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?

Website: www.vickiemcdonough.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickieMcDonough

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vickiemcdonough

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/VickieMcDonough/

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

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