Showing posts with label Marguerite Martin Gray. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marguerite Martin Gray. Show all posts

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Author Interview: Conversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray




About the Book


Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author



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.


Author Interview with Marguerite


Q: What inspired you to write this story?

Marguerite: Conversation Hearts is part of a multi-author series. I love the setting, reminding me of Maui and my vacation there. I am mostly the writer of historical fiction, but this contemporary series pulled me in because of the vast potential and room for imagination. I wanted to write a story of second chance and how that could change many lives. It’s fascinating to watch the characters exist on an island, far from my own landscape.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Marguerite: As a preteen, I lived in England for two years where I learned French and fell in love with history and traveling. My first boyfriend Colin was in my class. I even dedicated one of my novels to my teacher.


Q: What are you reading now?

Marguerite: I am reading many books at the present, mostly historical fiction. Here’s my list: The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin (very intense), Mystery in the Highlands by Lydia Travers, and Something New by Rebecca Connolly (beloved Cornwall).


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Marguerite: Hands down—Traveling. I don’t have to leave my house to feel like I’m traveling with all my books and unique setting. But physical travel is such a joy to me. I’m constantly planning a trip with family or friends or my husband or by myself. This summer I’m off to Spain with my daughter, the mountains with my husband, and a fall trip to England with an author friend.

Also, I’m an avid reader who loves to walk and hike.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your book?

Marguerite: I am many places on social media including:


More from Marguerite

I have enjoyed this series and the relationships forming as the characters find new ways to communicate on the journey. Are you a good communicator? Introvert or extrovert? Conversation is so very important. Think about how we use it every day: directions, warnings, concerns, prayers, instructions, disciplines. Even though I teach online, my words of concern and instruction are needed to spur the students toward success. Somehow, I have the words to communicate well in so many areas of my life.

Then what about the heart? I think of the Valentine’s candy hearts—Conversation Hearts! As relationships develop between characters in Room for Love and Conversation Hearts, the heart becomes more and more a major component with all the characters. Yet, sometimes we fail to really say what we think in order to protect our hearts. There are many lessons to learn about being honest in relationships. Sometimes we avoid the conversation part and miss out on the wonderful relationships.

I embrace the conversation of the heart in my life through love, decisions, marriage, job, God appointments, children, and difficult circumstances. Explore different facets of important conversations with Amy and Walker and their families as you read this installment of Suamalie Islands series.

Happy Reading!


Blog Stops


Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

She Lives to Read, September 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 3

A Reader’s Brain, September 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Back Porch Reads, September 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Karen Baney Reviews, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Beauty in the Binding, September 12 (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.

Link for giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5429

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Author Interview: Whispers of Wisdom by Marguerite Martin Gray



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.

Click here to get your copy!


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!


Author Interview with Marguerite


Q: What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Marguerite: Two words: Château Chenonceau! Ever since I saw this little castle in France when I was eleven years old, I feel in love with the checkerboard ballroom floors and the river and gardens. I ran and played here as a child. As an adult, my imagination keeps the ladies’ chateau alive with characters and historical wonders.


Q: What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching and writing this novel?

Marguerite: Chateau Chenonceau is also known at the Ladies’ Chateau because 6 dominant, inspirational women owned the castle. Their husbands gave them complete reign over the estate which gave it a beautiful, magical touch through the centuries.


Q: Do any of the novel’s characters hold a special place in your heart?

Marguerite: Nicole, the heroine, is the girl (woman) I would loved to have been in the 1700s. I have been to her cottage several times and wondered at her life. I would have wanted to be near the gardens and had my hands in the dirt. She is a dreamer with a vivid imagination and loves to read and research.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Marguerite: Though man’s wisdom is desirable for a season, it is God’s wisdom that endures.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Marguerite: Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/gF-3I1
Website/Blog: https://www.margueritemartingray.com
BookBub: https: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marguerite-martin-gray
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1408197086342364
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14836211.Marguerite_Martin_Gray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margueritemgray/


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.

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7ab/whispers-of-wisdom-celebration-tour-giveaway