Marguerite Martin Gray enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and readers, 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.
Check out the interview with the authore HERE.
Where do your characters come from? Do you draw on real life? Do you create character profiles?
In my Revolutionary Faith series, the hero and heroine are based on real historical people, actually my great-great…grandparents. In my historical fiction I use other historical characters to ground the story in a factual historical situation. For example, in Hold Me Close Christopher Gadsden is the founder of the Sons of Liberty, a resident of Charles Town, and a big player in decisions about the Revolution. Robert Cochran is a ship captain, one of the first members of the navy, and Elizabeth’s brother-in-law. Rev. Smith is the minister of St. Philip’s Church.
I do create character profiles before I start the actual writing after I have completed my research. This is the point where I plot out the novel and place the characters in their setting. I allow them to grow and change during the course of the story. I start with the basics with physical characteristics and follow with emotional and spiritual. The characters’ background and goals are added. I have the profiles ever-present on a board that I can see. I use pictures of costumes, hairstyles, food, furniture, homes to remind me of their lifestyle. Since my book is part of a series, I have to make sure the characters stay true to themselves throughout each book. 
Louis Lestarjette is a Frenchman arriving in Charles Town in 1772. He’s a twenty-eight- year old merchant who has decided to separate from his family after a disagreement with his older brother. He’s interested in making a profit in the New World. Other than business, he has no commitments, plans, or purpose. He comes from a Huguenot background that caused his family to lose their land and title. He is disillusioned with religion and politics. A former love relationship where his almost fiancée chose a titled man over him left Louis turned off to marriage. What he finds in Charles Town challenges all of his doubts and draws him into a world on the very of revolution. He finds decisions have to be made in all areas. His journey could lead him to love, God, and a new sense of purpose.
Elizabeth Elliott is the daughter of a prominent British citizen. She is eighteen years old, teaches music, loves God, and enjoys life with her family. At first she is content with attending parties with her British officer friend. Her world is changing as her loyalties are challenged with the political battle between the Loyalists and the new Patriots. Obedience and optimism morph into independence and realism. Her innocent outlook is stretched as her mind accepts new possibilities. 
From a young age, I was drawn to novels that take place during America’s Revolution. Marguerite Martin Gray’s story was yet another book of intrigue and did not disappoint. A beautiful, fun, and historically vibrant American Revolutionary tale, Marguerite has brought to life the story of a French-man that came to America, but wants to stay neutral in the battle of the Loyalists and the Patriots; but eventually he will have to take a stand if he plans to stay in this land. But not only has Marguerite researched and written an excellent historical fiction novel, it has a delightful and unlikely friendship and romance story as well. From page one readers will love the characters and the story. I would recommend this novel to lovers of inspirational, romance, and historical fiction.
Series: Revolutionary Faith Genre: historical fiction, romance, inspirational, Christian Publisher: WestBow Press Publication date: December 28, 2015 Number of pages: 260 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars 
Other books in the series:
2-Surround Me (release date TBD) A review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours. 
July 4--Reading Is My SuperPower
July 5--Katie's Clean Book Collection July 6--Christy's Cozy Corners July 7-- July 8--Mel's Shelves July 9--Just Commonly July 11--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance July 12-- July 13-- July 14--Henry Happens July 15--Red Headed Book Lady July 16--Singing Librarian Books 
7/16/2016 11:16:30 am
Thank you so much for the review. I have enjoyed my time with you. Have a great summer.
Sydney @ Singing Librarian Books
7/16/2016 11:23:15 am
Thanks for stopping by Marguerite! It has been a fun tour! :)
Nancy Burgess
7/16/2016 09:12:47 pm
The History of it all Comments are closed.
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