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Pioneer Promises #3

Song of the Prairie

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Janie Dunn's life changes when, at the request of her dying cousin, she flees with her cousin's newborn son to protect him from his abusive father. She moves to Kansas, but things take a dire change when her brother is killed. Is a marriage of convenience to kindhearted Aaron Harper the answer to her problems? Is Kansas far enough away from New York that they are safe from the baby's father?

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

3 people are currently reading
377 people want to read

About the author

Vickie McDonough

95 books371 followers
Over 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

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5 stars
56 (52%)
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32 (30%)
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10 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Misty Beller.
Author 111 books2,289 followers
May 19, 2014
I just finished reading an advanced reader copy of this book and LOVED IT!!!

Vickie McDonough did an excellent job with these characters. I liked Janie from the beginning, especially when she upended her entire life to protect her deceased cousin's son. And Aaron, the tall, handsome neighbor who helps out when Janie's brother dies... in the South we would say he's a 'keeper'!

I've not yet read the first two books in the Pioneer Promises series, but I'm definitely planning to read them soon. Song of the Prairie was excellent!

Profile Image for Johnette.
68 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2024
This is the last book of the trilogy about the Harper family. I really enjoyed this family and their love for the Lord and one another.

Janie gave up her dreams and aspirations to help those she loved. I really enjoyed her tenderness and was proud of her jumping in to do whatever it would take. Her love for the precious baby was so sweet and tender. To give up everything for his safety and to raise him shows a true mother’s heart. When her brother dies, she is left without help and doesn’t know where to turn, much less how she can run a ranch too.

Enters Aaron Harper, his character and tenderness towards her and Benjy was great to see. For Aaron to finally get the family he had desired for so long. God’s plan unfolds for our good in the most dire situations. We are never a lone. He is able! Even in the most difficult moments with every obstacle thrown in our way.


Blended families are never easy , I liked the way Janie was sensitive to the other children…even with manure on her face!

Full of love, family, suspense, loss, laughter…the kids are always my favorite! The author summed it all up with the perfect verse, Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and all the books I have read by her so far. I appreciate the sincere faith in God that is woven eloquently through the pages. It really ministered to my heart
Profile Image for Anne Campbell.
Author 27 books48 followers
July 23, 2014
Vickie McDonough's novels never fail to impress me. She is a writer of very real talent and a flair for making the characters and settings come alive--as well as making the story come alive. You finish her books wishing the story would go on and on. Song of the Prairie is a prime example of that talent.

Jane Dunn has plans and dreams of becoming a famous opera singer, but all she hopes for is suddenly gone with the birth of her cousin's baby. Carolyn, her cousin, dies of injuries sustained when her husband shoved her down the stairs, the injuries which brought on the early birth of her baby boy.

Carolyn's maid carries the babe to Janie with the message that she must take the child and run before Carolyn's husband has a chance to find them. One time of holding the baby seals Janie's fate--she knows she would give her life and give up her dreams for this child. Janie runs to her brother Phil in Kansas. There, at Phil's insistence, she pretends to be the mother of the baby boy--who she names Benjamin--and Phil's wife.

When she begins to develop feelings for their widowed neighbor, Aaron Harper, she knows she must hide the attraction or be branded a wanton woman. She has no one she can talk to about her burgeoning secrets. Will she be forced to continue lying? Must she also sacrifice loving a man of her own? What will she do if her cousin's husband shows up and demands his son?
Profile Image for Carol Lee.
689 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2014
I enjoy reading books from this time period and this was one that fit that description. I pretty much made the effort to read this book in one sitting so I could figure out how it would all turn out and had to keep from turning ahead. Janie took a leap of faith to honor her cousin's request and in doing so leaves her life behind. She leaves and goes to live with her brother where she finds new friends and learns to accept the help she needs and a new life as well. I don't know that I could have stepped out like she did knowing what I was running from, but admire her for doing so.
I received a copy of this book to review.
2 reviews
June 17, 2014
In Song of the Prairie, Vickie McDonough has woven together yet another compelling story of trials, triumph and true love. Her characters made me laugh, and they brought me to tears as they struggled to build relationships with God and with the ones He brought into their lives. I cheered them on until the very end.
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 17 books146 followers
August 5, 2015
4.5 stars
This was such a fun and engaging read. I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Aaron & Janie (as well as Aaron & little Benjy), and liked that the conflict didn't last long once it came. Love this author, and can't wait to read more from her!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,706 reviews17 followers
March 26, 2025
I read book 2 of this series first and liked it enough I thought I might like book 1 & 3. I found book 1 much slower and overall not as enjoyable. This one was a darker story as it has an abusive husband who causes the death of his very pregnant wife. The abusive man was apparently so intoxicated he didn't even remember what led to his wife's death and only hunts down his newborn son because of a possessive nature.

It was weird how Janie's and Phil's interactions were described because as the reader you know they are siblings but it didn't come across like they were. I know to others they were pretending to be married but even when Janie thought of him or reflected on him it didn't fit. I didn't like that Janie did not come clean to Aaron before their wedding and was planning to run without even talking to him.

As with the other books I like the Harper family and they are why I read the series but as a whole I wish I had just read book 2 and not the whole series. Though it was nice to see Aaron finally get a happily ever after.

CCs: two he** (pg 135 & 250), talk of a mistress, spousal physical abuse, talk and interest in marital relations
Profile Image for Carolyn.
173 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2020
the conclusion of pioneer promises; was not a disappointment, but, a page turner of action and romantic suspense. A heart rendering sacrificial love of a child and a mixed bag of untold facts, and trials. this series was such a great family bonding in the lives of three sons of the Harper family and the people they meet along their owned Harpers stage coach stop.
Profile Image for Kay.
506 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this third book in the Pioneer Promises series. My favorite character is Aaron. He is a fun-loving and hard-working rancher, who makes his decisions with thoughtfulness and prayer. He’s a good man all the way around and a perfect hero.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
August 22, 2014
Title: SONG OF THE PRAIRIE
Authors: Vickie McDonough
Publisher: Whitaker House
July 2014
ISBN: 978-1629111704
Genre: Historical

A runaway new mother... A widower missing his children… A past that seems irreparable…

Janie Dunn’s dreams of being an opera singer suddenly dim when, at her dying cousin’s request, she flees Boston with her cousin’s newborn son to protect him from his abusive father. She moves to Kansas to live with her brother, who poses as her husband to protect her identity, lest the baby’s father seek her out. But it’s hard living a lie; even more so the closer she grows to her neighbors on the prairie.

Aaron Harper lost his wife four years ago in a tragic accident. Without a mother to help raise and educate his two chidren, Aaron sent them to live with his brother and sister-in-law in Windmill, a few hours’ train ride from his family’s homestead, to attend the local school. Yet Aaron regrets seeing his son and daughter so rarely. He yearns to have them under his roof again, but without someone to educate them, it’s an impossible scenario.

Life takes a dire turn for Janie when her brother dies. The Harper family turns out to be the greatest blessing—particularly the handsome Aaron Harper, who keeps the farm running in her brother’s absence. But Janie knows his help is only temporary. Is a marriage of convenience to Aaron Harper the answer to both of their problems? And is Kansas far enough away from Boston that she is safe from the baby’s vengeful father? Or will he come after her and expose the secret she’s worked so hard to conceal? .

SONG OF THE PRAIRIE is the third and final book in Ms. McDonough’s series, Prairie Promises. Fans will want to read Whispers on the Prairie and Call of the Prairie first. The stories are stand alone, but the brothers’ stories does tie into the other, so you’ll want to read them in order.

As I've said in the reviews of the previous two books, Ms. McDonough is a formula writer. But she did shake SONG OF THE PRAIRIE up, with not one, but two deaths in the beginning. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Janie as her world is torn to shreds time and again. Also for Aaron as he's still healing from the loss of his wife (in Whispers on the Prairie"s prologue).

Fans of historicals, of Ms. McDonough’s books, or prairie romance stories will love SONG OF THE PRAIRIE. $9.39 Kindle. $12.99 paperback. 256 pages.
170 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2014
You do not want to miss reading this third and final book in the Pioneer Promises series. Just like the first two books, Whispers on the Prairie and Call of the Prairie, I was hooked from the very beginning to the very end—especially the end. This is Aaron Harper and Janie Dunn’s story. After losing his wife four years ago, Aaron sent his children to live with his brother in Windmill so they could go to school there. However, he misses them a lot and wants them back home with him. The problem: there is no one to teach them. Janie Dunn is a single lady with a very big secret. She received a request from her dying cousin, Carolyn, to take her newborn son out of Boston to keep him away from his abusive father. Of course, Janie did just that. She went to her brother in Kansas, but she poses as his wife, not his sister. Things get more complicated when her brother dies. Everyone thinks she’s a widow for the second time. Now she has a one-year-old to take care of and no one to help her—that is, except for the Harper family, especially Aaron Harper. He’s there to help Janie with the chores, the animals and her son Benjy. You’ll love to see what happens when Aaron and Janie decide to marry for convenience so she will have a husband for support and he will have a wife to take care of and teach his children. See how their fondness for each other grows and read through the suspense of Benjy’s father (a truly evil man) finding Janie and his son. I’m sure you’ll love this story as much as I did. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion, which I have given. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for My Book Addiction and More MBA.
1,958 reviews71 followers
August 7, 2014
SONG OF THE PRAIRIE by Vickie McDonough is an interesting Christian Historical Romance. The third and final installment in the "Pioneer Promises", but can be read as a stand alone. See,"Whispers on the Prairie, (Book 1)" and "Call of the Prairie (Book 2)". Although, I would highly suggest you read the other two in the series first. If not you will miss an awesome series in its entirety! From beginning to end!!

This was a highly anticipated finale to the "Pioneer Promises" and what an ending. Set in 1800 Kansas. This story brought tears to my eyes as well as a whole range of emotions. As I followed Janie Dunn, Aaron Harper, and Baby Benjy on their journey to hope, healing, finding happiness and peace. Janie, is on a mission to protect her cousin's newborn infant, Benjy, from his abusive father. Aaron is a widower, whose wife was killed in an accident. He misses his children,who are at school. Together, Aaron, Janie, and the Harper family will do all they can to protect, Janie and Benjy, as they are now one of their own. Aaron and Janie have a strong attraction and are protectors.


Fast paced, and filled with emotions, passion, faith, forgiveness, and God's unending love. Wonderful series! Well written with engaging, as well as strong characters. The storyline is powerful and compelling to say the least. A must read for any Historical readers, as well as anyone who enjoys an awesome read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

Rating: 4.5

Heat Rating: Sweet

Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More




1,625 reviews28 followers
July 30, 2014
Song of the Prairie by vickie mcdonough
Jane Dunn and Aaron Harper
Jane Dunn has plans and dreams of becoming a famous opera singer.
Janie Dunn's life changes when, at the request of her dying cousin, she flees with her cousin's newborn son to protect him from his abusive father. She moves to Kansas, but things take a dire change when her brother is killed. Is a marriage of convenience to kindhearted Aaron Harper the answer to her problems? Is Kansas far enough away from New York that they are safe from the baby's father?
What will she do if her cousin's husband shows up and demands his son?
who carries the babe to Janie with the message that she must take the child and run before Carolyn's husband has a chance to find them?
Why does Jane need to protect her cousin’s newborn son ?
Will the baby’s father track her down and extract revenge?
Is Kansas far enough away from New York that they are safe from the baby's father?
Is a marriage of convenience to kind-hearted rancher the answer to her problems?
I recommend Song of the Prairie by vickie mcdonough.
Song of the Prairie by vickie mcdonough is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by vickie mcdonough.

Whispers on the Prairie
Book 1 in the Pioneer Promises series

Call of the Prairie
Book 2 in the Pioneer Promises series


Song of the Prairie by vickie mcdonough
book 3
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,295 reviews43 followers
January 19, 2015
Wonderful prairie romance from Vickie McDonough!

Song Of The Prairie may look like your average prairie romance from the lovely cover but there is more to it than first impressions.

The harshness of the prairie that was a reality is often forgotten in novels but not so in this one. Vickie McDonough's has accurately portrayed how life back then was hard and the people were tough, but faith and family held them together.

Populated with a variety of delightful and some not-so-nice characters, readers will find themselves joining in the joys and fears of Janie, Aaron, and their family.

This slim little novel is a quick but thought provoking read. Song Of The Prairie will leave you admiring the pioneer spirit and thinking about how even the smallest choices we make affect those around us.
I hadn't read any of Vickie McDonough's full-length novels until now, and since I enjoyed this one so much I will be looking forward to reading more of them.

Fans of prairie fiction and Vickie McDonough's will find a treat in Song Of The Prairie.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
246 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2015
“What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” I don’t know who first said that, but my fifth grade teacher loved to repeat it. It’s very appropriate for this book.

Janie’s dying cousin begged her to take her newborn to hide and protect him from his abusive father. Janie gives up her dreams and flees with the child, ending up in Kansas with her brother. This mock marriage they dream up to protect the child later becomes quite an entanglement.

When Janie’s brother dies, what is she going to do? She can’t run the farm alone. Aaron, the neighbor who offers to help , is attracted to Janie, as she is to him and his children.

Maybe a marriage of convenience will work. Or maybe the child’s father will find them. Or maybe Janie will lose the farm. Maybe the secret about her baby will come out.

What happens and will Janie’s future be in jeopardy will keep you reading until the very end.

Thank you, Ms McDonough, for a plot that is definitely not run of the mill.

***A special thank you to Cathy Hickling for providing a review copy.***
Profile Image for June.
1,542 reviews17 followers
January 1, 2015
This series has been really good. I've anticipated Aaron's story since book one. Always have a soft spot for a widower with children and how they deal with them. Though Aaron sent his off to live with his brother Josh so they would be close to school, I knew his heart broke at not having them with him.

Janie finds herself with a baby who needs her protection. The flip side of the coin is the abusive parent. The one who only wants an heir and would rather have his child dead than let someone else be happy to call said child their own. As Janie protects Benji, she's always worried about when his biological father will find them, because he's just the sort of man who will find them...and hurt anyone in his path.

It was fun to watch Janie and Aaron fall in love. Vickie McDonough does such an amazing job of developing her characters. I'm always excited to hear when she has another book coming out!
Profile Image for Jodie Wolfe.
Author 14 books216 followers
July 8, 2014
Janie Dunn's aspirations to be an opera singer are dashed when she agrees to her dying cousin's request to raise her newborn and protect him from his abusive father. She heads west to her brother for help with taking care of the young child.

Since Aaron Harper lost his wife in a tragic accident, he has been praying for God to send him a new wife to help mother his children, but God hasn't seemed to be listening over the past few years. When his dying friend makes a request to watch over his family, Aaron feels honor bound to take care of the young widow and her child. How far will his commitment take him?

Song of the Prairie is the final saga in Vickie McDonough's Pioneer Promises series. It's been a delight learning about the Harper brothers and watching how each of them found love. This book is a great summer read that you will enjoy.

*This book was provided free for review by Whitaker House and the author.
Profile Image for Barbara Thompson.
461 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2014
Song of the Prairie is a fantastic book. It captured my interest from the moment I started reading and I was not disappointed in any way with this book. The details and descriptions of the storyline made them feel real and I loved how the author created the characters' emotions, so that I felt those same emotions. Song of the Prairie is a well-written, awesome book that Vickie McDonough wrote for us as the third book in the Pioneer Promises series. I loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend reading Song of the Prairie.

I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
117 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2014
Song of the Prairie takes you on a journey that you will not soon forget. Love, strong will, and determination drive a woman where she has never been and when love comes face to face with evil, love wins.

Janie Dunn has thoughts and dreams of a bright future but in one fleeting night, her whole world changes. As Janie travels down a different path than she has planned, her heart is given to a baby and a God-fearing man and his family. As fears and troubles surface, Aaron Harper faces dark secrets from the woman he has grown to love. When the truth emerges, he is more determined than ever to protect his most treasured possessions.
413 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2014
I reviewed this book as an Influencer for the author and loved it. Janie is running from her past and its many secrets . Aaron is a handsome cowboy with a stable, close family and promises to watch over Janie after her brother dies. Only he thinks she is married. But why does she have a baby boy? He really loves to hear her sing, as does his whole family, but that is also a clue to her secret past. As her past unravels, Janie has to count on Aaron to survive. You'll really enjoy this book which is written so well with a wonderful step back into life on the Prairie.
1 review1 follower
July 8, 2014
I just finished an advanced reader copy of this book and thought it was so good! Vickie McDonough's Song of the Prairie was so well written and Janie was so strong and really stepped in to motherhood! Really enjoyed the Harper family and their love for God and each other. They were there for Janie and Benjy when Phil died and when Janie struggled. Really enjoyed the relationship between Janie and Aaron and how they developed a strong love for one another. Really recommend this book. I have read the other two in this series and really enjoyed them.
Profile Image for Ginger Solomon.
Author 25 books31 followers
September 19, 2014
Secrets beget secrets and lies beget lies. Song of the Prairie is a sweet love story about a young woman who has a big secret, which has led to telling lies and keeping even more secrets.

I enjoyed this story, though at times it was both exasperating to see the trouble Janie found herself in and heart-breaking for the same reason.

I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review.
49 reviews
August 21, 2014
I absolutely LOVED "Song of the Prairie"! It takes the reader on a journey filled with love, hope, strength and forgiveness. This is the first book by Vickie McDonough that I have had the privilege of reading, and I look forward to enjoying her many other books! I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Goodreads First Reads and Whitaker House.
Profile Image for Teresa Snyder.
710 reviews31 followers
August 2, 2014
I've enjoyed every Vickie McDonough book that I've read. Sadly this was the final book in the series. Aaron and Janie were cute together. They even shared a little chemistry. Good storyline. Great seeing Ethan and his family, Josh and his family, as well as Nick and Karen. The book could be read as a stand a lone, but I would not recommend it.
Profile Image for Jocelyn Green.
Author 27 books1,636 followers
August 21, 2014
Vickie McDonough writes with that stellar combination of historical integrity, compelling storyline, and characters you fall in love with. From the first page to the last, Song of the Prairie will hold you captive. If you enjoy prairie romance, you can't afford to miss this entire series, Pioneer Promises.
Profile Image for Monica Emtman.
Author 1 book9 followers
April 23, 2016
Trying to protect her nephew from his evil father Janie flees and moves in with her brother. Tragedy strikes and she has to rely on her brother's best friend to help her through it all. This book was entertaining and fast paced. The characters and events were believable.
Profile Image for Donna.
118 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2014
Lots of action. Janie's trust in God builds as she is thrust into increasingly dangerous circumstances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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