About the Book

Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

💝 Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

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.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions given are my own and not an endorsement of all author’s opinions.

Author Interview

• What was the most enjoyable part of writing your book?

I loved continuing my characters’ stories. The island theme flavored my vacations as I tried to soak up the ambience, food, and beach time in Florida, Marseille, and Naples. I never made it to Bora Bora! Since this is a contemporary, I enjoyed the freedom in writing in a new genre, different from historical. Also, Conversation Hearts connects to the first book Room for Love and the third book Dreams Revived giving the characters extended lives.

• Was your writing process spontaneous as it came to you or very planned and organized? Why?

I am a planner and organizer by nature in all areas of my life, so it overflows into my writing. I start with my imagination and an outline. Now, the outline can change and morph as the characters take off in different directions.

• Do you have a favorite time of day you are most productive in your writing?

I love writing in the morning. Since I work at home full time, I can arrange my schedule to give me some time then. It is quiet and free of distractions, except for my constant Tully companion (my rescue dog.) I can produce more words with the least amount of pressure without anyone else around.

• How many books do you personally own?

Oh, what a question. So many from so many years. I have many collections—old, new, research, TBR, friends, travel. Hundreds. Recently, I got rid of about 100 and still have an abundance.

• What is your next big goal as an author?

I have a new series in mind that explores the micro states of Europe like Andorra, the Vatican, Monaco. It will involve history, treasures, mystery, romance, past and present. I’ve already started the first one. So, we’ll see where it goes.

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.

More from Marguerite

I have enjoyed this series and the relationships forming as the characters find new ways to communicate on the journey. Are you a good communicator? Introvert or extrovert? Conversation is so very important. Think about how we use it every day: directions, warnings, concerns, prayers, instructions, disciplines. Even though I teach online, my words of concern and instruction are needed to spur the students toward success. Somehow, I have the words to communicate well in so many areas of my life.

Then what about the heart? I think of the Valentine’s candy hearts—Conversation Hearts! As relationships develop between characters in Room for Love and Conversation Hearts, the heart becomes more and more a major component with all the characters. Yet, sometimes we fail to really say what we think in order to protect our hearts. There are many lessons to learn about being honest in relationships. Sometimes we avoid the conversation part and miss out on the wonderful relationships.

I embrace the conversation of the heart in my life through love, decisions, marriage, job, God appointments, children, and difficult circumstances. Explore different facets of important conversations with Amy and Walker and their families as you read this installment of Suamalie Islands series.

Happy Reading!