She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation. Helena Allston had it all—wealth, beauty, and a life of luxury on her family’s plantation. But when her father arranges a marriage to a man she despises, Helena takes matters into her own hands, fleeing on horseback, only to find herself half-drowned and memory-less in a simple cottage. And when her memory returns, Helena ends up back where she began—arranged to marry, this time to the handsome gamekeeper who rescued her. Could there be more than obligation to this marriage? Or is he only after the Windemere Plantation her father promised him? Gideon Falconer is at a loss when it comes to the stubborn, beautiful woman he rescued from the Ashley River. His predicament only worsens when he returns her to her family’s plantation, where her father shocks him with a demand that Gideon marry his daughter to prevent a scandal. As a man new to his faith, he feels compelled to do the right thing, but his own secrets and the past left behind in England threaten to complicate matters further. |
Release date: September 10, 2024
Interview with Elva
I love to read historical romance novels! It’s a great escape to usually a simpler time. And the Christian authors of American historical romances often show how God has intervened in our history so many times. This is a goal in my writing, too, for God has intervened in major events in our history to help found and then save America again and again. I think He’s intervening now in the 2024 election for godly leaders and unity and as we pray for America’s great awakening and vote Biblically pro-life and gender.
I pray readers will have an exciting and satisfying time reading Gideon’s and Helena’s story, The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride, and see in action the theme of faith is not faith without corresponding actions of love for God and our fellowman. In short, we must be born again and spend time in prayer and in the Word of God, and serving with our gifts and talents versus just depending on our name being on a church roll somewhere.
I am a mother and grandmother, a former school teacher, and a retired minister of the gospel. My high school sweetheart Dwayne became my hero/husband and we’ve been married sixty-one years. We live in upstate South Carolina with an energetic chiweenie named Priscilla. Our one son Tim is a law officer and our grandson Sam just began the 11th grade. We are active in a local congregation with great friends. I am also a serious intercessor, and I coordinate an internet prayer task force for America’s awakening through intercession and action alerts, like signing petitions for upcoming legislation that will foster Biblical standards for families and our nation. My hobbies include baking and growing roses. Readers can learn much more about me and my books on our website at http://www.elvamartin.com Here they can also sign up for my newsletter to hear book news and freebies. If any reader would like to be added to our Internet Prayer Task Force, please contact me through my website. Feel free to send me any prayer request you might have. I will be happy to agree in prayer with you.
I have to confess I would have had more children! In my child-bearing years I was too busy working full-time and getting further education, ministering, and trying to build a secure financial future and a lovely home. When our one son was a teenager, I did suffer a miscarriage, and we thought the Lord did it and meant we shouldn’t have more children. That was all we knew about God at the time. NOW we know it’s the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy, not our loving God. Children are so important and fill our lives with joy. If anyone reading this has only one child by choice, I urge you to reconsider. Children need siblings and your later years will be so much fuller and more blessed. The enemy of our souls hates children who are made in God’s image. Satan promotes our abortion culture, and it’s the same demonic spirit which in the Old Testament demanded sacrifice of little ones to false gods. Children are a blessing from God, and He will always provide for their needs as you pray. If anyone reading this has had an abortion, let me quickly tell you God will graciously forgive if you ask Him. Don’t live in shame and regret.
Psalm 103:1-5 is my most shared and prayed promise, and I consider my life verse.
Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives
all your iniquities and heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life
from destruction and crowns you with loving kindness, who satisfies
your mouth with good things and renews your youth like the eagle’s.
More from Elva
Here’s part of a scene showing the “before Christ” Helena with her pride and arrogance after Gideon rescued her from drowning in the river:
She interrupted him. “I don’t want to hear any more of your wild story. Go from my presence and shut the door while I dress.” She pointed to the cabin door, then reached up and touched the lump on her forehead and groaned. “Why did you strike me, sir?” These words came from between gritted teeth.
Gideon’s nostrils flared. “Miss or ma’am, whichever you are, I did not strike you. You must have hit your head on your horse’s neck or a rock when you two jumped into the Ashley. For your information, all I did was save your life, if you’d like to thank me for that.”
Father God, I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son you sent to
save me from my sins. I repent and turn from them to You
and Your Word. Please forgive me and come into my heart,
be not only my Savior, but my Lord and director of my
decisions, especially my vote for righteous leaders. Help
me find a Bible-preaching church family and do my part in
bringing America back to You. I believe You are working
mightily in my life, family and nation, and I give You praise. Amen
Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2
For the Love of Literature, October 3 (Author Interview)
Pens Pages & Pulses, October 3
Texas Book-aholic, October 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 6
Beauty in the Binding, October 7 (Author Interview)
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 8
Guild Master, October 9 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10
Back Porch Reads, October 11 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, October 12
Fiction Book Lover, October 13 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, October 14
Pause for Tales, October 14