About the Book

Book: Peyton’s Promise

Author: Susan G. Mathis

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: May 24, 2022

Summer 1902

Peyton Quinn is tasked with preparing the grand Calumet Castle ballroom for a spectacular two-hundred-guest summer gala. As she works in a male-dominated position of upholsterer and fights for women’s equality, she’s persecuted for her unorthodox ways. But when her pyrotechnics-engineer father is seriously hurt, she takes over the plans for the fireworks display despite being socially ostracized.

Patrick Taylor, Calumet’s carpenter and Peyton’s childhood chum, hopes to win her heart, but her unconventional undertakings cause a rift. Peyton has to ignore the prejudices and persevere or she could lose her job, forfeit Patrick’s love and respect, and forever become the talk of local gossips.

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About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has seven in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, and Colleen’s Confession. Her newest, Peyton’s Promise, came out in May 2022 and Rachel’s Reunion releases October 7, 2022. She just finished writing book ten, Mary’s Moment. Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and two Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

More from Susan

In the 1980s I had the privilege of staying on Calumet Island when it was a bed and breakfast. My time there was so inspiring that I knew I had to write a story about it one day. Then, last summer, the caretaker graciously brought me over to the island for an afternoon of touring it, hearing stories, and recapturing the essence of the island.

I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands, so I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. Google it—all ten of my novels and novellas are set on these beautiful islands. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel, The Fabric of Hope, about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I kept on writing. There are so many fascinating stories to tell.

I’m hooked on the wonderful world of historical fiction, and especially the Thousand Islands Gilded Age history. It’s gives me so much “scope for the imagination” as Anne Shirley would say. All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story.

I LOVE researching! There’s a lot of interesting information in Peyton’s Promise about the women’s suffrage movement and upholstery work. But I really enjoyed researching about fireworks—how they’re made, how they’re shot off, etc. I connected with the leading fireworks historian and gleaned lots of great information that I sprinkled into the story. I’ll never view another fireworks’ show the same.

I hope you’ll reading enjoy Peyton’s Promise as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy reading!

Susan

Author Inteview

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book? This is my eighth historical fiction, so with each book there’s a lot of research. But Peyton’s Promise topped them all. It’s the summer of 1902, and Peyton Quinn is tasked with preparing the grand Calumet Castle ballroom for a spectacular two-hundred-guest summer gala. As she works in a male-dominated position of upholsterer and fights for women’s equality, she’s persecuted for her unorthodox ways. But when her pyrotechnics-engineer father is seriously hurt, she takes over the plans for the fireworks display despite being socially ostracized. Patrick Taylor, Calumet’s carpenter and Peyton’s childhood chum, hopes to win her heart, but her unconventional undertakings cause a rift. Peyton has to ignore the prejudices and persevere or she could lose her job, forfeit Patrick’s love and respect, and forever become the talk of local gossips. SO…not only did I have to research upholstery and carpentry in the early 1900s, but I also had to research the suffrage movement and fireworks. Whew! It was a lot, but I loved it.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say? I love connecting with readers. I just returned from my annual book tour to the Thousand Islands where I’ve built up quite a fan base. I hear from them often through my newsletter, social media, and personal contact. They say things like, “I feel like I’m right there,” “I love how you put me in the character’s shoes and take me on a journey,” and so much more.

How do you overcome writer’s block? Do you have any advice for others in finding their process to overcome it? Having been an editor for a dozen years, I’m a very disciplined person. So far, I’ve never had writer’s block. On the contrary, I can’t wait to write and get frustrated when I can’t find the time to craft a story.

Do you read the genre you write? Why or why not? I read historical fiction all the time. I endorse a lot of historical fiction and enjoy learning about history through fiction.

How did you come up with the title for your book? My youngest granddaughter’s name is Peyton. I’ve named three other books after her older sisters, so it was her turn. Smiles.

What’s your favorite writing snack, drink, and/or music? When I write, I always have a cup of tea, lit candle, comfy spot, and quiet. When I edit, I have a cold drink and sit at my desk to chop away.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing? Never, ever stop learning and growing in your craft. There are tons of books, YouTube videos, writers groups, etc., to learn from. Connect with other authors and keep up with the industry. It changes all the time.

Do you participate in writing challenges on social media? Why or why not? I have five stories published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, but other than that, I’m usually working on my next book.

How did publishing your first book change your writing process? This is book 25 for me—15 non-fiction and 10 fiction. Switching from writing non-fiction to fiction was a huge, challenging jump, but once my debut novel was published, I was hooked. I just finished my 10^th novel.

Is your writing space pristine or organized chaos? My writing space is pristine, comfy, and inspiring. I have a view of my lake and the Rocky Mountains!