Interview for Whispers of Wisdom by Marguerite Martin Gray

17 Mar 2024 4 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Celebration Lit Blog Tours, Celebration Tours, Marguerite Gray Tags: blog-tour, book-review, europe, france, travel

About the Book

Book: Whispers of Wisdom

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Nicole wanders the ancient halls of Château Chenonceau, stirring up whispers from the secrets of a queen.

Craving the wisdom of the philosophers of the day, Nicole straddles the line between servant and high society. Will acting as one of higher status bring her closer to her dreams? Perhaps not, but a treasure hunt with the knight in the tower might fulfill her longing for a while.

Pierre would avoid the senseless salons full of manmade wisdom, throwing every pamphlet aside. Yet, he journeys to Chenonceau to glean knowledge from the estate manager. His goal reaches beyond the glittery, false, societal affairs to the fields of wheat, vineyards, and orchards. No fairy tales or treasure hunts for him. Not until his encounters with Nicole invade his practical world.

Whispers and secrets conjure a treasure hunt, involving the heart as well as the mind.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me— Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, Gardens in Time Series Books 1 and 2, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

My Favorite Place on Earth

Do you have a favorite place other than your home? Ever since I was a preteen of eleven, I have gravitated to my favorite spot. I chose it as the setting for Whispers of Wisdom.

Château de Chenonceau in Chenonceaux, France, sprawls across the River Cher in the Loire Valley.

As a child I faced this elegant petit château with wide eyes and a budding imagination. Iran up the long avenue lined with plane trees toward the columns with huge statues of lions, guarding the courtyard and entrance to the castle.

My sisters and I skipped, jumped, and played in and through the two manicured gardens, catching glimpses of the château mirrored in the river, revealing some of the magical secrets in the water. My young mind conjured up princesses escaping the castle’s confines, wandering the paths among the flowers and shrubs.

The ancient wooden doors opened to a fairy tale world of kings and queens. Tapestries, tiled floors, ornate furniture, flower arrangements, paintings, and stories of past grandeur. My favorite rooms were the kitchens and the gallery over the river with the black and white tiles floors. We skipped and danced from one end to the other. As I left the enchanted château, I promised to return.

Claiming a place as a favorite that is across an ocean, probably was not the best choice, but the château’s imprint remained strong. When I studied in France, I placed Château Chenonceau as a must see. I noticed my imagination and fascination had not dissipated. I’ve returned many times. My adult self enters into the fantasy world with a twirl or two on the checkered floors and a skip and a jump in the gardens.

I hope you catch some of the historical thrill of this little castle in the pages of Whispers of Wisdom.

Happy Reading!

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 16

Splashes of Joy, March 17 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20

Beauty in the Binding, March 21 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 23 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, March 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 24

Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 26

For the Love of Literature, March 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, March 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Phttps://promosimple.com/ps/2a7ab/whispers-of-wisdom-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour and Giveaway for Wait for Me by Marguerite Martin Gray

05 Apr 2021 1 Comment

by Splashes of Joy in Celebration Lit Blog Tours, Celebration Tours, Marguerite Gray

About the Book

Book: Wait for Me

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 9, 2021

A town besieged by the enemy with just one Sovereign order: wait.

Charles Town, South Carolina, 1780

With the inevitable occupation of Charles Town by the British pounding at the gates, Louis Lestarjette braces for possible imprisonment or worse. How can he provide for his growing family with the evil chains of the enemy binding his source of existence? The scenarios of imprisonment and starvation force him to realize he has no control over the outcome of the stronghold of the British. All that remains is a sense of survival at almost any cost.

Elizabeth Lestarjette faces looming confinement with both a drive to protect her children and a desire to do her part to undermine the enemy. They must thwart the British plans to imprison more men, but how? Who can they trust?

Just how long will Elizabeth’s confidence in justice withstand the constant battering of war and circumstance?
Discover the destiny of the Lestarjette family in the final book of the Revolutionary Faith Series as they hope and wait upon deliverance from a world under siege.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marguerite enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish 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. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband in north Louisiana. She writes historical fiction.

Interesting interview with author Marguerite Martin Gray

2. Why choose the genre you are writing?

I must place my love of historical anything on my background. Living with my parents from day one, I was surrounded by history—whether in stories, painting, houses, trinkets, or people. My architect/historian father placed us in situations involving history. He would quiz my sisters and me on the kings and queens of England or the presidents of the U.S. When we lived in England, I could almost guarantee that we explored every cemetery, church, castle, and house in our proximity. What a living history lesson we heard everywhere in the European countries! I gained an immense appreciation and love for history. I write what I love. The research inspires me to create believable characters living in the places and times that I cherish.

3. Why fiction instead of non-fiction?

I love this question because I struggled with the concept as a teenager until I took a world history class under Coach Barmore. He turned my world around when he introduced me to James Mitchener. I read The Source. Until then, I did not understand historical fiction. I began to devour historical novels. Why? I love the historical facts, the real backgrounds and events, and historical characters mixed with the exciting plot and dialogue of fiction. To me that is the best of both worlds. My time spent researching non-fiction aids my plotting and characterization of my novels. I don’t mind reading and studying non-fiction. I read and used 45 non-fiction books for my Revolutionary Faith Series. I couldn’t write my novels without these resources. As a reader, I prefer a novel with strong historical setting (although I read and enjoy contemporary too).

7. Where is your favorite setting for a story you have written?

For every novel I’ve written, I have first been to the city or setting. I’ve walked the streets, toured the buildings and houses, viewed the artwork, tasted the food, and spoken with the people. Before I started Revolutionary Faith, I went to Charleston, South Carolina and fell in love. This is my favorite setting for my published novels. I have stayed in Charleston four different times, researching, roaming, dreaming, touring, and writing. Charles Town 1772-1782 is the setting for Revolutionary Faith. As I walk the streets and view the old Lestarjette house, I peek at Louis and Elizabeth in their daily lives. I see the history of the revolution etched in the paintings, churches, building, and houses. This city has become my favorite city in the United States, holding a place in my heart forever.

10. Do you enjoying writing stand alone stories or series? And Why?

Another great question. I’ve written both stand alone and series. The series I’ve written is now complete. I enjoyed every minute of it and really cannot believe it has ended. This series is close to my heart because it has ties to my ancestors. The story I wanted to share grew. The period I chose (American Revolution) begged for a second, third, … book. While writing these novels, I’ve written three stand alone novels. It is different as I have to limit the characters’ lives and growth to 90,000 words instead of a possible 450,000. That’s a big difference! I enjoy both challenges.

11. How did you go about developing the setting(s) for this story?

Research and more research. Before I ever wrote one word, I flew to Charleston, South Carolina to see if there was anything to my dreams of writing a novel based in this city. Well, in the Charleston of 1770. I didn’t even know if I could get a feel for a historical setting in a modern city. Surprise! Charleston 2000 has managed to capture the historical 1770s as well as the 1800s including the Civil War. I was able to segment my tour around the American Revolution even with all the other history lessons around me. I bought books from the wonderful Charleston Historical Society. I began with ten dealing with the city and the people who dominated the 1700s. Quickly that list of books grew to 25 on my next visit. By the time I finished the series, I had collected 45 books about this city and historical setting. For this historical fiction series, I felt I needed to stick to the historical accuracy in regards to the setting.

More from Marguerite

Thank you for stopping by the Wait for Me tour. I’m so excited about the release of this novel, the finale of the Revolutionary Faith series,

I have always been fascinated with the ordinary—the simple acts from day to day. When an historical event is added, I surround my fascination with questions. What did they wear or eat? Why did they marry? Did they have children? Where did they shop? What is incredible or surprising to me about the historical event or activity was at one time ordinary to the characters whether in fiction or nonfiction.

The ordinary that I like to encounter and write in historical fiction includes how the characters dressed. I even had the dress pictured here made for me just in case I want to present in costume!

Also, I like to explore the food my characters ate. I found a wonderful recipe for a beefsteak pie in an American Girl cookbook. I’ve made it several times. Yummy!

The ordinary activities such as going to church or to the market or mercantile make the characters real. Their lives have depth in their interaction with society. My simple faith in God’s provisions and promises flow into the lives of my characters. What makes the story exciting is the historical element linked with the dramatic background of war.

Thank you for continuing the journey with Wait for Me, rooted in the ordinary from two centuries ago.

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28

For the Love of Literature, March 29 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 29

deb’s Book Review, March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Betti Mace, March 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 1

Splashes of Joy, April 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Texas Book-aholic, April 4

Inklings and notions, April 5

For Him and My Family, April 6

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of all five books in the series and a box of Charleston Plantation Tea!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d4/wait-for-me-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebration Lit Tours presents Hold Me Close by Marguerite Gray

28 Jun 2016 1 Comment

by Splashes of Joy in Celebration Lit Blog Tours, Celebration Tours, Marguerite Gray, Uncategorized

Hold Me Close
by Marguerite Gray

About the Book

Louis Lestarjette, a Frenchman, arrives in Charles Town, South Carolina, in 1772 without purpose or plans. He encounters a society on the brink of revolution and is forced to make decisions that include finding meaning and direction in his carefree life. Who can he trust in his endeavors to prosper? Will he be able to stay neutral in a battle for independence? When decisive events confront him, will he stay or leave? Running from God and commitment is a constant option.

Elizabeth Elliott, daughter of a prominent British citizen, believes God will hold her close in uncertain and changing times. Faced with making difficult decisions about her loyalties, she finds comfort in close friends, a devout sister, and her music. When the mysterious Frenchman with no commitment to God or Charles Town enters her life, her role in the political battle is challenged. Can she trust her heart in volatile situations?

Set in pre-revolution Charles Town, Hold Me Close takes the reader into the lives of immigrants, ordinary citizens, and prominent historical figures at a time in which decisions are made that will change the world.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Hold Me Close is the first book I have read from this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised to find such a well written and intriguing story. Charles Town, South Carolina (known today as Charleston SC) was the setting of this story. This is the first story I’ve read written in this 1770’s Pre- Revolutionary War era. Marquerite Gray definitely did some super research for this book. I’ve been to Charleston several times, and reading this part of it’s history was so very interesting.

Elizabeth Elliott and Louis Lestargette were real people that actually lived during the 1770’s. These two characters, as well as the other characters in this story were very well created and amazingly played their parts in the vivid and detailed scenes throughout this book. Having read a lot about Elizabeth Elliott brought this story more to life for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her better through this story. There’s a lot of action, a lot of exciting things woven together in this book that will capture your attention. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. Hold Me Close is a book I highly recommend, especially if you are a history buff!

I received this book from Celebration Lit Blog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Recently, she received a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband and Cleo, her cat, in Abilene, Texas.

Guest Post from Marguerite Gray

I’m very happy to be a part of Celebrate Lit! Thank you for the opportunity to present my book Hold Me Close and to share a little about my journey. It has been a journey of faith, a very exciting one for me. Hold Me Close is Book One in the Revolutionary Faith series. The book’s journey is my journey.

Six years ago I finally put on paper some of the stories forming and rambling in my imagination. My grown children left me some time to let God lead me into a writing career, well part-time. My husband and I decided I could work part-time and write part-time. During this period I wrote six novels. The next part of the trek took me to American Christion Fiction Writers (ACFW). I joined and have been an active student for six years. I attended three conferences and loved every minute, even the harsh criticism and “helpful” words of encouragement. Also, I became a contributing member of several critique groups within the organization. Needless to say, Hold Me Close went through many changes before it was published. My growth in faith expanded as much as my book. I thank all who had a role in the needed transformation.

I went back to work full-time after a three year sabbatical and pondered over the future of my novels. Where did God want the books to find a home? Or did they remain my little hobby? The journey was not over for Hold Me Close. The book was published by Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan in December 2015.

Quickly, I landed far outside my comfort zone in a world of social media and personal appearances. Even though I am a teacher and stand in front of 120 students every day, there is something intimidating about audiences of professionals and my peers. Rotary Clubs, Book Clubs, Writers’ Guilds, Church Groups! What a journey….and it hasn’t stopped.

My tagline is “Entertain. Educate. Encourage.” I entertain through fiction. I educate through the historical genre. I encourage through faith journeys of my characters. It’s exciting and I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I have.