I want to extend a warm welcome to Marguerite Martin Gray. Marguerite is giving away a copy of the first two books in her series (Hold Me Close and Surrender). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends August 3, 2017. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) Now, here's Marguerite...
Thank you
for the opportunity to share a bit about myself with you today. As the summer
is zipping by, I am busy writing and editing while spending time researching
and reading. Since my recent move from Texas to Louisiana, I’ve been a little
detached from my “stuff.” Slowly, I am determining a writing schedule in my new
home.
Revolutionary Faith Book One and
Two, Hold Me Close and Surround Me, published in 2015 and 2016, take place in 1772-1774
Charles Town, South Carolina. The pre-revolution drama affects the lives of
ordinary citizens, immigrants, and prominent historical figures. Decisions are
made that will change the world. Louis Lestarjette, a French immigrant and
merchant, encounters a society on the brink of revolution. Who can he trust in
his endeavors to prosper? Will he be able to stay neutral in a battle for
independence? Elizabeth Elliott, daughter of a prominent British citizen, is
faced with making difficult decisions about her loyalties. When the mysterious
Frenchman enters her life, her role in the political battle is challenged. Can
she trust her heart in volatile situations?
Bring Me Near: Revolutionary Faith
Book Three will be
released in Fall 2017. Follow familiar characters through the decisive events
of 1775. Will Charles Town and her citizens support and accept the possibility
of separation from Britain? How will Louis and Elizabeth protect their family
and community?
As a
child, I devoured books. When I lived in England for two years during upper
elementary, I started writing short stories. I continued writing journals on my
travels and everyday life until the present. Finally, I became serious about
writing six years ago, and since then I’ve written six novels. I returned to
university and completed my MA in English.
My father
inspired me to research my family history, so I went to Charleston and retraced
some of the steps of Louis and Elizabeth, my main characters. My parents surrounded me with history, travel,
and educational opportunities.
I travel
whenever I can: the United States, Europe, and Central and South America. I
find ideas for my stories through people I meet or interesting stories I hear
about the local history. The Revolutionary Faith series is the result of family
history research and my visits to Charleston. In my writing, I always use real
historical characters in minor roles. They interact with my fictional
characters. I place them in historical situations and try to figure out what
they would say and do in their everyday lives.
What am I working on now? I have finished
writing and editing Labor of Love,
Book One in my Gardens in Time
series. This novel is a stand-alone set in 1560 Florence, Italy. Book Two, Promise of Purity, is written, waiting
for me to edit. It is set in 1660 Hampton Court, England. This summer I am
writing Revolutionary Faith Book Four, Draw
Me to Your Side. I’m busy and love it. In the fall, I will add teaching to
my agenda, which I have done for over 25 years.
Thank you for your time. I hope your summer
is productive and inspiring.
Enjoy the journey.
About Marguerite...
Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close: Revolutionary Book One and
Surround Me: Revolutionary Faith Book
Two. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and
reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and journalism
from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from
Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American
Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and the Preservation Society of
Charleston. Recently, she moved from
Abilene, Texas to North Louisiana with her husband.
Where to find her online...
Website: http://margueritemartingray.com
Instagram: marguerite.gray
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