Welcome back, Susan. I'm dying to learn about the Story behind the Story of Peyton's Promise!

What inspired you to write Peyton’s Promise?

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. I am also blessed to have accomplished such diverse published works, but it’s tough to promote books to three different audiences—the nonfiction premarital audience, the picture book audience, and now the historical fiction reader audience. So what have I learned? I love historical fiction and am going to stick with that! Smiles.

You blend fact and fiction in all your stories. Care to elaborate on that?

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and 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. It’s complicated, but oh, so fun!

What was the most interesting research you did for this book?

There’s a lot of information in the story about fireworks—how they’re made, how they’re shot off, etc. I connected with the leading fireworks historical and gleaned lots of great information I sprinkled into the story. I’ll never view another fireworks’ show the same.

What is the theme of this book? If it’s part of a series, how does this book fit into the series?

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.

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

How can we connect with you?

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