Photographer Amelia Harris is at the seaside resort on an assignment from her employer. The Photographic Times expected over 2,000 photos of the resort and its elite guests. It would occupy her entire summer.
Titus Overton, the general manager of the Grand Hotel and a bachelor handsome enough to make Amelia’s heartbeat quicken, longs to leave this job behind. His dream job of documenting migratory birds awaited in his future. In his immediate future, he have to avoid matchmaking mamas who pushed their daughters on him. Amelia was different. She catches his attention from the first day.
Her independent spirit, his past grief, and a common enemy bent on revenge threaten to keep them apart. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me turning pages.
I enjoyed this story. I look forward to reading more books in the collection!
The final book in the Spies of the Civil War Series, Tides of Healing, shows that everyone had difficulty adjusting to Union occupation in Vicksburg after surrender.
In an early scene, Southern belle Savannah Adair wants to make coffee for the wounded men convalescing in her parlor. The feisty young woman, who has never even boiled an egg, makes a watered-down flavorless beverage unrecognizable as coffee. That prompts one of the wounded soldiers to demonstrate how to roast and brew the coffee.
It’s a lighthearted scene in the midst of one challenge after another.
But how many modern coffee drinkers would do any better when faced with handfuls of raw coffee beans?
The authors of an 1877 cookbook urged readers to buy raw coffee grains or small amounts of freshly roasted beans. They preferred Mocha and Java or a mix of the two flavors.
Place washed raw coffee beans in a skillet. Begin by roasting them in a moderate oven (probably about 350 degrees) and then increase temperature so they roast quickly, stirring often. The beans are ready when tender, brittle, and a rich dark brown color. Test for doneness by pressing one bean with your thumb—it will crumble if done.
Coffee beans can also be roasted on a stove burner but make sure to stir constantly.
Add a lump of butter to the hot, roasted beans or let them cool and stir in a beaten egg white. This clarifies the coffee beans.
Simmer a few minutes and then strain the beans.
Grind roasted coffee beans. Many people owned coffee grinders similar to the one in the photo. Turning the crank grinds the roasted beans. The grounds are collected in the drawer beneath the grinder. Some grinders attached to the wall.
Allow one heaping tablespoon of ground coffee per person and add “one for the pot.” Mix the grounds with an egg (part or all of the egg) with enough cold water to moisten it thoroughly.
Boil a pint of water per person less one pint. For example, if ten people are drinking coffee, use nine pints. (If you find this confusing, read the original recipe!)
Place the prepared coffee grounds into “a well-scalded coffee-boiler.” Then add half the boiling water to the coffee pot.
Stop up the spout with a rolled-up cloth to lock in the flavor. Boil for five minutes “rather fast,” stirring as the mixture boils up. Then simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.
Add the remaining boiled water to the coffee when time to serve.
Store the unused roasted coffee beans in a tightly-closed tin.
Read Tides of Healing to discover how they fare with coffee making and so many other challenges following the city’s surrender.
Eleanor Clairbridge has no choice but to take a job as governess to support her widowed mother and herself. She puts any hope of a husband and family and travels to accept a position at the Duke of Albemarle’s estate.
Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle, has shielded his heart from loving anyone new since the death of his family. His sweet niece Rosie is all that’s left of his family. He certainly doesn’t expect to fall in love with Rosie’s governess.
The characters in this story tugged at my heart. The growing love between the hero and the heroine has many obstacles. I especially loved the little girl, who had lost her parents while still an infant. Eleanor’s mother’s strength of character was inspiring.
I enjoyed this story by this author and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher and was not required to leave a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
Savannah’s and Travis’s story is the sixth and final book in the Spies of the Civil War Series. While writing it, I felt as if I’d written the entire series to tell this story—and reading each book in order will give readers the greatest impact.
Readers often wonder what inspired a book or series. The inspiration for Books 4-6, set in Vicksburg, has been a long time in the making. Huge, important battles in Gettysburg and Vicksburg ended in a Northern victory on the same day. I had studied the Battle of Gettysburg before writing A Rebel in My House.
A few years later, the Battle of Vicksburg captured my imagination.
The Confederate army lost both its army and the city at the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg. They surrendered on July 4, 1863. I learned that Vicksburg citizens didn’t celebrate Independence Day for about one hundred years.
What made that experience so terrible that the city couldn’t celebrate the independence of the United States for a century?
I had to discover what those citizens endured. It took three books to write their story. From 1861-1863, through mainly fictional—and a few historical—characters, Books 4 – 6 transport readers to a small Southern city on a bluff beside the Mississippi River, one that the Union was as determined to conquer as the Confederacy was to protect.
I visited Vicksburg twice to discover its Civil War history. The battlefield there is beautifully maintained and well worth a visit!
Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home.
First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy.
I’m thrilled that fellow author and friend, Susan G. Mathis, is with us today. Susan is sharing historical background for her latest release, Emma’s Engagement. Welcome back to Historical Nibbles, Susan!
by Susan G Mathis
Nestled in the picturesque Thousand Islands, Rock Island Lighthouse stands as a historic lighthouse. Located near Fisher’s Landing, New York, the lighthouse has guided vessels through the St. Lawrence River since its construction in 1847. Though modern technology has replaced its traditional purpose, the lighthouse remains a symbol of resilience and dedication.
One of the most memorable stewards of this historic beacon is Michael Diepolder, who served as a lightkeeper during its operational years, the hero of my story and husband of Emma. Diepolder’s commitment to the lighthouse exemplifies the unwavering dedication required of keepers, often living in isolation and braving harsh winters, stormy waters, and the solitude of island life along with his wife. His vigilance ensured that mariners could safely navigate the treacherous currents and rocky shoals surrounding the islands.
Today, Rock Island Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Visitors can climb its spiral staircase for breathtaking views, explore the renovated keeper’s quarters, and learn about the lives of those, like Diepolder, who maintained the light. The museum showcases artifacts and stories that bring history to life, allowing guests to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of lighthouse keepers.
For those who cherish history, faith, and the beauty of nature, Rock Island Lighthouse is more than a landmark—it’s a window into the past. The legacy of keepers like Michael Diepolder serves as an inspiring reminder of dedication, perseverance, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a scenic adventure, the story of Emma’s Engagement and a visit to Rock Island Lighthouse offers an unforgettable glimpse into the maritime heritage of the Thousand Islands.
About Emma’s Engagement (100 WORDS)
Emma Row marries the Rock Island Lightkeeper, but navigating the treacherous waters of isolation and the bitter rejection of her new stepdaughter, Ada, isn’t easy. Michael Diepolder, the widowed lightkeeper, realizes that the path to happiness is far more turbulent than he ever anticipated. As a storm brews on the horizon, Emma and Michael must confront the tempestuous waves of doubt, jealousy, and isolation that threaten to extinguish the light of their love. Can they weather the storm and find the strength to keep their family together, or will the darkness consume them all?
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line including Emma’s Engagement. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com.
With her husky brothers scaring off any man coming near, Meg McCracken despairs of finding a husband. But now she has a new fear. Trouble is brewing in the Colonies. Her father and brothers plan to fight on the side of the Patriots but plenty of folks in Philadelphia are loyal to the Great Britain—Loyalists.
Alexander Ogilvie isn’t looking to remain a blacksmith like his pa and brothers. His plans to forge a trail Westward are misunderstood as cowardice by his family…and by Meg.
The characters in this story tugged at my heart. Their love story kept me turning pages to glimpse those turbulent days leading up to the American Revolution. I felt the fear and tension as if I were there.
I’ve read several books by this author and will look for more. Recommend!
When Dianna Pilson is rescued from the insane asylum from which her husband Theodore had committed her after the death of her baby, she changes her name to Susan Sullivan. She travels to Kansas with her mother’s butler, a man who risks his life and takes on the role of her father to save her from Theodore, who had annulled their marriage after committing her so that he could control her fortune.
Monty Summerfield’s ranch and mine in the small Kansas town are only part of his wealth. Susan captures his attention immediately when she acts the part of a poor man’s daughter but behaves as one born to wealth. She intrigues him but Susan is not about to trust another man.
Never would she trust another man … no matter how kindly he treated her. Experience had taught her it didn’t last.
The action of this novel takes place over about two years. It tells a horrifying story of abuse. The heroine’s difficulty rings true and will resonate with many readers.
Likeable characters tug at the heart in this emotional story filled with plenty of twists and turns. Huff has written a spell-binding tale where the hero and heroine encounter many difficulties that threaten their relationship.
This compelling novel was a page turner from beginning to end for me!
The story begins with Emma Row receiving a marriage proposal from Michael Diepolder, a lighthouse keeper.
At 37, Emma loves her job as a librarian yet has dreamed of marriage to her beau. She is thrilled to accept.
Michael, a widower, cautions Emma that his daughter Ada will soon arrive. She lives with her grandmother so that she can attend school. Ada spends her summers with her father on the small island. He fears she will not accept her new stepmother. He persuades Emma to marry him the day after she arrives so they can learn to be a family together.
His fears are grounded. The eleven-year-old isn’t happy to share her father’s attention.
With Michael spending every night tending the light and sleeping during the morning, Emma handles the brunt of Ada’s disobedience. Emma begins to wonder if she made a mistake in marrying Michael.
I was quickly drawn into the story by believable characters I cared about.
I had read Julia’s Joy, Book 2 in the series. It delighted me to see the family connections from scenes in that book included in this story. It deepened insights into characters from both stories.
This gentle, well-written story about the trials of learning to become a family is highly recommended for those who love to immerse themselves in another time with a great book!
I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required.
I’m thrilled to announce that Tides of Healing, Book 6 of my Spies of the Civil War Series, will release on February 11, 2025!
Books 4 – 6 of the series are set in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi—a city the Union is as determined to capture as the Confederacy is to retain. Much happens here during the Civil War, not the least of which is spying.
I can hardly believe that the final book in the series will soon be releasing.
You might wonder if authors fall in love with their characters as much as readers. Speaking for myself, I do! It’s fun to spend time with the characters I’ve grown to love on the written page.
Savannah Adair is the last of our three heroines to get to tell her Vicksburg story and she’s been chomping at the bit to show readers what happened.
Savannah has long been friends of Julia and Felicity, whom we first met in Streams of Courage, Book 4, when all three strong women resided in Vicksburg at the beginning of the Civil War.
Here’s a bit about the book:
A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love?
Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home.
First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy.
Savannah Ensworth has been given every material thing her heart desired her whole life. The wealth she’ll inherit isn’t the only reason so many men want to marry her. She’s unwilling to give control of her life and her fortune to a husband. The freedom to choose her future is what she most desires but she’ll try to enjoy the Christmas holidays with her parents at their annual stay at Jekyll Island.
Her boredom dissipates when she hears Joseph Bennett’s sermon. He’s at the resort for the Christmas season. She’s attracted to him even as the honesty in his sermons unsettles her.
Yet society has placed too many barriers between them for their friendship to blossom into marriage.
I love reading books set at Christmas as the season approaches. Believable characters and a mystery that surrounds the heroine’s past made this a page turner for me. Twists and turns kept me guessing. The characters had hurdles that seemed insurmountable.
I’m enjoying the settings in this series. Be prepared to be transported back in time to the Gilded Age resorts.
Sandra Merville Hart 