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Land Rush Dreams #1
Gabriel's Atonement
All Gabe Coulter ever wanted was to live a comfortable life as a successful gambler, but a confrontation with a disgruntled cowboy who’d just lost to Gabe leads to a family man dying in his arms. Even though it was self-defense, the only way Gabe knows to get rid of his guilt is to return the money he won to the man’s wife. Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and wants nothing to do with him. But as she struggles to provide for her family and makes plans to claim property in the upcoming Oklahoma land rush, she wonders if God might have sent the meddling gambler to help.
315 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Vickie McDonough
108 books374 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 60 reviews
February 1, 2015
My favorite so far from Vickie McDonough. Gabriel's Atonement is a fresh and exciting angle on Western themes, full of adventure and romance. Well-drawn characters combine with the fascinating historical event of the Oklahoma Land Rush for a satisfying read. If you love Western fiction, you'll be delighted with this unique volume. And if Western fiction isn't your go-to genre, I think you'll be surprised how much you enjoy this well-written novel.
~Jocelyn Green, author of Yankee in Atlanta
~Jocelyn Green, author of Yankee in Atlanta
December 20, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Gabriel's Atonement. The characters were likable and well developed. A Great story!
February 22, 2015
Sweet western romance set in 1889 Kansas and Oklahoma. I enjoyed learning more about the land rush in Oklahoma.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 4, 2018
For me this was one of those books that I wouldn't have necessarily sought out and paid for, but I just loved it. Go figure!
I'm not into western ("taming the west") novels, so it never would have tempted me had it not been free. But, once I got started, I couldn't put it down. I read it in record time, and was desperately sorry for it to end. Fortunately, although fine as a stand-alone, it left one detail hanging. While it didn't particularly stress me, I admit I want to go on and read the next in the series to see this detail resolved.
In addition to enjoyment, there was a learning curve set up for me. I never had given any thought to the free land given to those who competed for the ownership. This novel put reality to the story.
I recommend this novel to any and all.
I'm not into western ("taming the west") novels, so it never would have tempted me had it not been free. But, once I got started, I couldn't put it down. I read it in record time, and was desperately sorry for it to end. Fortunately, although fine as a stand-alone, it left one detail hanging. While it didn't particularly stress me, I admit I want to go on and read the next in the series to see this detail resolved.
In addition to enjoyment, there was a learning curve set up for me. I never had given any thought to the free land given to those who competed for the ownership. This novel put reality to the story.
I recommend this novel to any and all.
October 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The characters felt real and came to life. A great, fresh story. I don’t remember ever reading a fiction book about Oklahoma’s land rush before.
Lara is such a sweet personality, perfect heart for a mother, works so hard and love her son and grandfather. Even love the goats!
Highly enjoyed this historical novel and look forward to reading the rest of this series and hopefully reading more about these characters
Lara is such a sweet personality, perfect heart for a mother, works so hard and love her son and grandfather. Even love the goats!
Highly enjoyed this historical novel and look forward to reading the rest of this series and hopefully reading more about these characters
January 16, 2016
Gabe Coulter is an expert gambler who never cheats his opponents. Regretfully, one particular man ended up a dead-head, literally. When Gabe finds out that Tom Talbot, the man he killed in a back alley in self-defense has a wife and son, he feels a tremendous amount of guilt. He desires to make amends by returning the money to Talbot’s widow, Lara.
Lara Talbot is wise to her husbands gambling habit and has essentially been taking care of her son, grandfather and younger sister for years on her own. She actually feels a bit of relief when she finds out Tom is dead because he was a good-for-nothing husband. When her family is evicted from their rented dwelling, the seemingly only way to achieve a home of their own is to ride in the land rush and try to stake a claim.
Once again Vickie McDonough has penned an intriguing and historically fascinating tale of greed, repentance, forgiveness, and love. I vaguely remember learning about the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 in school but I was so much more fascinated with the whole process by the action and adventure in Gabriel’s Atonement. The pictorial scenes ran like an old western movie across my mind’s eye. I could perfectly envision the showdown in the back alley, and I felt like an eye witness as dust rose like clouds from horses hooves pounding across Unassigned Lands.
I believe this easy-to-read novel will appeal to many inspirational and historical western fiction fans. The plot is sound and mesmerizing. The main characters are flawed but easily likable, except maybe Joline (the younger sister), but her story comes next. The spiritual theme of atonement is beautifully presented. I always appreciate the manner in which McDonough weaves Christ into her stories.
I want to thank the publisher (Shiloh Run Press an imprint of Barbour Books) for offering me a print copy for review purposes. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, only my honest opinion of the book, which I have done. No compensation has been received.
Lara Talbot is wise to her husbands gambling habit and has essentially been taking care of her son, grandfather and younger sister for years on her own. She actually feels a bit of relief when she finds out Tom is dead because he was a good-for-nothing husband. When her family is evicted from their rented dwelling, the seemingly only way to achieve a home of their own is to ride in the land rush and try to stake a claim.
Once again Vickie McDonough has penned an intriguing and historically fascinating tale of greed, repentance, forgiveness, and love. I vaguely remember learning about the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 in school but I was so much more fascinated with the whole process by the action and adventure in Gabriel’s Atonement. The pictorial scenes ran like an old western movie across my mind’s eye. I could perfectly envision the showdown in the back alley, and I felt like an eye witness as dust rose like clouds from horses hooves pounding across Unassigned Lands.
I believe this easy-to-read novel will appeal to many inspirational and historical western fiction fans. The plot is sound and mesmerizing. The main characters are flawed but easily likable, except maybe Joline (the younger sister), but her story comes next. The spiritual theme of atonement is beautifully presented. I always appreciate the manner in which McDonough weaves Christ into her stories.
I want to thank the publisher (Shiloh Run Press an imprint of Barbour Books) for offering me a print copy for review purposes. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, only my honest opinion of the book, which I have done. No compensation has been received.
January 7, 2015
Do you like historical fiction? I love a good story, and I love it especially if it’s historical. Vickie McDonough put a lot of research into this Oklahoma land rush, and you can tell it in this absorbing book about the race to find land with water, pasture, and flat land for farming.
Gabe Coulter thought Tom Talbot was just another easy mark. It was payday on the Whitman spread, and the cowboy thought he’d like to double his money at Gabe’s poker table. However, a little too much liquor and way too many misjudgments saw Tom’s money drifting to Gabe’s side of the table. Angrily, he accuses Gabe of cheating and draws on him, but Gabe is faster and deadlier.
It bothers Gabe that he’s killed a man who is a young father and husband. He determines he will find the widow and give her the money he won from the cowboy. He sends a man to tell the woman to come to him, but she refuses. He decides to go find her himself and finds something he really has a hard time believing.
Lara Talbot is obviously dirt-poor. Patched and frayed dress, bare feet, and rough hands tells Gabe she is a hard working pretty woman with a lot of pride—and a cute little boy—but she will not accept money.
Lara lives with an elderly, ailing grandfather and a rebellious little sister as well as the little boy. Lara is the sole support of the little family, and she didn’t expect or want anything from Tom’s so-called estate. Tom had been a gambling man, foot-loose and fancy free even while he was married. It had been her worst mistake to marry him, but she sure didn’t want any help from this good-looking dude.
When their landlord comes to tell them he needs the dugout they’ve been renting for his son, Lara wonders if God has totally forgotten them. They have no choice but to enter the race for some Oklahoma land.
Gabe Coulter thought Tom Talbot was just another easy mark. It was payday on the Whitman spread, and the cowboy thought he’d like to double his money at Gabe’s poker table. However, a little too much liquor and way too many misjudgments saw Tom’s money drifting to Gabe’s side of the table. Angrily, he accuses Gabe of cheating and draws on him, but Gabe is faster and deadlier.
It bothers Gabe that he’s killed a man who is a young father and husband. He determines he will find the widow and give her the money he won from the cowboy. He sends a man to tell the woman to come to him, but she refuses. He decides to go find her himself and finds something he really has a hard time believing.
Lara Talbot is obviously dirt-poor. Patched and frayed dress, bare feet, and rough hands tells Gabe she is a hard working pretty woman with a lot of pride—and a cute little boy—but she will not accept money.
Lara lives with an elderly, ailing grandfather and a rebellious little sister as well as the little boy. Lara is the sole support of the little family, and she didn’t expect or want anything from Tom’s so-called estate. Tom had been a gambling man, foot-loose and fancy free even while he was married. It had been her worst mistake to marry him, but she sure didn’t want any help from this good-looking dude.
When their landlord comes to tell them he needs the dugout they’ve been renting for his son, Lara wonders if God has totally forgotten them. They have no choice but to enter the race for some Oklahoma land.
February 16, 2015
An Amazing Story!
Professional gambler, Gabe Coulter, is quite good at what he does, and feels absolutely no guilt about it. No guilt, that is, until the unthinkable happens. Lara Talbot has had a rough life that spans from her youth to her marriage, and there seems to be no hope that things are going to change any time soon. No time soon, that is, until a stranger enters the picture.
Gabriel's Atonement is an amazing story! Author, Vickie McDonough, has written a story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. It's a story of love, mystery, intrigue, faith, hope, redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The story will draw you in from the very beginning, and you won't want to put it down. Meshed in with Gabe and Lara's story are a few subplots that the author blends in very well. The author also meshes in an inspirational message, and while some authors overkill in this department, McDonough puts in just enough that it flows very well in the story without being overdone. Her attention to detail regarding the Land Rush gives the reader just enough background information, again, without being overdone. The details are an integral part of the story that enhance it without overshadowing the main storyline. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this series.
*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
Professional gambler, Gabe Coulter, is quite good at what he does, and feels absolutely no guilt about it. No guilt, that is, until the unthinkable happens. Lara Talbot has had a rough life that spans from her youth to her marriage, and there seems to be no hope that things are going to change any time soon. No time soon, that is, until a stranger enters the picture.
Gabriel's Atonement is an amazing story! Author, Vickie McDonough, has written a story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. It's a story of love, mystery, intrigue, faith, hope, redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The story will draw you in from the very beginning, and you won't want to put it down. Meshed in with Gabe and Lara's story are a few subplots that the author blends in very well. The author also meshes in an inspirational message, and while some authors overkill in this department, McDonough puts in just enough that it flows very well in the story without being overdone. Her attention to detail regarding the Land Rush gives the reader just enough background information, again, without being overdone. The details are an integral part of the story that enhance it without overshadowing the main storyline. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this series.
*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
October 18, 2014
Vickie McDonough simply never disappoints. Gabriel's Atonement had me in its grip from the beginning, and never let go. Gabe and Lara are such fun, interesting, and REAL characters, one can't help but root for them...cry for their losses (and both had more than their share), and rejoice in their hard-won victories. Even the secondary characters are fully developed, and capable of inciting emotion in the reader. I loved Lara's four-year-old son, Michael. Children always add something wonderful to a book, and this author has a perfect handle on how to portray little ones. McDonough also does a beautiful job of weaving in the love, grace, and goodness of God without turning the novel into a very long sermon. A perfect start to the Land Rush Dreams series, and I eagerly await the next book, Joline's Redemption. (That gal's gonna need some!)
December 24, 2014
Gabriel's Atonement is an awesome book. How the storyline was written with all the great details was captivating and I was totally engrossed in this book. The author does excellent interweaving the descriptive characters throughout the novel. If I could give the author more than five stars, I would. That's how much I love Gabriel's Atonement. If you've never read any books by Vickie McDonough, I highly recommend reading this book. If you have read her books, I believe you will love this book. Gabriel's Atonement is Book One in the Land Rush Dreams series. I'm excited and looking forward to Book Two.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
December 10, 2015
I had mixed feelings about this book. I absolutely loved the characters and the plot and all the things they had to overcome on their way into Indian Territory. It was great to read the historical parts, about the land rush and what motivated people to take part.
However, this is yet another book where the publisher didn't care enough to spend the money on a good editor. There are sentences that don't make sense, wrong spellings of right words...in general, simply a sloppy finish from the publisher. As a grammar freak, this gets on my last nerve and is always going to deduct stars from my rating.
So, overall, 3.75. I'd definitely recommend it as a pleasant and entertaining read, but probably won't spend money to buy my own copy.
However, this is yet another book where the publisher didn't care enough to spend the money on a good editor. There are sentences that don't make sense, wrong spellings of right words...in general, simply a sloppy finish from the publisher. As a grammar freak, this gets on my last nerve and is always going to deduct stars from my rating.
So, overall, 3.75. I'd definitely recommend it as a pleasant and entertaining read, but probably won't spend money to buy my own copy.
September 27, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book! The setting is the Oklahoma Land Rush. The author did a great job making her characters come alive, you could picture the action in your mind. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
December 11, 2014
Gabriel's Atonement is quite an enjoyable read. I loved the characters, story, and setting. I look forward to more of the series.
5 stars.
5 stars.
December 23, 2014
Another great story by Vickie McDonough! The characters were well-developed, and I enjoyed their journey. I recommend this one!
January 21, 2019
Set in 1889 Gabe wanted a comfortable life of a professional gambler
Having spent nine years of how to read people, justifying, he never forced anyone to gamble. It turns ugly when the man wants what he lost for his wife and son. Gabe goes to return the money to the wife. She is struggling, and then thinks maybe God sent him to help her. Good western story.
Having spent nine years of how to read people, justifying, he never forced anyone to gamble. It turns ugly when the man wants what he lost for his wife and son. Gabe goes to return the money to the wife. She is struggling, and then thinks maybe God sent him to help her. Good western story.
December 4, 2018
Just OK for me...
April 19, 2019
Didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it.
December 10, 2019
Loved it. Loved the characters and storyline.
April 13, 2020
good christian-based story
July 24, 2021
An excellent Christian romance set against the background of the 1889 Oklahoma land rush.
January 28, 2023
It was alright. Not really my cup of tea. Plenty of set up with villains and foreshadowed hardships. Strong focus on atoning for past wrongs and searching for the means to soothe a guilty conscience.
November 27, 2015
Gabriel’s Atonement is the first book in Vickie McDonough’s Land Rush Dreams series, and is also the first full length book I have ever read by her. I have, however, read one of her novella collections in the past, so I knew a little about her writing style going in. in all honesty, though, I didn’t expect that I would love this book nearly as much as I did. The synopsis sounded interesting, don’t get me wrong, it’s just that I have been able to read so many wonderfully written books over the last few months, so I’m never sure just what to expect any more when I pick up a novel. Gabriel’s Atonement is such a sweet, captivating romance with just enough mystery and intrigue to make it extremely difficult to put down.
Lara Talbot is such a strong character! I cannot imagine having to care for my son, sister, ailing grandfather, and farm all on my own, and definitely not in that day and age, but Lara does, and does well. Even though her late husband was a no-account and they are strapped financially, Lara really does an amazing job of taking care of her family, especially considering the fact that she pretty much did it all without much help since her grandfather was ill so often. She is also a wonderful mother to Michael, and is just an all-around easy to relate to character, especially when it comes to how she treats Gabe in the beginning.
Gabriel Coulter is such a character! Despite his somewhat unsavory past and occupation, he truly is a wonderfully kind, caring, and compassionate man, and as he grows throughout the course of the story he really does become a man worthy of admiration. I don’t want to give away anything, but Gabe definitely is one of my favorite heroes based on all that he becomes. And even just through the transition. His heart is one of gold, once he allows himself to use it of course.
Gabriel’s Atonement is such a wonderful book, with plenty of romance, action, and just enough intrigue to keep you captivated until the last page. You’ll even be captivated after that as it pretty much sets you up for the next book in the series—Joline’s Redemption—which I’ve already finished and loved as well (I’ll be reviewing it tomorrow). The only flaw I found with this book is one simple part of the ending, I just don’t want to describe it too much because I don’t want to spoil the book for you. Let me just leave it at this: there’s an argument between certain people because of a certain circumstance, and I felt like it was resolved and went back to “happily ever after” a little too quickly and easily for my tastes. Of course, I still loved the ending, it just felt a little too unrealistic for me, which leads me to the decision that I must give this novel four and a half bookshelves instead of all five. However, since most review sites don’t allow you to give books half stars, but only wholes, I will round up to five because I loved this book enough to round up instead of down. Outside of that one teensy-tiny flaw, this was a wonderful book that comes highly recommended from me.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)
Lara Talbot is such a strong character! I cannot imagine having to care for my son, sister, ailing grandfather, and farm all on my own, and definitely not in that day and age, but Lara does, and does well. Even though her late husband was a no-account and they are strapped financially, Lara really does an amazing job of taking care of her family, especially considering the fact that she pretty much did it all without much help since her grandfather was ill so often. She is also a wonderful mother to Michael, and is just an all-around easy to relate to character, especially when it comes to how she treats Gabe in the beginning.
Gabriel Coulter is such a character! Despite his somewhat unsavory past and occupation, he truly is a wonderfully kind, caring, and compassionate man, and as he grows throughout the course of the story he really does become a man worthy of admiration. I don’t want to give away anything, but Gabe definitely is one of my favorite heroes based on all that he becomes. And even just through the transition. His heart is one of gold, once he allows himself to use it of course.
Gabriel’s Atonement is such a wonderful book, with plenty of romance, action, and just enough intrigue to keep you captivated until the last page. You’ll even be captivated after that as it pretty much sets you up for the next book in the series—Joline’s Redemption—which I’ve already finished and loved as well (I’ll be reviewing it tomorrow). The only flaw I found with this book is one simple part of the ending, I just don’t want to describe it too much because I don’t want to spoil the book for you. Let me just leave it at this: there’s an argument between certain people because of a certain circumstance, and I felt like it was resolved and went back to “happily ever after” a little too quickly and easily for my tastes. Of course, I still loved the ending, it just felt a little too unrealistic for me, which leads me to the decision that I must give this novel four and a half bookshelves instead of all five. However, since most review sites don’t allow you to give books half stars, but only wholes, I will round up to five because I loved this book enough to round up instead of down. Outside of that one teensy-tiny flaw, this was a wonderful book that comes highly recommended from me.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)
February 10, 2015
This was a great historical romance set during the Oklahoma Land Rush. Lara Talbot married young, but now knows she made a bad decision. She married in hopes that Tom would help with her grandfather's farm, but she found out shortly after the wedding that Tom was not a good husband or provider. Shortly after loosing their grandfather's ranch they find a sod house to rent in Kansas. Lara spends her days struggling to keep her family feed and nursing her sick grandfather. She is the provider for both her young son, teenage sister, grandfather and herself. There are days when she can barely make ends meet. The Oklahoma Land Rush is approaching and it's all her family can discuss. She knows you need money for the entry fee and a good horse of which they have neither. Lara is so busy trying to get from one day to the next that the land rush is the furthest thing from her mind.
Gabe Coulter is a young man by appearances to have it all, but he's surrounded by ghosts. He was raised by a godly woman, but with her death his morals changed to an extent. Gabe is now a professional gambler and to his way of thinking didn't hurt anyone. He wasn't forcing any of the men to play poker with him and was it really his fault they chose to gamble. Then one night a young man sat down at his table that would change his entire thought process. Tom Talbot sat down and proceeded to gamble all of his earnings away. Feeling he was cheated Tom confronted Gabe as he left the saloon, gunfire erupted and Tom lay on the ground. Even though it was self defense Gabe is consumed with guilt when he sees the picture Tom is carrying of his young wife and child. Gabe decides then and there he would some how make amends for his part in Tom's death.
Gabe travels to Kansas to seek out Tom's wife Lara, but she is not what he expects at all. It seems that she is a hard woman and will not take any form of charity from anyone. Gabe wants to keep his part in Tom's death a secret from Lara, but when sparks start to fly between the two of them that all but seems impossible.
This is a wonderfully written story about choices, courage, trust and a crisis in faith. This is a new author for me, but I loved her writing. The storyline flows effortlessly. Her vivid imagery and strong characters will readily draw you into the story and keep you turning the pages. This is a wonderful story, but the message I received was that you must always put your trust and faith in God to see you through any storm.
This is a new author for me, but I will be reading more of her writing.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I received this book from Barbour Publishing to give a honest and unbiased review as stated above.
Gabe Coulter is a young man by appearances to have it all, but he's surrounded by ghosts. He was raised by a godly woman, but with her death his morals changed to an extent. Gabe is now a professional gambler and to his way of thinking didn't hurt anyone. He wasn't forcing any of the men to play poker with him and was it really his fault they chose to gamble. Then one night a young man sat down at his table that would change his entire thought process. Tom Talbot sat down and proceeded to gamble all of his earnings away. Feeling he was cheated Tom confronted Gabe as he left the saloon, gunfire erupted and Tom lay on the ground. Even though it was self defense Gabe is consumed with guilt when he sees the picture Tom is carrying of his young wife and child. Gabe decides then and there he would some how make amends for his part in Tom's death.
Gabe travels to Kansas to seek out Tom's wife Lara, but she is not what he expects at all. It seems that she is a hard woman and will not take any form of charity from anyone. Gabe wants to keep his part in Tom's death a secret from Lara, but when sparks start to fly between the two of them that all but seems impossible.
This is a wonderfully written story about choices, courage, trust and a crisis in faith. This is a new author for me, but I loved her writing. The storyline flows effortlessly. Her vivid imagery and strong characters will readily draw you into the story and keep you turning the pages. This is a wonderful story, but the message I received was that you must always put your trust and faith in God to see you through any storm.
This is a new author for me, but I will be reading more of her writing.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I received this book from Barbour Publishing to give a honest and unbiased review as stated above.
January 8, 2015
This is book 1 in the Land Rush Dreams series. The story takes place in 1889 at the time of the Oklahoma land rush. Gabe Coulter is an honest gambler who is happy with his life, but things change after he is forced to kill Tom Talbot in self defense and learns that Tom has a wife and son. Lara Talbot takes care of her 4-year-old son Michael, her sister Joline and her ailing grandfather. They live in a sod shack with virtually nothing; Lara takes in mending to provide for her family. Because of his guilt, Gabe goes to Lara’s hometown of Caldwell, Kansas, determined to help her and Michael—he doesn’t know about Joline or grandpa—but has to do it carefully because Lara will not accept charity. Circumstances force Lara and her family to move and with no place to go, they join thousands of others to hopefully get land in Oklahoma. Needless to say, Gabe also goes to the Oklahoma border and places himself near Lara for the race. Follow the struggles they go through just to survive each day and then the race to find land to claim. See how Gabe and Lara draw closer to each other, then deal with both Silas Stone (an evil man) and Gabe’s confession about her husband’s death. Through the descriptions in this story, I could picture what it was like for all the people trying to get the free land in Oklahoma—the crowded conditions, the anxiety of not knowing if they would be successful or not, the wait for weeks before the start of the race. For many it was their only hope for the future. For some, failure meant nowhere to go. For others, failure meant returning to their original homes. It made me truly feel for these families so desperate for land of their own to build homes or businesses. I didn’t like Lara’s sister Joline because she was spoiled, selfish, had to be pushed to help Lara and the family, and didn’t appreciate all that Lara did to provide for all of them, but I have hopes for her in book 2 of this series, which is called Joline’s Redemption. I received this book from the publisher to read and give an honest review, which I have done. Vickie McDonough is a great author and I would recommend this book to others.
February 8, 2015
How do you make amends for killing a man? Self-defense aside, Gabe’s action of killing a man weighs heavily on his soul. In Gabriel’s Atonement, author Vickie McDonough uses Tom Talbot’s death as the catalyst for a change in how Gabe’s been living his life. When Gabe learns that the dead man has a wife and child, his guilt is amplified. His first attempt at redemption fails miserably and he must keep trying until he figures out God’s will for him.
Lara, the widow, takes the death of her husband as just one more struggle to endure. Although God has seen her through so far and she wants to trust in His plans for her, she’s on the verge of succumbing to despair. Gabe appears in her life and she must decide if God has answered her prayers or if Gabe is another wrong path.
Although I grew up near Caldwell, Kansas, I didn’t realize Caldwell’s role in the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. Being a native Oklahoman, I look forward to reading this series about the land run and the unique challenges facing those who took part.
Book 1 gets off to a good start as McDonough relays the narrative of the settlement of Oklahoma’s Unassigned Lands with a storyline that illustrates God’s presence in our lives and our call to trust in Him. McDonough captures the excitement of the people with dreams for a better future through participating in the land run. This dash for land includes traveling a spiritual path where the characters have an opportunity to grow in their trust of the Lord.
I’m looking forward to Book 2, Jolene’s Redemption. Jo’s actions in Book 1 made me want to shake her silly. Whereas Gabe’s desire to change was evident from the beginning, Jo’s self-centeredness will require much maturing. McDonough’s storytelling ability made me care about these characters.
February 15, 2015
This is the first book in the Land Rush Dreams series, It's a great place to start. Just know then you will definitely want to read the next one.
Lara Talbot is struggling to keep her family fed and clothed. Her grandfather, rebellious sister and young son are depending on her. When she learns of the death of her husband she is determined to make the best of it. Her Grandfather plans on running in the land rush but sickness has kept him from signing up. When Lara finally relents to sign him up she signs up herself, never actually intending on riding. When her stubborn personality continually seems to rely on this handsome stranger, Gabe Coulter, she is not sure she can trust her heart to another man, especially another gambler.
Gabe Coulter knows his livelihood would not please his dear Godly mothers dream for him, yet this is the only life he knows. When he takes a life, even in self defense, can he make atonement for the wrong he has done? When he actually meets the family of those who suffer because of his career choice, can he truly change his ways. When Lara claims a piece of his heart should he tell her how and why they actually met.
This book is full of great dialogue, consequences, surprises, and romance. I look forward to reading book two Joline's Redemption (I as not to fond of her in this book but look forward to watching her change her ways) I can't wait to continue into the lives of the many characters in this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading good, clean, christian, historical romance.
I was given a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for my honest opinion.
Lara Talbot is struggling to keep her family fed and clothed. Her grandfather, rebellious sister and young son are depending on her. When she learns of the death of her husband she is determined to make the best of it. Her Grandfather plans on running in the land rush but sickness has kept him from signing up. When Lara finally relents to sign him up she signs up herself, never actually intending on riding. When her stubborn personality continually seems to rely on this handsome stranger, Gabe Coulter, she is not sure she can trust her heart to another man, especially another gambler.
Gabe Coulter knows his livelihood would not please his dear Godly mothers dream for him, yet this is the only life he knows. When he takes a life, even in self defense, can he make atonement for the wrong he has done? When he actually meets the family of those who suffer because of his career choice, can he truly change his ways. When Lara claims a piece of his heart should he tell her how and why they actually met.
This book is full of great dialogue, consequences, surprises, and romance. I look forward to reading book two Joline's Redemption (I as not to fond of her in this book but look forward to watching her change her ways) I can't wait to continue into the lives of the many characters in this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading good, clean, christian, historical romance.
I was given a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for my honest opinion.
April 29, 2016
Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough attracted me because of the blurb which is interesting and arrests the reader's attention at once.
This is the story of Gabriel, a pro gambler with no regrets in his life until an incident changes his life forever and throws him in to throes of guilt; and Lara who has had a rough life and then to add more sorrow and hardship to her life, there happens an incident that forces her life to crumble again.
I sat glued and intrigued by the story right from the first page and felt a myriad of emotions all through the story. The characters are people who soon made a place in my heart and though not perfect, these are people who are realistic and though flawed are ready to redeem for their mistakes.
I loved Vickie's writing style and was thrown head first into a story that captured my interest as well as my heart. I cried, sighed, felt angry, hopeless and then thankful all in the span of one story.
The world building is splendid and the author took me to a time so different from the present time and had me feeling like I was right there, experiencing it all myself!
All in all, Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough is a heartfelt story that touched me and I absolutely loved reading it. 4.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to everyone. I enjoyed Vickie McDonough's writing style and look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
This review is also available on Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff
This is the story of Gabriel, a pro gambler with no regrets in his life until an incident changes his life forever and throws him in to throes of guilt; and Lara who has had a rough life and then to add more sorrow and hardship to her life, there happens an incident that forces her life to crumble again.
I sat glued and intrigued by the story right from the first page and felt a myriad of emotions all through the story. The characters are people who soon made a place in my heart and though not perfect, these are people who are realistic and though flawed are ready to redeem for their mistakes.
I loved Vickie's writing style and was thrown head first into a story that captured my interest as well as my heart. I cried, sighed, felt angry, hopeless and then thankful all in the span of one story.
The world building is splendid and the author took me to a time so different from the present time and had me feeling like I was right there, experiencing it all myself!
All in all, Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough is a heartfelt story that touched me and I absolutely loved reading it. 4.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to everyone. I enjoyed Vickie McDonough's writing style and look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
This review is also available on Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff
January 21, 2015
Great Historical Christian Read!
Author Vickie McDonough shows us what it was like to live in 1889 and dirt poor as one of the main characters happened to be. I was swept into this story from page one. I lived life right beside Lara Talbot and wanted to take her some food from our local food pantry to help ease her burden. As you can read I was really into this story!
This exciting book is full of hardships, many trials, bitterness, and uncertainness. As I followed Lara Talbot’s life I fell in love with little Michael and definitely with Grandpa. Grandpa never wavered in his faith and trust in God to provide. He became my inspirational hero.
Gabe Coulter is a gambler and a good one at that. He makes a pretty good living from all those hoping to win and double their money. Then one night something happens to Gabe that gives him a desire to change his profession. Gambling is all he is use to, can he change his ways?
When Lara and Gabe meet this story really gets interesting!
There are other characters in this book that makes for a great read. Some are lovable, some not so much. I hope you pick up a copy to see for yourself. (An animal incident made my day!)
Will life get easier for Lara and does Gabe get a new start in life? I highly recommend this book. I hope you will pick up a copy and sit back and enjoy. Watch how God can change lives!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It will not be the last. I received my copy from Barbour Publishing for review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.
Author Vickie McDonough shows us what it was like to live in 1889 and dirt poor as one of the main characters happened to be. I was swept into this story from page one. I lived life right beside Lara Talbot and wanted to take her some food from our local food pantry to help ease her burden. As you can read I was really into this story!
This exciting book is full of hardships, many trials, bitterness, and uncertainness. As I followed Lara Talbot’s life I fell in love with little Michael and definitely with Grandpa. Grandpa never wavered in his faith and trust in God to provide. He became my inspirational hero.
Gabe Coulter is a gambler and a good one at that. He makes a pretty good living from all those hoping to win and double their money. Then one night something happens to Gabe that gives him a desire to change his profession. Gambling is all he is use to, can he change his ways?
When Lara and Gabe meet this story really gets interesting!
There are other characters in this book that makes for a great read. Some are lovable, some not so much. I hope you pick up a copy to see for yourself. (An animal incident made my day!)
Will life get easier for Lara and does Gabe get a new start in life? I highly recommend this book. I hope you will pick up a copy and sit back and enjoy. Watch how God can change lives!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It will not be the last. I received my copy from Barbour Publishing for review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.
January 5, 2015
Gabriel has enjoyed his life as a gambler. It has provided a nice livelihood. He has never, in his mind, forced anyone to play. So why does it bother him when cowboy Tom Talbot loses all his pay to him in a poker game? It bothers Gabe so much that he is on his way to return the money to Tom, when Tom steps out of the shadows with gun drawn. Gabe shoots back and Tom is killed. Gabe realizes that Tom has a wife and child who now are left without support. In Gabe’s effort to pay back Lara Talbot for the loss of her husband, Gabe travels to Caldwell, Kansas searching for a way to help her. Without telling her what he has done, he befriends Lara and learns of her desperate plight. She is about to be evicted from the broken down soddy with no means of support and no other living quarters. She also has responsibility for her ailing grandfather and teenage sister. What is he to do when she decides her only chance is to try to claim land in the Oklahoma Land Rush?
This is an interesting glimpse into the time period surrounding the land rush for Oklahoma territory. The reader will come to understand the term “Sooners” and other interesting information about this infrequent subject of Christian Historical Fiction. Lara is a sympathetic character and the reader will enjoy the growing relationship between Gabe and Lara.
I received a copy of this from Net Galley for my honest opinion.
This is an interesting glimpse into the time period surrounding the land rush for Oklahoma territory. The reader will come to understand the term “Sooners” and other interesting information about this infrequent subject of Christian Historical Fiction. Lara is a sympathetic character and the reader will enjoy the growing relationship between Gabe and Lara.
I received a copy of this from Net Galley for my honest opinion.
January 21, 2015
Gabriel's Atonement is the first in Vickie McDonough's new "Land Rush Dreams" series. Set in 1889 amidst the Oklahoma land rush, gambler Gabriel Coulter is good at what he does. An honest gambler, he takes pride in never having forced anyone to play against him, but gladly taking whatever money he wins from his opponents. After being forced to kill Tom Talbot in self-defense, he sets out to make things right with Tom's widow. Lara Talbot is desperately trying to make ends meet, with very little help from her no-account husband. After learning of Tom's death, she decides the best hope for her family (her grandfather, sister and son) is to have Grandpa ride in the land rush. She meets Gabe in town and they inadvertently develop a friendship. Gabe begins to feel remorse for the position he has unwittingly left many wives and children in when their loved ones lose their money to him. He decides to turn over a new leaf and get back to his farming roots by obtaining land in the land rush. If he can help the beautiful young widow, so much the better. Circumstances force Lara to ride in the land rush with all hopes for the future lying on her shoulders. Will each of their dreams for a new start come true?
This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. I was quickly caught up in the story and had to keep reading to the end. I learned the origins of the terms "Boomer" and "Sooner". I can't wait for the next book, Joline's Redemption, about Lara's sister and her life.
This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. I was quickly caught up in the story and had to keep reading to the end. I learned the origins of the terms "Boomer" and "Sooner". I can't wait for the next book, Joline's Redemption, about Lara's sister and her life.
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