The Continuing Story: The Boldt Castle Renovation

Boldt Castle is one of the most romantic and famous landmarks in New York State. Located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands, the castle was once an extravagant and heartfelt gesture of love from hotel magnate George C. Boldt to his wife Louise. When tragedy turned that dream into a haunting ruin, it sat empty and in decay for decades until a remarkable restoration brought it back to life. The Boldt Castle renovation is more than just a story of architecture—it’s a rebirth of history, passion, and purpose.
When Louise Boldt died unexpectedly in 1904, George Boldt was devastated, and construction on the castle immediately ceased. Workers were told to leave the island, and George never returned. The castle, exposed to the harsh Northern New York winters, vandals, and the slow decay of time, was left to the elements for more than seven decades.
Windows shattered, floors rotted, mold crept in, and ivy climbed over what was meant to be a castle of love. For decades, it stood as a haunting reminder of what might have been—a romantic corpse that captured imaginations but seemed destined to crumble.
In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority (TIBA) acquired Heart Island and the unfinished castle for just one dollar on the condition that all proceeds from admission and tourism had to go directly back into restoring and preserving the property.
Now, the decades-long labor of love is not unlike George Boldt’s original vision. The restoration of Boldt Castle has been one of New York’s most ambitious historic preservation projects to date. The TIBA and hundreds of craftsmen, historians, and artisans have carefully worked to preserve the castle’s original design, all the while making it accessible and safe for visitors.
So far, restoration is finished on:
The First and Second Floors are fully renovated and furnished to reflect the early 1900s, giving visitors a wonderful glimpse into what life in the castle might have been like.
The Grand Staircase & Entry Hall, that was once open to the sky and weather-worn, is now beautifully restored, with intricate woodwork and a stained-glass dome.
The Power House has been reconstructed to house exhibits on how electricity and water were brought to the island.
The Gardens and Grounds have been painstakingly landscaped with colorful blooms, marble walkways, and fountains that mirror the castle’s original plans and has become a prized venue for weddings.
The Boldt Yacht House on nearby Wellesley Island has been preserved, displaying antique boats and Boldt family memorabilia.
Alster Tower, known as the “Playhouse,” was used by the Boldts while the Castle was being built. Its whimsical structure, with intentionally slanted walls, is being restored to show the creative personality of George Boldt and his love for entertaining.
And there’s more to come!
What makes the Boldt Castle renovation so special is that it’s meant to both preserve history and continue a love story. The entire island a tribute to the vision George Boldt had for his wife Louise—a vision that, though interrupted, has finally been honored.
The restoration continues to this day, so every year I visit the castle and Heart Island to experience its new and exciting developments. As new rooms are opened and old ones are improved, the goal is not to complete the castle in the traditional sense, but to tell its story—to let visitors walk through love, loss, and legacy.
Today, Boldt Castle welcomes nearly a quarter million visitors annually. Couples wed. Family frolic, history lovers learn. And romantics come to Heart Island to not only admire a castle, but to feel the love through a story that never truly ended. Boldt Castle is a living monument—a place where craftsmanship, dedication, and memory meet on the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
Boldt Castle is accessible seasonally from mid-May to mid-October by ferry or tour boat from various locations, including Alexandria Bay, NY, Clayton, NY, and Gananoque, Ontario. Private boaters can also dock at Heart Island. As the island is a U.S. port of entry, visitors arriving from Canada must present appropriate identification for customs processing. For more information on planning your visit, including hours of operation and admission fees, visit the official Boldt Castle website: https://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo
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 Jackie Killelea

Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.
Tell us about your newest book.
My newest book is Arranged with the Earl, a Christian Regency romance set in England. The hero, Loftus Cromwell, is scarred from the Napoleonic War and the heroine, Catherine Blynn, has a rough time with her parents, never able to live up to their expectations or the standards of others. The two are arranged in a marriage and have to figure out how their lives mesh as they come to live together in the same home. The question is, will they find the flame of love or will their problems snuff it out before it sparks to life?
What inspired you to write your story?
I was inspired to write my story by reading more of the gothic-type historical romance novels and getting ideas from them. I do love a good mystery and a villain that seems to be just around every corner. I’ve also always loved plants and botany, as well as how their properties translate into medicine, so that element is featured in the novel, too. I love the arranged marriage trope when reading romance novels, so I thought it would be fun to write for my readers—and I always find the trope more intriguing when a bit of danger is thrown in.
What genre do you focus on.
I focus on the Christian Regency romance genre, as this is my favorite to read. I love to get new ideas from books and I find it more of a challenge when there are certain limitations to a time period. At the same time, I also love the history of the period and the chivalry of it. I believe the period to have been a very unique time during England’s history, and how men and women interacted with each other was very different from today, due to the dictates of society.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character’s name is Catherine Blynn. I chose this name because I’ve always liked the name Catherine—I think it has a certain elegance to it, while being simple. The last name, Blynn, I came up with from a female news reporter’s last name from the Victorian Period—Nellie Bly. I took her last name and added a few consonants to it to get “Blynn”.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part of my author’s life is getting to interact with all of my readers. I absolutely love it. This part is my favorite because I am able to see how far my writing has reached and how many people have enjoyed it. It allows me to see how many people might have a different outlook or perspective on the world around them because of my words. I always look forward to reading comments and reviews, knowing that my work is meaningful to some people.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
One thing my readers should know about me is that I’m not perfect. I do my research when writing my books, yes, but there are things that I do get wrong—occasionally, my research is faulty, despite my best efforts. Additionally, there are things that I purposefully change within my books in order for my plot to work or to make my story more interesting. So, please, do not read my books believing everything you see and, remember your job as a reader: Meet me halfway while you read. I can only provide so much information and some instances may seem far-fetched, but you must allow your imagination to take over so that you might understand that many occurrences are within the realm of possibility. History is not always strictly the facts and much remains unwritten. Truly, who’s to say what did or did not happen when so much is lost to the years?
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve grown a lot as a writer. I’ve learned to improve my writing in various ways through reading more and practicing my craft. I always seek to make my characters relatable to my readers and to have the characters have motivations for why they are doing what they are. I always seem to better my writing, at all times.
What is your favorite pastime?
I have a few favorite pastimes, including baking, gardening, and reading. I love to try out new recipes from vintage cookbooks, plant new flowers in my garden and yard, and read a bunch of historical and contemporary romance novels.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have three collections of poetry that I self-published a few years back. They focus on nature and human emotion. I’ve edited them a bit, since I first released them. I wrote the first right after high school. I also have a Christian Regency romance entitled His Grace’s Governess, the first in my Saving the Spinsters Series.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on another book, as yet untitled. It features a hero injured from the Peninsular War and a heroine who assists her father as he tends to his patients(her father is a doctor).
Website: https://jackiekillelea.weebly.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRZ7SCTW
Social media links: Instagram: @authorjackiekillelea
Facebook: @AuthorJackieKillelea
Bookbub: @authorjackiekillelea
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22635305.Jackie_Killelea
Join Me on My Thousand Islands Book Tour!

I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming Thousand Islands Book Tour, and I’d love for you to join me at one (or all!) of these special events. Whether you’re a longtime reader or just discovering my books for the first time, this tour is a celebration of stories, history, and the beauty of the Thousand Islands region that inspires so much of my writing.
Here’s where I’ll be:
July 21, 11 AM–1 PM – Boldt Castle Book Signing
Step into the pages of history at one of the Thousand Islands’ most iconic landmarks. I’ll be signing books at Boldt Castle, where romance and legacy meet. It’s the perfect place to talk about historical fiction!
July 22, 1–3 PM – Cornwall Brothers Store Museum Author Showcase
Join me and other authors for an afternoon of literary fun at the Cornwall Brothers Museum in Alexandria Bay. I’ll be sharing my inspiration, chatting with readers, and signing books.
July 23, 1–3 PM – Thousand Islands Museum Book Signing
Meet me at the Thousand Islands Museum in Clayton, NY, for another exciting stop on the tour. It’s always an honor to be part of this community that celebrates local history.
July 24, 11 AM–2 PM – The Little Bookstore Talk & Signing
Come visit The Little Bookstore at their new shop in Cape Vincent for an extended time together. I’ll be giving a short talk, answering questions, and signing your favorite titles.
July 25 – IHC Reunion Book Signing
If you’re attending the Immaculate Heart Central (IHC) Reunion, stop by my signing table! It’s a joy to connect with friends old and new.
July 26, Saturday, 1–3 PM – Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Book Signing
We’ll wrap up the tour with a scenic stop at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent. Come enjoy the view and pick up a signed copy of your favorite book.
Each event is an opportunity to celebrate the stories that bring the Thousand Islands to life. I can’t wait to meet you, hear your stories, and share mine. Mark your calendars and bring a friend—it’s going to be a wonderful week!
ps. I’ll be signing my newest novel, Madison’s Mission along with all of my stories!
Meet author Laura DeNooyer

Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and an award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels are perfect for fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Erin Bartels, or Heidi Chiavaroli. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.
Tell us about your newest book.
Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon is eighty-eight. This disgruntled town recluse has grown weary of fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband’s name of a 1918 crime. Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink. In 1980, during the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.
As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching. In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?
What inspired you to write your story?
While reading a biography about L. Frank Baum, I learned that his family summered at the same lake where our family vacations yearly—at the other end of Lake Macatawa near Holland, Michigan, and a century earlier. That was a fun little connection. As I learned more about his life, I was smitten. Baum was such an innovative, larger-than-life personality—no surprise there, given that he created the Land of Oz. He was also a family man with a keen understanding of children and a high regard for women. His humor and creativity gave him the capacity to bounce back from failure many times.
Having always wanted to write a novel set in the turn of the century, Baum fit perfectly into my plans. Imagination plays a huge role. My main character Janie is at odds with her very religious, rigid parents who have no use for fun, fiction, fantasy, or fairy tales. Then eight-year-old Janie meets L. Frank Baum who stretches her imagination in every way possible. This is a major tension throughout the story.
What genre do you focus on.
That’s actually a tough question because I’ve hopped all over the place. It seems like story ideas call to me without regard for genre boundaries. So, I have two published novels that qualify as historical fiction (one is dual timeline set in Michigan; the other is Southern, set in western North Carolina in 1968). I have several completed manuscripts that I’ll be seeking a publisher for. Those are contemporary women’s fiction set in Wisconsin, but one is dual timeline, partially set in the 1950s.
Whether contemporary or historical, I enjoy writing about the challenges of working through dysfunctional family drama and troubled relationships. My stories are multi-layered, raise questions, and offer both hope and food for thought.
Why do you write?
A Thomas Jefferson quote comes to mind: “I cannot live without books.” That’s true for me too, but I could add, “I cannot live without writing.” Writing has served as a creative outlet, a catalyst for ideas, a source of solace, and a way to explore a myriad of confusing thoughts and feelings. I wrestle with difficult events and emotional challenges from my own experiences as these scenarios somehow wind up in my stories, bringing fresh insights, fostering empathy, stretching my limits and my faith. That makes story writing a form of journaling.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
In 1980, my protagonist is Carrie Kruisselbrink. She comes from a Dutch family, which is important to the story, so she needed a Dutch surname. I picked the name Carrie because I liked it, and it suited her. Several other characters have Dutch surnames, since the Dutch populate southwest Michigan. In the early 1900s timeline, my young girl protagonist needed a name she didn’t like, as well as a lovely name used at the Baums’ house. So, her real name is Lodemia Jane (or Janie), but the Baums call her Charlotte Rose. (You’ll need to read the book to understand how that came about!) Since my own Dutch, English, and German roots are in southwest Michigan, I used various family names from both sides of the family for certain minor characters, such as Dena, Alice, and Alberta for first names, and Percell, Dunham, and Wiersma as last names.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
First of all, everything can be fodder for a story. No experience or pain is wasted. Secondly, stories are a way to touch others in deep places. Whenever a reader takes the time to tell me how my story has impacted her in some way, I feel like I’ve accomplished one of my key purposes as an author. I’ve used my storytelling voice to reach someone at the heart level. That’s a huge reward.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
Hmm . . . that’s a good question. I could give several answers, but here’s one. I strive to be approachable and relatable. Nowadays, with the internet, we have ways to connect with authors that were not possible before. Even so, some authors are still elusive or emotionally distant. I’ve experienced the gamut when trying to connect to authors myself. I’ve really appreciated the ones who were personable and down to earth. Those interactions helped me decide which kind of author I want to be.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I hinted at this earlier when comparing story writing to journaling, but one way I’ve grown is to see writing as a journey, not just a means to an end. As a teacher, I always taught that the writing process—or any creation of art—is just as important as the end product, if not more so.
Caring about the process not only improves the product, but it’s the part that stretches us. The process involves thinking, preparation, problem-solving, pushing the limits, experimenting, and sometimes networking. This is where learning takes place. It’s where we learn to collaborate and seek feedback from others, to find people who both encourage and stretch us. We’re made in the Creator’s image, so we create—each of us in different ways. It’s a blessing in itself. He delights in our creativity. I also believe He cares more about our journey and process than He does about the end product. So I should too.
What is your favorite pastime?
Road trips! When I’m not on a road trip, I’m anticipating the next one. After my kids grew up and left home, I discovered road trips as a great way to overcome any empty nest doldrums. Road trips also renew friendships and inspire stories.
I usually have one main reason for going on a trip—an event or conference. Then I map out my plan according to friends who live in the states I’ll be passing through. While researching for this novel, I took several Baum/Oz-inspired trips.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have one other published novel, All That Is Hidden.
Website: https://lauradenooyer-author.com
Link to book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4Q1VK1C
Social media links:
Monthly Newsletter—sign up for 7 free recipes:
A-Taste-Of-Oz-Cookbook-Sampler.com
BookBub:
www.bookbub.com/books/a-hundred-magical-reasons-by-laura-denooyer
GoodReads:
www.goodreads.com/book/show/222349325-1-hundred-magical-reasons
Facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/LauraDeNooyerAuthor/
Meet author Diana Leagh Matthews

Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
Diana Leagh Matthews has a heart for the hurting and shares God’s love through the written word and song. Her debut novel, Carol of the Rooms, was published in 2023 and was a Realm Award finalist and her second novel, Forever Changed, will be published on April 8th. Leagh lives in South Carolina with her spunky Maltese.
Tell us about your book
At the pinnacle of her Broadway career, Danielle Davis is savoring her success. Just as her dreams are now within grasp, tragedy forces her to return home to South Carolina. Following the untimely deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, Danielle discovers she’s now responsible for seven children, two grandmothers, and a farm she knows nothing about. When a young woman from the 1930s begins making mysterious appearances to her, Danielle embraces her as an unexpected confidant and encourager. Can Danielle find the healing and support she desperately needs in her new roles?
Caleb Donovan put his soaring music career on hold after making a terrible mistake. Following the loss of his best friends, he now guides Danielle as she learns about running a farm and caring for a family. Can Caleb find his own place amid the chaos? Will Danielle and Caleb be able to discover the career and relational paths meant for them? Can they learn how to let go of their painful pasts, and find it in their hearts to forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future?
What inspired you to write your story?
I’ve always longed for a family of my own and wondered what it would be like to suddenly be responsible for an instant family. Then I asked myself questions such as: What would be a challenge? What would I embrace? How would that twist effect my current life and dreams?
What genre do you focus on.
I always thought if I were going to be a writer, I’d write historical fiction, because I’ve always loved history and provide historical presentations in various local communities. So imagine my surprise when my stories continue to be primarily contemporary stories, although often they do include a little history lesson mixed in.
Why do you write?
Characters grab hold of me and will not let me go. I can’t not write, even if it were just for me. Writing helps me to process so many aspects of life and situations.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Danielle Davis and Caleb Donovan are the main characters. Davis is a surname in my family history and I liked the names Danielle and Caleb.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I love seeing the story come together but holding the finished book in my hand and connecting with readers and hearing how the story touched their lives always does my heart good.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I work a day job and also have caregiving responsibilities. So there are times when it’s difficult to get to everything that needs to be done. There’s so much more to writing than just writing and editing and it can be a challenge to see to all those tasks at times.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
There’s so much to learn as a writer that one never stops. However, the more I learn, the more I see how my confidence grows in both myself and my craft.
What is your favorite pastime?
I’ve been working on my family history for over 30 years. I don’t get to work on it as much as I used to but still enjoy exploring various rabbit trails from time to time. However, my favorite thing is to spend time with my Maltese mix, Bentley. Whether it’s snuggling, going for a walk or ride, or playing ball, he’s a load of fun.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Carol of the Rooms released in late 2023 and is inspired by “A Christmas Carol.”
What are you working on now?
I have so many ideas but at the moment I’m editing a story that incorporates all the holidays.
I also have an idea for a prequel to “Forever Changed.”
Website: https://www.DianaLeaghMatthews.com
Link to Forever Changed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2DCBDQY
Social Media Links:
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Diana-Leagh-Matthews/e/B07C17QJJ
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/DiLeaghMatthews
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/994850748295488
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dianaleaghmatthews/
X: https://X.com/dileaghmatthews
http://www.pinterest.com/dileaghmatthews/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9773997-diana-leagh
Meet author Lisa E. Betz

Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and speaking coach. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her novels with quirky characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her latest Livia Aemilia Mystery, set in first-century Rome, was a silver medalist in the Illumination Book Awards for mystery. Lisa directs church dramas, hikes the beautiful Pennsylvania woods, eats too much chocolate, and spoils her grandchildren.
Tell us about your newest book.
What would compel a girl to set foot in the house of Rome’s most devious and vindictive senator?
How about murder? When the wife of Senator Gracchus is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Livia Aemilia agrees to help solve the crime. Yes, it’s a big risk, but it’ll be worth it if she can prove Gracchus poisoned his wife. Because if he’s a murderer, Livia and her husband Avitus would finally be rid of Gracchus and his nefarious schemes to ruin them. With justice on their side and God guiding their plans, what could go wrong? The more Livia digs, the more it looks like Gracchus is guilty of poisoning his wife. Until the next victim dies, and everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
What inspired you to write your story?
The inspiration for this novel came from two things: a villain from my previous novel, Fountains and Secrets combined with Avitus’s faith journey. An Ode to Poison begins with Avitus’s long-time enemy, Gracchus, threatening to destroy Avitus, Livia and their entire household. As the book progresses, I created a situation where Avitus is forced to choose between retribution and granting mercy to his enemy. He is not yet a follower of Jesus and his command to love one’s enemies. Can Livia convince her husband to extend mercy, or will he refuse?
What genre do you focus on.
I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction. What better way to learn about life long ago than through the pages of a great story? I also enjoy mysteries with their clever clues and twisty plots. I prefer historical mysteries, which usually feature amateur sleuths who figure things out with common sense and a bit of clever sleuthing. So eventually I decided to write the kind of book I love to read. I set my novels in first-century Rome because it’s a period I’ve been fascinated with for a long time. This is the world of Jesus and the early church. It’s fascinating to imagine what life might have been like for a Roman living in this era and learning about Christ.
Why do you write?
I have always loved stories—reading them, making them up, or acting them out. Writing honors the creative gifts God put in my soul. And since Story is a powerful way to challenge people’s thinking, writing fiction is one way I spread the truth to those who need it.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character is a spunky young woman named Livia Aemilia. She’s a confident person who makes things happen and isn’t afraid to try something she’s never done before, such as solving a murder. In my first novel, Livia feels compelled to find her father’s killer to protect her innocent brother from being blamed for the crime. She succeeds in doing so, and in the process discovers she and her trusty maid Roxana very much enjoy the challenge (much to certain other characters’ dismay). I try to use authentic names for my characters, but many Greek and Roman names are long and intimidating to modern readers. I try to avoid hard-to-read names such as Pherenike, Vopiscus, or Caecilia. Thus, I chose the name Livia because it’s short and readable, yet not a typical modern name.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m usually most productive in the mornings, from 7 am to 1 pm. I try to schedule writing early in the day and other activities after lunch. I also have to juggle writing time with my coaching client meetings.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
All the things authors need to do other than working on their novels. Working on (or fretting about) blog posts, newsletters, social media, marketing, pitching to podcasts, updating websites, etc. etc. etc. can take up far too much time if I’m not careful.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The joy of creating. It’s a wonderful feeling to get absorbed in a writing project and then feel a sense of accomplishment and victory when the final product turns out well. Also, there’s nothing like getting feedback from readers on how your words and ideas impacted them.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I also blog and speak about living intentionally—standing firm in our identity in Christ instead of conforming to the world, living with purpose and faith, and rejoicing in our uniqueness.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I have been blessed over the years by many writers who have taken time to mentor and encourage me, whether it was a 15-minute meeting at a conference or years of interacting at a writer’s group. They helped me develop my writing skills and my confidence. Now I am happy to give back by mentoring and encouraging other writers. I love teaching writing workshops and working one-on-one with writers.
What is your favorite pastime?
I enjoy cooking and baking, and I love spending time with my grandchildren. I especially love combining the two, happily making cookies or pancakes together. What’s a little mess in the kitchen when you get to share your joy with those you love (and have something yummy to show for it)?
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The first two books in the Livia Aemilia series are:
Death and a Crocodile—in which Livia’s father is murdered and she must find the culprit to prove her brother is innocent.
Fountains and Secrets—in which the newly married Livia investigates a crime behind her husband’s back only to discover it might ruin her marriage—or it could end her life.
What are you working on now?
The next Livia Aemilia Mystery. My working title is The Topaz Mystery
Website: https://lisaebetz.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Ode-Poison-Livia-Aemilia-Mystery/dp/B0DDBKSSDG
Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/LisaEBetzWriter