Meet author Davalynn Spencer
Davalynn Spencer is the award-winning author of two beloved Western Romance series, The Cañon City Chronicles and Front Range Brides, both set along the Front Range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. She is an internationally acclaimed novelist, a Will Rogers Gold Medallion winner, and Publisher’s Weekly and ECPA bestseller. An award-winning rodeo journalist and former crime-beat reporter, she teaches writing workshops and speaks at special events. She has two 90-day Christian devotionals for women, writes her own bi-weekly inspirational blog, teaches writing workshops, plays on her church worship team, and loves hearing from readers.
Tell us about your newest book.
Deception goes against everything Millie Hope Thorne believes—until she grants the last request of her dying niece. Taking her niece’s place as the mail-order teacher for a Colorado rancher’s grandchildren, Millie promises herself that she will reveal the truth. However, love knits her to the children as well as their widowed grandfather, Jed Winters, and delays her confession. When Jed learns that she is not the M.H. Thorne he hired, it may be too late to save her heart, his dignity, and the children’s one Christmas wish.
What inspired you to write your story?
A Thorn in Winter’s Grasp had been rolling around in my heart for a while, intriguing me with the idea of good intentions posed against deliberate deception. What could go wrong? And if love is the driving force, would forgiveness be enough?
What genre do you focus on.
Inspirational Western Romance – three categories I can’t get enough of all rolled into one.
Why do you write?
For me, writing is up there with eating, staying hydrated, walking every day, breathing, and singing. I have to do it.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Millie Hope Thorne is the name of this book’s heroine, and I wrestled with her name for quite some time. Authors are cautioned to never have one character’s name begin with the same letter as another’s. It avoids confusion. However, Millie and her niece Myra had to have the same initials and names if the story was going to work.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
My schedule has changed in the last three years, and I spend mornings reading the Bible, enjoying breakfast with my husband, and doing a few household chores. Afternoons are for writing. Somehow, the stress has decreased.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
A difficult part of writing a book is rewriting the book or section or scene for myriad reasons. James Mitchner is quoted as saying he wasn’t a very good writer, but he was an excellent rewriter.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I am incredibly blessed when a reader tells me they “lived” the story because the characters and setting were so real to them. That means I’ve done my job. And I’m deeply encouraged when they pick up on the spiritual messages in my books – the way God is simply part of the character’s day-to-day lives.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I love my chickens, and I have socks with chickens on them. And towels as well. And a spoon holder. And a windchime my husband gave me for my birthday.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I have improved. The Proverbs 31 woman in the Bible says she knows that her merchandise is good. It’s not boastful or arrogant to know that you’re doing a better job today than you did yesterday. I want to keep improving and learning to use fewer and better words to say something well.
What is your favorite pastime?
Walking in the early mornings and reading in the evenings.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have twenty-two books, and all are listed on my Amazon Author page and at my website: www.davalynnspencer.com.
What are you working on now? At the moment, I’m writing Letters to My Children. Not a book, merely letters to my son and daughter that I send via Messenger every so often. They are true accounts of my life before they were born or during their childhood, and I write them with a fictional flair. I’m also working on another novel that has been rolling around in my heart.
Website: https://www.davalynnspencer.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1JL1DJH
The Irish Rose: A Symbol of Hope and Strength
In every era of hardship, symbols have helped people hold on to what matters most—faith, love, and courage. For the Irish, few symbols are as tender and resilient as the rose. Born of beauty and thorns, the Irish Rose stands for a spirit that bends but never breaks—a living reminder that hope blooms even in the coldest seasons.
The Irish Rose is more than a flower. It is a story—a story of endurance, faith, and the quiet strength that blossoms in adversity. Ireland’s history is rich with both heartache and heroism. From famine to forced emigration, the Irish people have long carried the memory of loss alongside a deep, abiding faith. Families torn apart by poverty and passage found ways to remember home—through songs, prayers, and symbols.
The rose became one such emblem. In Irish folklore and poetry, the rose often represented both Ireland itself and the endurance of its people. It was a flower of contradiction—fragile yet fierce, delicate yet enduring. To be called an Irish Rose was a tribute to someone who embodied grace under pressure, who held beauty not in perfection, but in perseverance.
For countless Irish immigrants—especially young women leaving their homeland in the 1800s—the rose was more than a sentimental symbol—it was a quiet declaration of faith.
When orphan girls in places like Brooklyn’s Irish Rose Asylum were sent out to serve in the homes of the wealthy, they carried with them little more than their prayers, their courage, and sometimes a small token—like a tin locket engraved with a rose. It was a sign that they were not forgotten.
The rose reminded them of who they were and Whose they were. It said, in its own wordless language: “You are rooted in something greater. You can bloom anywhere.”
Like the orphans who bore its name, the Irish Rose flourishes where others might wither. It is a flower that grows wild along rocky hillsides, thriving in thin soil and harsh winds. In this way, it mirrors the immigrant spirit—the determination to survive, to work hard, and to keep faith alive no matter how far from home.
To wear or carry an Irish Rose was not only an emblem of identity but also a sign of divine care—a reminder that God’s love can bring beauty from even the hardest ground.
Every rose bears thorns. Life’s struggles—loss, separation, hardship—are part of the same stem that holds its bloom. The Irish understood this deeply. The beauty of the rose was not despite its thorns, but because of them.
For the orphan girls stepping into lives of service in the Gilded Age, or for anyone walking through trial today, the message is the same—Grace and pain often grow together. Strength is not the absence of suffering, but the courage to love and believe in spite of it.
In the end, the Irish Rose isn’t just a flower—it’s a way of living. It’s a call to stand tall in faith, to find purpose in the struggle, and to trust that God can make something beautiful out of brokenness. No matter where life leads—whether in an elegant household along the Thousand Islands or a humble cottage by the sea—the Irish Rose reminds us that hope always finds a way to bloom.
Irish Immigrant Orphans in Gilded Age New York
In the closing decades of the 19th century, New York City was a city of contrasts—towering mansions and teeming slums, dazzling wealth and desperate poverty. For thousands of Irish immigrants, the promise of America collided with the harsh reality of overcrowded tenements, low wages, and prejudice. And for many children of those families, tragedy came early, leaving them alone in a city that could be both cruel and full of compassion.
Out of this struggle grew the orphanages of New York, institutions that became lifelines for destitute and abandoned children—many of them Irish. The mid-to-late 1800s saw a massive wave of Irish immigration, driven by famine and poverty at home. By 1870, the Irish made up more than a quarter of New York’s population. But opportunity was hard-won. Many families crowded into unhealthy tenements in neighborhoods like Five Points and Hell’s Kitchen. Disease, malnutrition, and workplace accidents took parents early, leaving countless children orphans without guardians.
But anti-Irish sentiment was rampant. The Irish community responded by building its own network of faith-based orphan asylums, places where children could grow up within their faith and culture. Run largely by nuns, these homes combined charity with strict discipline. Daily life was regimented—morning prayers, lessons, chores, and sometimes industrial or domestic training. Girls were trained in sewing, cooking, and housekeeping—skills that would prepare them for domestic service in upper-class homes.
For many Irish girls, this was their only path to survival and respectability. They entered the Gilded Age world as maids, governesses, or kitchen staff—serving the very families whose wealth defined the era. Yet within that service, they carried the quiet pride and resilience of their heritage.
The community’s compassion reflected a deeper truth of the time—in a city bursting with inequality, faith communities often filled the gaps left by government and society.
Yet, while many orphans found love and security in the orphanage and later in service, others faced hardship and isolation. Still, this movement reshaped the future of child welfare and symbolized the Irish spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The story of New York’s Irish orphanages is one of heartbreak and hope. Within their brick walls, children learned discipline, faith, and the dignity of hard work. Many carried those lessons into adulthood, helping shape the city that once turned its back on them.
These institutions—born from compassion and necessity—stood as beacons of mercy in a city that could be indifferent to the poor. For thousands of Irish immigrants and their children, the orphanage was not the end of their story, but the beginning of a new one.
Christmas Stories to Warm Your Heart
The Christmas season is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness—a perfect backdrop for stories of love, faith, and hope. As snowflakes fall and twinkling lights brighten the long nights, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book that carries you away to another time and place.
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 Christmas, I invite you to journey through these novels and novellas that make wonderful gifts for yourself—or the booklovers in your life.
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!
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.