Davalynn Spencer here, from Colorado, happy to welcome author Vickie McDonough to today’s blog.
Vickie, tell us a little about your featured book, Long Trail Home.
When a weary soldier returns from the War Between the States to discover his parents dead, his family farm in shambles, and his fiancée married, a pretty, blind woman reaches through his scarred walls, but will the secret she holds ruin all chances for a future filled with love, faith, and family? End of the Trail is the sequel to Long Trail Home.
I love the way you connected your titles. What is the primary focus of this book?
The hero’s story is about a soldier returning home after the Civil War to find all he knew has been destroyed. How does a man rebuild his life when all is gone?
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
I hope readers will see that no matter how bad things get, God is always watching over them and has a plan to help them.
How has God used the message of your book in your own life? 
My husband and I have been struggling through one of the hardest times we’ve faced. I keep reminding myself that God is aware of our situation and he will deliver us or enable us to get through it.
That’s truly an opportunity to see God work. Regarding your work, what would be your ideal writing place?
I’d love to have a place near a lake where I can sit outside and write, while enjoying God’s creation. I’d like a place where I can’t see other houses or hear traffic noises.
Sounds lovely! What’s your actual writing place like?
I live in a cul-de-sac, surrounded by houses. Lots of noise from the neighbors. I write on my laptop in my living room while sitting in my recliner.
Why do you write historical fiction?
I write what I love to read. I grew up watching the cowboy shows of the 1960s with my dad. I have always loved horses and cowboys. When I was young, I wanted to marry a rancher, but I ended up with a computer geek who is scared of horses. 🙂
Tell us about your most touching moment with a reader.
A lady emailed me a few years back and told me that she’d picked up one of my books in a thrift shop. She said she honestly believed it saved her life. She’d lost a baby and had been angry with God. Her marriage was crumbling, but after reading my story, she started going to church again, and God healed her marriage. Her story made me so thankful that I’d listened to God’s call to write.
What a confirmation and strong encouragement! Do you have any unfulfilled dreams?
Two things: 1. I’d love to see one of my books made into a movie. 2. There are several countries that I’d love to visit one day, as well as the states in the U.S. that I haven’t been to.
What are your hobbies or activities or passions outside of writing?
I love to read and watch movies. I have a booth at an antique mall, and I go to garage sales looking for things to put in my booth and also furniture that I can refinish. I also dabble in stained-glass projects.
Sounds like you have more than enough to keep you busy! Tell us about your next book project.
I just finished writing a novella called “Partners in Crime,” which is part of Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers. Each of the seven novellas is about a Texas Ranger. Micah McCullough goes undercover as part of the Markham Gang in hopes of setting a trap to capture the gang. But when they bring a pretty captive to their camp, all of Micah’s well-laid plans change.
Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Vickie.
Connect with Vickie McDonough on her website or a group blog for which she writes, www.HHHistory.com.
