Dear Readers, please join me in welcoming Susan G. Mathis to the blog! She sent out a call for reviewers and I volunteered--to read and to host her here on the site.
Introduce yourself—name, where you’re from, and something people notice when they meet you?
I’m an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, my childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. People say they love my smile, and through the years, I’ve been nicknamed Smilie Eyes, Smiling Suzy, etc. What can I say? The
Joy of the Lord is my strength.
I’ve been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books.
I have twelve in my fiction line and a published author of two premarital books, two children’s
picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. I live in
Northern Virginia and enjoy traveling around the world but return each summer to enjoy the
Thousand Islands. Visit https://bit.ly/4fiQUJG www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
2. Tell us about your book—title and back cover blurb?
Libby’s Lighthouse the first in my Love at a Lighthouse three-book series:
When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she
uncovers may change her life forever.
Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the
lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now
Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong
and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented,
she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or
identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.
When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he
was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the
lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his
relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no
further until he uncovers his past.
With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?
3. Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging about writing this book.
It’s always hard to inflict pain on the characters you’ve grown to love, so having Libby in so
much pain from her mother’s deathbed confession and the confusion that followed was hard to handle.
4. OR share an excerpt.
Owen smiled. “Tell me, please. Is the sunrise or sunset your favorite?”
Libby closed the book and waved her hand back and forth. “I can never decide, I’m sorry
to say. From the lighthouse tower, the sunrise is simply enchanting. Its gentle arrival fills my
heart with promise and warms my whole day with its memory, especially in the long winter.
But on fair-weather evenings, the sunsets over the St. Lawrence are simply spectacular. The drama as it casts its long, shadowy fingers, and such splendor as the blazing, fiery reds and oranges and yellows shimmer on the water. I wonder, sometimes, if He paints it just for me, for it is surely heaven sent! So, to answer you, I love them both.”
He guffawed. “Lass, I declare you are a poet in your own right. Aye. I’ve pondered the
choice and cannot draw a firm conclusion either. I believe we are two like-minded adventurers
in the same wee dinghy.”
Libby sucked in a breath. What a lovely thought! She’d been itching to show him the
light, waiting for the day she could guide him to the tower she loved.
“Shall we take a walk about the property and maybe see the light? It is a marvel. Truly.
Few men, and fewer women, are willing to endure the constant hard work of light keeping.
Fewer still relish the loneliness and isolation, especially for the ridiculously low wages
and long hours. But there’s a certain charm to it, a sense of peace and fulfillment knowing one is protecting others on the journey of life. I’m eager to show you its secrets.”
Owen grinned. “I’ve longed for this day. Being cooped up in this small room has
challenged my patience. Not that I’m ungrateful for your care and hospitality—from all of you. I
am. But I love being outdoors and into the fresh air. Your descriptions of the light have whetted my appetite to see it. Can we go there first, please?”
Libby clapped her hands, thrilled by his request. “With pleasure, sir. This way.”
She led him out the back door and down the steps. A few hundred feet away, the
lighthouse stood as a watchtower over the mighty St. Lawrence, whitewashed and waiting for
them to enter.
She opened the door and waved him through. “Guests first.”
Her heart raced as they entered the imposing sentinel. Would he love it as much as she?
Why was it so important that he did?
5. Ask the blog reader a quirky question or two?
• Have you ever visited a lighthouse? Which one and where?
• What is your favorite—tea or coffee?
6. Share your social media and buy links!
Where can people find you online?
Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books
Books2read: https://books2read.com/u/bzqe2j
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-G.-Mathis/e/B001JP31DI/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554781378030
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut/
Thank you, Libby, for being a guest--always good to meet new authors (to me)!
I have drove by many lighthouses, but I do not recall being inside one. There are several along Lake Erie. I drink iced tea. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you. Stay safe and cool.
Yes! I’ve visited lighthouses in Fairport OH; Put-in-Bay OH; Sullivans Island SC; St. Simons Island GA; and St. Augustine FL.
I love TEA!
I have been a fan of lighthouses but have never seen one in person.
I prefer tea over coffee.
I just love lighthouses, but I never got to see one up close and personal
I have a special kinship with the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse, even though it’s not the typical spiral-staired beauty. 😉 But since I set a story there, it will forever belong to Will and Raven.