Far Above Rubies Blog Tour: Author Interview + Giveaway

Far Above Rubies JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Far Above Rubies by Jolyn Canty, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Far Above Rubies: The Life of Louisa MacDonald
Author: Jolyn Canty
Publisher: Azure Star LLC
Release Date: April 14, 2021
Genre: Biography

Her husband—a friend to Mark Twain, mentor to Lewis Carroll, and the man C.S. Lewis called his “master”—was one of the greatest Christian writers of the Victorian era. She was his hidden gem, the bulwark and bastion on which he could lean. Though she was an accomplished musician and singer, an advocate for the poor and neglected, and a published author, she didn’t need the spotlight, but was content to be her husband’s biggest fan and companion. She bore eleven children and adopted and cared for several others. Enduring hardships few of us will ever experience, this petite woman faced them with courage and strength. Her name was Louisa MacDonald.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

Jolyn Canty is the wife to her beloved Earle, the mother of six, and the adoring Nana of three grandchildren. She is a talented artist, a passionate quilter, and a long-time devotee of George MacDonald.

CONNECT WITH JOLYN: Facebook

Welcome Jolyn! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and allow my readers a chance to get to know you and your new book Far Above Rubies.

I like to start these interviews the same way, with something fun to break the ice. Can you share 5 random facts about you that we will not find in your bio.

1- If I could spend all my time in my garden I would-- I enjoy the work of weeds and pruning, and I love seeing the results.

2- Next summer I will have been best friends with my BFF Wendy for fifty years.

3- I was once on the cover of a medical journal when the model did not show up for the photographer-- they grabbed me from my cubicle and set me in front of the device they were showcasing.

4- I have pieced and quilted over 100 quilts.

5- I always have room for popcorn.

Did you always know that you wanted to write a book one day?

Yes. I had always wanted to write a book. I enjoy sharing stories with others.

What made you want to tell the story of Louisa MacDonald?

I was intrigued by her life. There was a "something more" an "otherness" about her that I needed to understand. To be married to such a great man with such a great mind must have been an extraordinary life.

What type of research went into bringing this book to life?

I spent hundreds of hours reading and searching every detail I could find about her life. Fortunately, the Yale Beinecke Library and Greville MacDonald provided a lot of great information from family letters and documents.

What was the most surprising thing that you came across when learning about Louisa’s life?

I have been an admirer of Louisa's husband, George MacDonald since I was in my twenties. His book, Sir Gibbie, was my favorite novel and I was even able to teach and study it with my seventh grade students when I was a teacher. Last year during the pandemic, with much time on my hands, I began reading his works again and for the first time I began wondering about his wife. Out of curiosity I emailed my editor and asked him if there were any books about Louisa that I could read. His response was quick and short, "I do not know of any, but if you write it, I will publish it." And thus began my research and admiration of Louisa MacDonald.

Can you tell us a little bit more about Far Above Rubies?

Louisa was a thinker and a doer. Her God-given gifts and attributes were not wasted. She was able to use all that she had to serve not only her family, but also her community. She was not the typical woman of the Victorian Era-- she went out of her way to be with all classes of society, and related to and was loved by everyone who knew her.

What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

I think I was most surprised by Louisa's tenacity and desire to honor and follow Christ no matter what she faced. Louisa was a demure, petite, quiet, humble POWERHOUSE! She was content to be the Handmaid of the Lord, the helpmate of George, and mother to many "home grown" as well as "heart grown."

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Far Above Rubies by Jolyn Canty and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 6, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print copy US only. Ebook and gift card available for international where available. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!