Today I'm thrilled to welcome back my dear friend and author Susan G Mathis, as she shares an excerpt from her upcoming release.

Take it away, Susan!

In Peyton’s Promise, it’s the summer of 1902, and 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.

Here’s an excerpt:

“I don’t know what kind of spell you’ve cast over Mrs. Emery, but I strongly disapprove of your unconventional ways. You should be reporting to me, not galivanting around the castle with her. You’d better watch yourself, missy, and not be thinkin’ you’re so high and mighty just because you’ve been working in the city. Here, you’re nothing more than a servant.”

Peyton curtsied low, dipping her head. Her shoulders sagged as she withstood Mrs. Milton’s verbal lashing. “Yes, ma’am. I understand.”

“Furthermore, you shall not be fraternizing with the carpenter, is that understood?”

The housekeeper pointed her fat finger toward Patrick. Ever since he’d been working at the castle, that woman had scolded each of her staff whether they needed it or not. Even those who weren’t under her direction. Thank heaven, he reported to Duvall.

Peyton glanced his way and inclined her head. But, to his surprise, she wisely kept silent. Perhaps she’d learned a thing or two while in Watertown. She’d always been one to speak up for herself, even as a wee thing. That earned her several swats of the teacher’s pointer.

Mrs. Milton let out a huff so strong it almost blew him from high atop his perch. “Well, then. I shall have your sewing machine and the fabric sent here. You’ll work in that alcove to the left, as the missus commanded, but you’ll not be a nuisance to anyone. You are an unexpected addition to the staff, and I shan’t have time to be bothered with you. Don’t even let me know you’re here. Is that clear?” 

Peyton acquiesced, her shoulders a bit straighter. She always was a quick learner. “Yes, Mrs. Milton.”

“Furthermore, you shall take your meals with the staff and room with the housemaid, Rachel. She will fetch you for the noon meal and show you about. That’s enough for now. Settle in and no shirking.”

ABOUT SUSAN:

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. She has been published more than twenty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. Susan 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 her newest, Colleen’s Confession. Peyton’s Promise and Rachel’s Reunion release in 2022 and she just finished 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.

Here are the links to get your copy of Peyton’s Promise: Lighthouse Publishing | Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Walmart

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View the Peyton’s Promise Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE39GyUfMjA