Author Interview – Marguerite Martin Gray – Historical Fiction

About the Book

Book: Promise of Purity

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 14, 2023

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Is true purity found in the laws of religion or in the hearts of the faithful?

East Molesey, England, 1661—

With the return of the exiled king to his rightful throne, Kate Sinclair’s world of black and white now offers the hope of color. But where does color-loving Kate fit? In the bakery as the daughter of a Puritan or in the palace garden among God’s myriad hues? Certainly not within the palace walls of an immoral court with new friends.

Exiled with King Charles II on the continent, Peter Reresby claims unwavering support of his friend’s regained crown. While fighting for the monarchy against his family’s wishes, his sister disappears, and Peter is determined to find her.

When their opposing beliefs collide, Kate and Peter witness a true test of faith in the ability of mankind to shed the past in order to preserve the future… and perhaps learn that the “greatest of these” truly is love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author – Marguerite Martin Gray

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, 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 Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young. Follow Marguerite at http://margueritemartingray.com.

More from  Marguerite Martin Gray

Hello from north Louisiana. I am so happy to be here with you. When I am not writing, you will most likely find me outside in my garden, reading on the deck or front porch, or hiking/walking in the woods and parks. I love the outdoors, although I am not the athletic sports type, more like a nature lover. That is one reason I have enjoyed writing the novels for Gardens in Time.

When I was a preteen, I had the awesome privilege of residing in England outside of Liverpool while my father pursued an advanced degree in architecture. For a few years, I had the gardens of Britain and Europe as my playground. My sisters and I made up games on the lawns and in the gardens of the estates—supervised, of course. Hide-and-seek in castle ruins or tag in rose gardens or getting lost in mazes proved great entertainment. Hampton Court Palace Gardens was one of those majestic places.

Promise of Purity is set at Hampton Court Palace in 1661 during the return of Charles II from exile. Kate is a Puritan waiting for color to fill her life after a dismal rule under Cromwell. I visited Hampton Court again in June 2022. I wandered in the rose gardens and marveled at the herb plots. Wildflowers existed between the manicured plots of lilies. I strolled through the Privy Garden that my character Kate brings back to life. Walking in my characters’ footsteps energizes me as I present them to you, the reader.

Enjoy the journey through Hampton Court Gardens.

An Interview with Marguerite Martin Gray

1. Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

Promise of Purity holds a special place in my heart because of the time I spent at Hampton Court Palace in England as a child and later as an adult. I did not have a specific historical person in mind. I just knew she needed to love the beautiful gardens but not be a lady of the court. I chose King Charles II’s reign so that my character could be a part of planning a garden. I placed her in a role between two worlds–the colorful, lively court and the simple, drab Puritan household. I’ve walked through the village and wondered what it would be like so close to a palace but not be allowed inside.  

2. Which character did you enjoy writing most?

Kate, the heroine, gave me the most delight, for she had the most to gain or lose. I tried to think and act how someone in her position (daughter of a baker) would have when faced with the king of England and his unruly court. She has so many choices and decisions to make while being guided by her Puritan father, God, and a king. I wonder how I would have held up under the same circumstances. She could have gone in many directions. I hope she chooses the right one. The choice is hers.  

3. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about it?

The Garden in Times series consists of four novels, each in a different country and century, connected by the theme of a famous garden. I’ve written and published Labor of Love (1560 Florence, Italy) and Promise of Purity (1661 Hampton Court, England.) I’ve finished Whispers of Wisdom (1747 Chenonceau, France) and submitted it to the editor. Now, I’m on a fun journey in Thun, Switzerland in 1870. Flames of Faith is the last novel in the series. I’ve completed the research and begun the writing. I feel like a character in the book, yearning to know the future. The conflict is bringing tourism to this beautiful area of Switzerland with the train, museums, hotels, and all the details for it to be a success. The extension of the rail will lead tourists away from Thun. Of course, the heroine and the hero are on opposite sides of the track. 

4. As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

I LOVE librarians. I taught in public and private schools for many years (now I teach online.) I used the library every chance I could to involve the students in research and reading. Thank you for your service to our students. [(Jane) I enjoyed my time as a librarian and I miss it.]

I am a reader above all things. As a child, I read everything I could. My library was full of books on horses, mysteries, classics, travels, history, and so many things. My favorite book is The Black Stallion by Walter Farley and Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott. Nancy Drew, Heidi, The Borrowers all fall into my favorites. 

5. What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

If you want to write, do it and start early. I started scribbling stories when I was ten years old. As a teenager I took a writing course for children’s literature. I majored in Journalism and continued to write. Keep all of your ideas someplace that will travel with you as you go through life. Those notes and ideas can become beautiful stories. I write because I can’t not write, if that makes sense. You don’t need to be published to be a writer. I have two young writers that I have followed over the past five years. I will always support them as they mature and follow their dreams. As a teacher I want to encourage as I educate. Write if it is your passion even if no one else reads your work. Write because you can’t not write.

Thank you for joining us today. My readers and I enjoy getting to know authors outside of their books.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4

Texas Book-aholic, March 5

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 6 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 10 (Author Interview)

Babbles Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 11

Artistic Nobody, March 12 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, March 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 14

Guild Master, March 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16

Through the Fire Blogs, March 17 (Author Interview)

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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2494b/promise-of-purity-celebration-tour-giveaway