Author Interview with Marguerite Martin Gray

Today I’m featuring Marguerite Martin Gray, a fellow author in the Suamalie Islands Series.

About the Book

Book: Room for Love

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 25, 2023

God gave her peace then; maybe He’ll do it again.

When Amy Lee’s son heads off to college, the bed and breakfast owner finds life even lonelier and emptier than she had after losing her husband. She needs something to occupy her mind and heart while she reinvents her life again. What more could she ask for than an after-school program for local children and a renewed interest in painting?

Then the arrival of a professor of archeology shakes her world and makes her yearn for the way things were only a few short months ago.

Still grieving the loss of his beloved wife and ignoring the warnings and protests of his grown children, Professor Walker Standish escapes on a six-month sabbatical. His heart, barely beating these past months, jerks to life again when he finds more than a room at a B & B.

Where an ocean meets the shore, love has room for one more.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French 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, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.

An interview with Marguerite Martin Gray, author of Room for Love

What a joy it is today to interview a fellow author in the Suamalie Islands Series! Hello and welcome, Marguerite.

Q: What genre do you write in and why?

A: Thank you for asking this question. I mostly write in the historical fiction genre, but I have ventured into contemporary with Room for Love. I read almost every genre. I love historical because of my upbringing with an architect father. We traveled all over Europe and the States visiting castles, churches, cemeteries, and old houses. History surrounded me. Even now I live close to my ancestral home in Louisiana built in 1848. History is fascinating especially combined with fiction. I love for my characters to come alive on the pages.

Wow, what an exciting childhood you must have had.

Q: Is there a genre you like to read but don’t see yourself writing?

A: I love reading mysteries and stand amazed at the twists and turns. I usually do not figure them out but love the journey. Murder mysteries are a favorite. I read all of Louise Penny and Tasha Alexander. Michelle Griep captures my awe and attention every time.

You’re a gal after my own heart. Murder mysteries are some of my favorites, too.

Q: Do you have any writing preparation quirks?

A: I write on legal notepads with pen, so I can write anywhere, and I do vary my location. You can find me on the front porch, back deck, at the library, or my favorite spot at home in front of a big window looking out at nature. I might have water, Diet Coke, or hot tea. My rescue dog Tully is a writing buddy.

I’ve always admired authors who write by hand and can write anywhere. I must have a keyboard and quiet.

Q: What was your favorite character to write?

A: I’ve written many characters to date. My favorite has to be Elizabeth Elliott Lestarjette from my Revolutionary Faith Series because she spans five 90,000 page novels and is still developing in novellas and short stories. I have watched her change and develop and come alive in my mind. I don’t think I will ever stop wondering what she is doing.

While I’ve read Room for Love (and loved it!), I haven’t read any of your Revolutionary Faith Series. Now I’m intrigued by your character and must put the series on my TBR list.

Q: What is your favorite part of your newest released book?

A: Room for Love is my first contemporary novel. My favorite part is the setting in the fictional Suamalie Islands. Since I’ve been to Maui and vacationed in and around islands, I feel at home. I’ve created a B & B where an interesting group of people live and work. Also, the food is fascinating as well as the flora and fauna. I’ve enjoyed researching and delving into the history of the South Pacific. Research is always a priority.

Room for Love definitely shows your wonderful research, all the while being a natural part of the story.

Thank you for sharing with us today, Marguerite. May God bless your writing.

More from Marguerite

I am so excited about being a part of this series. I have read all of the previous books and love having the collection on my shelf. I feel like I am traveling around my “home” with my characters, seeing all of the other islands and making new friends. Room for Love takes place on Alexandre Island just south of Laumua where the capitol and government are situated.

My husband and I traveled to Maui, experiencing the culture, food, sites, climate—the whole deal. My bucket list includes Bora Bora, but I couldn’t get my husband to splurge for a trip before writing this book. Yet, I have a hope to travel there one day.

For now, I’m relying on my experiences and research. The salty air and ocean offered awesome snorkeling and diving opportunities with the sea turtles and colorful fish. The humpback whales entertained us with their majestic beauty. Lorikeets and tropical birds serenaded from flowering treetops and sweet-smelling bushes and flowers.

Curvy roads in a convertible led us to cascading waterfalls and volcanoes. Many hours found us strolling on the beach or resting in hammocks. Needless to say, a week was not long enough.

I envisioned Alexandre Island as a perfect place for a B & B. We run three Airbnbs in Louisiana and really try to stay in others across the world when we can. Amy Lee, my heroine who owns the B & B, adds a wonderful breakfast and special authentic meals. On the property in an old barn, she, her staff, and friends offer an after-school program for local children.

Although tourism is a major source of island income, I realize and appreciate that the islanders have their own lives. I ask many questions of my characters to obtain a reality check about life on an exotic island. A little side note: I am a French teacher and have a strong love for the language, history, and culture surrounding these fictional islands.

I hope you enjoy the journey on all of the islands. Welcome to Alexandre.