Sunday, June 26, 2016

"Hold Me Close" by Marguerite Martin Gray" Book Tour and Give Away


Purchase your copy here:  http://amzn.to/1W0jPFG


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 Review: "Hold Me Close" by Marguerite Martin Gray is a book that is based mostly on history, pre-American Revolution and The Sons Of Liberty. Since the story is also fictional the author has taken liberties and added facts that aren't part of this time era. But, unless you are a history buff you don't notice these, another reader pointed them out to me but that fact didn't make any difference in my enjoyment of the story.

"Hold Me Close" is the first book in the (Revolutionary Faith series) and I really enjoyed it for the most part. I really liked that Louis Lestarjette changed into a character that wasn't greedy, which is how he appeared at the beginning of the story.

The story was interwoven with Biblical truth all through the novel and reminds the reader that God does "Hold Us Close" at all times.

The ending is a little disappointing because it leaves you hanging as to the outcome of Louis and Elizabeth but that could be because this is book one, I am anxiously awaiting book two, I want to know how the love story ends!

I was given a copy Of "Hold Me Close" by Celebrate Lit and the author for a honest review as part of the book tour and the opinions I have expressed are my own.


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.

Facebook Party

Blog Stops

June 20: Proverbial Reads
June 21: Lane Hill House
June 23: A Northern Belle
June 27: Big Reader Site
June 28: Splashes of Joy
June 28: Mary Hake
June 29: Pause for Tales

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away a fun themed prize basket! Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9cc8

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds interesting.

Unknown said...

Sounds interesting.

Brenda said...

I would love to read this book.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the review!