Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Sooner Or Later by Vickie McDonough (Give.away)

Rebekah’s dreams have become a nightmare.

For years, Rebekah’s mother told her that sooner or later a handsome man would come along and sweep her off her feet. That was before her mother and brother had died and her stepfather arranged for her to marry their repulsive neighbor in exchange liquor and a half-side of beef. She won’t marry the vile older man and flees in the dark of night.
Mason Danfield has no interest in a wife. He’s focused on caring for his motherless niece and nephew. But when Mason finds a young woman stranded on the side of the trail, he can’t leave her behind to possible die on the prairie.
A chance encounter with Jake, the children’s father, ends up with Mason riding in the 1889 Oklahoma land run. He hopes to get land for Jake and the children. Maybe then he can talk Jake into marrying Rebekah, so she can have a home and stay with the children she has come to love. But for some reason, the idea of her and Jale together doesn’t sit well with Mason.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 31, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Vickie

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I live in Oklahoma, and I wanted to write a story that shared some of our unique history. This book’s hero ends up riding in the first Oklahoma land rush. I knew the heroine’s story would be a runaway bride tale. When you read her story, you’ll be cheering for her.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
About six months. The book is on the shorter side so it didn’t take too long.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I grew up watching cowboy shows with my dad and fell in love with horses, cowboys, and the Old West, so when I started writing, it was natural to write about that.

#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I think most people will cheer for the heroine when you read her story. Although the hero has an equally painful background. There are also two cute youngster that will charm you.

#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I want readers to know that we all go through difficult times, but we don’t have to cave-in to our emotions when God it there to help us through.

#6. How did you name your characters?
I usually pick a name I like that I think suits the character. I’ll admit that I have sometimes resorted to searching historical baby name books in search of the perfect name.

#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I was at a writers’ conference when my editor announced that she was buying a three-book series from me, which turned out to be my Oklahoma trilogy. Up to that point, I’d only written novellas, which are about ¼ the length of a novel. Needless to say, I was stunned and thrilled.

#8. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I was born and raised in Oklahoma. Although I did spend a year in Israel shortly after I was married. We lived and worked on a kibbutz—a communal farm. It was wonderful experience.
My husband, Robert, and I have four grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and a twenty-year-old granddaughter, who is studying forensics in college.

#9. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I would have liked to travel more.

#10. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Writing book reviews at online sights is very helpful for authors. You don’t need to summarize the book, instead, write what you liked most about it.

#11. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses.

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.

I know that whatever this world throws at me, I will make it through because God is walking with me. The same can be true for you.

Excerpt from the Book

April 2nd, 1889
Indian Territory

Never in her life had Rebekah Bailey done anything so daring, but then she’d never been this desperate before. She peered over her shoulder at the dilapidated house as she tiptoed toward the barn. Good. Still dark.

The full moon illuminated the rickety A-frame shack that had been her home for as long as she could remember. The breath she’d been holding came out on a ragged sigh. At least she’d managed to get out of the house without Curtis hearing her. But she was far from safe.

Her heartbeat resounded in her ears, and she was certain her closest neighbors, who lived miles away, could hear it. Hugging her ma’s ancient carpetbag against her chest, she quickened her pace.

A sharp creak in the direction of the house jerked Rebekah from her reverie. With a quick tug on the reins, she turned Prince west and kicked his sides. West toward the open plains and Indian Territory. Then northwest toward Denver–and freedom. She prayed it was the last place Curtis would think to look for her.

The chanting of tree frogs gave music to her ride, and an owl hooted somewhere in a nearby tree. She used to love the sounds of the night, but now they only reminded her that she was alone. Hoping to ward off the night chill, she tugged her frayed cloak around her. The world seemed normal, asleep, as it should in the middle of the night. But she felt anything except normal. Her world had fallen apart this evening with Curtis’s declaration. Nothing would ever be same for her. She shivered at the memory. “I’ve made a deal with Giles Wilbur,” Curtis had said, grinning with pride. “Swapped you for a half side of beef and some moonshine. In the morning, you’ll be moving in with him and be his woman.” Thoughts of the filthy, drunken sloth of a man more than twice her age made her blood run cold. How could Curtis expect her to live with Mr. Wilbur without the sanctity of marriage? How could he simply swap her like she were livestock—something to be bartered? Bile churned in her stomach and burned a path to her throat. Tears blurred her vision and streamed down her cheeks.

She’d never felt so alone. Completely alone–as though not a single person in the world cared for her. But the gentle touch of the wind to her cheeks reminded her of the One who never failed. Rebekah turned to her heavenly Father as Prince trotted down the dark road. “Protect me, Lord–and show me the way. And Father . . . oh, Father, give me courage for the ride ahead and strengthen Prince’s old bones–”

The faint sound of approaching hoof beats intruded on Rebekah’s prayer.

Oh, no! Curtis!

She was certain her heart would jump clear out of her chest. The reins nearly slipped from her trembling hands. Fear of what was behind her overpowered the fear of what was ahead.

Taking a deep, determined breath, and with a firm grip on the reins, Rebekah dug her heels into Prince’s side.

“He–yah!!!” she cried softly.

Prince vaulted into a gallop and raced down the road.

Vickie McDonough

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Vickie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/mieGk/sooner-or-later-celebration-tour-giveaway

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