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Monday, November 02, 2015

JOLINE'S REDEMPTION - Vickie McDonough - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Vickie and I have been long-time writer friends. We’ve been on retreat together and at ACFW national conferences. I’ve spoken at the Tulsa chapter of ACFW several times, and we spent time together then. She is very knowledgeable about Oklahoma history and often writes novels about it. Joline’s Redemption is one of those novels. Her Land Run novels are so authentic. You’ll love this one.

Welcome back, Vickie. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
My husband and I just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We have four grown sons, one of whom is married and has a very precocious nine-year-old daughter. I’ve been writing since 2001 and have had nearly 40 books and novellas published. I have always loved horses and books and grew up watching cowboy shows with my dad, so I guess it’s no surprise that I write mostly historical romances set in the Old West.

How did you become interested in writing?                       
For years, I had prayed for a home business idea. We had four sons, and I wanted to be home when they were, so I couldn’t work fulltime. I have always been an avid reader, but I never once considered writing a book. One day a story idea started going through my mind. I kept seeing more and more of the story, and it got to where it was disrupting my sleep, so I decided to try writing it down in hopes it would go away. I ended up writing the whole book. As soon as I’d completed it, another idea started running through my mind, so I wrote it down, too.

After finishing the second book, I talked to my husband and said, “I wonder if God is trying to tell me I’m supposed to be a writer.” My husband said “go for it” and has fully supported me from day one. I started taking classes on writing, attending writers’ groups, and writers’ conferences, all the while learning the craft of writing fiction. Three years later, my first novella was published. This math-loving gal never planned to become a writer, but God had His own plans for me. A common theme I write about is: God has bigger dreams for us than we can dream for ourselves.
            
That is so true. What compelled you to write a book on this subject?
I grew up in Oklahoma and have always been intrigued by the land runs, which occurred to settle some of the land originally promised to various Indian tribes. Oklahoma had five land rushes, and I thought it would be interesting to create a series about them. Gabriel’s Atonement, book 1 in my Land Rush Dreams series, features the 1889 land run. Joline’s Redemption includes the 1893 Cherokee Strip run, and Sarah’s Surrender, book 3, deals with the land lottery. It was a fascinating time in American history.

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book?
In Joline’s Redemption, the main theme is that no matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve fallen, God is still willing to forgive you and set you free from the chains of the past.

Are there any other themes present in the book?
Forgiveness, trusting others, starting over.

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

The heroine in Joline’s Redemption led a rough life because of her stubbornness and the bad choices she made. We all make the wrong choice at one time or another, but God is quick to forgive us and help us not to make the same mistake again, if we seek Him and ask for forgiveness and strength. I hope readers will see that even though they mess up, redemption is still available.

A lot of people today need to understand that and take the assurance into their hearts. What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
It starts out with my heroine living in a brothel—a result of the awful choices she made. Not many Christian fiction books start out that way. Don’t worry though, she’s not there for long. Jo has a lot to overcome in her life, and I think some readers will relate to her story. Also, all of my books have some humor in them to balance the drama and suspense.

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?
I’m like everyone else—I don’t always say or do the right thing—and sometimes that hurts someone I care about, like Joline hurt the family members who loved her. Jo’s story is a reminder to me of God’s grace and love. 

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?
Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

I love that passage, too. When you are not writing, what do you like to do?
Do you have any hobbies? My sister and I have a booth at an antique mall. I can sometimes be found at estate sales, auctions, or garage saling, looking for items to put in the booth. I also refurbish some of the furniture I buy.

I love stained glass creations and have taken a class to learn the craft. I’m still in the beginner’s stage, but I enjoy making the colorful creations. Reading is also a hobby of mine, as is traveling.

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?
Each book in my Land Rush Dreams series is a complete story, but the series is a long, family saga, and you’ll see most of the same characters in each book. If you can start with Gabriel’s Atonement and read the books in order, you’ll understand the overall family arc better.

Also, I’d love for anyone who is interested to sign up to receive my newsletter so they can keep up with my book and family news. Click on this link: http://www.vickiemcdonough.com/www.vickiemcdonough.com/Newsletter_Sign-up.html

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
Heroes, Heroines, and History blog: http://HHHistory.com

Thank you, Vickie, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager to read it as I am.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Joline's Redemption - Christianbook.com
Joline's Redemption (Land Rush Dreams) - Amazon
Joline's Redemption (Land Rush Dreams Book 2) - 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 Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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

45 comments:

  1. I would love to win "Joline's Redemption", thank you so much for offering this as a giveaway!

    Wendy in FL

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  2. Hi Wendy, Thanks for checking Joline's Redemption!

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  3. I love Vickie's books and would love to read Joline's Redemption. Thank you for the opportunity.

    Melanie Backus, TX

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  4. Anonymous9:44 AM

    Gabriel's Atonement was my introduction to Vickie McDonough and I was quickly searching to see what else she had written! Would love to win Joline's Redemption. Thank you for the opportunity!

    Staci, Texas

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  5. Melanie, Thanks for being a fan! I appreciate that you my books!

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  6. Staci,

    That's so cool to know that you enjoyed Gabriel's Atonement. It was a story I started years ago and had to set aside to write other contracted books. I'm so glad GA got it's chance to be published.

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  7. Anonymous10:44 AM

    would love to win. Oreo and Angela in KY

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  8. I have never read Vickie's work but Jolene's Redemption sounds fantastic! Thanks for this interview and giveaway.
    Connie from KY
    cps1950 (at)gmail (dot)com

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  9. I haven't read Gabriel's atonement, but will be sure to get my hands on a copy if I am the winner of Joline's Redemption.

    Patty in SC

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  10. Connie, Joline's Redemption is a bit different from most of the books I write, but it turned out to be a good story of forgiveness and reconciliation.

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  11. Patty, All of my books stand alone, meaning you can read one, and it's a full story. Gabriel's Atonement is the story of Joline's sister, Lara. If you enjoyed the land rush scenes in the movie Far and Away, you'll like GA.

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  12. Lena and Vickie! Great interview. Vickie, Jeremiah 29:11 have always been one of my favorites as well. It's a constant reminder to not fret and worry, but trust in the Lord. Jolin's Redemption sounds great and I'm sure her stubborn personality relates to many readers. Thank you for this great giveaway. I'm from MD. justcommonly[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. Thanks, Just Commonly! I hope some readers can relate to Jo's stubbornness. Her choices take her down a rough road.

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  14. Anonymous8:04 PM

    Hello Vickie. I would sure love to win this book of yours. Thanks Lena for hosting Vickie.
    Maxie (TX) > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  15. Hi Maxie, Good luck in the drawing.

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  16. No, no Christian fiction books start out that way. Caught my attention.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  17. This past summer I was perusing the fiction books at our local Christian bookstore and saw Gabriel's Atonement. I was instantly drawn to it after reading the synopsis. I hadn't read any of your books prior to that, but since then have read many of your novellas in different collections.

    Terrill - WA

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  18. I would LOVE to win Vickie's book. Thank you for the chance.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W. from Indiana

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  19. sounds like a great story!
    Dee from NE

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  20. New author to me - always fun!
    I love the cover. :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Raechel in MN

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  21. New author for me. Thanks for the giveaway. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom. North Platte Nebraska.

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  22. I believe I would enjoy reading this.
    Edward A in VA

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  23. I loved Gabriel's Atonement and can't wait to read Joline's Redemption! Thank you for sharing this great interview and giveaway.

    Britney Adams, TX

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  24. My home is Alabama. I enjoy Vickie McDonough's work. Her Christian historical romances are wholesome and thought provoking. Thanks for chance to win Jolene's Redemption.

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  25. Thanks, everyone, for your kind comments about my books. It's always great to hear from readers who've enjoyed one of my stories. For those who haven't read my books, I hope you'll get one and see what you think. Many people have like my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series. It has a lighter tone and more humor in it than my Land Rush Dreams series.

    I'd love to have you sign up for my newsletter. Just visit my website and click on the "wanted" poster.

    Blessings!

    Vickie

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  26. Sharon Richmond Bryant5:45 PM

    Enter me in your awesome giveaway I just love your books!!!!
    Conway, SC.

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  27. love Vickie's books thanks for the chance to win
    live in ND

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  28. Looks awesome!!! Enter me.
    Blanch, NC

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  29. I want read this book!!!!! Thanx for the giveaway!!!!! I love historicals.
    j4hibdon (at) yahoo ( dot ) com

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  30. Nancy M9:58 PM

    I love Vickie's books! Thanks for the chance to win it and great interview! Congratulations on your 40 year anniversary!

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  31. Nancy M10:01 PM

    I forgot, I'm in Kentucky!

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  32. I really am grateful for God's forgiveness! I enjoy your books and have enjoyed this series. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  33. Brenda Arrington6:18 PM

    Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Brenda in VA

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  34. I see I'm not the only one that enjoy's Vicky's books! I'm wanting to read this one too :)
    Dee from NE

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  35. I would love to win this book. I have the first one in ebook form. Thanks for the opportunity!! grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  36. Oh I forgot. I'm from MS

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  37. It blesses me to learn that so many of you have enjoy my books. I wish had a copy to give to each of you.

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  38. Vickie, I remember when that book came out in 2001 and I thought to myself "This lady is a wonderful writer. She will go far. And look at you now! I have LOVED all your books. Big fan from Utah, since 2001!!!!

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  39. I'm in Missouri and I would love to be entered for a chance to win! I recently finished "Gabriel's Atonement" and can't wait to read more of Jo's story. Vickie, thanks so much for your fun stories! I've enjoyed every one I've got my hands on!

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  40. I enjoyed the first book and would love to win the second. Carol from AL

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  41. Hi Vickie & Lena! I'm from OK myself and have recently become more interested in learning about the Land Run and have enjoyed it all thus far. I have Gabriel's Atonement and look to reading your whole series once they're all out!
    Kristen in OK
    kam110476 at gmail dot com

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  42. I appreciate all your kind comments about my books. I'd love to have you sign up to receive my newsletter if you're not on the list.

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  43. Bonnie Roof10:31 PM

    Love stories of redemption, I am one - myself, and would love to read 'Joline's Redemption'. Thanks for the interesting interview, Vickie and Lena, and the giveaway opportunity.

    Bonnie
    Ky.

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  44. I'd love to read this--I'm researching about this very land rush for a novel I want to write about an ancestor of mine who supposedly was there (we're not 100% sure, since the records don't list him). But whatever the case, it's interesting!

    -Melissa M. in TN

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  45. This sounds so good . I have been wanting to read this for awhile .
    Deanne in PA

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