 | Something sinister lurks in Pitti Palace. Despite having spent eight years as companion to her cousins, Ana Geovani still questions her role and place in the Medici household. This uncertainty compounds and alarms as her cousin’s marriage approaches and a marriage is arranged for Ana. With no say in her own future, fear and despair dulls even the splendor of the gardens she holds so dear. As the newest under gardener at the palace, Marco Rossi should have everything he’s dreamed of–beautiful gardens to tend and master architects and gardeners to learn from. Yet a secret mission threatens his peace of mind, his position, and even the love of Ana. Although God is always with him, reminding him of a bigger plan, Marco feels the weight of the consequences he will face if he challenges a Medici member. The desires of men and women, both royal and common, create costly dilemmas and potential disasters of hearts and souls. What will it take for Marco and Ana to prevail against everything driving them apart? |
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: February 15, 2022
Release date: February 15, 2022
Click here to get your copy!
Interview with Marguerite Martin Gray
Thank you for interviewing me about my new release. I’m excited to be with you.
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
This is the first book in the Gardens in Time Series. I LOVE gardens and gardening. As a teen I traveled with my family all over Europe. The historical, cultural, and architectural aspects of the castles, churches, and houses left a permanent imprint on my life. I ran around the Boboli Gardens of Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy with my sisters, experiencing the beauty through the senses of a youth. As an adult, I have returned to the alleys and paths of the gardens, soaking up the historical images lurking around every corner. It was my first choice for this series because of my fond, vivid memories of roaming the paths like Ana does in Labor of Love.
This is the first book in the Gardens in Time Series. I LOVE gardens and gardening. As a teen I traveled with my family all over Europe. The historical, cultural, and architectural aspects of the castles, churches, and houses left a permanent imprint on my life. I ran around the Boboli Gardens of Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy with my sisters, experiencing the beauty through the senses of a youth. As an adult, I have returned to the alleys and paths of the gardens, soaking up the historical images lurking around every corner. It was my first choice for this series because of my fond, vivid memories of roaming the paths like Ana does in Labor of Love.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
After three months of extensive research (a total of 20 sources), I spent three months writing it on 11 legal notepads. Yes, I am a pen and paper writer. Then I input it on the computer which turned into an edit. When it was ready for an outside edit, I sent it to my professional editor. Next, I had a few readers who critiqued it before I sent it to my publisher. To answer your question, I finished writing it in about six months before the editing process, which almost never ends.
After three months of extensive research (a total of 20 sources), I spent three months writing it on 11 legal notepads. Yes, I am a pen and paper writer. Then I input it on the computer which turned into an edit. When it was ready for an outside edit, I sent it to my professional editor. Next, I had a few readers who critiqued it before I sent it to my publisher. To answer your question, I finished writing it in about six months before the editing process, which almost never ends.
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
This book is historical fiction. My father is an architect with historical preservation tendencies. When we lived in England, he took us to every church, cemetery, castle, and manor house, or at least it seemed that way. I learned the history of the structures from real life experience as well as from books and pictures. As an adult, I gravitated to historical fiction beginning with James A. Michener. The Christian aspect came with Lori Wick. I cannot get enough of historical fiction. I’m an avid reader who has added reviewing and writing to the mixture. Writing in this genre came naturally, although I’m not opposed to reading and writing contemporary fiction.
This book is historical fiction. My father is an architect with historical preservation tendencies. When we lived in England, he took us to every church, cemetery, castle, and manor house, or at least it seemed that way. I learned the history of the structures from real life experience as well as from books and pictures. As an adult, I gravitated to historical fiction beginning with James A. Michener. The Christian aspect came with Lori Wick. I cannot get enough of historical fiction. I’m an avid reader who has added reviewing and writing to the mixture. Writing in this genre came naturally, although I’m not opposed to reading and writing contemporary fiction.
#4. How did you name your characters?
Since Labor of Love is set in 1560 Italy, I chose names that would have been from that era. The historical figures have their real names: Cosimo, Eleanora, Lucrezia, Isabella, Pedro, etc. My heroine is Ana. I wanted something simple that the reader could pronounce but that would be appropriate for the period. My hero is Marco, also a strong Italian name that an English-speaking reader could remember. I researched last names and came up with Geovani and Rossi. I love names and foreign languages.
Since Labor of Love is set in 1560 Italy, I chose names that would have been from that era. The historical figures have their real names: Cosimo, Eleanora, Lucrezia, Isabella, Pedro, etc. My heroine is Ana. I wanted something simple that the reader could pronounce but that would be appropriate for the period. My hero is Marco, also a strong Italian name that an English-speaking reader could remember. I researched last names and came up with Geovani and Rossi. I love names and foreign languages.
#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I have three sisters who are my best friends. Being the oldest of the lot—which by the way is the best position—I’ve enjoyed my role of leader, instigator, encourager, dragon slayer, and protector. Our motto is “cradle to grave.”
My husband of many years is my number one, well number one everything! I’ve enjoyed doing life with him and our two grown children. Every day is a blessing and an interesting piece of the puzzle, making the journey together full of blessings.
I have three sisters who are my best friends. Being the oldest of the lot—which by the way is the best position—I’ve enjoyed my role of leader, instigator, encourager, dragon slayer, and protector. Our motto is “cradle to grave.”
My husband of many years is my number one, well number one everything! I’ve enjoyed doing life with him and our two grown children. Every day is a blessing and an interesting piece of the puzzle, making the journey together full of blessings.
#6. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
As a reader myself before being a writer, I follow this motto about why I read: Entertain. Encourage. Educate. If you can find a novel that entertains, encourages, and educates, you have a spectacular journey ahead of you.
As a reader myself before being a writer, I follow this motto about why I read: Entertain. Encourage. Educate. If you can find a novel that entertains, encourages, and educates, you have a spectacular journey ahead of you.
Thank you once again for spending time with me.
Blessings to each reader as you find purpose in the pages.
Blessings to each reader as you find purpose in the pages.
More from Marguerite
Are you a gardener? My mom calls me the accidental gardener. Is there such a thing? Well, I threw a pumpkin off my deck into a flower bed in December. By March, I had a garden full of beautiful, big pumpkins and luscious vines.
I love the idea of gardening, although I’m not very successful with my planting and grandiose plans. I stick with zinnias, potatoes, and onions. But I admire all kinds of gardens—flower and vegetable. Gardens are full of surprises—zingers in my ordinary life.
From the beauty of organized formal gardens like Versailles and Boboli to quaint, colorful English gardens, I relish the assault to all the senses. I’m refreshed, renewed, and relaxed just by being in a garden.
The birth of my Gardens in Time series arose from my travels. Labor of Love, set in the Boboli Gardens in Florence, springs from memories of wonder and beauty as I roamed the avenues and paths as a child and then an adult. I never had the adventures of Ana as she struggles and grows in the court of the Medici, but I walked in the Medici’s steps and let my imagination journey with Ana. She now has her own story.
I hope that you can experience some of the awe and amazement through Ana’s wanderings. I invite you to roam the Boboli Gardens with Ana.
I love the idea of gardening, although I’m not very successful with my planting and grandiose plans. I stick with zinnias, potatoes, and onions. But I admire all kinds of gardens—flower and vegetable. Gardens are full of surprises—zingers in my ordinary life.
From the beauty of organized formal gardens like Versailles and Boboli to quaint, colorful English gardens, I relish the assault to all the senses. I’m refreshed, renewed, and relaxed just by being in a garden.
The birth of my Gardens in Time series arose from my travels. Labor of Love, set in the Boboli Gardens in Florence, springs from memories of wonder and beauty as I roamed the avenues and paths as a child and then an adult. I never had the adventures of Ana as she struggles and grows in the court of the Medici, but I walked in the Medici’s steps and let my imagination journey with Ana. She now has her own story.
I hope that you can experience some of the awe and amazement through Ana’s wanderings. I invite you to roam the Boboli Gardens with Ana.
 Marguerite Martin Gray | Marguerite enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and 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. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband in north Louisiana. She writes historical fiction. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 19
Texas Book-aholic, March 20
Inklings and notions, March 21
For Him and My Family, March 22
Betti Mace, March 23
deb’s Book Review, March 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26
Connie’s History Classroom, March 27
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28 (Spotlight)
Mary Hake, March 28
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 31 (Author Interview)
Paula’s Persuasion, March 31
Blossoms and Blessings, April 1
Inside the Wong Mind, April 2
Texas Book-aholic, March 20
Inklings and notions, March 21
For Him and My Family, March 22
Betti Mace, March 23
deb’s Book Review, March 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26
Connie’s History Classroom, March 27
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28 (Spotlight)
Mary Hake, March 28
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 31 (Author Interview)
Paula’s Persuasion, March 31
Blossoms and Blessings, April 1
Inside the Wong Mind, April 2
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