Sandra Merville Hart

The True Story Behind Thousand Islands’ Boldt Castle

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by Susan G. Mathis

Susan G. Mathis, fellow author and friend, gives some historical background for her new release, Madison’s Mission. It’s a great read! Welcome back to Historical Nibbles, Susan!

Amid the sparkling waters of the St. Lawrence River, nestled within the enchanting Thousand Islands, stands one of North America’s most romantic landmarks—Boldt Castle. For many, it is a fairytale fortress. But behind its towering spires and elegant stonework lies a story both beautiful and bittersweet—a testament to love, loss, and the legacy of dreams left unfinished.

At the turn of the 20th century, George C. Boldt—hotel magnate and proprietor of New York’s famed Waldorf-Astoria—set out to build something extraordinary: a summer home that would express his deep affection for his beloved wife, Louise.

Boldt had already fallen in love with the Thousand Islands, a lush archipelago straddling the U.S.-Canada border. In 1900, he purchased Heart Island as the canvas for his romantic vision—and even reshaped the island itself into the form of a heart. This was no ordinary construction project. It was a love letter in stone.

George Boldt commissioned hundreds of workers to build a Rhineland-style castle featuring 120 rooms, grand staircases, balconies, and ornate towers. The castle was only one part of an ambitious estate. The plans included a powerhouse to supply electricity, Italian-style gardens, a dove cote, a children’s playhouse known as Alster Tower, and a stately yacht house on nearby Wellesley Island. Every detail reflected George Boldt’s desire to create a haven of luxury and love—a private paradise for Louise and their family.

But in 1904, just four years into construction, tragedy struck. Louise Boldt died suddenly at the age of 41. Heartbroken, George Boldt called an immediate halt to all work on the island. The laborers put down their tools and walked away. Boldt never returned.

For the next 73 years, Boldt Castle stood silent—weathered by time, vandalized by visitors, and abandoned to the elements. What had begun as a dream became a haunting monument to grief. And yet, even in ruin, the castle captivated the imagination. Passing boaters gazed at its crumbling silhouette and wondered about the love story it represented.

Then, in 1977, hope was reborn. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property for the symbolic price of one dollar, pledging to preserve and restore the estate for public enjoyment. What followed was one of the most significant preservation efforts in the region’s history. Craftsmen and restoration experts worked tirelessly to revive the castle—not only repairing its damage but finishing what George Boldt had begun.

Today, visitors arrive by boat to explore this magnificent site. They wander through ornately decorated rooms, stroll along the restored gardens, and marvel at the castle’s transformation. The once-abandoned estate now tells a story not just of sorrow, but of enduring love and visionary beauty.

To my knowledge, no accident ever occurred during the construction of Boldt Castle. Its abandonment came not from disaster, but from a broken heart. In many ways, the story of Boldt Castle mirrors the emotional journey of Madison, the heroine in my novel Madison’s Mission. Like George Boldt, she carries the weight of loss—afraid to love again, afraid of what the future might bring. But just as Boldt’s dream was eventually redeemed, so too is Madison’s journey one of restoration, hope, and the healing power of love.

Boldt Castle now stands not as a symbol of what was lost, but of what can be reclaimed. It reminds us that even in our most fragile moments, beauty can rise from brokenness—and that love, though it may grieve, can leave a lasting legacy.

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?

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fifteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, Emma’s Engagement and Madison’s Mission. Her book awards include four Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, a Living Now Book Award, and a Selah Award. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles |

Madison’s Mission book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viMY4EJLRZc

A Sale! Love Stitched in Blue and Gray Discounted for a Limited Time!

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by Sandra Merville Hart

Exciting news!

Last month, my publisher, Wild Heart Books, released a five novel-length Kindle collection called Love Stitched in Blue and Gray. Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, is part of the collection along with talented authors Tamera Alexander, Misty M. Beller, Susan Pope Sloan, and Sherry Shindelar.

The book is on sale for 99 cents! This deep discount will only last a limited time!

Here’s a bit more about each novel in the collection:

5 Full-Length Civil War Romance Novels Where Love Bridges Every Divide!

From Texas ranches to Washington’s political circles, and from Georgia cotton mills to Comanche territory, experience the transformative power of love during America’s most turbulent era in these five captivating Christian historical romances.

The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller

When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole arrives in Franklin, Tennessee in 1866, searching for her twin brother Ryan, a conscripted Confederate soldier. With only her spitfire little sister and Ryan’s last cash gift in tow, she catches the attention of Wade Cunningham—a former Federal soldier now secretly investigating counterfeit rings for the U.S. Secret Service. When the money in Catriona’s possession proves counterfeit, Wade must choose between his duty and his growing feelings for the woman he’s supposed to prosecute.

Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan

When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky.

But when two fugitives arrive and complicate matters between Rose and Noah, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.

Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart

As the Civil War looms over Washington City, Annie Swanson discovers her beloved brother has joined the Confederate cause, betraying their mother’s abolitionist beliefs. When Sergeant-Major John Finn—who fell for Annie at her brother’s wedding—is tasked with spying on her banker father’s loyalty to the Union, their budding romance becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties that could destroy them both.

Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar

Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.

Five compelling stories of faith, courage, and love that prove God’s power to heal even the deepest wounds of war.

This Kindle book is on sale for just 99 cents! Pick up your copy today because the sale won’t last long.

Amazon  

Waiting for Sunset by Starr Ayers

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Summer is Tomorrow, Book 1

Time Slip Novel

Current Day—Interior Designer Olivia Houston takes a working vacation on Sunset Beach to escape her grief over loving her husband the previous year. She walks to a Kindred Spirits mailbox on Sunset Beach where strangers are invited to write in the journals. Not only does she meet Charter Boat Captain Chase Evans on the walk, she also finds something that leads her and Chase on a search to the past.

1945—Sergeant Walter Larsen is on a ship home after the war ends, eager to see his wife and meet his daughter. He’s just as eager to keep his secret, for it can only hurt his wife. When a storm at sea threatens, he tosses a bottle with some items inside, hoping they will reach his family even if he perishes in the storm.

Loveable, believable characters endure many surprises, challenges, jealousy, and heartache in a myriad of twists and turns that kept me riveted to this well-written story.

The contemporary side of this story, where readers will wonder if Olivia’s relationship with Chase has a future, kept me turning pages. The heartache in the historical story and how the two stories collide make this a page-turner.

I can’t wait to read the second book in the series. Highly recommended.  

Amazon

Sundae Bars–A Fun Addition to Summer Celebrations

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I bought ingredients for a sundae bar for a recent family birthday at my daughter’s suggestion. What a great idea this turned out to be!

Two choices of ice cream started the fun. (Most people chose both chocolate and cookies and cream. 😊) Ingredients were placed in ramekins and arranged on the table. My daughter enlisted her first-grader’s help as excitement built for the ice cream bar that took only minutes to prepare. What a joy it was to watch the magic happen.

Below is the list of ingredients I used for our sundae bar. Choose your favorite ice creams and change the toppings for your family’s preferences.  

Ingredients

Whipped cream

Chopped walnuts

½ gallon Chocolate ice cream

½ gallon Cookies and Cream ice cream

Variety of sprinkles

Caramel syrup

Hot fudge syrup

Vanilla blueberry granola

Chocolate chips

Mini M&Ms

Mini marshmallows

Mini Peanut Butter Cups

Bananas

Strawberries

These were arranged in the center of the table and everyone made their own sundae. Honestly, that’s half the fun!

Everyone’s creative side came into play. The more ingredients, of course, the bigger the dessert, and let’s just say that few were able to finish. I didn’t mind at all.

Delicious! As if it could be anything else with all those ingredients. My sundae was heavy on the walnuts, granola, bananas, and strawberries. So refreshing! Yet it wasn’t nearly as much fun as watching everyone choose their own toppings.

What a great summertime celebration for both children and adults! I will do this again.

Enjoy!

Announcing the Release of Love Stitched in Blue and Gray

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by Sandra Merville Hart

Exciting news!

This month, my publisher, Wild Heart Books, surprised me with the news that my book, Avenue of Betrayal, is part of a newly-released a five novel-length Kindle collection called Love Stitched in Blue and Gray!Books by talented authors Tamera Alexander, Misty M. Beller, Susan Pope Sloan, Sherry Shindelar are also in the collection.

The eBook was released on May 27th.

Here’s a bit more about each novel in the collection:

5 Full-Length Civil War Romance Novels Where Love Bridges Every Divide!

From Texas ranches to Washington’s political circles, and from Georgia cotton mills to Comanche territory, experience the transformative power of love during America’s most turbulent era in these five captivating Christian historical romances.

The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller

When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole arrives in Franklin, Tennessee in 1866, searching for her twin brother Ryan, a conscripted Confederate soldier. With only her spitfire little sister and Ryan’s last cash gift in tow, she catches the attention of Wade Cunningham—a former Federal soldier now secretly investigating counterfeit rings for the U.S. Secret Service. When the money in Catriona’s possession proves counterfeit, Wade must choose between his duty and his growing feelings for the woman he’s supposed to prosecute.

Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan

When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky.

But when two fugitives arrive and complicate matters between Rose and Noah, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.

Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart

As the Civil War looms over Washington City, Annie Swanson discovers her beloved brother has joined the Confederate cause, betraying their mother’s abolitionist beliefs. When Sergeant-Major John Finn—who fell for Annie at her brother’s wedding—is tasked with spying on her banker father’s loyalty to the Union, their budding romance becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties that could destroy them both.

Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar

Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.

Five compelling stories of faith, courage, and love that prove God’s power to heal even the deepest wounds of war.

I’m thrilled that Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, is part of this eBook collection with four other talented authors.

I hope you enjoy all the stories!

Amazon  

The Symbolism of the Color of Flowers

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I learned as a child that the color of flowers was significant when it came to giving a bouquet. My mother knew what some colors meant—my grandmother knew more. It mattered more to her.

When it comes to gifts, the color of the bouquet was more important a century or two ago in the United States. The significance of the type of flower and its color dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt.

Colors can help create a mood and stimulate or calm our spirits. My parents painted their bedroom red to darken the room when I was a little girl. He worked nights and hoped that the dark room would enable him to sleep during the day. I believe it did help him to sleep. Unfortunately, that room was dark and depressing for the whole family. No one liked it. My mom repainted it to a pale peach, and it brightened not only that room but the entire home.

On the other hand, red is a beautiful choice for flowers. In the nineteenth century, a woman receiving a red bouquet recognized the silent declaration of love. It also could mean passion, strength, respect, and courage. The same young lady might have been disappointed at a gift of yellow flowers because they signified friendship, joy, and health.

A gift of purple flowers signified admiration, success, and tradition while green flowers suggest new life, rebirth, youthfulness, good fortune, and good health.

Blue flowers, representing relaxation, intimacy, and openness, always capture my attention because other colors are more common. A patch of blue morning glories was visible from my grandmother’s window, making them my favorite as a little girl.

A gift of pink flowers would have pleased most recipients because they symbolized happiness, grace, gentleness, and innocence for centuries.

Orange flowers add a splash of color to any room. They stand for warmth, enthusiasm, and joy.

White flowers signify honesty and purity.

In the Victorian era, young ladies would have known the meaning of the different floral colors. As an author of inspirational historical romances, I love discovering tidbits like these for my novels!

Sources:

Boeckmann, Catherine. “What Does Each Flower Symbolize?” Almanac, 2025/04/21 https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.

Ellis, Mary Ellen. “Flower Color Symbolism: What do Flower Colors Mean?” Gardening Know How, 2025/04/22 https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/flower-color-symbolism.htm.

“Rose Color Meanings,” Fifty Colors, 2025/04/22 https://fiftyflowers.com/blogs/flowers/rose-color-meanings.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.

Death Under the Ice by Deborah Sprinkle

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Trouble in Pleasant Valley, Book 4

Homeland Security Analyst Claire Green comes to her brother Alan’s Pleasant Valley home, but he’s missing. She asks for help from Alan’s neighbors, Police Captain Nate Zuberi and his wife, Madison. They invite her to supper along with Private Investigator Rafe O’Connell, her former boyfriend.

He’s the only man Claire has ever loved, but she must focus on finding her brother. Clues that Alan had been involved in illegal activities frighten her. Can they find him in time to save his life?

This well-written and fast-paced story grabbed my attention and held on. Suspenseful. Action-packed. Real, believable characters. I tried to solve the mystery along with the detectives. I didn’t guess correctly.

A page turner! Highly recommended for those who love action-packed cozy mysteries.

I’ll look for more books by this author!

Amazon

Grave Decisions by Debra DuPree Williams

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Charlotte Graves Mystery, Book 2

Charlotte Graves now lives in the beautiful Rose Haven mansion with her grandmother. Her grandmother’s offer to give her the whole estate shocks her. Things are going so well with her renewed relationship with Roan Steele and her job as a genealogist. Before she can even consider it, people from her past challenge the home’s ownership.

Now she’s fighting for her family home. Intruders and murder quickly escalate the danger. And then someone close to Charlotte is accused of murder, further entangling her into the mayhem.

This talented author’s latest cozy mystery is another page-turner! Her strong Southern voice shines in Grave Decisions, the second book in the series. This well-written novel draws readers into the mystery from the beginning, one that includes William Shakespeare.  

Lovable, realistic characters invited me into a small Alabama town in the 1960s. Williams weaves such an authentic feel that the characters seem to step off the page.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy cozy mysteries!   

Amazon

Pimento Cheese Recipe

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by Sandra Merville Hart

A friend got me hooked on pimento cheese spread while attending a writing retreat. I bought a couple of different brands upon returning home, but neither was as delicious as the brands available in the Carolinas.

My mother had bought sliced pimento cheese for sandwiches when I was a child, but I haven’t seen that in delis for years.

I read several recipes for the spread and then tweaked them.

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 4-ounce jar diced pimento, drained

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon onion powder

½ cup mayonnaise

2 cups sharp shredded Cheddar cheese

Using a strainer, drain the pimentos into a bowl. This can take about 10 minutes.

Smooth the cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.

Allow the flavors to set together for a couple of minutes and then mix in the mayonnaise. Stir in the pimentos.

Add the shredded cheese. Mix together.

Keep refrigerated.

This pimento cheese tastes good on a variety of crackers or as a sandwich. It is good for about two months—at least, that’s as long as it has been in my fridge before being devoured. 😊

I make this often. When my sister visits, she usually asks if I have any pimento cheese in the fridge. She loves it too!

The Meaning of the Color of Roses

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by Sandra Merville Hart

When I was a little girl, my mother told me that receiving a bouquet of roses had different meanings, depending on the color. Back then, I preferred yellow roses. Had someone given me a yellow rose at ten, it would have symbolized friendship.

That discussion sparked my interest all those years ago. Here is a list compiled from a couple of sources:

Rose, amethyst—I will love you forever

Rose, blue—Mystery, uniqueness

Rose, coral—Admiration, desire, longevity

Rose, cream—Perfection

Rose, golden—Jealousy

Rose, green—Growth, abundance

Rose, ivory—Grace, charm

Rose, lavender—Love at first sight, rarity, wonder, enchantment

Rose, orange—Energy, desire, enthusiasm, fascination

Rose, peach—Sincerity, modesty, gratitude

Rose, pink—Grace, beauty, youth, innocent love, elegance, sweetness

Rose, red—Love, passion

Rose, rose—Pride, shyness

Rose, white—Innocence, young love, birth, beauty and respect, silence, keep my secret

Rose, yellow—Joy, friendship, I love another, jealousy

Rose, white/pink—Unity, commitment

Additionally, giving a single rose symbolizes simplicity and perpetual love. A rose bud symbolizes hope and innocence.

In the Victorian era, young ladies would have known the meaning of the different rose colors. I’m an author of inspirational historical romances. I love discovering tidbits like these for my novels!

Sources:

Boeckmann, Catherine. “What Does Each Flower Symbolize?” Almanac, 2025/04/21 https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.

“Rose Color Meanings,” Fifty Colors, 2025/04/22 https://fiftyflowers.com/blogs/flowers/rose-color-meanings.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.