The Swirling Tempest of Challenge

By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer

Today I welcome fellow award-winning author, Susan G. Mathis, a regular guest on this blog. Her excerpt from Emma’s Engagement, Book 3 of her lighthouse series, shares some important aspects of forgiveness—often a difficult concept to deal with. But first, let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at the story. This is one I highly recommend for a cozy winter read.

About Emma’s Engagement:

Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as Emma steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart?

For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada becomes deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island?

Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder.

Excerpt from Emma’s Engagement, Book 3 of the “Love at a Lighthouse” series.

In the days that followed, Emma and Michael engaged Ada in conversations about God. Michael encouraged her to take the lead, for now. He listened attentively, casting supportive and loving glances.

They gathered in the parlor or on the porch—and occasionally strolled around the tiny island—and then they delved into the depths of faith. With passages of Scripture in hand, Emma read passages and offered words of encouragement and reassurance. The ensuing discussions often reached profound depths.

One morning, Emma opened her Bible to the Psalms. “Today, I’d like to share a passage that’s always brought me comfort. It says, ‘The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth.’”

As she spoke these words, a sense of peace settled upon the room, embracing them all. Ada sighed. “That’s what the angel said, and this is how I felt when he came to me. I can feel the strength in my body.”

Michael cleared his throat, tears welling up in his eyes. “Faith in God can give us the courage and strength to face any challenge that comes our way. You can take that faith with you to school and into all of your life.”

As their conversations continued, they grew deeper and more poignant. When they explored the mysteries of God’s love and forgiveness, Ada burst into tears. “I’m sorry, Emma. I was so mean to you when you first came here. The ants. The cruel words. The disobedience. And Midnight. Please forgive me.”

Emma took her in her arms and hugged her. “Oh, my sweet girl, I’ve already forgiven you. For all of it. Now let’s put that in the past, okay?”

Ada took the lace handkerchief Emma offered her and blew her nose. “Okay.”

About Susan:

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 thirteen in her Thousand Islands 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, and Julia’s Joy, and Emma’s Engagement. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction.

Find Susan and her wonderful stories online at the following:

Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books