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

MY REVIEW

What a beautiful book that shows how one woman wanted to prove that she could do any job that a man could. Peyton is perhaps one of my all time favorite characters. She is spunky, determined and is very gifted in her craft. I loved the time period which shows that women were beginning to fight for their right to vote. I can’t imagine not being able to vote simply because you are a woman. We have certainly made strides since those times in history.

Peyton has been asked to reupholster the furniture at the Calumet Castle. The description of this massive place is breathtaking. I think I would need a map to find my way around there. The decor is elegant and with Peyton’s gift she will turn the castle into something of beauty. I was fascinated by her work and the author did her homework to give us details about upholstery, materials and how much work is involved to turn a piece of furniture into something that brings warmth and beauty to each room.

Patrick has known Peyton since they were children. In fact they were best friends. It was nice to see them working at the castle at the same time. Patrick has always had feelings for Peyton but now that they are grown his feelings seem even stronger. The author gives a glimpse into Patrick’s childhood and shares how cruel his father was to him. That bitterness still stands today even when he sees him at church. His hatred for his father is concerning for Peyton. Will he be able to forgive his father and be free to find happiness?

There is a little mystery going as someone is sabotage Peyton and Patrick’s work around the castle. Who is so vindictive that they would destroy such precious items and all the hard work that was put into it? I had my suspect in mind but I wasn’t quite sure so I read as fast as I could to find out who the culprit was.

With everything going on Peyton and Patrick find themselves with a day off. It is perfect timing as they can help Peyton’s father with the fireworks display that evening. It is sure to be spectacular with vivid colors blasting across the sky. We get a great lesson on how fireworks work and I appreciated the author including this to help readers understand what it takes to put on a show for all to enjoy.

This has been a wonderful adventure where forgiveness, unconditional love and finding your worth make for a touching story. I love how Peyton never gave into the gossip about her and continued to follow her dream. Patrick encouraged me to let go of my bitterness towards someone and find peace with God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.