Friday, September 17, 2010

SECOND CHANCE BRIDES - Vickie McDonough - Free Book

I just love having you on my blog, Vickie. Tell us about your salvation experience.


I’ve attended church my whole life, and I honestly can’t pinpoint a specific date that I was saved. I gave my heart to God as a child and rededicated myself to him on numerous occasions. As a teenager, I did sow some wild oats, but I repented. Sometimes I wish I had a dynamic salvation experience, but growing up a child of the King isn’t bad at all. Now, I hope to use my writing as a ministry to Him and a testimony of how God can bless a person with a dream you never knew you had.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Oh, man. That’s a hard question. There are so many I’d like to go on a retreat with. Since I write mostly historicals, I’ll focus on authors who write that genre. One would be Susan Page Davis, because she’s a good friend, a great writer, and a wonderful brain-stormer. The others would be DeeAnne Gist and MaryLu Tyndale, so I can pick their brains and learn how they plot such exciting books. Lastly, would be Tracie Peterson, because she is such a wealth of historical information and so knowledgeable about writing. (I actually went on a retreat with Tracie and some other historical writers this past spring, and I was so intimidated, I don’t think I ever talked to her.)

You should have. She was a lot of fun there. Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

A tiny one. This is an area I’m growing in, ever so slowly. I don’t like getting up in front of groups and talking. It scares me to death. But as a published author, I know this is something I need to do. I’m speaking next weekend to a writers group actually, but I’m going with my good friend and fellow writer, Margaret Daley. I love to help other writers, but I’m just more comfortable doing it via emails.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

I’m not sure I can talk about it here. Uh. . .well, I suppose you can delete this question if you think this is too off-the-wall. I sprained my ankle real bad and was on crutches. I had hobbled across the street to see a friend and was standing at the curb, waiting to cross back to my house. This red car drives by super slow, and I can see the driver-a young male-gawking at me. I’m like what’s the deal? I glance down, and to my horror, as I was walking, my shirt had worked it’s way up and was sitting on the top of my bra. I was standing there in broad daylight showing off my shortcomings to everyone. Very embarrassing!!

I hate it when something like that happens to me. People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

I have had people say that to me. I nod my head and wonder can tell they are clueless. I usually tell them it’s a lot of hard work and not a lot of pay. Then I tell them that if they’re serious that they need to study the craft, join a writer’s group, and write and write and write.

Tell us about the featured book.

Second Chance Brides is the second book in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides book and the sequel to The Anonymous Bride.

It’s the story of two mail-order brides who arrived in town to marry the same man, except he chose to marry someone else. Now Shannon and Leah are stranded in Texas with no means of support. They must find a job—a difficult fete in their tiny town—or find another man to marry. Shannon finds romance in a most surprising man, and Leah quickly loses her heart, only to be stunned by a tragic event that changes everything.

Sounds like a book I'll love. Please give us the first page of the book.

August, 1886
Lookout, Texas

Any moment the wedding would commence and signal an end to her dreams. Shannon O’Neil cast a longing glance back toward the safety of the boardinghouse. Whoever heard of a mail-order bride attending the wedding of the man she was to marry—especially when he was marrying someone else. “We should not be here.” Her voice trembled almost as much as her legs.

Her gaze flitted over the huge crowd gathered in the open field next door to the church. Only because her friend Rachel had requested her presence had she agreed to come. “People are staring at us.”

Leah Bennett sidled up beside her, mouth twisted to one side. “They’ve gawked at us ever since we came to town. Besides, we’ve got just as much right to be at this wedding as anyone else. Even more if you ask me. All things considered.”

Shannon shored up her apprehension and forced her steps forward. She squeezed through the group of men clustered around an array of makeshift benches and hurried toward one of the few remaining spots on the back bench.

Several men gaped at them and then whispered among themselves. That was nothing new, since she and Leah were mail-order brides without a groom. She’d been in Lookout more than a month but still hadn’t gotten used to being the focus of attention. Shannon dropped her gaze to the ground, but that did nothing to silence the loud murmurs. Leah sat next on her left, her nose pointed in the air, not in the snooty way it sometimes was, but in a way that dared anybody to challenge her right to attend the wedding.

“I can’t believe they had the nerve to show up,” a man to their right slurred, his tone dripping sour like unsweetened lemonade.

“They’ll ruin everything,” another said.

“Of all the nerve. This is Luke and Rachel’s special day, not theirs.”

Crushing the handkerchief in her hand, Shannon willed her trembling to cease. But her efforts were futile. She leaned toward Leah. “Perhaps ’twould be better if we left.”

“We’re staying put. Rachel wants us here, and that’s what matters. If those folks don’t like it, they can leave.” The sternness in Leah’s voice made Shannon feel like a scolded child. If only she had Leah’s boldness, perhaps her future wouldn’t look so bleak.

Shannon peered up at the ash gray clouds—clouds that mirrored her future. Clouds that swirled in waves, taunting and threatening like a schoolyard bully. Never had she seen clouds such as these, not in all of Ireland nor during the seven months she’d lived in America.

The oppressive heat sent streams of sweat trickling down her temple, back, and chest. A canvas canopy, erected to protect the bride and groom in the event of rain, lifted on the breeze and deflated as if it were a living and breathing being.

Let it rain. At least if showers fell, no one would notice her tears.

Now I can't wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.vickiemcdonough.com/ Sign my guestbook, and you’ll be entered in my next quarterly drawing for a copy of Second Chance Brides.

I’m also a regular contributor at: http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/

I’m on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads, and Shoutlife

Also, I will soon be publishing a newsletter, if readers would like to sign up, they can email me at fictionfan1@cox.net

Thanks so must for hosting me again!

My pleasure, Vickie.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.














Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

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43 comments:

Patsy said...

This book sounds great. I love stories about mail order brides. Reading one right now. Would love to read this one. Thanks for giving away a copy.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Anne Payne said...

Books about mail order brides are some of the most fun to read! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

holdenj said...

Sounds great, I'm sure those girls are going to figure something out! Thanks!

Merry said...

Aw, they have my heart right away. I'd love to be entered, Second Chance Brides sounds wonderful.
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Jennifer said...

I enjoy reading books like this. They usually have a very fun story.

Unknown said...

Please enter me! I really enjoy stories about mail-order brides! :)
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

G.R.I.T.S. said...

I LOVE This series!!! The Annonymous Bride was great!!! Please enter me in to win this book!! I would love to review the next one in this series...(not to mention I'm dying to read it and find out what the characters are up to!)

Rae Byuel from Caffeine & Romance

grannyvon said...

I have read a lot of stories about mail order brides but this one is somewhat different. I would love to win it. Thanks for the chance! ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

Casey said...

Looks like a fun sequal!

Sue said...

Thank you for the chance to read this book.

apple blossom said...

Oh, cool please include me in this book giveaway thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Michelle said...

Would love to read this one!

Thank you for entering me!

Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

MaureenT said...

Vickie you have a wonderful gift...thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your embarrassing moment...sorry but it did make me chuckle!

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Ann Lee Miller said...

I'd love to win! Ann Lee Miller

Michelle V said...

I loved Anonymous Bride and would love a chance to win Second Chance Brides!

Cindy W. said...

Vickie McDonough writes wonderful books and I am sure this will be another hit. I would love to be entered to win a copy. Thank you for the chance.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

I loved The Anonymous Bride, it will be exciting to see what happens next in the series! I'm so glad that this book is being released so soon, I HATE to wait a year in between reading books in a series LOL!

XOXO~ Renee

Vickie McDonough said...

I saw Lena a few hours ago! We're both attending the ACFW conference. :)

Thanks for your kind words about my books. Y'all have me blushing. Good luck in the drawing!

Unknown said...

Great interview. I had to laugh about your most embarrassing moment, but at the same time, I could feel that hot heat of pain from a bad moment. You book is telling a sad story about the bride...but I sense there must be some good humor lurking in those pages. Thanks for the giveaway and for the chance to win. I hope I do!

Blessed Be in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Julia M. Reffner said...

Enjoyed the first one so will look forward to this one.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

The Herd said...

What an intriguing title!
Karen

scottsgal said...

love the premise of this book! Your embarassing story was embarassing but funny!
msboatgal at aol.com

Judylynn said...

I'd love to read this book. Please enter me!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

A J Hawke said...

I can't figure out why I enjoy stories about mail order brides, but I do. Vickie is a wiz at writing them in such a way that it is pure entertainment. This is bound to be just as good as the the last one, THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE.

Please add me to the drawing.

Emma said...

Great interview. Second Chance Brides sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me. I would love to read this great book! Thanks!

Sheila Deeth said...

It sounds a lovely book; just what I need as the rainy season starts.

Bakersdozen said...

I have a couple of this author's books and would love to read this. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Would love to read the book, I love to read abaout mail order brides!

dancealert at aol dot com

Kameko said...

If this book is anything like the first book, it has to be awesome! I know I won't be disappointed because I've enjoyed each of your books I've read. I feel for you on your embarrassing moment as the same thing happened to me after I had surgery on my ankle & yes, it's very embarrassing! Thanks for the chance to win your book!

Blessings,
Beverly
bgrider2@cox.net

rbooth43 said...

A book about two mail-order brides who arrived in town to marry the same man, except he chose to marry someone else. What a con? Sounds like some women who date on the internet and think they are in love with the man whom they haven't met. No telling what the man is really like. This happened to my niece. Lucky that she found out what a con artist he was before she got taken advantage of to bad.

I would love to read Second Chance Brides to find out what these two women did.

rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

rubynreba said...

A story about mail order brides sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks!

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Sounds great... I'm really enjoying the first one of this series! Please drop my name in the hat!

Wendy said...

Sounds really funny.
Thanks for offering it.

Coolestmommy said...

I'm hooked after the first page. Love the story so far and look forward to reading all of it.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

wmmahaney said...

I love the interview. I would love to read this book.

Molly said...

Anonymous Bride was FABULOUS and this one sounds like it too! Thanks for the chance.

Blessings,
Molly

Anonymous said...

I really want to see what solution they came to in the book. Please enter me in this contest.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Vickie McDonough said...

I just want to say thanks again to everybody for reading my interview and leaving a comment. It's exciting to see so many people interested in Christian fiction.

Nancye said...

This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net