OF LOWELL), favorite authors Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller join forces again in their most
unique and fun series yet. Set in the opulent and extravagant Thousand Islands resort area between New York and Ontario, THE BROADMOOR LEGACY features three young women searching for love and a legacy in the 1890s. Co-author Judith Miller shares about the series, which is being repackaged in a three-in-one omnibus.
1.What caused you to pick this specific area/time period?
While researching for my POSTCARDS FROM PULLMAN series, one of the facts I
(Judith) discovered was that George Pullman purchased one of the Thousand
Islands and built a castle-like home for his mother on his island in the St. Lawrence
River. After a bit more research, I discovered that during the latter half of the
nineteenth century and early twentieth century, many wealthy Americans purchased
islands and built palatial country homes on these islands. I mentioned this to Tracie
and we began discussing what fun it would be to set a series in the islands. After the
two of us made a research trip to the area, we decided the setting would be perfect
for a new series.We set the series during the late 1800s as the area had become one
of the playgrounds for the wealthy who fled the cities during the heat of summer.
2.Any interesting research tidbits involved in the series?
Readers will discover the Pullman family mentioned in this series, and they may
also be surprised to discover Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross was
a frequent visitor to the islands.Miss Barton was a friend of Royal Pullman (one of
George’s brothers) and she would often come to visit. It’s always fun when we
discover we will be able to factually include renowned historical figures in our
stories.
We were also able to glean some historical events from local newspapers and use
them in the stories. One such event we discovered in a local newspaper made
mention of a baby asleep in his buggy on a private boat dock. A sudden wind
caused the buggy (baby and all) to roll into the river. The child was rescued.We
decided the story would be a great incident for one of our books and was included.
3.Are there other famous people who lived in the Thousand Islands area that you
describe so vividly?
Nathan Straus, the owner of Macy’s; Charles Emery, who patented the cigarette
machine and formed the American Tobacco Company; and Frederick Bourne,
president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company all purchased islands and built
castle-like homes.
4.What themes are explored in the first book in the series, A Daughter’s Inheritance?
Over the course of the three books, several themes evolved. However, two primary themes are carried
throughout all three books. One is the deep and abiding affection of the three female cousins that transcends
any disappointments in one another and transcends each other’s shortcomings. There is a special bond that
forms between women when they achieve a mutual connection that causes them to become dear and trusted
friends.We wanted to portray that bond to our readers.
The other theme that is threaded throughout the series is the love of material possessions and the
devastating ripple effect it can have upon family and friends. This time period offered great opulence and
indulgence for the very wealthy.We wanted to show that side of life, as well as show that the common issues
that concern everyone were still evident in the lives of the rich—things like trust, faith, hope, love, overcoming
adversity, and dealing with betrayal.
5.What inspired you to write together on this project?
After completion of the LIGHTS OF LOWELL series, we talked about the possibility of co-authoring another
series in the future if we could find a project of interest to both of us.When this particular idea gelled, we knew
we wanted to work on it together.We both enjoy this time period and thought the setting would provide an
excellent backdrop for a new series. Co-authoring is an enjoyable experience for both of us, and provides the
opportunity to brainstorm and develop the story with another author.We are dear friends and respect each
other’s opinions, our writing styles mesh together nicely, and we find the process a nice change of pace from
writing on our own. It’s fun to call someone else who knows the characters and story as well as you do and
discuss the possibility of some quirk that has occurred during the process.
6.What do you hope the reader takes away from this series?
We hope our readers will see the correlation between the love and trust of a dear friend and the greatest love
of all: A savior who loved us enough to die for our sins.
Unfortunately, we live in a world that is saturated with messages of possessions that will make us happy.
What the world tells us and what the Bible tells us are two different things.We hope readers will see the fallacy
of believing they can gain happiness through possessions and realize that the only way to fill the emptiness in
their lives is through a relationship with Christ..