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.  

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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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