If you've been following along, you'll know this is Susan G Mathis' fourth post about her release, Peyton's Promise. We've learned about Susan, about her characters, where she gets her ideas, and so much more. If you missed any of her previous posts, please click on "Older Post" to go back and check them out.

Now, Susan, you're on!

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:

As Peyton worked, she reflected on her life with the O’Clearys. Had they been a help or a detriment to her? They’d taught her well the crafts and skills of upholstering and sewing. But did they serve her well in building her character? She hated to admit, even to herself, that she’d become hard, dogmatic, opinionated. Traits that disconcerted her greatly.

And her spiritual life? She’d set that aside like an old, worn schoolbook. Guilt pricked her heart as she shoved the batting in around the coils. In a quest to become successful, especially as a woman, she’d ignored that part of her life for the past three years, and it needed to change. But how?

She couldn’t admit such folly to Papa or Patrick. They might cast her aside like a heathen from deepest, darkest Africa. Who could she talk to? Her few friends in Clayton were busy with babies and homemaking. The O’Clearys would dismiss her concerns. And Rachel? She hadn’t conversed with her about faith, but perhaps she might have some ideas.

No, better not. Rachel divulged their private conversation about suffrage in public. How could she trust her?

When Patrick appeared almost at her feet, she pricked her finger on the end of a sharp coil. “Ouch!”

She’d been so caught up in her work and thoughts that she hadn’t even noticed him approach.

Patrick’s brows furrowed. “Are you okay? It’s almost time for dinner.”

He held out a hand to help her stand, and she took it, the coolness of his skin refreshing her. “You may want to freshen up before dinner. You’ve a fine layer of horsehair and dust hiding the beautiful woman you are.”

Peyton looked at her hands and skirt. Sure enough. If anyone saw her in public like this—she stuck her finger in the air. “. “And a pricked finger. I’d better skedaddle, or Mrs. Milton will have my head on a platter if I’m late.”

Perhaps she’d talk with Rachel after all.

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