 | 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. |
Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: May 24, 2022
Release date: May 24, 2022
Click here to get your copy!
Interview with Susan
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
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’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.
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’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.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
After extensively researching it, about three months.
After extensively researching it, about three months.
| #3. What drew you to write in this particular genre? I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands, so I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I was hooked. There are so many fascinating stories to tell. |  |
#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I love Peyton and Patrick. My characters become so real to me; they become friends. Smiles.
I love Peyton and Patrick. My characters become so real to me; they become friends. Smiles.
#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
All eight of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Peyton’s Promise also focuses on healing broken hearts, forgiving an abusive father and forgiving those who persecute you. Check them all out at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction.
All eight of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Peyton’s Promise also focuses on healing broken hearts, forgiving an abusive father and forgiving those who persecute you. Check them all out at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction.
#6. How did you name your characters?
Peyton is my granddaughter’s name, so that was easy. But I like to have Irish names, so Patrick fit perfectly.
Peyton is my granddaughter’s name, so that was easy. But I like to have Irish names, so Patrick fit perfectly.
 | #7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book. While I was writing my story, I posted questions on a Thousand Islands Facebook page where I connected with lots of people who stayed on or visited Calumet Island. I added their stories and tidbits to my story including a hidden cache of wine, a gemstone imbedded in the sidewalk, stories about greenies, and so much more. |
#8. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I’ve been teaching writing, editing, or writing most of my life. Before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. My first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. I’m also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Moreover, I’m published in various book compilations including five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. I’ve also several hundred magazine and newsletter articles. But then I started writing fiction…and I’m hooked!
Personally, I have two adult children, four granddaughters, and a fluffy white Maltichon named Lucy.
I’ve been teaching writing, editing, or writing most of my life. Before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. My first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. I’m also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Moreover, I’m published in various book compilations including five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. I’ve also several hundred magazine and newsletter articles. But then I started writing fiction…and I’m hooked!
Personally, I have two adult children, four granddaughters, and a fluffy white Maltichon named Lucy.
#9. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I would love to be nearer to my children. One is in Puerto Rico. The other is world-schooling around the globe.
I would love to be nearer to my children. One is in Puerto Rico. The other is world-schooling around the globe.
#10. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Please consider writing Amazon reviews for the books you read. Then copy and paste them into Barnes & Nobles and other online stores. The best gift you can give any author is to write reviews and share it with others, either by letting people know personally, through social media, or gifting it to others.
Please consider writing Amazon reviews for the books you read. Then copy and paste them into Barnes & Nobles and other online stores. The best gift you can give any author is to write reviews and share it with others, either by letting people know personally, through social media, or gifting it to others.
#11 Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart. Yes, every book I write is a journey of healing and hope, and this one was no different. Patrick’s journey of forgiving his father paralleled my journey of forgiving my stepdad.
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 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
I hope you’ll reading enjoy Peyton’s Promise as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy reading!
Susan
 Susan G Mathis | 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.
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.
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of
a Peyton’s Promise themed basket including the novel!!
a Peyton’s Promise themed basket including the novel!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
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Artistic Nobody, October 10 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, October 10
deb’s Book Review, October 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 13 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 14
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 15 (Author Interview)
Connie’s History Classroom, October 16
Guild Master, October 17 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, October 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 18
A Reader’s Brain, October 19 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 20
For Him and My Family, October 21
Texas Book-aholic, October 9
Artistic Nobody, October 10 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, October 10
deb’s Book Review, October 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 13 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 14
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 15 (Author Interview)
Connie’s History Classroom, October 16
Guild Master, October 17 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, October 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 18
A Reader’s Brain, October 19 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 20
For Him and My Family, October 21
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