About the Book

Book:  Draw Me To Your Side

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 25, 2020

Warships in the harbor explode with battle cries for freedom in the hearts of Charles Town’s Patriots.

Charles Town, South Carolina, 1776—With the British war ships threatening his family and livelihood, Louis Lestarjette commits to aid Francis Marion, Christopher Gadsden, Silas Deane and other fiery Patriots with secret correspondences in code and in French. Although not convinced that the colonies can succeed in separation from Britain, he abides by his word—available with funds, his time, and if necessary, even his life.

Louis’ potential volatile role leaves Elizabeth Lestarjette uncertain of the future. Add to that her impending confinement, the secret missions her friends embark on, and the ever-encroaching danger into her domestic world, and the cost of independence grows steeper with each passing day. How will her family survive the coming turbulence?  How will she survive not being an active part of it?  One thing is certain, she must draw to God’s side or lose heart altogether.

Draw Me to Your Side… a prayer whispered against the coming destruction.



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About the Author

 

Marguerite Martin Gray enjoys history especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches Spanish and French and has degrees in Spanish, French, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She received her MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Presently, she lives in north Louisiana with her husband and rescue cats.

 

 

 

More from Marguerite

 

I have always loved history, probably because my father took me to every historical site he could find on our travels. As I listened to him tell the story of our ancestors to a group of tourists at our Antebellum home, I suddenly realized that he was weaving tales about my own blood line. Very soon after that I flew to Charleston, South Carolina and began my research. From that first of many trips, my Revolutionary Faith Series arrived.

Draw Me to Your Side is Book Four of the series. The titles play a very significant role in the series, each having a dual meaning. The human element is obvious. Although the series is more historical than romance, the titles offer a glimpse into a potential romance. The other element is spiritual. God is the one who weaves his love and hope into their lives.

If you love book titles as I do, as you read this series, see if you can determine the dual meanings of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, and now Draw Me to Your Side.

Happy Reading!

 

 

My Review

 

Definitely among my favorite series to date, Marguerite Martin Gray’s Revolutionary Faith series belongs just as much to the attended upon than as to the smallest boy, stoking the patriotism of Americans then and now. As in the Colonial period in which events are heating up and hurtling toward war, I can’t help but notice parallels between the current Coronavirus pandemic. Both situations require us to come together as a nation, united under a common cause; in the case of the Revolutionary War, this is the first time that the colonies stand independently as one entity, a fact that never occurred to me until Louis realizes it in the book.

Book four, “Draw Me to Your Side”, represents the culmination of the rising action of South Carolina and the other colonies as war is declared and what will become known as the Revolutionary War begins. Louis Lestarjette commits fully to the patriot cause, which seems to be doomed from the beginning due to lack of resources and the might of the English King’s opposition. Looking back through history, it is easy to see the heroes and recognize the victories, but we tend to forget that those same brave patriots were living in the midst of great uncertainty, risking everything for the cause of freedom. This includes the women, too, both those carrying out dangerous missions and those caring for their homes and families. Elizabeth’s internal conflict about this demonstrates how much the unstable political environment has affected the colonies: “She may never understand the timing of her love for Louis, her marriage, and the births of her children. But she’d do the best she could as a faithful wife and mother.” This is one of the traits that I admire most about Elizabeth, however, and also about Louis: their ability to look beyond the present discomfort and conflict and see a positive resolution.

The Lestarjettes are a family whom I never grow tired of reading about, and their faith in God and love of country and each other is something that we should seek to emulate, a testament to the foundation of America as truly one nation under God. I hope that there will be more books to follow since the American Revolution is still raging at the conclusion of “Draw Me to Your Side.” There are a few discussion questions focused on Elizabeth and Louis, respectively, as well as a Revolutionary Faith short story entitled “A Heart’s Home (Jeanette’s Story)” at the end of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

 

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About the Book

Title: Bring Me Near

 
Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

 
Release date: February, 2019

 
Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Louis Lestarjette enters a world of secrets and questionable actions for the Patriot cause.

 

Charles Town, South Carolina, 1775—Louis Lestarjette ventures beyond the confines of family life as patriotic duty compels him to enter the world of secrecy and clandestine maneuvers. When he leaves Charles Town for Philadelphia, he experiences first-hand the drastic demands of time and finances, and possibly his life. He must keep Elizabeth and his daughter safe while remaining faithful to this cause of liberty. One wrong decision might cost him all he has worked for over the last three years.

 

A new generation of children in Elizabeth Lestarjette’s life demands the successful and safe fulfillment of her role as a Patriot. She wonders if her husband understands her desire to do her part as an active Daughter of Liberty. Although Louis is willing to move the family to the country, the decision falls to Elizabeth regarding whether to remain in Charles Town or escape its borders.  

Click here to purchase 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. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches high school 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, 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.

 

More from Marguerite

 

I am very excited about the release of Bring Me Near. Thank you for joining me in its debut.

 

My writing journey began with reading as a child in elementary school. I lived in England for a few years where I bought and read loads of books on horses, history, and mystery. While in that unique environment, my parents took us to explore castles, old houses, churches, and cemeteries. The love of history sprouted and grew (I blame it all on my father)!

 

My love of reading never diminished, but it continued to expand my world. I still devour books (much to my husband’s and my bookcases’ chagrin), mostly historical Christian fiction, though I have some favorite contemporary novels and authors.

 

In my Revolutionary Faith Series, I combine my love of travel, research, history, and writing. I researched my family history originating in Charleston, South Carolina and walked in the footsteps of my 1770s ancestors (I even found my ancestors’ house for sale!) I asked questions about what they would have done during the American Revolution? What did they eat and wear? Were they fearful? Faithful? Courageous? Where did they worship?

 

My motto in writing is Entertain. Educate. Encourage. I entertain through the elements of fiction by making the characters in my imagination come alive on the page. I educate by presenting an historical period and event after countless hours of research. I encourage by giving a Christian world view where the characters grow and develop through their challenges.

 

Please join me on this journey by following me at www.margueritemartingray.blog.

 

Blessings,

 

Marguerite

 

My Review

 

"Now, more than ever, she had to find courage to support her words and beliefs.”

 Book three in the Revolutionary Faith series, Marguerite Martin Gray’s “Bring Me Near” proves to be even more captivating than its predecessors. The amount of research done by the author clearly bears fruit throughout the narrative as readers find themselves immediately submerged in the Colonial era and able to see the various conflicts from multiple perspectives. Despite being historical fiction, the novel has a strong factual background and is appropriate for teens and up who are looking to increase their knowledge of the time period. Through Louis’ vantage point, we evidence the growing discontent among the partisans and the emergence of revolutionary leaders in Charles Town, including how everyday townspeople have to put their lives on the line as rebels against the Crown. The process culminating in outright war develops by degrees, as attempts at reconciliation are dismissed, and the impact on the citizens of Charles Town follows a similar pattern.

Elizabeth’s experiences drive home the conflict’s effect on ordinary families. The fears and uncertainties of the immediate future resonate strongly today, too, and I wonder how many of us would be as willing as the Lestarjettes to sacrifice for their country. The women suddenly must learn how to defend themselves as the war draws closer and calls away their husbands and sons. Faith in God was essential for the colonists as they faced seemingly overwhelming odds, and that same faith is just as necessary today. I find myself wondering if I would have the strength and courage that Elizabeth demonstrates if I endured so many trials. I also appreciated that the Loyalists’ dilemma is given some thought: losing possessions and respected positions and sometimes causing schisms among families, not to mention neighbors. Although obvious antagonists, George and Victoria nonetheless evoke sympathy because of their misguided actions, and my heart aches for them both. I eagerly look forward to continuing Louis and Elizabeth’s journey and hope that more books will follow in this absorbing series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

 

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