Inside Boldt Castle
Set on the heart-shaped Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region of New York, Boldt Castle rises from the St. Lawrence River like a fairy tale coming to life. While its turrets and grand arches are breathtaking from the outside, it’s the inside of Boldt Castle that truly captures the imagination of this once-abandoned love story.
But Boldt Castle was never just a showpiece. It was meant to be Mr. Boldt’s gift of love to his beloved wife, Louise. It was to be a summer dream home, a respite from the heat and chaos of New York City.
Construction began in 1900, but tragically halted in 1904 when Louise died unexpectedly. George never returned to the island, and the unfinished castle stood silent for over seven decades.
As we walk through the grand arched entrance, you enter the main hall, shining with natural light that streams through stained-glass windows. Rich wood paneling, sweeping staircases, and intricate stonework speak to the opulence of the Gilded Age.
This is one of the reasons I made my hero the foreman of the project to build Boldt Castle. Through Emmett’s character, we get to experience the construction of this marvelous place. The Boldts even hop in and out of the castle to inspect its progress.
The grand staircase is a marvel in itself. It’s wide and majestic and seems to beckon visitors upward, as if Louise herself might descend at any moment in a flowing gown. Watch for her, and wonder…what if…
Room after room reveals the wonder of Boldt Castle. The drawing room sparkles with gilded mirrors and velvet drapes. The library beacons you to read a story and learn of a bygone era. The grand verandah teases you to sit a spell and enjoy the river views.
One of the most interesting spaces is Louise’s boudoir—or the one she would’ve enjoyed had she lived—with its pastel colors and feminine details. It’s as if her presence lingers as a gentle reminder of the love that inspired these walls. Here, I got to know her a bit better.
One of the castle’s most glamourous rooms is the ballroom, where the ceiling soars high and it’s easy to imagine twirling gowns and the gentle sway of waltzes. Though it was never used in its heyday, it has since hosted many weddings and events—a fitting continuation of the love story. In my story, Madison and Emmett imagine such a party.
Then there’s the dining room, with its massive hearth and carved ceiling beams—clearly designed for grand gatherings and glittering balls and parties. One can almost imagine the clinking of glasses and the strains of a string quartet in the background.
The upper levels of Boldt Castle reveals restored bedrooms, servant quarters, and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence. Though some parts of the castle remain intentionally unfinished, they stand as a stark contrast, reminding visitors of the castle’s lost years.
The inside of Boldt Castle isn’t just grand—it’s personal, emotional, and poignant. Entering its halls is like stepping into a love story—one never fully finished, yet one preserved for all to enjoy.
Boldt Castle is so much more than a tourist attraction. It’s an experience of love, romance, and history. It’s a picture of a man’s love for his wife, and a place that’ll touch your soul.
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
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?
Winter reading for you!
My Thousand Islands stories are set against the beauty and history of New York’s Thousand Islands region, where castles,
lighthouses, hotels, and cozy cottages have witnessed tales of love, loss, and redemption. This winter, I invite you to journey through these novels and novellas around a cozy fire.
Irish Rose Oprhans’ Christmas
Fall in love with seven unforgettable girls as their touching story unfolds in this prequel to the Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series. At the Irish Rose Orphan Asylum, the girls face their final Christmas together before entering service in the Gilded Age. Bound as “forever sisters,” they confront old wounds and separation. Annie and Taryn struggle with a silent rift, Fiona wrestles with abandonment, Vivian masks her fears, while Cassie, Isabel, and Gloria battle uncertainty. Yet they discover that faith, hope, and sisterhood will follow them wherever life leads.
Boldt Castle and Beyond
In Madison’s Mission: A Boldt Castle Story, Madison Murray carries a heavy past while caring for her ailing mistress. As she and Emmett O’Connor grow close, tragedy strikes, testing their courage and their hope for a future together. A story of resilience and love, it’s a perfect reminder of the healing gift of grace—especially meaningful during the Christmas season.
Love at the Lighthouse Series
Step into the lives of the Row sisters in Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, and Emma’s Engagement. From mysterious sailors and hidden inheritances to the struggles of blended families, each story shines like a beacon of love and hope. These tales set at Thousand Islands lighthouses remind us that even in the darkest nights, light always finds a way.
Summers, Castles, and Firelight
In A Summer at Thousand Island House, Addison Bell’s summer of service collides with mischief, romance, and even a brush with a former President.
Mary’s Moment takes readers to a blazing fire where courage sparks unexpected love.
In Peyton’s Promise, a suffragette steps into her father’s world of fireworks and faces prejudice with determination and grace.
Devyn’s Dilemma, Katelyn’s Choice, Rachel’s Reunion, Colleen’s Confession, Reagan’s Reward, and Sara’s Surprise all weave together history, romance, and faith—perfect reads to carry you into the New Year with hope.
A Christmas Favorite
If you’re looking for a holiday story, Christmas Charity is a heartwarming tale of an arranged marriage, second chances, and the power of love to heal even the most wounded hearts. With a snowy backdrop and Christmas cheer, this book makes a delightful seasonal read—or gift.
Threads of Legacy
Finally, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy spans generations with a family quilt binding past to present. It’s a story of courage, perseverance, and the kind of faith that sustains through trials—a beautiful reminder of the hope Christmas brings.
Whether you’re searching for a stocking stuffer, a cozy read by the fire, or a story to remind you of the deeper meaning of Christmas, these books are sure to bless you or someone you love.
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter for updates and giveaways, and if you enjoy these stories, I’d be so grateful if you’d share a review on Amazon.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas filled with love, light, and stories that inspire!
Meet author John Lefevere
Life as a corporate lawyer can be boring, but author John Lefevere’s life experiences are not. He appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show with his college marching band backing Nancy Sinatra; meeting Rodney Dangerfield there was a highlight. John has also played golf next to the Giza Pyramids in Cairo, appeared in a TV commercial, marched in the Rose Parade, climbed Mount Vesuvius and rode up Mount Aetna within the space of a week, and had many more adventures. John’s true love (aside from his wife and three sons) is writing suspense thrillers. It appears that he’s good at it. John takes time away from writing to golf, trace his family lines in genealogy, learn Italian, and travel.
Tell us about your newest book, The Solutionist: London
It’s the third thriller in a new series that began in April 2025. In the prior two books, Nick Dalton (the Solutionist) and his girlfriend Stephanie continue to pursue the crypto thief who framed Nick for a multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency heist. Facing serious prison time, Nick tracks the thief to England, where he has changed identities. Nick and Stephanie come up with a plan to trick the thief out of the crypto, but the thief turns the tables on him and puts him in danger.
What genre do you focus on?
I write action suspense thrillers, because they are ones which fascinate me when I read and because I love to come up with twists and turns that the reader will never suspect.
Why do you write?
I have been an avid reader since a very young age and ultimately wanted to see if I could write as well as the authors I was reading. I was first published as a law review member in law school and then professionally as an attorney I wrote and edited books on taxation. Nearing retirement ten years ago, I wrote and self-published a short psychological thriller which was pretty well received. Over those ten years, I have written an additional seven books – four in A 1000 Islands novel series and three in the current Nick Dalton Thriller series (The Solutionist).
What is your work schedule like when writing?
I don’t have a structured schedule for writing, but I do create an extensive outline which will include snippets of dialogue and action that will take place in different chapters. Then I move each outline chapter over into a new document and fill it out. Works so far.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I think the part I like best is the recognition I get from friends and neighbors, as well as in reviews.
What is your favorite pastime?
I golf a lot and actually have improved a lot over the last couple of years, so it can be (almost) as rewarding as writing. A couple of years ago I was playing in a foursome consisting of myself and my three adult sons. I managed to hit an eagle (in the hole in two strokes on a par four hole) from 150 yards away and they were all screaming with delight. Best memory of golfing ever!
What are you working on now?
At the moment nothing. It took about fifteen months to write all 3 books in the Nick Dalton series and I’m spending time marketing them now. I wanted to write at least 3 books all at once to provide continuity.
Do you have other books? Yes – here’s a list:
The Nick Dalton Thriller series (Suspense Thrillers)
The Solutionist: Crypto Heist
The Solutionist: Hollywood
The 1000 Islands Novel series (Suspense Thrillers)
The Scimitar and The Snail
Jewels and Ghouls
River Rogues
Deep River Deception
Non-Series Books
Better With Age: A Boomer’s Tale (Psychological Thriller)
All book are exclusively on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited, in case you’re interested.
Meet author Megan Soja
Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.
Tell us about your newest book.
Set against the backdrop of the Siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill, Scars of the Revolution is a story of faith, duty, rebellion, and forbidden love between a Patriot young woman and the British officer quartering in her home. Betrayal and war threaten to keep their worlds forever apart, especially as Libby finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of espionage that could save the Patriot cause and destroy any chance of a future with the soldier she loves.
What genre do you focus on.
My current genre focus is historical romance. It may be surprising to hear, but I didn’t really enjoy history classes in school. It felt kind of dry, like a long list of names and dates to memorize. But even as a child, I loved reading historical fiction and visiting living history museums, because they both made history feel real and alive. That’s what I love about writing historical fiction – the opportunity to make the people, places, and events of the past come to life on the page. And I can never pass up a good love story, so romance is always a part of my books as well.
Why do you write?
I write because I’ve always had stories in my head and on my heart. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been imagining characters and plots, so much so that I used to think everyone did that! I’ve also found that God works in my own faith and life through writing, and I love to weave His truth into my stories as a way to encourage both myself in the process and others when they read.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m a mom, so a lot of my work time revolves around my kids’ schedule. I try do most of my writing while they are in school, but there have been plenty of late nights or weekend days spent writing, especially when I’m on a deadline. It’s not uncommon for me to sit at dance rehearsals with my laptop or to brainstorm on my phone while at a soccer tournament. I’ve come to realize that flexibility is key!
What is the hardest part of being an author?
As an author of historical fiction, the biggest challenge is piecing together the historical events with the fictional characters and storyline. I want to honor the real history, represent the time period accurately, and fit my characters into it as seamlessly as possible so it feels like an immersive experience as you read.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
There are so many things to celebrate and enjoy about being an author. It might sound cheesy, but it really is a dream come to true. One of the most special parts, though, is hearing from readers who were encouraged, challenged, and inspired by the faith aspects of my stories. I am humbled and honored that God can use my words in such a way.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
Faith is always at the core of my stories because it is at the core of my life. I cannot imagine a story without God being part of it. My characters may be fictional and set over 250 years ago, but their struggles, trials, and fears are often reflective of things we can relate to, and I always want the answer they seek, the peace they need, and the truth they discover to be rooted in God.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to read, but that probably goes without saying! I also love being outdoors, especially hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. But as a mom, my favorite “pastime” has to be just spending time with my girls and enjoying the adventure of watching them grow.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Spark of the Revolution and Secrets of the Revolution are the first two books in my Harbor of Spies series. Spark highlights the Boston Tea Party, while Secrets features the battles of Lexington and Concord. Each of the books in this series can stand alone, but every story builds through the history chronologically and follows different members of the family to create a fuller experience. I’m biased of course, but I highly recommend reading the whole series together. 😉
What are you working on now? I’m currently writing book 4 which will wrap up my Harbor of Spies series. It is set to release later in 2026.
Website: https://megansoja.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFPK8BT2
Social media links:
https://www.instagram.com/megan.soja/
https://www.facebook.com/authormegansoja/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52937401.Megan_Soja
Meet author Wendy Klopfenstein
Wendy Klopfenstein enjoys sunshine, sweet tea, and a good book, preferably all at the same time. Having always loved creating stories as much as reading them, she now puts the ones wandering around in her head on paper for others to enjoy. When she’s not sitting on the porch reading, you can find her working on her next novel.
Tell us about your newest book.
A Secret Heart (Wind River Mail-Order Brides Book 3) is part of a series about the McGraw brothers and their mail-order bride adventures. Middle brother Ed McGraw is tasked with finding a mail-order bride for his black-sheep brother. But he finds himself intrigued by the woman who writes back. Rebekah Edwards works for the local newspaper, running matrimonial advertisements, when one day an ad appears for the rancher she’s pined for her entire life. But as she strikes up a correspondence, Rebekah finds herself drawn to Ed—the wrong McGraw brother for her. It’s perfect for fans of mistaken identity, love letters and matchmaking gone wrong.
What inspired you to write your story?
This particular book was a joint project with Lacy Williams. I auditioned with Sunrise Publishing for the chance to write with her as a mentor. The premise I auditioned with had to be set in 1890s Wyoming. As a lover of romcoms, I wanted a hint of humor in the story. Why not have a woman working at the newspaper, taking care of the mail-order bride ads, when she sees an ad for the man she’s always pined for? But…he’s not the one writing back to her. Unknown to her, it’s the brother that she’s had a long-standing feud with.
What genre do you focus on.
Historical Romance with a Western setting is my favorite genre to write. The simpler times fascinate me. I enjoy mail-order bride stories, especially with a twist. There’s something about the tenacity and willingness to set out for new lands and a new life that intrigues me. It’s fun to explore these times and the people who lived through them.
Why do you write?
Stories have always been a part of my life. I can’t remember when I wasn’t reading, which fueled my imagination to create stories of my own. The dream of holding my own book in my hands was always in the back of my mind. It’s been a great blessing to do so. Even better is reading the reviews of readers and getting emails from them about what they enjoyed in the story. Giving other readers the joy of reading is the greatest feeling in the world.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I also work in our family business, so I have to schedule around my work there. I take the number of chapters I’m writing for the book, then figure out how many chapters a week I need to complete the manuscript, while still leaving time to self-edit it before turning it in to the publisher. I prefer writing in long stretches of time, so I try to build blocks of uninterrupted time into my week.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
This is such a hard question. There are so many aspects I enjoy—connecting with readers, the friendships with other authors, brainstorming new ideas, and holding that published book in my hands.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
When I started writing I did very little pre-planning on paper. I’d have a vague outline of the characters and the story in my head. Now, I do more planning ahead of time than I used to, but that is a personal preference. I once heard someone say that neither method is better nor correct. You will do the work at one end or the other. I’ve discovered that I enjoy doing more planning upfront, although I still discover plot pieces while I’m writing.
What is your favorite pastime?
Spending time with my family is one of my favorite pastimes, especially time with my grandbaby. I also find it very relaxing to take time at some point in my day to go outside and take a walk or read a few pages of a book on the porch (weather permitting).
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have a novella “Her Gingerbread Refuge” in the Snowbound at Christmas collection. The hero and heroine are snowed in at a bakery with half a dozen matchmaking children at Christmastime. It’s also set in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides world and was a delight to write. You can get a copy of my other novella, A Surprise Harvest Bride, when you sign up for my newsletter at wendyklopfenstein.com.
What are you working on now?
My next novel is the beginning of a new series and is set in 1890s Texas. The heroine is desperately trying to save her family’s ranch when she unknowingly hires a runaway prince. It’s scheduled to be released in the spring of 2027. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter for all the latest updates as we get closer to the release date.
Website: wendyklopfenstein.com
Link to book: https://a.co/d/a6M4T8N
Social media links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Wendy-Klopfenstein-Author-103469135769834
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wendyklopfensteinauthor/
Meet author Jill Dewhurst
Jill Dewhurst writes novels that seamlessly weave a page-turning story with the truth of God’s unconditional love. A Selah Award Bronze Medalist, Christian Author Award Winner, Will Rogers Medallion Award Gold Medal Winner, and bestselling author of historical Christian fiction, with her varied experience as an RN, a musician, and a homeschool mom, Jill creatively weaves a part of herself into each story. When not writing, she enjoys playing her flute and thanking God for the hubby who lassoed her heart for keeps. Publishing her Rugged Cross Ranch series has been a dream come true.
Tell us about your newest book.
Heidi’s Faith, Book 4 of the Rugged Cross Ranch series:
Will the brushstrokes that capture light on canvas help Heidi Müller find the light of God’s promises in her soul? Will she rise above the fear that threatens to overwhelm her? When her family moves to a secret location for her protection, will she learn to trust again? “Sometimes all you need to overcome something hard is a new perspective—and maybe a guide to help you find it.” And when that new perspective is grounded in God’s promises, the result is a stronger, more resilient faith in the God who loves us. The handsome stranger may have been speaking to Heidi’s brother Frederick, but the message penetrated deep within Heidi’s heart where she struggled with fear. Jacob Collins desires a family of his own, but when that seems impossible, he focuses on becoming the man God wants him to be and leaves the details to Him. Will God use Jacob’s desire to help his neighbor to place him where the impossible could become possible? When God uses Jacob to renew Heidi’s trust in God, will a traumatic accident give Heidi the opportunity to return the favor?
What inspired you to write your story?
All of us struggle with fear in one form or another. The timeless truths in Heidi’s Faith remind each reader that through meditating on the promises in God’s Word, remembering His unconditional love, and surrounding ourselves with the support of family and friends, victory over fear is possible. God does not want us to live in fear, and He promises that [His] perfect love will cast out fear (I John 4:18).
What genre do you focus on.
Historical Christian Romantic Fiction. While those living on the American frontier did not have an easy life, they tended to prioritize what was truly important—faith, family, and community. Faith is an intrinsic theme in each of my novels.
Why do you write?
“A well-written story reaches the imagination. A faith-filled story reaches the heart.” My heart’s desire is to write a story that would inspire readers by reminding them of a God who loves them unconditionally and longs to have a personal relationship with them.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Heidi Müller is the heroine of the story whose faith overcomes her struggle with a fearful event in her past. Because her family were recent German immigrants, she needed a German name. My original choice was Kirstyn, but my editor kept reading “Kristin” instead and insisted that I needed a more authentically German name. Heidi was the perfect substitute. Not only was it a popular German name in the mid 1800s, but all the Heidis I have known have been just as sweet as my protagonist.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Finding dedicated uninterrupted writing time is consistently the hardest part of being an author. A close second place is creating characters and storylines that are unique and memorable.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part of my author’s life has been meeting my readers and other authors. That’s quite a stretch for this friendly introvert, but God continues to push me out of my comfort zone.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Attending writers’ retreats and conferences and making new author friends have improved the craft of my writing immeasurably and provided a delightful source of fellowship and encouragement.
What is your favorite pastime?
When I’m not writing, I’m an avid reader. Aside from books, my favorite pastime is playing my flute and piano. In my spare time (Ha!), I’m learning to play the cello.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, the other novels in the Rugged Cross Ranch are Julie’s Joy, Emily’s Hope, and Laura’s Redemption.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the manuscript for Clara’s Courage (Rugged Cross Ranch Book 5).
Website: www.jilldewhurst.com
Link to book: https://www.jilldewhurst.com/heidi-s-faith or direct Amazon link: www.amzn.com/dp/B0DBTL28NN
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DewhurstPublishing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilldewhurst.author/