A Ring of Promises
Marie Gage
Novel
$20
The Haliburton Highlands Museum
66 Museum Road, Haliburton
Artist Statement
Renewal is at the very core of this work of historical fiction inspired by a true story. Will is forced to fight against contrary forces as he struggles to build a new life in Canada for the woman he loves. Century-old letters found in an attic reveal the 1912 story of Will, a lowly footman to an Earl in England, and Janet, a nanny to a Lord and Lady in the Highlands of Scotland. They knew their hearts but were separated by distance and duty: Will in England, Janet in the Highlands of Scotland. Desperate to find a way to be together, Will gives up everything he knows and sets sail to find a new home with only $25 in his pocket and a dream. The expected short separation was not to be. This gripping and heartfelt story traces their journeys, in back-and-forth chapters between Canada and the Highlands of Scotland, as they struggle with the help of Janet’s sister Mary Ann, to overcome the obstacles threatening their dreams. When tragedy strikes, Will is left to pick up the pieces with the help of Janet’s sister Mary Ann leading to renewal of a very different kind of love. A Ring of Promises is the debut novel of local author Marie Gage (6” by 9” with 441 pages). Website
Artist Bio
Marie Gage's writing is inspired by real people. She is a passionate researcher, intent on using all available resources to make the story come to life. The weaving of fact and fiction to create stories that are both believable and inspiring is her forté. The passion she develops for her characters adds depth and life to the story.
Gage writes for adults and children with the same passion and also has 4 children’s picture books: Blake’s Monkey Adventure, Luke’s Christmas Smile, Oliver and the Bee, and The Spirit Within.
The Haliburton Highlands Museum
The Haliburton Highlands Museum opened in the 1960s as a Canadian Centennial project and has been growing ever since. Today, the museum features a two storey main gallery space, a village home from 1882 and a series of log buildings dating from the late 1860s and early 1870s. Our collection features thousands of artifacts and photos which tell the story of the Haliburton area from its earliest settlement right up to the present day. The museum is a community space, hosting a wide range of events and programs and working with a variety of community partners. For more details about the museum, please visit www.haliburtonhighlandsmuseum.com or call 705-457-2760. The museum is located at 66 Museum Road, on the outskirts of Haliburton Village and you can visit us Tuesday to Sunday and Holiday Mondays from 10am-5pm. We look forward to welcoming you soon!