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Pioneer Promises #1
Whispers on the Prairie
From Book 1:
Sarah Marshall never wanted to leave Chicago and head west on a wagon train bound for the New Mexico Territory, but she wasn’t given a choice. The rugged trail is no place for her ailing aunt—and tending oxen and gathering buffalo chips is no job for a sophisticated young woman. All Sarah wants is to see her aunt safely to Santa Fe, and then she plans to return home to the Windy City.
Ethan Harper, the youngest of three adult brothers, enjoys a peaceful existence helping run his family’s stage stop in Kansas, along the Santa Fe Trail. Only one cloud continues to darken his horizon—guilt over his part in the tragic death of his oldest brother’s wife. The only acceptable penance Ethan can think of is to find Aaron a new wife, and then his two children would have a mother. A series of misfortunes strands Sarah and her aunt at the Harpers’ Stage Stop, where they depend upon the generosity of the kindhearted Harper family. Soon, the presence of an attractive young woman, however unversed in the ways of prairie living, wreaks havoc on the well-ordered lives of the Harper brothers. Ethan grasps at this chance to get Aaron a wife, but the more interest Aaron shows in Sarah, the less Ethan likes it. And Josh wants his chance at wooing her, too. Will any of the brothers prove himself worthy to Sarah? Or will she finally head home to Chicago, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts?
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2013
4 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Vickie McDonough
95 books371 followersOver 1.5 million books sold!
Bestselling author Vickie McDonough 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 is a best-selling author of more than 50 published books and novellas, with over 1.5 million copies sold. Her novels include End of the Trail, winner of the OWFI 2013 Booksellers Best Fiction Novel Award. Whispers on the Prairie was a Romantic Times Recommended Inspirational Book for July 2013. Song of the Prairie won the 2015 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Gabriel’s Atonement, book 1 in the Land Rush Dreams series, placed second in the 2016 Will Rogers Medallion Award. Vickie has recently stepped into independent publishing.
Vickie has been married for forty-one years to Robert. They have four grown sons, one daughter-in-law, and a precocious granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, antiquing, doing stained glass, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com
Bestselling author Vickie McDonough 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 is a best-selling author of more than 50 published books and novellas, with over 1.5 million copies sold. Her novels include End of the Trail, winner of the OWFI 2013 Booksellers Best Fiction Novel Award. Whispers on the Prairie was a Romantic Times Recommended Inspirational Book for July 2013. Song of the Prairie won the 2015 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Gabriel’s Atonement, book 1 in the Land Rush Dreams series, placed second in the 2016 Will Rogers Medallion Award. Vickie has recently stepped into independent publishing.
Vickie has been married for forty-one years to Robert. They have four grown sons, one daughter-in-law, and a precocious granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, antiquing, doing stained glass, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 25, 2015
So fun! Vickie McDonough has quickly become my favorite author of Christian Westerns. Her stories are intriguing, her characters lovable, and the romances sweet without going too far. I can always count on a quick, light read from her - unfortunately I read this one so quickly I finished before I have the 2nd book available!
Whispers on the Prairie was delightful. I blushed with Sarah, laughed with Ethan, and cringed with Karen Harper over the antics of her three grown sons. The lovable cast of characters made me feel at home at the Harper Stage Stop, and I'm eagerly looking forward to rejoining them for the rest of the series (Call of the Prairie & Song of the Prairie).
Whispers on the Prairie was delightful. I blushed with Sarah, laughed with Ethan, and cringed with Karen Harper over the antics of her three grown sons. The lovable cast of characters made me feel at home at the Harper Stage Stop, and I'm eagerly looking forward to rejoining them for the rest of the series (Call of the Prairie & Song of the Prairie).
July 24, 2013
Another great book from Vickie McDonough. She has a way of pulling you into a story; keeping your attention.
In this book we meet the Harper family. What's not to love? Three sons (did I mention they were cowboys?), a take charge mother, and a wise father, running the stage stop. The youngest son, Ethan, is the hero of this story - I hoping the series will focus around the remaining sons in future books.
The heroine, Sarah, is a city girl from Chicago. Sarah and her Auntie are stranded at the Harpers Stage Stop. Three sons and one pretty city girl. All the men, including the Harper sons, via for her attention. The only man Sarah wants is the man that can't stand city girls - Ethan.
Good storyline; good writing. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
In this book we meet the Harper family. What's not to love? Three sons (did I mention they were cowboys?), a take charge mother, and a wise father, running the stage stop. The youngest son, Ethan, is the hero of this story - I hoping the series will focus around the remaining sons in future books.
The heroine, Sarah, is a city girl from Chicago. Sarah and her Auntie are stranded at the Harpers Stage Stop. Three sons and one pretty city girl. All the men, including the Harper sons, via for her attention. The only man Sarah wants is the man that can't stand city girls - Ethan.
Good storyline; good writing. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 2, 2013
Whispers Across the Prairie by Vickie McDonough is a heartwarming historical romance with a great cast of realistic characters who will capture your heart from the first page. Those who have enjoyed McDonough's other novels will find even more to savor in her latest story. Charming, inspiring, and delightful--Prairie romance at its best!
July 31, 2013
As fas as I'm concerned, Vickie McDonough is the queen of prairie romance, and she doesn't fail to deliver in Whispers on the Prairie. A heart-rending plot and sweet romance prevail in a read that provides a cozy escape from modern life. Five stars!
June 13, 2013
Whispers on the Prairie kept me reading through the night. If you like cowboys and cute kids, you are going to love this book!
September 9, 2015
The writing wasn't very good but the story is ok.
April 9, 2019
It has been a while since I’ve read a prairie romance and I really enjoyed this one. I was particularly inspired by the spiritual growth of the main character and also the practical ways the characters lived out their faith in their daily lives. Whispers on the Prairie is the first full-length novel that I’ve read by this author, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 5, 2020
Het verhaal op zichzelf was boeiend, maar de ontwikkeling van de romance stond me tegen. Twer mensen die elkaar niet kunnen uitstaan die toch elkaar missen? Hij heel gelovig, zij niet maar hij hoopt dat ze toch God gaat leren vertrouwen... tante die spijt heeft dat ze Sarah niet heeft geleerd een relatie met God op te bouwen.
Het werd me allemaal even iets teveel zoetsappig en van hetzelfde.
Het werd me allemaal even iets teveel zoetsappig en van hetzelfde.
November 17, 2023
A young city girl from Chicago and her aunt end up stranded at a stage shop. Throw in 3 handsome cowboys and their family and you have an enjoyable story. It is lighthearted and easy to read. I enjoyed Sarah’s story.
I am new to Vickie’s books and have really enjoyed them. If you like to read about western/prairie life, family, love and adventure..give Whispers on the Prairie a try!
I am new to Vickie’s books and have really enjoyed them. If you like to read about western/prairie life, family, love and adventure..give Whispers on the Prairie a try!
March 17, 2025
2.5*, I read book 2 in this series first and enjoyed it more than this one. I really dislike mean adults, and her uncle was definitely that, which kept me from wanting to pick this up after starting it. The second half was better than the first, but I was frustrated with Ethan and Sarah's long list of people proposing to her.
February 18, 2018
Our Public Library is having a program called 'Blind Date' for February. Books and DVDs are wrapped in paper so I did not know what book I was checking out. This is the book I got. I am enjoying the story.
May 6, 2020
I have started this book a few times, but finally finished it all the way through. Definitely didn’t enjoy this book as much as did the books in the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series. Still a decent read. I am curious to read the other books in the series.
July 12, 2020
Sarah is involved in an orphanage caring for children; her life takes a drastic change. See how her life changes as she ventures to Harpers stage coach stop. this prairie adventure piques my interest.
January 6, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by Vickie McDonough - What A Great Read
August 5, 2018
Great read!
November 4, 2019
Enjoyable read. Loved the characters.
November 21, 2019
God's will
A story of true love and God's proof of his plans for us. Having faith can be Beautiful! My Mother loved the story.
A story of true love and God's proof of his plans for us. Having faith can be Beautiful! My Mother loved the story.
July 13, 2020
Good story. The hero was exasperating.
June 6, 2023
This series is mid at best.
August 18, 2014
Title: WHISPERS ON THE PRAIRIE
Author: Vickie McDonough
Publisher: Whitaker House
July 2013
ISBN: 978-1603748414
Genre: Historical romance
A City Girl Far from Home... A Country Boy Seeking to Right a Wrong... A Match so Incompatible, It Just Might Work...
Sarah Marshall just wants to go home. It wasn't her idea to leave Chicago and head west in search of gold, but her uncle's ambition left her no choice. Neither was her intention to settle in Kansas City with her ailing aunt, but being penniless and without possessions brings little bargaining power. Pretty soon, she resigns herself to her fate, however unfortunate. It isn't as if she has a home to go back to.
Ethan Harper, the youngest of three brothers, enjoys a peaceful existence helping run his family's stage shop along the Santa Fe Trail. Only one cloud continues to darken his horizon--guilt over the tragic death of his oldest brother's wife. The only acceptable penance Ethan can think of is finding another woman to marry his brother and help raise his motherless children.
When a series of misfortunes strands Sarah Marshall and her aunt at the Harpers' Stage Stop, the status quo is overthrown as the presence of an attractive young woman, however unversed in the ways of prairie living, wreaks havoc on the lives of the Harper brothers, all three of them vying for her attention. But will any of them prove himself worth giving up the life Sarah always dreamed of?
WHISPERS OF THE PRAIRIE is Ms. McDonough’s newest series (completely out) and her first series with Whitaker House. Ms. McDonough follows the standard historical blueprint. The book starts with the mandatory death, and even though the hero is clearly not at fault he is eaten alive by guilt and has to make restitution by finding his brother a new wife.
Sarah and her aunt are dear characters, both stronger than they think they are and they are able to discover that as the story progresses. The story is interesting though a bit predictable. Fans of Ms. McDonough’s previous books and historical fiction should give WHISPERS OF THE PRAIRIE a try. Recommended. $9.39 Kindle. $12.99 paperback. 272 pages.
Author: Vickie McDonough
Publisher: Whitaker House
July 2013
ISBN: 978-1603748414
Genre: Historical romance
A City Girl Far from Home... A Country Boy Seeking to Right a Wrong... A Match so Incompatible, It Just Might Work...
Sarah Marshall just wants to go home. It wasn't her idea to leave Chicago and head west in search of gold, but her uncle's ambition left her no choice. Neither was her intention to settle in Kansas City with her ailing aunt, but being penniless and without possessions brings little bargaining power. Pretty soon, she resigns herself to her fate, however unfortunate. It isn't as if she has a home to go back to.
Ethan Harper, the youngest of three brothers, enjoys a peaceful existence helping run his family's stage shop along the Santa Fe Trail. Only one cloud continues to darken his horizon--guilt over the tragic death of his oldest brother's wife. The only acceptable penance Ethan can think of is finding another woman to marry his brother and help raise his motherless children.
When a series of misfortunes strands Sarah Marshall and her aunt at the Harpers' Stage Stop, the status quo is overthrown as the presence of an attractive young woman, however unversed in the ways of prairie living, wreaks havoc on the lives of the Harper brothers, all three of them vying for her attention. But will any of them prove himself worth giving up the life Sarah always dreamed of?
WHISPERS OF THE PRAIRIE is Ms. McDonough’s newest series (completely out) and her first series with Whitaker House. Ms. McDonough follows the standard historical blueprint. The book starts with the mandatory death, and even though the hero is clearly not at fault he is eaten alive by guilt and has to make restitution by finding his brother a new wife.
Sarah and her aunt are dear characters, both stronger than they think they are and they are able to discover that as the story progresses. The story is interesting though a bit predictable. Fans of Ms. McDonough’s previous books and historical fiction should give WHISPERS OF THE PRAIRIE a try. Recommended. $9.39 Kindle. $12.99 paperback. 272 pages.
July 25, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough ~ Book 1 in the Pioneer Promises series, ©2013 ~*an exciting new series set in 1870s Kansas*~
... "I've got some folks here that are looking for a couple of wagons and teams of oxen."
--Whispers on the Prairie, 41
If you were going on the Santa Fe Trail and needed to be outfitted, who would you listen to? Your niece, who is assuring you that you only know about horses, or the outfitter who has determined the weight of your load ~ your large load, in fact? What about if his family has the last stage stop before the prairie? Lighten your load, but you will need to add grain to feed the horses you have the money for?
"All right, then. Set me up with half a dozen mules and your best stock horses." Uncle Harvey turned to Mr. Harper. "Where are the wagons?"
"Just down the street. You might want to consider getting another pair of mules for your freight wagon."
Her uncle pressed his lips together and shook his head. "Six will be enough."
--Ibid., 42
Hmm.... Interesting.
Okay, then. She selects the wagon too.
... "Your uncle has the list of supplies. You seem plenty efficient at purchasing things, so I'll bid you good day."
--Ibid., 46
They are on their way. Things do not turn out as Sarah has planned.
"You can't always control circumstances. You have to learn to not fight the wind. God often uses unexpected situations to do good work in us."
--Ibid., 57
Sarah would do well to listen to Ethan Harper. Plus, he prays for her.
Very enjoyable story. Explore Whispers on the Prairie for yourself. Sarah is easing in to who she is. You will like her. She is a quick thinker and changes are ahead for them. It is a soothing story of God's grace in the midst of turmoil. His peace is available to all who seek Him.
I am looking forward to the continuing trilogy. Call of the Prairie and Song of the Prairie will be released in 2014.
***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling for sending me a review copy.***
Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough ~ Book 1 in the Pioneer Promises series, ©2013 ~*an exciting new series set in 1870s Kansas*~
... "I've got some folks here that are looking for a couple of wagons and teams of oxen."
--Whispers on the Prairie, 41
If you were going on the Santa Fe Trail and needed to be outfitted, who would you listen to? Your niece, who is assuring you that you only know about horses, or the outfitter who has determined the weight of your load ~ your large load, in fact? What about if his family has the last stage stop before the prairie? Lighten your load, but you will need to add grain to feed the horses you have the money for?
"All right, then. Set me up with half a dozen mules and your best stock horses." Uncle Harvey turned to Mr. Harper. "Where are the wagons?"
"Just down the street. You might want to consider getting another pair of mules for your freight wagon."
Her uncle pressed his lips together and shook his head. "Six will be enough."
--Ibid., 42
Hmm.... Interesting.
Okay, then. She selects the wagon too.
... "Your uncle has the list of supplies. You seem plenty efficient at purchasing things, so I'll bid you good day."
--Ibid., 46
They are on their way. Things do not turn out as Sarah has planned.
"You can't always control circumstances. You have to learn to not fight the wind. God often uses unexpected situations to do good work in us."
--Ibid., 57
Sarah would do well to listen to Ethan Harper. Plus, he prays for her.
Very enjoyable story. Explore Whispers on the Prairie for yourself. Sarah is easing in to who she is. You will like her. She is a quick thinker and changes are ahead for them. It is a soothing story of God's grace in the midst of turmoil. His peace is available to all who seek Him.
I am looking forward to the continuing trilogy. Call of the Prairie and Song of the Prairie will be released in 2014.
***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling for sending me a review copy.***
November 11, 2013
You know it’s not going to end well when, on the first page, you read about a woman riding a horse named Jezebel. So begins the opening book in the Prairie Promises series by Vickie McDonough. The female rider is Ethan’s sister in law and this is the prologue set in 1868. Della is such a silly chit, however, that it’s almost a relief to know she won’t feature in the rest of the book. Fast forward two years, and we’re introduced to Sarah Marshall. We immediately learn three things: she’s an orphan, she’s good with children, and she has a beau who isn’t exactly endearing. We then meet her overbearing uncle and timid aunt. Sarah is forced to leave Chicago to assist her aunt when her uncle decides to move out west. Naturally, when she and Ethan meet they don’t exactly get along.
In Whispers on the Prairie, we have one attractive woman and several single men on the lookout for a wife. We can safely presume the outcome of this book but, in the meantime, we can appreciate the slightly clumsy attempts of the cowboy bachelors who attempt to woo her. The three brothers alternate between almost coming to blows and agreeing that the oldest brother should court her. In the meantime, Sarah continues searching for a way back to her life in Chicago. She knows which brother she likes, but it doesn’t look as if her interest is shared. At least she’s staying with a Christian family. That uncle of hers wasn’t exactly into attending church back in the city.
Lighthearted at times, while somber at others, Whispers on the Prairie is an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon. There are no bad guys to figure out or mysteries to be solved. At the back of my copy was an excerpt from book two, Call of the Prairie, in which we meet Sophie from St Louis. Which Harper brother is in her future?
Thank you to Whitaker House for my free copy of Whispers on the Prairie, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
In Whispers on the Prairie, we have one attractive woman and several single men on the lookout for a wife. We can safely presume the outcome of this book but, in the meantime, we can appreciate the slightly clumsy attempts of the cowboy bachelors who attempt to woo her. The three brothers alternate between almost coming to blows and agreeing that the oldest brother should court her. In the meantime, Sarah continues searching for a way back to her life in Chicago. She knows which brother she likes, but it doesn’t look as if her interest is shared. At least she’s staying with a Christian family. That uncle of hers wasn’t exactly into attending church back in the city.
Lighthearted at times, while somber at others, Whispers on the Prairie is an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon. There are no bad guys to figure out or mysteries to be solved. At the back of my copy was an excerpt from book two, Call of the Prairie, in which we meet Sophie from St Louis. Which Harper brother is in her future?
Thank you to Whitaker House for my free copy of Whispers on the Prairie, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2013
Vickie McDonough has done it again--written a great story. This one starts in 1868 Kansas with a tragedy involving Ethan Harper. Then it moves to 1870 Chicago where we meet Sarah Marshall, our heroine, her Aunt Emma and Uncle Harvey. Aunt Emma is a wonderful person, but that's not true of Uncle Harvey. When Sarah is forced to go with them to Santa Fe, New Mexico, she is bound and determined to go back to Chicago. Well...circumstances conspire against Sarah's plans. She and her aunt end up staying with the Harper family (mother Karen, father Nick and 3 sons, Aaron, Josh & Ethan) at their stage stop. Ethan is the one made for Sarah, and has feelings for her that confuse him, but he has his two brothers to contend with, especially Aaron who needs a mother for his two children, Corrie and Toby. You know Sarah will find her happy ending, but it keeps you wondering how it will come about. I loved all the characters in this story--Aunt Emma loves Sarah and wants the best for her; Karen loves her family and has such insight into her sons' feelings; Nick is a wise and loving father; Aaron, Josh and Ethan are handsome and strong men , yet caring and gentle. You can't help but love Corrie (age 6) and Toby (age 4) with their ability to play and have fun, but also do the chores required of them. I can hardly wait for Book 2 and 3 of this Pioneer Promises series. I want to see who Josh and Aaron will find for wives because all three Harper sons deserve to live happily-ever-after with women who love them. I'm grateful to Vickie McDonough and her publisher for providing me with this book to read and review. I expected a wonderful story and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
June 28, 2013
Sarah Marshall didn’t want to leave the bustling city of Chicago to accompany her aunt and uncle over the Santa Fe Trail to the New Mexico Territory. She had close friends in Chicago, and loved the comforts of city life. But her uncle insisted she come along to care for her ailing aunt. Since they’d taken Sarah in when her parents died, he claimed she owed him obedience. Sarah’s intention was to travel with them as far as Kansas City, where other family members planned to join them on the trek. Then she’d return to Chicago.
Ethan Harper’s family operates Harpers’ Stage Stop, a waypoint on the Santa Fe Trail. Ethan carries a burden of guilt for his part in the death of his older brother’s wife, so has made it his mission to find his brother a replacement wife.
When several unfortunate occurrences strand Sarah and her aunt at Harpers’ Stage Stop, Sarah is consumed with plans to find a means to return to Chicago. For his part, Ethan sees Sarah as a good match for his widower brother.
McDonough has done a wonderful job of handling a cast of varied characters, making each one unique and likeable. While reading this book I felt I knew the Harper family. In Whispers on the Prairie, descriptions of the stage stop, the prairie landscape, and the Trail were perfectly done. The reader feels part of the story every step of the way.
Whispers on the Prairie is “prairie romance” at its best! I hated to see this story end, but thankfully this is the first book in the Pioneer Promises series, so I look forward to reading more about the Harper family in Books 2 and 3, releasing in 2014.
My thanks to the author and Whitaker House for providing my review copy.
Ethan Harper’s family operates Harpers’ Stage Stop, a waypoint on the Santa Fe Trail. Ethan carries a burden of guilt for his part in the death of his older brother’s wife, so has made it his mission to find his brother a replacement wife.
When several unfortunate occurrences strand Sarah and her aunt at Harpers’ Stage Stop, Sarah is consumed with plans to find a means to return to Chicago. For his part, Ethan sees Sarah as a good match for his widower brother.
McDonough has done a wonderful job of handling a cast of varied characters, making each one unique and likeable. While reading this book I felt I knew the Harper family. In Whispers on the Prairie, descriptions of the stage stop, the prairie landscape, and the Trail were perfectly done. The reader feels part of the story every step of the way.
Whispers on the Prairie is “prairie romance” at its best! I hated to see this story end, but thankfully this is the first book in the Pioneer Promises series, so I look forward to reading more about the Harper family in Books 2 and 3, releasing in 2014.
My thanks to the author and Whitaker House for providing my review copy.
January 23, 2016
WHISPERS ON THE PRAIRIE by Vickie McDonough was so entertaining I couldn’t put it down.
Sarah Marshall finds herself in quite a predicament. By no choice of her own, she has left Chicago and will accompany her Aunt and Uncle in a wagon train headed out on the Santa Fe Trail. Already disliking the untamed West, she can’t believe the men are so uncivilized as to run a woman down and leave her in the mud. But that’s just what Ethan Harper did. Then, when the wagon train stops at the Harper Stage Stop, she has another encounter with Ethan Harper. Glad to be able to put him behind her, she is horrified by the events that unfold that lead her back to the Harper home where Ethan and his two other brothers, all of marrying age, see her as the solution to their problems.
Ethan Harper continues to blame himself for the death of his brother’s wife. And though he feels drawn to Sarah, he thinks she would be perfect for his brother Aaron, and would maybe free him of his guilt. With the way Sarah interacts with Aaron’s two kids, Ethan knows she will make the perfect mother. But he’s having a hard time letting go of the feelings he has for her.
The magnetism pulling Sarah to Ethan is beyond her control. She can’t understand why she is so drawn to him. But she must decide for the sake of her future and the future of her Aunt if she’s willing to accept a marriage proposal, even if it’s not from Ethan.
I really enjoyed WHISPERS ON THE PRAIRIE. The attraction between Sarah and Ethan was almost palatable. And the Harper brothers were tough yet tender. I will definitely be looking for more books from Ms. McDonough.
Book provided for review purposes.
Sarah Marshall finds herself in quite a predicament. By no choice of her own, she has left Chicago and will accompany her Aunt and Uncle in a wagon train headed out on the Santa Fe Trail. Already disliking the untamed West, she can’t believe the men are so uncivilized as to run a woman down and leave her in the mud. But that’s just what Ethan Harper did. Then, when the wagon train stops at the Harper Stage Stop, she has another encounter with Ethan Harper. Glad to be able to put him behind her, she is horrified by the events that unfold that lead her back to the Harper home where Ethan and his two other brothers, all of marrying age, see her as the solution to their problems.
Ethan Harper continues to blame himself for the death of his brother’s wife. And though he feels drawn to Sarah, he thinks she would be perfect for his brother Aaron, and would maybe free him of his guilt. With the way Sarah interacts with Aaron’s two kids, Ethan knows she will make the perfect mother. But he’s having a hard time letting go of the feelings he has for her.
The magnetism pulling Sarah to Ethan is beyond her control. She can’t understand why she is so drawn to him. But she must decide for the sake of her future and the future of her Aunt if she’s willing to accept a marriage proposal, even if it’s not from Ethan.
I really enjoyed WHISPERS ON THE PRAIRIE. The attraction between Sarah and Ethan was almost palatable. And the Harper brothers were tough yet tender. I will definitely be looking for more books from Ms. McDonough.
Book provided for review purposes.
July 15, 2013
Sarah Marshall is a city girl, she loves living in Chicago. So when her Uncle announces he is moving to Santa Fe, NM, she is beside herself. She has lived with her Aunt and Uncle, since her parents passed away. She loves her Aunt, who is not really well, but her Uncle despises her, and she has had a rough time growing up with him.
Her Uncle has made up his mind and their is no changing it. Sarah goes along, and is hoping once they meet up with her Uncle's brother she can return to Chicago. The trip is rough on her Aunt, and stumbling blocks keep popping up.
Ethan Harper has been carrying around a lot of guilt after his Sister-In-Law was killed in an accident, because she was in his care, he feel responsible. Just how do Ethan and Sarah meet, one could say in a mud puddle. Or rather Sarah ends up sitting in one.
Their paths keep crossing and more tragedy befalls Sarah and her family. Once they are rescued they end up staying with the Harper family. At first Sarah, can barely stand Ethan, but??? Will one of the four brothers win her heart? Will Sarah ever get to return to Chicago? With the Lords help all will find out where they need to be. Be ready for a wonderful journey back in the 1870's. Learn to live on the Prairie. I didn't want this story to end, but there is another book coming in the series...Yeah!!
I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Her Uncle has made up his mind and their is no changing it. Sarah goes along, and is hoping once they meet up with her Uncle's brother she can return to Chicago. The trip is rough on her Aunt, and stumbling blocks keep popping up.
Ethan Harper has been carrying around a lot of guilt after his Sister-In-Law was killed in an accident, because she was in his care, he feel responsible. Just how do Ethan and Sarah meet, one could say in a mud puddle. Or rather Sarah ends up sitting in one.
Their paths keep crossing and more tragedy befalls Sarah and her family. Once they are rescued they end up staying with the Harper family. At first Sarah, can barely stand Ethan, but??? Will one of the four brothers win her heart? Will Sarah ever get to return to Chicago? With the Lords help all will find out where they need to be. Be ready for a wonderful journey back in the 1870's. Learn to live on the Prairie. I didn't want this story to end, but there is another book coming in the series...Yeah!!
I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 21, 2014
Do you enjoy Janette Oke's books? If so, then Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough is the book for you! Seriously, I haven't read a 'prairie' romance that I have enjoyed more than this one. From the beginning, I was entranced by this story. I did not want to put it down. It's not a long book but it is overflowing with rich characters, deep spiritual themes, and lots of good old fashioned romance.
Emotionally captivating seems like such an inadequate way to describe how this story drew me in but I can't think of another description. I felt so sorry for the way that Sarah's uncle treated her and yet she remained a precious and devoted companion to her aunt. Ethan carried such a heavy burden about the death of his sister-in-law, even though it was misplaced. While these two come together under unusual circumstances, Vickie brings about the sweetest and most gentle of romances that totally warmed my soul, leaving me to imagine it might actually have happened.
Anyone who is a fan of top quality Historical Fiction will become fully enthralled with this story. It's a lovely beginning to a new series. I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review, only give my honest thoughts on the book.
Emotionally captivating seems like such an inadequate way to describe how this story drew me in but I can't think of another description. I felt so sorry for the way that Sarah's uncle treated her and yet she remained a precious and devoted companion to her aunt. Ethan carried such a heavy burden about the death of his sister-in-law, even though it was misplaced. While these two come together under unusual circumstances, Vickie brings about the sweetest and most gentle of romances that totally warmed my soul, leaving me to imagine it might actually have happened.
Anyone who is a fan of top quality Historical Fiction will become fully enthralled with this story. It's a lovely beginning to a new series. I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review, only give my honest thoughts on the book.
April 15, 2014
Series of Pioneer Promises by Vickie McDonough with book #1 "Whispers on the Prairie"
I wanted to read this one because they were going to travel by wagon train and I always enjoy all the good and the bad things that go on when traveling many miles like this.
Sarah was a city girl raised by her aunt and uncle when her parents were killed in a carriage accident. She always felt like they did not truly love her but were just doing their christian duty. She felt she would probably never marry and have children so she did volunteer work at orphanage and loved the children there.
Uncle wants to travel west and establish his store there and even though his wife doesn't care about this decision or his neice they have packed up everything and are traveling by wagons west to New Mexico Territory.
You will want to read this story and meet the family that has a stage coach stop and three handsome brothers. Sarah meets Ethan in town when he offers suggestions for things they will need for their trip and she does NOT like him one bit. It surprises her later when he is the brother that she feels drawn to.
The characters in this story will win your heart and make you tear up when life gets hard as travel on a wagon train is bound to do.
I wanted to read this one because they were going to travel by wagon train and I always enjoy all the good and the bad things that go on when traveling many miles like this.
Sarah was a city girl raised by her aunt and uncle when her parents were killed in a carriage accident. She always felt like they did not truly love her but were just doing their christian duty. She felt she would probably never marry and have children so she did volunteer work at orphanage and loved the children there.
Uncle wants to travel west and establish his store there and even though his wife doesn't care about this decision or his neice they have packed up everything and are traveling by wagons west to New Mexico Territory.
You will want to read this story and meet the family that has a stage coach stop and three handsome brothers. Sarah meets Ethan in town when he offers suggestions for things they will need for their trip and she does NOT like him one bit. It surprises her later when he is the brother that she feels drawn to.
The characters in this story will win your heart and make you tear up when life gets hard as travel on a wagon train is bound to do.
September 27, 2015
3.75 stars
Whoops! Another forgotten review... I need to get out of this bad habit! So, I read this a couple months ago, and have a few impressions from the memory that stand out a bit more than others.
—1. Sarah starts out as a willful girl, but reason is given from her circumstances. She is headstrong but manages to be engaging at the same time,
—2. She does not want to put others before herself, but she does anyway. Good portrayal of her character.
—3. The young men who make up the household where she and her aunt take shelter are entirely too handsome, too responsible, and yet too eager to pound each other if accused of being sweet on pretty Sarah.
—4. Sarah and her future mother-in-law are my favorite characters.
—5. The ending was rushed and needed to be explained a wee bit better.
In all, a pleasant frontier adventure set in Kansas in an imaginary way-station inspired by a real one.
Whoops! Another forgotten review... I need to get out of this bad habit! So, I read this a couple months ago, and have a few impressions from the memory that stand out a bit more than others.
—1. Sarah starts out as a willful girl, but reason is given from her circumstances. She is headstrong but manages to be engaging at the same time,
—2. She does not want to put others before herself, but she does anyway. Good portrayal of her character.
—3. The young men who make up the household where she and her aunt take shelter are entirely too handsome, too responsible, and yet too eager to pound each other if accused of being sweet on pretty Sarah.
—4. Sarah and her future mother-in-law are my favorite characters.
—5. The ending was rushed and needed to be explained a wee bit better.
In all, a pleasant frontier adventure set in Kansas in an imaginary way-station inspired by a real one.
April 20, 2013
Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough tells the saga of young, Sarah Marshall, who has no intention of ever leaving her home in Chicago. Raised by her uncle and aunt, she finds herself in a position of accompanying them for a short time on a wagon train with every intention to return to her beloved city.
Circumstances and obstacles arise causing Sarah to delay her plans. Instead she finds herself thrown into a situation of staying at the Harpers' Stage Stop with her aunt. Three eligible Harper men are eager to persuade her to find a reason to stay in Kansas.
Whispers on the Prairie is the first book in the Pioneer Promises series by Vickie McDonough (due out in July 2013) and is sure to please readers.
This book was provided free for review by the author and Whitaker House Publishers.
Circumstances and obstacles arise causing Sarah to delay her plans. Instead she finds herself thrown into a situation of staying at the Harpers' Stage Stop with her aunt. Three eligible Harper men are eager to persuade her to find a reason to stay in Kansas.
Whispers on the Prairie is the first book in the Pioneer Promises series by Vickie McDonough (due out in July 2013) and is sure to please readers.
This book was provided free for review by the author and Whitaker House Publishers.
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