Secrets of the Heart by Vickie McDonough

Wild Heart books is re-releasing my exciting South Carolina series about the Reed family. Don't miss this swashbuckling, heart-warming series that spans over sixty years of a southern family's legacy.

SECRETS OF THE HEART

Windswept Weddings book 2

Vickie McDonough

A Southern belle nursing a wounded stranger must choose between family duty and a love that defies everything she’s ever known.

Hannah Madison’s life is comfortable, well-ordered, and safe. She knows what to expect. Including her mother’s plans that Hannah marry Jamie Reed, the heir to the neighboring plantation. But her sheltered life is disrupted when she stumbles upon a seriously injured stranger in the Reeds’ barn. He seems to need her help. As she nurses him back to health, Hannah is drawn to the handsome man with amnesia that she calls Adam. And as her feelings for him grow, Hannah must decide whether to follow her heart or honor her family's expectations.

Adam remembers nothing prior to the day he met Hannah. Nothing of his true identity or the dangerous secret he carries. All he knows is he can’t help falling for his graceful and kind caretaker. But when his memories return, he's faced with an impossible choice— pursue his love for Hannah and betray his family, or sacrifice his own happiness to preserve his family's unity.

Can Hannah and Adam find the right path when duty and love collide?

Secrets of the Heart releases on October 7th. Be the first to read it by pre-ordering it now. Just $3.99 for ebook / $15.95 for paperback.

Pre-order on Amazon now

Mutiny of the Heart, Book 1 in my Windswept Weddings series, releases on August 19th. You'll love this story complete with a charming little boy, a woman with no one to call her own, and a swoony hero you can look up to. Oh, did I mention pirates?

Snag a copy here

The Marshal Next Door has a New Cover

 

A writer always hopes and prays for a good cover. I feel fortunate to have had mostly good covers for my more than 50 books. I have had several duds, but we won't mention those further, except for one.

Here's the cover I had made for The Marshal Next Door when I first got my rights back. I picked the background and the image for the hero, but it all turned out so dark. This is no slight on the person who created the covers since I picked out the images. The story is funny, romantic, and exciting. I've never been happy with the darkness of the cover, so I hired someone to redo it.

I really like the brighter colors of this one, plus the hero seems more approachable. The historical element is mostly missing, but I feel that's okay. I escpecially like the blue bonnets in the field, although they are hard to see in this small image.

So tell me, which cover do you like better and why?

The Marshal Next Door is part of the 4-novella series called 1880s Christmas Mysteries. I wrote it with my good friend, Susan Page Davis. Each novella is a stand-alone story, but the series is set in the same small town, and the various characters appears in the different stories. There is also an over-arching mystery that runs through all four novellas. You can read the books out of order, but you may not fully understand the over-arching mystery.

Here is the order of the series:

The Marshall Next Door by Vickie McDonough

The Spinster Next Door by Susan Page Davis

The Outlaw Next Door by Vickie McDonough

The Gunslinger Next Door by Susan Page Davis

Yes, you do need to buy all four novellas to get the full story, but they are only $2.99 each. That gives you over 100 pages of exciting reading for under $12. What a deal!

Here's what The Marshal Next Door is about:

When Justin Yates' deputy claims he’s seen the marshal’s twin sisters snooping around businesses where there have been recent thefts, Justin can’t believe his sisters might be the thieves, but when evidence is found in his house, will he have to arrest the twins at Christmastime?

To make matters worse, he is starting to fall for his deputy's sister. He can only imagine what the man will say about that.

Here's a sneak peek:

        “Seriously, Marshal Yates, there’s no call to point a rifle at us.”

        Though he doubted the Spencer brothers were dangerous, Justin Yates tightened his grip on his Winchester as he stared out his front door at the troublesome duo. On more than one occasion he had calmed irate townsfolk after the meddlesome brothers had egged a home, stolen a pie off someone’s porch, or any number of things the problematic pair was known for. How they had the nerve to show up at his door and ask what they had, he’d never know.

        “Yeah—I mean. . . .yes, sir. All we want is to take Emma and Ella out for a walk.” Barry Spencer, freshly shaven and armed with a flower bouquet instead of a slingshot, still looked more than a little dangerous. The sixteen-year-old stood an inch taller than his younger brother, Carl, but a good half a foot shorter than Justin.

        Behind him, Justin heard a gasp, then excited whispering. Evidently, his twin sisters were eavesdropping from the dining room. That was nothing new.

“Yeah, that’s all,” Carl cleared his warbling throat and jerked his head, flipping his shaggy blond hair out of his eyes. “Just walkin’. No . . . uh . . . hanky-panky.” The boy’s tanned cheeks turned the color of a ripe apple. His brother scowled and elbowed him.

        More gasps from the twins.

        Justin tucked his rifle in the crook of his arm, drawing the brothers’ gaze back to him. Shifting from one foot to the other, Carl swallowed an audible gulp that made his Adam’s apple bulge for a moment. Justin bit back a smile at the youth’s discomfort and struggled to maintain a sober expression. But really, there was nothing humorous about their interest in his sisters. “Sorry, fellows, Ella and Emma are only fourteen. They’re far too young to be courting.”

“C-courting!” Carl shot a frantic glance at his brother. “You said a walk. I ain’t interested in gettin’ married.” Without waiting for Barry, he spun and leapt off the porch, tossing the half-wilted bouquet of daisies in the yard.

“No,” one of his sisters cried.

Justin lifted an eyebrow as he stared down Barry Spencer. “My sisters aren’t about to be seen walking around town on a man’s” —and he used the term generously— “arm, if said ‘man’ has anything on his mind other than marriage. And when the day comes that I do agree to let them talk a stroll with a man, it will be with an upstanding, God-fearing man.”

Barry ducked his head, the flowers hanging from his limp arm. “Aw shucks.”

“I suggest before you call on a young lady again, you should straighten up your life. You two are a bit old for tomfoolery. No self-respecting father—or brother—is going to allow his daughter to walk around with the town prankster. Get a job—and keep it—and maybe in a couple of years the men of this town will look at you differently.” He closed the front door and shook his head. He couldn’t believe the nerve those boys had. He braced himself for the chugging locomotive of emotion barreling toward him.

“Jus—tin!” His twin sisters screeched his name, making it sound like the high-pitched squealing brakes of an arriving train. 

“I’m mortified.” Emma covered her face then peeked through her fingers. “Why did you send them away?”

“Yeah.” Ella, a perfect image of her sister, shoved her hands to her waist. “We wanted to go walking around town with them. They’re the cutest boys in school.” 

Justin narrowed his eyes and prayed for patience. “Do you know how much trouble those two have caused in this town?”

Emma cast a glance at her sister. “But they’re the only boys in school near our age.”

“Barry is still in school?” Justin shook his head. “Isn’t he sixteen?”

Ella had been staring at him as if she could burn holes through him, but her expression wilted. “He might’ve had to do a year over.”

“Or two,” her twin mumbled.

That’s just dandy. “You need to set your sights substantially higher than those two. When you’re old enough to step out with a male, I suspect God will provide each of you a good and decent man. You both need some patience—and a few more years before you think about marriage.”

Ella, older by four minutes, stamped her foot. “We are old enough. Mamie Sanford and Elizabeth Young both got married when they were fifteen, and we almost are.”

“And Liza Mae Green was only sixteen.” Emma’s stern glare would have been comical if the topic wasn’t so serious.

“Well, you’re not stepping out, so get used to the idea.” Justin sent them a glare that made grown men cower, but his sisters didn’t even flinch. “And until you grow up, take more responsibility, and prove to me that you are maturing, you’re not leaving this house.”

“That’s not fair!” they cried in unison.

As you can see, Justin has his hands full with the twin sisters he has raised since their parents' deaths, not to mention the numerous thefts that have be happening in town. He wants his sisters to learn be more lady-like, so he hires his deputy's sister and next door neighbor to teach them, but things keep going wrong. 

Check out this fun story. It's sure to make you chuckle.

Seven Brides for Seven Texans by Vickie McDonough

 

Do you remember the old tv series called Seven Brides for Seven Brothers? I'm pretty sure it was also made into a movie. I enjoyed the knock-off series called Here Come the Brides. I was much younger when it was on and had a bit of a crush on Bobbie Sherman. :) 

Now, you can read a similar series in book form. Seven Brides for Seven Texans is being re-released by Wild Heart Books in April, but you can pre-order it now and be one of the first to read it. You'll fall in love with these tough Texans and the special women who win their hearts.

In 1874 Texas, the wealthy patriarch of the 7-Heart ranch delivers an ultimatum to his seven independent sons: marry within the year or forfeit their inheritance. The directive sends these confirmed bachelors scrambling to secure their futures while protecting their fiercely guarded freedom.

While the youngest brother races to be first at the altar, the other brothers are more reluctant to tie the knot. The Hart brothers face unique challenges on the road to romance with a cast of remarkable women: a long-lost love haunted by the past, a former sweetheart guarding her heart, a cave-dwelling lady with mysterious money, a mail-order bride who falls for the wrong man, and a Civil War nurse willing to heal a scarred soldier's heart.

Will they find true love under the pressure of their father's demands, or will they sacrifice their inheritance to maintain their independence?

This fun series by an award-winning cast of authors is a great read. 

Pre-order now for only $5.99

Next month, I'll tell you about the sequel: Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers.

My novella in the series is #6 out of 7. Here's sneak peak:

Hartsville, Texas

1874

Stephen Austin Hart stood behind a parked wagon in the alley beside the blacksmith shop, watching the main road leading into Hartsville. The stage was due in five minutes, although that didn’t mean it would arrive any time soon. Or even today. 

Leaning back against the wall of the mercantile, he tried to stop the apprehension snaking through him. He hadn’t been this nervous since his first few battles during the War Between the States. Something in his gut told him he was making a huge mistake, but what choice did he have after his pa issued that ultimatum—get married in a year or lose his inheritance. 

He couldn’t lose the land that represented his future—land that had been in his family going on three generations. Here he was the oldest of the Hart brothers and still wifeless, while all of his brothers were now married, except Bowie. His youngest five brothers had hopped on the task of finding a bride like cats on crickets, and each one had met with success and was happier now than he’d ever seen them. He didn’t begrudge their success or happiness, but he sure didn’t like that his pa had forced them all to marry so quickly. 

Would Pa really deny him his inheritance if he didn’t marry? The huge ranch house that had been the family home all his life was supposed to go to him, as well as a big section of land due south of it. What if things didn’t go as planned? Could he lose everything? If that happened, could he ride off like Bowie had done, turning his back on his heritage?

Austin gritted his teeth. No. He couldn’t. The Seven Heart ranch was his home. His only option was to marry-no matter what. 

        Like any warm-blooded man, his eye had strayed toward a pretty woman when he encountered one, but he’d never thought much about marrying. He stayed too busy for that, trying to keep things in order and running smooth at the ranch. But soon he would be married. Wrapping his mind around that notion wasn’t easy, especially since he’d never laid eyes on his future wife. But soon…. 

        He pressed his hand against his vest pocket, feeling the familiar crinkle. He’d done something none of his brothers had thought to do—sent for a mail-order bride. His gut churned as if he’d swallowed soured milk. What if he didn’t like her? What if she was plug ugly? What if she took one look at him and hopped back on the stage?

  Austin blew out a sigh. Character mattered more to him than looks, when it came down to what was most important in a long-term relationship. He hoped his bride felt the same. He could face a homely gal each morning as long as her cooking was good and she was honest and faithful to him and God. But knowing that didn’t take the edge off his jitters. The most important thing was that he could not fail.

      He had a feeling he was already starting off on the wrong foot since he had agreed to Jenny Evans’ request to meet him and then to spend a few days getting to know one another before they married. What if she decided she didn’t like him? His brothers had said plenty times he was too cranky. Too bossy. They didn’t realize how hard it was to keep six rowdy brothers, such a large ranch, and thousands of head of cattle all moving in the direction of profitability. One bad year of drought or sickness could ruin all that his forefathers had worked so hard to build. And even though his father was still alive, somehow the load of it all rode on Austin’s shoulders.

        Throwing an unknown woman into the whole shebang wasn’t something he could prepare for. But, he had no other option. He’d made up his mind to marry—and he rarely changed it once he’d decided on which trail to take. But he still wondered what he’d do if she changed her mind, which he was learning from his five sisters-in-law was something women did a lot. He booted a rock. It rolled across the narrow alley and thunked against the far wall. He couldn’t shake the worry that his bride would find him lacking.

He had to make her want to marry him.

  But he had no idea how to do that.

    

The Anonymous Bride

 

I'm often asked which of my books are my favorite. That's almost like asking which of my four sons is my favorite. Still, I keep going back to the same book, The Anonymous Bride, which is the first book my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series. There's a precocious eleven-year-old tomboy who causes all kinds of trouble and adds humor to the story. Readers love Jacquline aka Jack. 

The premise is another thing I like about this book: What if two scheming men order a trio of mail-order brides for their unsuspecting cousin, who happens to be the town sheriff? Can't you imagine the trouble that would cause? :)

Here's the story blurb:

Luke Davis tells his cousins he'd get married if the right woman ever came along, never imagining the mayhem such a remark would cause. For a month later, three mail-order brides arrive, courtesy of his well-meaning, scheming cousins. How will he decide which one is right for him? 

Widowed boardinghouse owner Rachel Hamilton has loved Luke since they were young but never worked up the courage to tell him. Now that three brides have shown up, vying for his hand, Rachel is totally unnerved. What will she do if Luke marries one of them? Will he ever realize that sometimes love is right in front of you?

The mayor gets the great idea to host a contest among the brides to see which one is best skilled to be a wife. The first contest is pie-making, but instead of three entries, there are four--the last, an anonymous submission.

And now for a sneak peek:

    Luke Davis reined his horse to a halt atop the ridge and gazed down at the town half a mile away. Lookout, Texas—the place where his dreams were birthed and had died. He wasn’t ready to return—to face the two people he’d tried so hard to forget. But sometimes God asked hard things of a man. 

    “I’d rather face a whole band of Sioux warriors, Lord, than to ride into that town again.” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

    The town hadn’t grown nearly as much as he’d expected it would in the eleven years he’d been gone. From his higher viewpoint, the town roughly resembled a capital E, with Bluebonnet Lane being the spine, and Main, Apple Street, and a new street serving as the three arms. New homes had been added with houses whose wood hadn’t yet yielded to the hot Texas summers. 

    Luke glanced up. In the trees above a bird chirped a cheerful tune, oblivious to the turmoil churning in Luke’s belly.

    Alamo, his black gelding, snorted, as if sensing they’d reached the end of their long journey. The horse tossed his head and back-stepped away from the steep drop-off. Down below, the small river that ran south and west of town still pooled as it made its sharp turn around Lookout. A healthy dose of spring rains had filled the crater dug out by past floods that local kids use as a swimming hole, and a new rope had been added for them to swing on, promising fun as soon as school ended. Memories of afternoons spent there were some of Luke’s favorite. But those carefree days were over.

He glanced heavenward at the brilliant blue sky, halfway hoping God would give him leave to ride away. When no such reprieve came, he reined Alamo around and back down the incline to the river bank. Dismounting at the water’s edge, he allowed his horse to drink while he rinsed three days’ worth of dust off his face. 

Alamo suddenly jerked his head up and flicked his ears forward. The horse backed away from the bank and turned, looking off to the right. Luke scooped up a handful of water and sipped, watching to see what had stirred up his horse. Tall cottonwoods lined the life-giving river, and thigh-high grasses and shrubs made good hiding places. He knew that for a fact. How many times as a boy had he and his two cousins hidden there, watching the older kids swimming and sometimes spooning?

“Must have been some critter, ’Mo, to spook you.” He stood and patted his horse, finally ready to ride into Lookout and see up close how much it had changed. How she’d changed.

    Suddenly, three heads popped up from behind a nearby bush. “Hey, Mister,” a skinny kid yelled, “that’s our swimming hole, not a horse trough.” 

Rocks flew toward him, and he ducked, turning his back to the kids. Alamo squealed and sidestepped into Luke, sending him flying straight into the water. Hoots of laughter rose up behind him as cool water seeped into his clothes. His boots slipped on the moss-covered rocks as he struggled for a foothold. Finally, he managed to stand, watching his new hat float away on the current.

“Foolish kids.” He trudged out of the river, dripping from every inch of his clothing. His socks sloshed in his water-logged boots. Dropping to the bank, he yanked them off, dumped the water, and wrung out his socks. With his boots back on, he checked Alamo, making sure he wasn’t injured, then he climbed on, determined to find those kids and teach them a lesson. Playing childish pranks was one thing, and he’d done his share of them, but hurting an animal was something else altogether. 

“Heyah!” Alamo lurched forward. Luke hunkered low against the horse’s neck until he cleared the tree line then he sat up, scanning the rolling hills. He didn’t see any movement at first, but when he topped the closest hill, he found the rowdy trio racing for the edge of town. Luke hunched down and let his horse out in a full canter, quickly closing ranks between him and the kids. 

All three glanced back, no longer ornery but scared. He’d never harm a child, but instilling a little fear for the law couldn’t hurt anything. 

The two tallest boys veered off to the left out-pacing the smaller kid. The boy stumbled and fell, bounced up and shot for town. Luke aimed for that one as the older boys dashed behind the nearest house. The youngster pressed down his big floppy hat and pumped his short legs as fast as he could. The gap narrowed. Luke leaned sideways, slowing Alamo, and reached down, grabbing the youth by his overall straps. The child kicked his feet and flailed his arms, but Luke was stronger, quicker, and slung the kid across his lap. 

“Let me go! I didn’t do nothin’.” The boy held his hat on with one hand and pushed against Luke’s leg with the other hand. “You’re getting me wet.”

“Just lie still. And I wouldn’t be wet if you hadn’t thrown rocks at my horse.” Luke held a firm hand on the kid’s backside, but the boy still squirmed, trying to get free. “Don’t make me tie you up.”

Suddenly he stilled. “You wouldn’t.”

“Whoa, boy.” Luke calmed his horse, fidgety from the child’s activity. Alamo had carried him through all kinds of weather, fights with Indians in the Dakotas, and chasing down train robbers, but one skinny kid had him all riled up.

“My ma ain’t gonna like you doin’ this to me, Mister.”

Luke grunted, knowing the kid was probably right, but then his mama should have taught him not the throw rocks at strangers. The next man might shoot back. Being wet with a cocky kid tossed across his lap certainly wasn’t the homecoming he’d planned in his mind. 

Luke has a huge surprise coming. To find out what that is, grab a copy of The Anonymous Bride. 

Other books in the series:

         

 

The hectic Christmas season has arrived. My tree and decorations are up, and I am working on my Christmas cards. My shopping is done, so next up is wrapping presents. I like finishing my shopping early, so I can have time to relax and appreciate the season. One way I relax is by reading.

 Today, I want to tell you about a fun Christmas mystery novella collection, An1880s Christmas Mysteries. I wrote the 1st and 3rd stories in this collection set during the Christmas season. My good friend, Susan Page Davis wrote the 2nd and 4th stories. Each novella has its own mystery, but there is also an interesting mystery that runs through all four stories. This is the perfect book for a break in the busy Christmas Season.

The Marshal Next Door is the first novella in An 1880s Christmas Mysteries.

When Marshal Justin Yates' deputy claims he’s seen Justin’s teenage twin sisters snooping around businesses where there have been recent robberies, Justin can’t believe his sisters might be thieves, but when evidence is found in his house, will he have to arrest the twins at Christmastime?

In hopes of making his sisters more genteel, he asks his neighbor, Marta, for help. At first, Marta is stunned since the marshal rarely talks to her, but then she realizes the motherless teens could benefit from learning to cook and sew better. The hard part is not allowing the busy marshal to know she's far too attracted to him.

To make matters worse, Justin is starting to fall for his deputy's sister. He can only imagine what the man will say about that. Will Justin prove his sisters are innocent or will this Christmas turn out to be the worst since his parents died?

https://www.amazon.com/Marshal-Next-Door-Vickie-McDonough-ebook/dp/B0CDBJDK8J/

The Spinsters Next Door by Susan Page Davis (1880s Christmas Mysteries
Book 2)

The third novella in the series is The Outlaw Next Door, written by me. It's the story of a good-hearted man with a sketchy past and a woman he's certain he doesn't deserve.

A reformed outlaw has finally met the woman of his dreams. Regina Ross is the perfect woman: pretty, sweet, and kind. She's far too good for the likes of Dane McDermott, but Dane can't help being attracted to her. In spite of his rough past, he begins to hope for a future with Regina, but when his former gang shows up and kidnaps her, will it ruin his chance for love with the preacher’s daughter?

https://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Next-1880s-Christmas-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CDBPPCWD

The Gunslinger Next Door by Susan Page Davis (1880s Christmas Mysteries Book 4)

The four books in this collection are best read in order, but each is a stand-alone novella. The stories take place in the same small Texas town, with characters you'll recognize from the other stories. Each story is $2.99, which is less than $12 for the whole series. Free on KU. I'd love to know what you think of this exciting mystery series. 

Have a blessed Christmas!

 

Two New Releases

I recently got the rights back on a bunch of novellas I wrote for Barbour Publishing, so expect to see more releases in the upcoming months. The first two were in a collection called Christmas Next Door, which I wrote with my good friend Susan Page Davis. They are stories about neighbors who fall in love at Christmastime--but wait--there's more to the story. Each of the four novellas have a mystery, but there is also another mystery that runs throughout all of the novellas. I wrote books 1 & 3, and Susan wrote books 2 & 4. Each story is a stand-alone, but they are best read in order because they include the same town, townsfolk, and the over-arcing mystery. We have retitled the collection as An 1880s Christmas Mystery. Let me tell you about my novellas.

Book 1: The Marshal Next Door by Vickie McDonough

When Marshal Justin Yates' deputy claims he’s seen Justin’s twin sisters snooping around businesses where there have been recent thefts, Justin can’t believe his sisters might be the thieves, but when evidence is found in his house, will he have to arrest the twins at Christmastime?

In hopes of making his sisters more genteel, he asks his neighbor, Marta, for help. At first, Marta is stunned, but then she realizes the motherless teens could benefit from learning to cook and sew better. The hard part is not allowing the busy marshal to know she's far too attracted to him.

To make matters worse, he is starting to fall for his deputy's sister. He can only imagine what the man will say about that.

Available on Amazon for $2.99 / Free on KU

Book 2: The Spinsters Next Door by Susan Page Davis

Book 3: The Outlaw Next Door by Vickie McDonough

A reformed outlaw has finally met the woman of his dreams. Regina Ross is the perfect woman: pretty, sweet, and kind-hearted. She's far too good for the likes of Dane McDermott, but Dane can't help being attracted to her. In spite of his rugged past, he begins to hope for a future with Regina, but when his former gang shows up and kidnaps her, will it ruin his chance for love with the preacher’s daughter?

Available on Amazon for $2.99 / Free on KU

Book 4: The Gunslinger Next Door by Susan Page Davis

I hope you get a chance to read these fun romantic Christmas mysteries. You can buy all four stories for less than $12.

This is my cute two-year-old Shih Tzu/Pekinese dog, Shiloh. She's a lot of fun to play with, and a good companion to me while my husband and son are at work. For the first year of her life, she was a great dog, but this year she has changed a bit. My son and I have started thinking of her as Shiloh and Mr. Hyde. She will let me pet her when she's sitting at my feet, but if I pull her into my lap, she starts growling. If I pick up something off the floor, she runs over and nearly attacks my hand. I scold her when she growls and make her get off my lap. Things are a bit better than they were, but alas, she's not the lap dog that I had wanted. Of course, if it's thundering, she wants to be in my lap. I wonder how often we treat God like that--growling when we don't get our prayers answered. I think whenever Shiloh growls at me, I need to stop and think if I've been treating God the same way. 

Two August Releases

I recently got the rights back on a bunch of novellas I wrote for Barbour Publishing, so expect to see more releases in the upcoming months. The first two were in a collection called Christmas Next Door, which I wrote with my good friend Susan Page Davis. They are stories about neighbors who fall in love at Christmastime, but wait! There's more to the story. Each of the four novellas have a mystery, but there is also another mystery that runs throughout all of the novellas. I wrote books 1 & 3, and Susan wrote books 2 & 4. Each story is a stand-alone, but they are best read in order because they include the same town, townsfolk, and the over-arcing mystery. We have retitled the collection as An 1880s Christmas Mystery. Let me tell you about my novellas.

Book 1: The Marshal Next Door by Vickie McDonough

When Marshal Justin Yates' deputy claims he’s seen Justin’s twin sisters snooping around businesses where there have been recent thefts, Justin can’t believe his sisters might be the thieves, but when evidence is found in his house, will he have to arrest the twins at Christmastime?

In hopes of making his sisters more genteel, he asks his neighbor, Marta, for help. At first, Marta is stunned, but then she realizes the motherless teens could benefit from learning to cook and sew better. The hard part is not allowing the busy marshal to know she's far too attracted to him.

To make matters worse, he is starting to fall for his deputy's sister. He can only imagine what the man will say about that.

Available on Amazon for $2.99 / Free on KU

Book 2: The Spinsters Next Door by Susan Page Davis

Book 3: The Outlaw Next Door by Vickie McDonough

A reformed outlaw has finally met the woman of his dreams. Regina Ross is the perfect woman: pretty, sweet, and kind-hearted. She's far too good for the likes of Dane McDermott, but Dane can't help being attracted to her. In spite of his rugged past, he begins to hope for a future with Regina, but when his former gang shows up and kidnaps her, will it ruin his chance for love with the preacher’s daughter?

Available on Amazon for $2.99 / Free on KU

Book 4: The Gunslinger Next Door by Susan Page Davis

I hope you get a chance to read these fun romantic Christmas mysteries. You can buy all four stories for less than $12.

Two Exciting Tales of Life in early Texas by Vickie McDonough

 

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA, and Amazon best-selling author of 55 Christian romance books and novellas.

Men love these books, but so do women. One reader told me she went looking for Long Trail Home to read and found her husband in his recliner enjoying it himself. :)

Review of LONG TRAIL HOME: 

Vickie McDonough brings her expert writing skills to the series with a story that will capture your being and keep you instilled into the pages until the very end. The characters are truly believable and realistic, giving you the feeling that you’ve known them for a very long time! I really encourage you to visit River North, the fiction division of Moody Publishers, and check out the Six books in this series. I will assure you, if you read one, you will have to read them all!"    Joy, SplashesofJoy.com

THE LONG TRAIL HOME

Vickie McDonough

A weary soldier returns from the War Between the States to Discover his parents dead, his family farm in shambles, and his fiancée married.

Riley Morgan takes a job at the Wilcox School for Blind Children in an attempt to build a new life after the Civil War. By helping the children and the pretty, blind woman, Annie, he begins to find renewed hope. But everyone’s future at the Wilcox School is disrupted when the owner dies suddenly and the school is in jeopardy of being closed by the man who stands to inherit it. Riley’s remaining confidence in the future is shaken when Annie’s secret is revealed. Riley attempts to make peace with God, but it's difficult when the woman he's fallen for has betrayed him.

Available on Amazon. Free on KU

Review of End of the Trail:

"What a truly wonderful book! Brooks Morgan is the ultimate slightly-flawed hero with a cocky grin that’s bound to make any female reader fall in love. The End of the Trail is a hilarious, heart-rending, soul-searching rollercoaster ride. I loved it and didn’t want the ride to end. But then, I always love McDonough’s work. This author presents stellar writing; wonderful, unexpected humorous moments; touching, heart-wrenching situations that make it hard to know who to root for; and consistently riveting storylines. I dare you to read this book and not smile! Thing is, you will smile…and get a little weepy…and gasp in surprise a few times, as well. End of the Trail really is that good." Amazon reviewer.

Winner of the Bookseller's Best Award

END OF THE TRAIL

Vickie McDonough

He enters a poker game and wins a new life.
She fears losing the only home she has ever known.

Brooks Morgan’s weapon of choice is his smile. He’s smart, witty, and has charmed his way through life, but now that he’s growing older—and a bit wiser—and he’s ready to settle down. He gets his chance when he wins Raven Creek Ranch in a poker game, but when he goes to claim his prize, a pretty woman with a shotgun says the ranch belongs to her. Brooks isn’t leaving his one chance to make something of his life—but neither is she. Can they reach an agreement? Or will a greedy neighbor force a showdown, causing them both to lose what they want most in life?

Available on Amazon. Free on KU

I hope you'll get a chance to read these fun stories.

Vickie McDonough

The Hand-Me-Down Husband by Vickie McDonough

 

Ellen aims to take her deceased sister’s baby back to St. Louis to raise as her own. But Tessa's father has other ideas.

Ellen Stewart despises Lance Garrett. If not for him dashing into Isabelle’s life and stealing her heart and filling her head with his dreams, her little sister would still be alive and safe at home. When Ellen receives Lance’s letter requesting help with one-year-old Tessa, she rushes to Silver Springs, intent on taking charge of her young niece. A rugged ranch in the wilds of Texas is no place for a motherless baby.

But when she realizes how distraught Lance is over the loss of his wife and the depth of his love for his daughter, she can’t take Tessa from him—but neither can she leave. Though everything within her wants to flee back to the comfortable big city, something makes her stay. Tessa needs her father, for one—and he needs her. Ellen knows what it’s like to lose all she’d dreamed of.

When local townsfolk make a stink about Ellen living at Lance’s ranch unchaperoned, will they be forced to marry? Ellen doesn’t want a hand-me-down husband who could never love her, but could this marriage be God’s will for them both?

Amazon Review:

I loved it, great plot, romance and great characters, loved it all. I loved how her Dad ended up changing for the better too!  Indie28

The Hand-Me-Down Husband is a heart-warming novella that sells for just $2.99. Free on KU. Amazon 

Sample from the book:

    Ellen gazed across the empty depot, feeling abandoned. Where was Lance? Surely her brother-in-law wouldn’t simply give her Tessa and then leave. She’d prepared herself for a fight—prayed God would give her the courage needed. Lance had sounded despondent in the three letters he’d sent, which said he couldn’t care for Tessa and the ranch. He needed her help. So she had come—for Tessa’s sake.

    Her niece started fidgeting. Ellen didn’t know what to do. She’d never taken care of a young child. She’d been only four when Issie was Tessa’s age. She bounced her knee, hoping to distract her from whatever was upsetting her.           “What’s the matter, sweetie?” 

    The girl gazed up at her with an odd expression. Did she remind Tessa of her mother? Lance had said Ellen resembled her sister, but Issie had medium brown hair that turned golden in the summer sunlight, while her own hair was a plain dark brown. Issie had a lively, bubbly personality, while hers was quieter. Ellen liked to think things through rather than jumping right into the fire and being sorry later that she’d gotten scorched.

    Brushing a wisp of Tessa’s silky hair out of her face, she leaned over and kissed her niece’s head, feeling a motherly sensation she’d never before experienced. “Don’t you worry, sweetheart. I’ll find a way to get you out of this puny town. You’ll love living in St. Louis.”

    A strangled sound drew Ellen’s gaze to her left, and her heart jolted. Lance stood three feet away with a fierce scowl on his face. “Tessa isn’t going anywhere except back to the ranch.”

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 Christian romance books and novellas.

Gift Ideas from Vickie McDonough

It's hard to believe there are only two weeks until Christmas. This year has flown by. I normally decorate my house the weekend after Thanksgiving, but I've been sick and still don't have all of my decorations up. On a positive note, I have finished my Christmas shopping. How about you? Have finished shopping for Christmas?

Here's something fun you can do with your kids and grandkids. I've used it in several Facebook parties, and some of the names make me chuckle. My elf name is Gingerbread Sugar-Socks. Lol. Let's have some fun. Post your elf name in the comments.

Most readers know me for my 50+ fiction books, but did you know that I also have created several non-fiction ones? They'd make a fun gift for you or you kids.

Hours of mentally stimulating word search fun! USA Word Find contains 75 easy-to-read large print word search puzzles. These engaging puzzles feature United States topics such as state capitals, state nicknames, animals and birds found in the U.S., actors born in the U.S., and much more. Educational benefits for all ages. Test your knowledge of the United States while enjoying hours of word-find fun. 

Purchase here

Stained Glass Mandalas contains over 50 unique designs for you to color. It also features fascinating vignettes about the history of stained glass and interesting facts about tools, techniques, and the glass used in creating the colorful projects. These optically engaging patterns stimulate the brain and induce creativity. Coloring isn’t just for children anymore. 

Purchase Here

Elephant Cuties is a fun coloring book for children and elephant lovers of all ages. Thirty pages of elephants skateboarding, painting, and playing will keep your youngsters busy for hours while they use hand-eye coordination skills to color these cute pages.

Purchase Here

The Prodigal's Shotgun Wedding by Vickie McDonough

 

The days are getting shorter, and now that we're off Daylight Savings Time, the evenings seem longer without the sun's light. It's the perfect time to curl up with a blanket in a comfy chair to read a holiday story. Let me tell you about this one.

A prodigal’s hope for a happy homecoming is derailed.

Clay left home after his brother’s death—a death for which he was responsible. After years away he’s finally returning, hoping for reconciliation with his father. But when the stagecoach he’s riding in wrecks and he is injured, he finds himself in a fight for survival. 

Jolie is fleeing a nightmare situation. She desperately hopes becoming a mail-order bride doesn’t land her in a worse place. When the stage crashes, and she spends the night alone with a wounded man, she can't help wondering if her intended will still want her. If he doesn’t, what will she do? She has no money and nowhere to go. 

Okay, so I know there's no mention of Christmas, but trust me, it's part of the story. The Prodigal's Shotgun Wedding is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. Here's a sneak peek. This scene is from the heroine's point of view. She's traveling across the country to become a mail-order bride. Mr. Peavey is the man she is going to marry.

    Would Mr. Peavey be at the depot in Cedar Springs to meet her? Would he be young or old? Tall or thin? How would she recognize him? What would he expect of her?

    Jolie took a deep breath. “Stop being a ninny,” she whispered to herself. Of course, he'll be there. The road leveled out and became smoother. Jolie laid back her head again, and this time it wasn’t shaken half off her neck. Her eyelids closed, and her body relaxed.

    A loud noise jolted her awake. At the blast of gunfire, she sprang to the window and peered out, her breath coming in quick bursts. 

    “Robbers!” The coach driver yelled.

    “Fool woman. You want to get shot?” Mr. Jackson, now in her seat, yanked her backward. 

    She fell into his lap, arms flailing. “Unhand me.” 

    He grabbed her arms, pinning them to her side. “Stop. I’m trying to help.”

    A bullet ricocheted off the doorframe, sending splinters of wood flying. Her captor threw her to the dirty floor between the seats. Gunfire erupted from inside the stage as Mr. Jackson fired his revolver at their attackers. She covered her head. The odor of gunpowder mixed with the scent of dirt and wood. What had she gotten herself into? 

    The stage seemed to pick up speed, and Jolie was jostled in all directions, unable to regain her balance enough to even sit. Mr. Jackson stepped on her leg, and she jerked, nearly knocking him on top of her. 

    “Lie still,” he snapped.

    Shots blasted all around her. She peered up and saw light shining through a hole in the door. Glory be, it must have just missed her head. Would she even live long enough to meet her husband-to-be? “Father in heaven, help us.”

    “Amen,” Mr. Jackson yelled. 

    His gun fell silent, and Jolie peeked up again. He wrestled to stay on the seat and reload his weapon at the same time. His bullets suddenly flipped out of his hand and showered down on top of her. The carriage bounced and shook as if a madman drove it.

    “Hold on,” yelled the driver. 

    Jolie glanced at the window. Trees whipped past in a blur, and her heart flew up to her throat. The horses’ hooves thundered down the road, and the carriage creaked and groaned. 

    “Whoa! Whoa!” the driver yelled.

    The floor slanted as the coach careened down a steep hill. Mr. Jackson slid off the seat and landed on top of her, pinning her down.

    She pressed her hand against the door near her head, trying to brace herself. The stage rocked viciously back and forth then gradually slowed and rolled to a halt. Jolie dared to breathe again. Dared to move. But she could hardly catch a breath or budge with Mr. Jackson’s large body weighing her down. She pushed against his back, trying to lift him up, but he was too big. Too heavy. Why didn’t he move?

    "Mr. Jackson, could you please get off of me.” She jerked her legs and shoved his shoulder, but when she got no response, she lifted her head up. A large red circle stained the left shoulder on the back of Mr. Jackson’s shirt. 

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA, and Amazon best-selling, award-winning author of 54 books and novellas.

Get your copy of The Prodigal's Shotgun Wedding here:

Amazon / Free on KU