Sarah's Surrender

Land Rush Dreams #3

by Vickie McDonough

When Sarah Worley rejects Luke McNeil’s proposal to pursue property in the Oklahoma Territory land lottery in 1901, the ranch hand pulls up stakes and goes after her. But he’s the last person she wants to see. The land lottery gives Sarah the chance to realize her dream of independence and a home of her own. But with it comes challenges she never considered. When her dream becomes a nightmare, she must decide whether to stay on her land or give up and return to the life she left. Luke hopes that by winning a claim, he can give Sarah the home she’s always wanted. How can he prove his love and show the stubborn woman that he’s the right man for her?

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Historical, Christian Fiction

318 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2016

About the author

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

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oklahoma Territory 1901

Sarah Worley longs for a home of her own. Luke McNeil is in love with her and wants to get married. Sarah mistrusts men and wants to create her own future.

Enjoyed learning the historical details of how land was parsed out following the initial land rush. Nice character development in Sarah.

[Johnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this 3 book series. Sarah’s story is the 3rd and final book of this trilogy. I have to say that Sarah and Luke were favorites of mine through the series and I am glad to read their story.

I really liked who Sarah was and to see who she became. All that she went through and the love and tenderness she had to help others that were hurting and starving for love.

There was so much packed into this book, I feel like it could have continued. I wish it didn’t end, because I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Little Claire just touched my heart and I would love to read even more about these characters and families.

I REALLY appreciate the redemption power and love of God that this author adds into her books. It isn’t preachy, but she puts it in places that would help these characters..just as it would in real life. God absolutely has made a difference in my life!

I do highly recommend this series! So glad I have found this author’s books.

[Mackenzie Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah’s Surrender is the third book in Vickie McDonough’s Land Rush Dreams series, coming after Gabriel’s Atonement and Joline’s Redemption. I really enjoyed both of the previous novels, so I was pretty excited for this story, especially since I heard it was about Sarah and Luke. I had already fallen in love with both of them when I was first introduced to them in the earlier novels, so you can imagine my excitement when I found out they were getting their own book. And I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed with this novel! It was just as sweet and captivating as I thought it would be, but I will admit I’m a little upset that I have to leave all my favorite characters behind! For now anyway. That’s the good thing about books. You can always revisit the people and places you love anytime you like by just rereading the book!
Sarah Worley is by far one of my favorite characters from this series. She has been through so much in her short life, and yet she is still optimistic and full of dreams, and I can’t help but admire her. As the story progresses, my admiration only grows, especially through all of the obstacles that get thrown her way near the end. She is definitely a character worth loving, and I’m so glad Vickie decided to write her story.
Luke McNeil is also completely and utterly wonderful. His devotion to Sarah, even when she rejects him, is by far the sweetest thing ever, and I couldn’t help loving him, maybe more than both of the other male leads from the previous two books. His bravery, and compassion, and hard-working spirit are just a few of my favorite things about him, and I am so glad for how things worked out for him in the end.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, although there’s just a few things about it that I had an issue with. The ending resolution, for me anyway, was just a little too easy when it comes to Sarah and Luke. Now don’t get me wrong, I did love the ending, but I just felt like it was a bit too easy. Along with that, in a few of the scenes the writing style wasn’t entirely to my taste, but that’s probably because I am one of the pickiest people ever when it comes to that sort of thing. Anyway, it didn’t keep me from really enjoying this book, I just feel like it would be fairer for me to give it four bookshelves instead of all five. Anyway, I highly recommend this novel, and the other two books in this series, because they are all fantastic!
I received a copy of this book through the Barbour Publishing Group in exchange for only my honest review.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah wants a house of her own more than anything now that she has reached adulthood, and the Oklahoma Land Lottery is her ticket to fulfilling her dream. If she wins, who will help her make it into a home?

Tackling some heavy questions, like seeking God's will for the future, and how does someone know whom to marry, this book is much more than it seems on the surface. The author reveals the answers subtly throughout Sarah's adventure. She must decide whether to cling to her independence, or open her heart and embrace the one who proves he truly loves her. Along the bumpy road to settling up her homestead, she finds the answer to her dilemma.

The third book in the Land Rush Dreams series is a good coming of age adventure, bringing along the people from the first two books, with a few new ones to add interesting twists. It reads fine as a standalone though. Recommend! 3.5 stars

(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read book 3 in this historical series by Vickie McDonough because I had enjoyed book 2 so much! Sarah was a young girl that left the brothel life with Jo and together they both began new lives. Sarah wants to now become independant and find her own way. Luke has asked for her hand in marriage and to this she replied no.

As she leaves to enter into the lottery of many new parcels of land, she is determined that this is what God wants her to do. She so much wants a home of her own.

I loved this story of an independent thinking young woman. The book has a lot of action and you won't want to put it down. As she finds her way in her new life many unexpected twists and turns arise.

I am sure you will enjoy this book. It is fast-paced and never a dull moment and a clean read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Now to go back and read book 1!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s hard to describe how I felt about Sarah’s Surrender. I adored Jack and Luke’s characters and enjoyed reading about them. I just didn’t particularly like Sarah nor could I understand why all the guys wanted her, aside from her being pretty. The men just seemed to go along with what she wanted even though she didn’t have a long term plan. It seemed like she used the guys, especially Luke. It was almost like she led him on a bit? Maybe the issue is that she didn’t have as much depth or personality as characters like Jo or Lara. She only wanted a house and she didn’t see anything else. I also just had an issue with her just taking Claire. She didn’t really search for her family or anything like most people would do. It was hard to believe authorities would just allow her to keep a child she found without any investigation or anything. Actually when two people confronted her about it, they were told it was none of their business. They were just looking out for the child.
Other than that I love reading about the settlers living life on new territories and setting up new lives as a community.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Worley desperately wants to have a home of her own. When her name is chosen in the Oklahoma Land Lottery of 1901, she is on her way. She builds a house, takes in an orphaned half-Indian toddler, and is being courted by two men.

But when her house is maliciously burned down, Sarah realizes that her home is not the building that she lives in, but the man who owns it heart.

[Salinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! So sweet!

[Jaquelyn Scroggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah’s Surrender is the third book in the Land Rush Dreams Series. I have not read the first two in the series, but don’t feel it is necessary in order to enjoy this one. That being said, I know I would have had fun reading them and meeting Sarah and Luke earlier. Sarah’s Surrender takes place in 1901 during the land lottery for the Oklahoma Territory.
I enjoyed learning more about a time where new towns were being built from scratch. It was fun getting to see people reach for their dreams and preserve through the hardships. This story follows Sarah and Luke as they enter the land lottery and hope they are one of those select few that win free land.

When Sarah stumbles upon a newspaper talking about the lottery she knows this is her chance at making a life of her own. Leaving her friends won’t be easy, but being dependent on others her whole life, Sarah is ready to strike out. She has an idea about what she wants her house to look like; now all she needs is some land. When one of her dearest friends Luke proposes to her Sarah doesn’t know what to do. Not having many examples of what love looks like, Sarah doesn’t know if she will ever marry. All she is able to think about now is winning the land lottery. When Luke shows up to enter the lottery she wonders if he is following her. Living on her own was her goal, but she soon realizes having someone you can trust near by isn’t a bad thing. Can Sarah figure out how she feels about Luke before it’s too late?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Christian Fiction. McDonough wove faith throughout the story, and mixed in just the right amount of romance and suspense. I found the characters very likable. It was also interesting hearing about some of the trials that settlers faced when setting up a homestead. There is so much more to this story, but I can’t say anything in fear of spoiling anything. I received a copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sara Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd of the series "Land Rush Dreams". I hoped the unusual theme of the early 20th century land runs and lotteries would make this book shine, unfortunately there was too much detracting from the story. Before I get into what I didn't care for, I did enjoy the descriptions and had no trouble imagining the settings and events which is always nice in a novel. I also liked Luke's persistence. He seemed to carry the love story of this book and I finished it hoping for the best because of him.

The biggest problem I had with this story was everyone had eyes for Sarah. Luke along with nearly every man she came in contact with in the story either fell in love with her or wanted to marry her. This sat wrong with me as it wasn't very realistic. The only exception to this was her friend/brother figure from the family she was raised with. And if their lack of romantic feelings was mentioned, it was mentioned twenty times. The assurances of their friendship/familial affection was overdone, almost to the point of "doth protestith too much". This character could have easily been written to be her real brother or even an uncle to avoid any further romantic interests, though I doubt one more would have mattered.

I also couldn't appreciate Sarah's stubbornness and determination to have her own home hundreds of miles away from anyone she knows. Yes, a home is a wonderful place to feel loved and protected and I understand Sarah's past experiences left her feeling in greater need of a home of her own. But the whole idea seemed stretched. She wanted this new home on her own land but would have no one to share it with. She didn't seem to really want a "home" but rather a house and independence.

I received a copy of this book to read and give my honest review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like books with strong female characters. I got just that in Sarah Worley. She is determined, strong, stubborn, independent, and can stick up for herself when she needs to. She also has a softness about her that keeps her from coming across as harsh and unlikable.

Luke. Well, Luke is, I imagine, every woman's idea of the perfect man: attentive, caring, and willing to sacrifice his dreams for the woman he loves. I think he is also a man's man as he is tough, rugged, and stands up for the people he cares about. I found myself liking Luke from the beginning and sympathizing with him throughout the book when things didn't go the way he wanted them to.

The author did a great job with all of the descriptions. I felt like I was there and participating in the land lottery. I could almost feel the summer heat and taste the dirt when the wind blew. I felt as if I were a part of the bustling city scene. I enjoyed reading about the land lottery and the way the land went from just being land to a town practically overnight. This was a fun and educational read.

Sarah's Surrender is the third book in the Land Rush Dreams series. It can easily be read as a standalone as there is enough backstory of the characters that the reader doesn't feel lost. I have to warn you though that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down! I highly recommend this book!!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

1901, Oklahoma Territory, the beginning of the 20th Century. The historical part of this story was interesting to me. My grandmother was born in 1906. She lived during some of this history. The main character Sarah, grew up in some harsh circumstances and was determined in her early twenties that she would not be dependant anymore. When she learned parcels of land were going to be given away in a lottery she decided she was going to register and pray that she won one. After living with a family since the age of 12 that she grew to be friends with, she just wanted to own her own land and have a house all to herself. It took lots of trials, setbacks and a disaster or two before she truly realized what was really important.
Living today it's hard to visualize times when there weren't 50 states. Free land to be had, or land for less than $100. This small town that was just in its early beginning had people everywhere living in tents until their homes and businesses were built.
The characters were engaging and I just wanted to keep reading to find out their connections to each other as well as to the main characters. The story flowed along with a plot line that kept growing making the telling multidimensional. A very interesting story. There's not too many books I can sit down with and read in a day or two but this was one!
I received this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah's Surrender by Vickie McDonough is a third book in the Land Rush Dreams series, and yet it easily is a stand alone novel and does not disappoint. Often rebellious and one who tries to go it alone, Sarah Worley, living with her new found family knows that it is time to move out on her own and she just wants to own land and to have a home of her own. Her biggest dream is that she will be a winner of a plot of land from the Oklahoma land lottery. Luke McNeil is a man in love...a man who will do whatever it takes to win Sarah's love and keep her safe, even give up his own dreams. Will there be room in Sarah's heart and life for him? And just who are these other men taking interest in her? Will Sarah ever understand what love is? Can she surrender her dreams to find true fulfillment in her heart? How do we know what God really wants for our lives? The author engages the reader immediately and with a number of twists and turns in the plot, maintains interest throughout the story. There is good character development especially as the reader sees the changes in attitudes and responses of the characters. Romance, murder and mayhem and the thrill of a land lottery during the early 1900s bring excitement and keep the reader wondering what is going to happen next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah was raised in a bordello, but ran away from her father with one of his girls and moved in with a woman who was soon to become like an older sister. While living with Lara, she became acquainted with one of the ranch hands, Luke. Luke has fallen in love with Sarah, but she's sure that there's something else out there for her to do. She finds that there is going to be a land lottery and decides to put her name in for it. Luke also puts his name in for the lottery. After they move, Luke is still trying to get Sarah to recognize that he does love her and he wants her to marry him.

I've read some of Vickie McDonough's books and found them to be satisfyingly readable. I found this one a bit lackluster, and had to give it up before I finished it. It's good enough for three stars, but I can't go much higher than that. I feel sure this is a matter of taste and it is just me, and not Vickie's writing abilities. Not every book by my favorite authors is going to send me tripping the lights fantastic. Sarah's Surrender had me surrendering a bit early.

I do want to thank Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah's Surrender by Vickie McDonough

Sarah Worley has lived with the Coulter's for several years after escaping a situation that greatly impacted her outlook on life. Luke McNeil also lived with the Coulter's as their foreman and best friend of Gabe Coulter. Luke and Sarah have been friends for years but for Luke his feelings for Sarah have changed. He asks her to marry him but she rejects him setting out instead to journey and try to win the lottery in the Oklahoma land lottery. Will Luke change her mind about himself and men in general?

This entry is the third in the Land Rush Dreams series by Vickie McDonough. This title can be read as a standalone. The pacing is fast and the characters while not deeply flushed out are written in such a way that the reader learns to care about Sarah and Luke and root them on both individually and as a potential couple. This story is one of independence and forgiveness. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, stories with family focus and a gentle romance will enjoy this book.

Note: I was given an electronic copy via Net Galley and the publisher, Barbour Publishing for an honest review.

[Jenark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah's Surrender is one of those books that when I've finally reached the end I have to take some time to process the story. Don't get me wrong it's an amazing story of adventure, struggles, and triumph, but those are so well described that I can't quickly move on. This is one of those late night, early morning, plans cancelling kind of books that you just have to read.

If you enjoy historic fiction, strong female characters, or just books about adventure, this is the book for you. Sarah will show you just how much a woman can do on her own.

This is the third book in the Land Rush Dreams series. I haven't read the first two books, but the story reads smoothly without prior knowledge. The other two ladies, Jo and Lara, are such interesting characters that if you're reading the books out of order like me, they appear worth going back to read.

I love the strong male character of Luke and Jack. Their protective natures and love are admirable.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah's Surrender is a sweet historical western romance novel set in Oklahoma in 1901. The heroine, Sarah who is half Cherokee and half white is determined to start a new life with land and a house. The hero, Luke is in love with Sarah and is determined to win her love. To me, the book really picked up speed towards the middle of the book. I would tell you why, but that would spoil the book. Needless to say it got really interesting.

This is a new author to me and the first book that I have read from her. This book is the third book in the series, but I didn't feel lost while reading. The author did a good job of sharing some back story of the characters. With that said, I definitely want to get books 1 and 2. I also hope there will be a book about Jack. I feel he needs a Happily Ever After. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Velva Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah’s Surrender – Land Rush Dreams 3 – by Vickie McDonough

Now, let me just say I didn’t read the first 2 books in this series. AND let me add that I think this probably skewed my opinion.
This story starts right off with a proposal from Luke McNeil to Sarah Worley. It was an awkward proposal. Sarah has a harsh past and wants to have something of her own. Luke is crushed!
Sarah takes off for the Oklahoma Land Rush. Much to her surprise – dismay – Luke follows. He is ready to prove that he has what it takes to make a great husband. He truly does love her. He wants to serve her…make her happy. She just can’t accept it. When some unscrupulous people enter the story, Luke’s instinct is spot on.
Luke loves Sarah well. He is a PATIENT man!
I liked the book, but didn’t LOVE the book. However, it is a good read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Thanks Barbour!

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah's Surrender, written by Vickie McDonough, is book 3 in the Land Rush Dreams Series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Sarah has dreamed of having her own home for many years and finds out there is going to be a lottery for land and she wants to apply. She's single and qualifies...so this is her opportunity to have her very own land and home. Then her best friend, Luke decides he's going to ask her to marry him! BUT she wants a home...she's not sure what real love feels like so she turns Luke down. This is where the real story starts. She's in OK Territory building her home that she's wanted so badly...or is it? A great read that will keep you guessing if she'll end up with a man, and if she does who will it be?! A fun page turner for sure.
I was gifted this book by Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the land rush dreams series. Even though they are all stand alone books you will enjoy reading them all in order. It gives you history on all the main characters in this novel.

Sarah is determined to have a home of her own and be independent. Once all her dreams come true will it be all she hoped it was or is there more she is missing? When tragedy continues to fall will she be able to stand tall and find her true feelings or question everything?

Luke is a handsome cowboy who wants more than friendship with Sarah. But will she ever truly love him or is it time to move on?

This novel is full of surprise, hardship, family in all kids of forms, love, forgiveness and more.

I was given a copy of this novel from net galley for my honest opinion.

[Donia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a smattering of Christian Fiction and thought this one would be good but I had a host of issues with it. There is some really good Christian Fiction but this one fell short. First off, the beginning 30 pages must have referenced God 900 times a page. I've been around a lot of deeply religious people and never ever ever heard any of them use the name "God" as often as this book uses it. It got to the point that I wondered if the author didn't have anything to write about. The writing was childish and the story never took off for me. Everything was just too easy and convenient; every man fell in love with Sarah, she just happened to inherit a big pile of money despite her crazy background. I can't write I'll admit that but as a consumer I have to be honest.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah's Surrender is book 3 in the Land Rush Dream series and it was a great book. I thought the main character, Sarah, was very likable and her dream was to own property of her own. Once the obtains her goal, she finds it was not as important to her as she originally thought. Sarah's Surrender has it all, action, romance, and suspense. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved the tenderness that Claire brought to the story as well. This book was well written and I highly recommend it.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great western romance. It is a lot of fun reading about how the land runs worked. The most famous one was the first but it is nice to see how each was done differently. Sarah and Luke were great friends. This made Luke want marriage whereas Sarah was scared. I received this book from Barbour for a fair and honest opinion. I did not want to put this book down.

[Karla Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book because the premise intrigued me. However, I got bogged down with it because it felt like I was coming in on the middle of the story. It's the third book in the series, so I expect it would be much more enjoyable if I had read the previous two and already knew the characters.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!!!

Five stars for this great story. So good to read a Vickie McDonough book again. She has talent and weaves a great story with fun and interesting characters. This series is so good I highly recommend it.

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had a good storyline that included characters from prior books {my favorite thing about a series --- well, a series that is well written and done correctly.

I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Julie Muenster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Stretching for a story in this third of a series. Her character wasn't developed enough for me to really care for her (and to understand why she makes--in my opinion--dumb decisions).