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Tuesday, January 07, 2014

CALL OF THE PRAIRIE - Vickie McDonough - One Free Book

Dear readers, Vickie asked me to read Call of the Prairie for endorsement. I was happy to do that. I’ve read and loved Vickie’s stories since the beginning. Since I share the same physical problem that the heroine has, I was very interested to see how Vickie handled it in the story. It’s a delightful story that really faces it head-on. I loved the characters and the storyline. The romance was just right. You won’t want to miss this book.

Welcome back, Vickie. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?
I’ve finished writing my Pioneers Promises series, which was set in 1870s Kansas, although the last book won’t be released until July. Next, I turn south to my native state of Oklahoma. I’ll be writing a series set during the land rush days. Oklahoma had five land runs, and the 1889 one will be featured in Gabriel’s Atonement, the first book in my Land Rush Dreams series.

What conferences will you be attending this year?
I’m facing at least one surgery, possibly two, this year, so I haven’t made plans yet to attend any conferences, although most years, I attend at least two of them.

Will you be a speaker at any of them?       
Probably not.

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?
I’ve been toying with the idea of learning screenwriting, so I think that would be a good session for a writers’ conference. The first person I’d want on my panel would be Michael Hague, who is a Hollywood screenwriter and teaches the craft. Next would be Rene Gutteridge because she’s written screenplays for the Christian market. I’m not sure who else to have on the panel. I’d have to research and see what other Christian writers know screenwriting.

Funny you should mention that. I’m the screenwriter for a Christian movie that should be ready for release near the end of this year. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?
I think it’s crucial for writers to be involved in a writing group, preferably locally, but if that’s not available, then online. Writing is a lonely job, and you need to be with others who think the same way you do, to brainstorm and plot with, and to learn from. Other writers can encourage you in a way no one else can.    

That is so true. Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?
Lately, I haven’t volunteered. I’m pretty busy with writing, being primary caregiver to my eighty-three-year-old mother who is partially handicapped, and babysitting my granddaughter. In the past, I volunteered in my church nursery and the office, and I was the ACFW national treasurer for three years and the treasurer of WIN, my local ACFW chapter for three years before that.

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
My parents, who raised me in a Christian home and took me to church and taught me good values—and especially to my Dad, who kept me laughing. My husband, Robert, who I’ve been married to for 38 years. We have raised 4 sons together and had some great times. Rebecca Germany of Barbour Publishing, who bought my first novella and many other books and helped me launch my writing career. And Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.         

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?
Vickie McDonough
She obeyed God’s calling and wrote the stories He gave her.          

That’s a good one. Tell us about the featured book.         
Call of the Prairie is the second book in my Pioneer Promise series, which is set in 1873 Kansas. The heroes of the series are the three Harper brothers, and Josh Harper, the middle brother, is the hero of Call of the Prairie. The Harpers brothers run a stage stop along the Santa Fe Trail with their parents, serving meals to travelers and servicing the stage workers and horses. When the railroad crossed through Kansas, the stage business slowed, so Josh moved to the nearest town, Windmill, to work in his uncle’s bank—and that’s where he meets the heroine, Sopie Davenport.

Here is the story blurb:
Sophie Davenport fears life is passing her by. Her strict, overprotective parents have kept her close to home because of the severe asthma attacks she sometimes endures. She longs to live a normal life and hopes to marry, but that dream seems impossible. When her aunt has a tragic accident and requests someone come to Kansas to help her, no one is available except Sophie. Her father, tied up with business, reluctantly agrees to let her go. Sophie is ecstatic and sees this trip as her one chance to prove to her parents—and herself—that she’s capable of living on her own. But things in the small town of Windmill are not as her aunt portrayed. And her aunt’s handsome neighbor, guardian of two of the children her aunt cares for after school, obviously doubts her abilities.

Will the Kansas dust, the drama, and difficulties prove too much for Sophie? Or will she lose her heart to her neighbor and succumb to the call of the prairie?

Since I read the story, please share the first page with my readers.
April 1873
St. Louis, Missouri
Sophie Davenport held back the curtain and peered out the front window, her heart jolting as a handsome man exited the carriage. He paid the driver, then turned and studied her house. He was taller and nicer-looking than she’d expected. She dropped the curtain and stepped back, hoping he hadn’t seen her spying. She pressed her hands together and tapped her index fingers against her lips, unable to hold back her grin. Blake had finally arrived!

A knock of confidence, not apprehension, sounded at the main entrance. Sophie hurried to her bedroom door, which opened onto the main entryway, and held her breath, listening. Blake stood on her porch, introducing himself to the butler. Sophie could barely contain her giddiness. She bounced on her toes as Blake told the butler he had an appointment with her. His voice, deeper than she’d imagined, floated through the open transom window above her like a beautiful cello solo at the symphony.

She patted her hair, hoping the humidity of the warm day hadn’t sent it spiraling in rebellious curls. The swish of silk accompanied her as she hurried across the room to the full-length oval mirror that stood in one corner. Pressing a hand over her chest to calm her pounding heart, she surveyed her deep purple gown. Was the fabric too dark? She’d chosen the violet silk taffeta because her brightly colored day dresses made her appear younger, but today, she wanted to look the twenty-two-year-old woman she was. Turning sideways, she checked her bustle and bow, making sure they were straight. Everything was as orderly as it could be. Would Blake like what he saw? Would he think her too short? Her light brown hair too nondescript?

Flicking a piece of lint off her bodice, she turned and faced the door. She would know soon enough. After more than a year of correspondence, Blake knew everything about her, and he had adamantly insisted that none of it mattered. He’d fallen in love with her through her enchanting missives, and he wanted her for his wife.
           
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
Sign up for my newsletter: http://mad.ly/signups/80262/join

Thank you, Vickie, for spending this time with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Call of the Prairie - Christianbook.com
Call Of The Prairie (Pioneer Promises Series # 2) - Amazon
Call of the Prairie (Pioneer Promises) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

38 comments:

  1. I adore Vickie's books! My favorite is Finally a Bride. I'm so looking forward to reading her new series!

    Heidi, CA

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  2. Call of the Prairie sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.PA.

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  3. Thanks for being a fan of my books. Heidi! I'm glad you enjoyed Finally A Bride. It was a fun book to write. If you're receiving my newsletter, you might want to sign up and stay on top of my book news. Blessings!

    Emma, Thanks for visiting Lena's blog today. Good luck in the drawing!

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  4. Hi Vickie! This book sounds like one for me!
    Amy C
    VA

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  5. I love reading books set in the old west - seemed the people were so strong living in harsh conditions compared to how we live today.
    thanks for the chance
    cheryl in IL

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  6. I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't read any of Vickie's books yet. However, this one looks quite interesting. May have to start with this one. Ü
    ~Cindi in PA

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  7. So scary to think of having asthma back in a time where there wasn't really any help during an attack. (Or, at least, I figure that wasn't. I guess I will find out more about it when reading your book.) Sounds good.
    Brittany McEuen
    Texas

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  8. Anonymous1:46 PM

    This book sounds interesting. I think my older and younger sisters would like it.
    -Indiana-

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  9. I read Whispers on the Prairie and really enjoyed it. Can't wait to get my hands on Call of the Prairie. I have it on my wish list.

    Karen G in NY
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  10. Call of the Prairie sounds like a wonderful book. I definitely want to find out more of the story. Thank you, Lena for a great interview.

    Melanie Backus, TX

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  11. Great interview! I used to dream of being a pioneer. I live in NC!!!

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  12. I read Whispers on the Prairie, the first book in the Pioneer Promises series. It was excellent; usual fare from Vickie McDonough. I left a review on Amazon last September. Now, I can't wait to get my hands on this second installment in the series. It will be great catching up with the Harper family enjoying McDonough's brilliant storytelling skills. I always come away with wise nuggets to enrich my life.

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  13. Anonymous5:16 PM

    would be happy happy happy to win. Angela in KY

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  14. Love to read this book. Enjoyed the interview Vickie. Tammie in Illinois.

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  15. This does promise to be a fantastic read.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  16. I love Vickie's work and would love to win a copy of Call of the Prairie. Thank you for the chance!

    I live in Indiana.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

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  17. Vickie McDonough writes such fun reads. Looking forward to this one. Toss my name in the hat, please.

    Vera in North Carolina

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  18. This sounds like a great book. I loved the first page.

    Susan
    Odessa, TX

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  20. thanks for the interview today of this author, love books set about brothers and esp on the prairie type. I would like reading your story Vickie.

    a reader from Ga
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  21. Sounds like a good book, would love the opportunity to read more!

    Patty in SC

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  22. Sounds great! Would love to see Sophie enjoy her first taste of freedom! I live in Phoenix, AZ

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  23. I can't wait to read CALL OF THE PRAIRIE! Thank you for sharing this interview and giveaway.

    Britney Adams, TX

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  24. I am so looking forward to reading Call Of The prairie ! Vickie is among my favorite authors. Loved the excerpt from the book. Thank you from Ohio
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Call Of The Prairie sounds so good. I would love to win a copy of it.

    Loved the interview with Vickie. Raising 4 sons must have been a blast! I'm sure there are many stories Vickie could share!

    Blessings!
    Judy B from Indiana

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  26. Thanks, you all, for the nice comments about my books. Writing can be a hard job at times, and it's very rewarding for writers to hear that people enjoy their books. I wish I could give each one of you a copy of Call of the Prairie.

    Be sure to sign up for my newsletter if you'd like to keep up with my latest book news. There's a link on the Home page of my website: www.vickiemcdonough.com

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  27. I am trying to get the story straight in my mind. The blurb and the first page seem so different. I look forward to finding out how these are tied together. I am in Texas.

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  28. We have Vickie's books in the church library. I would love to win this one to add to our collection.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
    Florida

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  29. I have enjoyed each of Vickie's books I've read! I loved the Harper family in Whispers and glad to read more about them in Call of the Prairie!

    Stephanie
    Binghamton, NY

    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  30. Love to read your new book, Call of the Prairie! I enjoy christian historical fiction on stage coach stops, railroads, Harvey girls, etc. sharon, Ca wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Anonymous8:47 PM

    Thank you for the interview with Vickie. She is a new author to me. I would love to read Sophies story. Sounds like a great book.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann in NY

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  32. thanks for the chance to win

    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  33. I love Vickie's books! I must get this series fir my TBR stack!!
    Tonja in Virginia

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  34. I love Vickie's books! I must get this series fir my TBR stack!!
    Tonja in Virginia

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  35. Thanks for the enjoyable interview Vickie, and Lena!

    I love the story line of "Call of the Prairie", and would love to read it, and learn a little more about asthma. My granddaughter, and daughter-in-law, both have asthma.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "Call of the Prairie"!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Ky.

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  36. How exciting to be part of a movie, congratulations Vickie! I love your stories.
    Merry in MN

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  37. I can't wait to read this one. Will be putting it on my wish list.

    Kay from NY
    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

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