We launched “The Empresario’s Wife,” where the story began, in Gonzales, TX. This is where Green and Sarah Seely DeWitt settled and started their colony with a land grant from Mexico. This is where she sewed, with her children, the “Come and Take It” flag. And this is where the opening shots of the Texas Revolution were fired in October of 1835, 189 years ago.
Gonzales still celebrates “Come and Take It” Day at the beginning of October every year.
I grew up mainly in Seguin, TX, just down the road from Gonzales, and have always had several relatives living in Gonzales, including the aunt to whom I dedicate the book and attribute much of my love for history. For all these reasons, launching the book in Gonzales felt inevitable and appropriate right after “Come and Take It” Day.
The Gonzales public library was kind enough to host us, and we had a great crowd of proud Gonzales residents and fellow Texans come to hear the first of my book talks and celebrate the book’s launch.
Before the talk, we visited the cemetery where Sarah and many of her family members are buried.
Afterward, we set up at the public library, where I greeted many old friends among the history buffs, some of whom I had known since grade school! It was a great turnout.
After the Gonzales launch, we also hosted book launch parties in Austin (where my son lives) and in Washington, D.C. (where I live).
Thank you to all the friends and fans who came out, engaged with the story and bought a book! If you’re interested in hosting a book talk, please fill out the contact form and get in touch.