Love’s Faithful Promise has been a wonderful, albeit bittersweet, journey, since it marks the end of the COURAGE TO DREAM series and the final chapter in the lives of my beloved O’Leary family. I will miss them all!
One of the most enjoyable parts of writing this story was that a portion of the book was set in the city of Toronto, Ontario, not far from my hometown, which afforded me the opportunity to do some historical research in my own area. I visited Toronto’s Old City Hall, now used strictly as a courthouse. Back in the early 1900s, it functioned as Toronto’s City Hall as well as a courthouse.
I did a great deal of research about World War I, specifically about the soldiers who returned home injured to Canada, and I based my hero, Dr. Matthew Clayborne, on a cumulation of historical doctors I read about. (I also pictured him looking a lot like Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey, who served in World War I!) In addition, I loosely based the military hospital in my book on the Christie Street Veterans’ Hospital, originally the National Cash Register Company Factory, which was converted to the Toronto Military Orthopaedic Hospital in 1919.
I want to thank the wonderful team at Bethany House for all their hard work on my behalf. In particular, thank you to Dave Long, Charlene Patterson, and Sharon Hodge for their excellent editorial input. Thank you also to Noelle Buss, Amy Green, and Stacey Theesfield for their help in promoting my books. Your support and encouragement are greatly appreciated!
Once again, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my wonderful critique partners, Sally Bayless and Julie Jarnagin, who helped me make this story shine! I appreciate your friendship and support.
And of course, I have to thank my family—my husband, Bud, and my children, Leanne and Eric—for their continued love and encouragement.
I am so grateful to be a part of the Bethany House team of authors. I feel blessed to be able to share my stories with you all and hope to again in the future!
To learn more about my books, please check out my website at www.susanannemason.com.
Warmest wishes,
Susan