KATELYN'S CHOICE

KATELYN'S CHOICE
Friday, May 31, 2019 by SUSAN G. MATHIAS

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SUSAN G. MATHIS

FLASH FICTION FRIDAY

EXCERPT FROM: KATELYN’S CHOICE

Here’s an excerpt from Katelyn’s Choice, the first in the Thousand Island Gilded Age series. I hope it’ll whet your imagination and desire to read the entire story.

General Sheridan cleared his throat. “Tell me more about this area. Perhaps I’ll purchase a place for my retirement days.”

Mr. Pullman sat up straight. “You’d be most welcome to, General. We determined that for a spot of land to be classified as an actual island, it must have at least one tree and stay above water year-round. The islands range from barely six feet in diameter to the size of a small city, and they number well over a thousand, perhaps closer to two thousand.”

Mr. Pullman paused for a sip of coffee and a nod of acknowledgment from Sheridan before continuing. “The farthest islands sit at the mouth of the mighty St. Lawrence, and they continue nearly fifty miles down the river. Some belong to Canada, but the United States—New York State, specifically—owns more than half of them. But when you’re traversing the waterway, it’s quite hard to know when you’ve entered the country of Canada.”

“Such are the challenges of our international boundaries,” President Grant said. “I haven’t heard of any disputes about these waters, have you, Porter?”

The president’s aide, Brigadier General Horace Porter, rubbed his ridiculously long—and Katelyn thought rather ugly—goatee and mustache with his hand. “No, the Canadians are right amiable neighbors and haven’t brought a whit of consternation to your administration, sir.”

President Grant gestured to General Porter. “This man is a walking encyclopedia and a mighty good chap. Do you know that he refused a $500,000 bribe during the Black Friday gold market scam and then alerted me to it? Couldn’t have a more honest and brilliant aide, I tell you.”

General Sheridan clapped his hands. “Bravo, General!”

Mr. Pullman snapped open his pocket watch to check the time before shoving it back into a tiny pocket in his vest. “We have a marvelous fishing expedition planned for this afternoon, for all who would like to partake. At noon, Mr. McCue, an expert fishing guide and excellent oarsman, will be here to escort us to the abundant fishing areas around these parts. Who would like to join us?”

The president, General Porter, and General Sheridan raised their hands like schoolchildren, and Katelyn grinned at the sight.

ABOUT KATELYN’S CHOICE

The Gilded Age comes to life in this first installment of the Thousand Islands Series!

Katelyn Kavanagh’s mother dreamed her daughter would one day escape the oppressive environment of their Upstate New York farm for service in the enchanting Thousand Islands, home to Gilded Age millionaires. But when her wish comes true, Katelyn finds herself in the service of none other than the famous George Pullman, and the transition proves anything but easy.

Thomas O’Neill, brother of her best friend, is all grown up and also working on Pullman Island. Despite Thomas’ efforts to help the irresistible Katelyn adjust to the intricacies of her new world, she just can’t seem to tame her gossiping tongue—even when the information she’s privy to could endanger her job, the 1872 re-election of Pullman guest President Ulysses S. Grant, and the love of the man of her dreams.

to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Katelyns-Choice-Susan-G-Mathis/dp/1946016721/

ABOUT SUSAN G. MATHIS

Susan G Mathis is a multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in Upstate New York. Her first novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, her Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, and her novellas will transport you to a time and place few have visited. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her husband, Dale, and relishes time with her four adorable granddaughters. Find out more at http://www.SusanGMathis.com.

Readers may find Susan on the following links:

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

Blog: https://www.susangmathis.com/susans-blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

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