1904, construction on Boldt Castle ceased, and George Boldt’s focus shifted to his Wellesley Island properties. The Wellesley House continued to serve as a cherished family retreat and a place for entertaining distinguished guests. Over the years, the estate changed hands but remained a symbol of the lavish lifestyle and visionary pursuits of George C. Boldt.
Today, while Boldt Castle attracts numerous visitors, the estate’s rich history, architectural grandeur, and the visionary spirit of its creator continue to captivate those who explore the storied landscapes of Wellesley Island.
About Madison’s Mission:
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large.
Just as their budding romance begins to flourish, tragedy strikes, shattering their world. A deadly accident leaves Emmett wrestling with guilt and at the center of an investigation that could unravel everything he holds dear. Then Madison finds herself ensnared in a dangerous coverup that threatens her very life.
When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling—jobless and burdened by the weight of her perceived failures. In a world filled with uncertainty, can she summon the strength to move forward and confront her past? Will Emmett rise above his challenges to forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?
Meet author Carrie Turansky
Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels including A Token of Love, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, and The Highland Hall series.
Tell us about your newest book.
Christmas Mail-Order Brides is a heartwarming holiday novella collection set in the American West in the late 1800s. Two of the novellas feature young mail-order brides heading West to marry grooms they’ve only met through letters, and the third features the matchmaker herself who finally finds her own match when she travels West.
What inspired you to write your story?
My novella, A Trusting Heart, was inspired by my twin daughters and their love for each other. In that story, Swedish born Annika, decides to become a mail-order bride so that her twin sister will feel free to marry the man she loves. But when she arrives in Wyoming, her intended groom is missing, and she is left wondering what to do. I enjoyed learning about Swedish Christmas traditions and including those in the story. There are fun quirky characters, a bit of a mystery, and a sweet love story.
What genre do you focus on.
I enjoy writing historical romance novels that tie into true events or the lives of men and women who lived out their faith in their generation. I believe we can learn a lot from those who have gone before us and be inspired by their lives. Many of my novels are set in England, but some are also set in the US, like Christmas Mail-Order Brides.
Why do you write?
I write to share God’s love and truth through stories that I hope will touch readers’ hearts and inspire their faith. I want to entertain but also encourage readers to consider the characters’ journeys and recognize the way God is working in their lives and situations. I hope they can relate and see God’s love for them as they enjoy the story.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I like to write in the morning between 10:00 and 12:00 and try to reach my daily word count. After lunch I come back and write for another hour or two then work on promotion, marketing, and editing later in the day.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is receiving the editor’s notes and beginning the revision work. It always feels overwhelming at first, and it takes me a day or two to see where to start and how to use the suggestions my editors send me.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
One of the best parts of being an author is hearing from readers and knowing that my books have made an impact on them. Receiving an email or comment on social media like that really lifts my spirit.
What is your favorite pastime?
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me working in my flower gardens, walking around the small lake hear our house or cooking healthy meals for family and friends. I also enjoy having lunch with a friend, taking part in our women’s Bible study, and spending time with family.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes! I’ve written more than twenty novels and novellas. My latest English historical novel is A Token of Love, which is a dual-time story set in Victorian and contemporary London and includes the search for a missing girl by a devoted aunt and a dedicated journalist. On October 7, another Christmas novella collection, A Very English Christmas, releases. Each of the three novellas features a beloved English author as a secondary character: Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. They bring insight, wit, and inspiration to the three unforgettable heroines. I loved writing A Victorian Christmas Tale and learning more about Charles Dickens.
What are you working on now?
My next project is a full-length English historical novel, Echoes Across the Moors, Book One in the Lost Treasures of Yorkshire Series. Three sisters inherit an old rundown English estate, but the title will only be transferred to them if they stay for one year, and someone is intent on seeing that doesn’t happen. An old photograph they believe features the famous Bronte sisters, beloved English novelists, seems to hold the key to keeping the estate. Romance, family drama, and inspiration will delight and inspire readers who enjoy English historical novels with a classic twist.
Website: https://carrieturansky.com/
Link to book: https://carrieturansky.com/christmas-mail-order-brides-3/
Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarrieturansky/ https://www.instagram.com/carrieturansky/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/247470.Carrie_Turansky
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carrie-turansky