A Summary of MJ Cotton's Latest Work: The Radiance of Grace
Mary Dyer, Katherine Scott, and Anne Hutchinson’s personal stories vibrate with
the wit and courage that first inspired immigration to New England in the 1630s. Leading
powerful Bible studies, which attracted over one hundred fifty members per week, their
faith continued to deepen. Confronted by Puritan leadership which restricted personal
faith and worship, they were forced to endure years of harassment. Such abuse was
meant to reduce their influence, but instead it empowered their resolve.
The Radiance of Grace is an intimate true account of women who shared the
optimism and joys of colonial family life, while also advocating for the marginalized and
the repeal of unjust laws. Intimately told through extensive research of records,
journals, letters, and then blended with an informed imagination, Margaret Cotton
leaves no doubt of the women’s contributions to the noblest values of our developing
nation. The Radiance of Grace is the story of remarkable women, the men who hated
them, the men who adored them, and the resilient desire for liberty of religion and
speech.
Their legacy encourages us to search for our purpose in life, our commitment
to others, our confidence in God, and the price we are willing to pay for a more just
society and nation.
The Radiance of Grace is Margaret J Cotton’s second book. Inspired by a
National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for Independent Study, she continued
research for decades before writing this historical fiction.
Recent News and Happenings
May 4, 2026
Four Seasons Women's Club
Wall, NJ
Ocean Grove, NJ @ The Hub
July 11, 2026
10-12
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November 2026
Monmouth County Library
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Comfort Zone, Ocean Grove - Books are available now!
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Multiple Book Clubs now booking personal visitsor Zoom visits!
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These three heroines have been nominated Women's Hall of Fame by
The Massachusetts Women's History Center, Boston
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An Interview on Calling with Margaret J. Cotton
A Portrait of an Artist at 75
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR on SubStack
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My Troublesome BFFs
A companion story of Margaret's fictional friendship with the women whose story she tells in The Radiance of Grace
Friends Journal
a publication of the Religious Society of Friends
November 2025
About...
I write books that I would like to read - those with interesting characters who face complicated choices.
They mysteriously find me more often than I find them.
Composing is both an act of surrender and an expression of gratitude for the intense fellowship that follows. Lost in its unfolding narrative, hours and meals pass unnoticed. Unexpected thrilling discoveries surface, as do familiar worries, fears and sorrows. Resolution emerges.
Then I battle personal doubts and deep pits of revision until the “black and white knight” appears, and the story finally becomes an invitation for readers to enter and create purpose. Margaret
Join Margaret's exclusive
Rose and Lavender
Society & Newsletter
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This society is meant to be a fun way to learn more about the times and lives of the women in The Radiance of Grace and of the winding path that brought this true story to Margaret's heart and published page. It is free! No dues! So sign up!
Each month, we will add new insider information to this online newsletter. You can scroll down and catch up as it is a growing with surprising facts, maps, additional family news, recipes, and even hints to enjoying Lavender and Rose, alone or with a good friend or at a book club.
Now we. must just wait. I expect the book to be released the first week of November!
But if you want your book club to begin a challenge, now would be the time to begin to organize. For the first three book clubs of five or more who email me a photo holding the book or ebook, I will send a Book Club Box.
Just send the photograph with first names and email addresses to mjcottonbooks@yahoo.com
Invite friends to your gathering and ask them to wear Lavender! The box will include a lavender gift for members pictured and three prizes for the winners of games that can be played at a book club. Also included will be quarter cup of culinary grade Lavender to use in icing or any baking you wish to do and Ten French pastries if you wish to avoid baking. If invited, I will join you for a twenty-minute Q&A. (Date must be mutually agreed upon.)
I will also have a lottery for book clubs who send an application and are not in the first three- Good things can still happen and a book box will be awarded to one additional club on New Year's Eve.!
Why this story?
This story really found me. When hanging out at the library waiting for my son to finish school research, I noticed a book looking like it might fall from the shelf. When I pushed it back into line, the titled caught my attention. I pulled it out, and read four individual stories about women who persevered in great challenges. Two of women came alive wanting to tell the whole story of friendship and courage. Within days, my principal handed me an application for a National Endowment for the Humanities grant. Why did she do that? But immediately I knew the path to learn more. I received one of three that year for independent study. . Finally, I got to it! Grateful. Monmouth County, Public Library NJ (Shewsbury Branch)
Why The Radiance of Grace is a perfect selection for a Book Club?
Book clubs can be a room full, a zoom full, a friend or just a moment you declare for yourself! There are many ways to react to the challenges and decisions characters make in this true account of a dangerous time. There are not right or wrong views, but compassion and empathy are essential.
You found this book in the millions that are available! Margaret has released this book believing how you bring beliefs and experiences to the text is meaningful.
You have became the destination, and she wants to hear what is meaningful to you. Click below to make comments and join the conversation.
Benefits of Belonging
1.. Question and Answer - Ask your question! There are a lot of surprises. Read answers that Margaret and others have suggested.
2.. Enjoy a Community- What comments do you agree or disagree? Add your thoughts- be kind or quiet.
3.. Extension.. How will this story become part of your story? How has it changed you?
4.. Visual Moments- Margaret loves to take beautiful photographs of her travels to places mentioned in this book. Use the Photo Gallery to better imagine the setting. Have you been there or are you going there? Are the settings different than you impinged or the same?
