Looking Out The Window: Gay N. Lewis Talks About Her New Release, Mattie's Choice. Gives Away An E-book.

A Warm Welcome to Gay N. Lewis

Congratulations on your new release!

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About Mattie's Choice

It's 1925 in rural Oklahoma. A naïve seventeen-year-old Mattie chooses to elope with Jesse, leaving behind an ideal life with her wealthy and loving family. With hope for a happy future, she vows to stay with her husband through good times or bad, but the wonderful life Mattie dreams of is shattered by Jesse's abusive nature and his refusal to allow her to see her family.

When Jesse’s brother, Joe, brings home his new wife--the vivacious Ella--Mattie believes Ella is living the life Mattie prays to have with Jesse. As the years grow harder and Jesse and Mattie’s growing family struggles to survive The Great Depression, The Dust Bowl and illness, Jesse’s abuse worsens. 

Life also unravels for Ella and Joe as he begins to abuse his wife. Ella makes the choice that Mattie has never considered.

Will Mattie keep her vow to stay with Jesse at the risk of her own life and the life of her children or will she leave him despite the vow?

Buy Mattie's Choice in paperback on Amazon here

Buy the Kindle copy here

How much of this book is based on real life?

Almost the entire book. My mother-in-law lived during perilous times. Her sister-in-law, on the husband’s side, became her best friend. In 1925, women were supposed to be submissive, stay married, and if abuse occurred, society considered it to be their fault. My mother-in-law faced a controlling husband. She wasn’t allowed to see her family. The jealous husband prevented her from visiting her child in the hospital. Not only did this strong woman succeed as an amazing mother, but she also endured The Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and other historical events of the day. This is not a biography, but it is inspired by a woman who did what I couldn’t do.

What makes this book special to you?

It has been on my heart for more than ten years. I’ve rewritten it many times. I’ve prayed over it so often that I believe the Lord is saying to me, “Enough already. I’ve heard you.”

Why is this a must read?

This book is historical, but contemporary women face controlling, abusive men. My prayer is that, through this book, they see the damages and consequences and get help. Help is available today, but it wasn't for Mattie in 1925.

What does your family think of your writing?

Oh my! What a question! My husband and daughters think all my books are wonderful. My husband’s siblings have mixed reactions about my latest, Mattie’s Choice. Admitting their mom lived with a man who abused her is painful. I’ve told them often that the book is not biographical, but that their mom inspired it. She was a strong woman who reared eleven successful children. Four entered the ministry. Some events in this book actually happened to her. Additional events occurred to others I know. A few I totally invented.

Any advice for women planning a wedding?

If you're considering marriage, learn as much as you can about the intended's family. Did he or she grow up with abuse? Ask questions. Who will manage money? Will there be a budget? Can we make decisions together? If there's a disagreement, are you, as a wife, willing to allow your husband to lead?

Where can we reach you?

Web site

Blog

Amazon author page

Facebook

 Twitter @GayNLewis2.

Sarah has her own Facebook page. Follow Sarah on Facebook@ Sarah Wingspand