About the Book

Book: Sooner or Later Author: Vickie McDonough Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release Date: March 31, 2026 Rebekah’s dreams have become a nightmare. For years, Rebekah’s mother told her that sooner or later a handsome man would come along and sweep her off her feet. That was before her mother and brother had died and her stepfather arranged for her to marry their repulsive neighbor in exchange liquor and a half-side of beef. She won’t marry the vile older man and flees in the dark of night. Mason Danfield has no interest in a wife. He’s focused on caring for his motherless niece and nephew. But when Mason finds a young woman stranded on the side of the trail, he can’t leave her behind to possible die on the prairie. A chance encounter with Jake, the children’s father, ends up with Mason riding in the 1889 Oklahoma land run. He hopes to get land for Jake and the children. Maybe then he can talk Jake into marrying Rebekah, so she can have a home and stay with the children she has come to love. But for some reason, the idea of her and Jale together doesn’t sit well with Mason.

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About the Author

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie 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’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

Excerpt from the Book

April 2nd, 1889 Indian Territory Never in her life had Rebekah Bailey done anything so daring, but then she’d never been this desperate before. She peered over her shoulder at the dilapidated house as she tiptoed toward the barn. Good. Still dark. The full moon illuminated the rickety A-frame shack that had been her home for as long as she could remember. The breath she’d been holding came out on a ragged sigh. At least she’d managed to get out of the house without Curtis hearing her. But she was far from safe. Her heartbeat resounded in her ears, and she was certain her closest neighbors, who lived miles away, could hear it. Hugging her ma’s ancient carpetbag against her chest, she quickened her pace. A sharp creak in the direction of the house jerked Rebekah from her reverie. With a quick tug on the reins, she turned Prince west and kicked his sides. West toward the open plains and Indian Territory. Then northwest toward Denver–and freedom. She prayed it was the last place Curtis would think to look for her. The chanting of tree frogs gave music to her ride, and an owl hooted somewhere in a nearby tree. She used to love the sounds of the night, but now they only reminded her that she was alone. Hoping to ward off the night chill, she tugged her frayed cloak around her. The world seemed normal, asleep, as it should in the middle of the night. But she felt anything except normal. Her world had fallen apart this evening with Curtis’s declaration. Nothing would ever be same for her. She shivered at the memory. “I’ve made a deal with Giles Wilbur,” Curtis had said, grinning with pride. “Swapped you for a half side of beef and some moonshine. In the morning, you’ll be moving in with him and be his woman.” Thoughts of the filthy, drunken sloth of a man more than twice her age made her blood run cold. How could Curtis expect her to live with Mr. Wilbur without the sanctity of marriage? How could he simply swap her like she were livestock—something to be bartered? Bile churned in her stomach and burned a path to her throat. Tears blurred her vision and streamed down her cheeks. She’d never felt so alone. Completely alone–as though not a single person in the world cared for her. But the gentle touch of the wind to her cheeks reminded her of the One who never failed. Rebekah turned to her heavenly Father as Prince trotted down the dark road. “Protect me, Lord–and show me the way. And Father . . . oh, Father, give me courage for the ride ahead and strengthen Prince’s old bones–” The faint sound of approaching hoof beats intruded on Rebekah’s prayer. Oh, no! Curtis! She was certain her heart would jump clear out of her chest. The reins nearly slipped from her trembling hands. Fear of what was behind her overpowered the fear of what was ahead. Taking a deep, determined breath, and with a firm grip on the reins, Rebekah dug her heels into Prince’s side. “He–yah!!!” she cried softly. Prince vaulted into a gallop and raced down the road.

Interview with the Author

Do you read books in this genre?

If you mean, historical romance, then yes. It’s what I read most of the time. I also enjoy a good suspense novel at times. If so, who do you like to read? My favorite historical authors are Karen Witemeyer, Linda Ford, and Lacy Williams.

If a reader were to ask you what author you are like, what would you answer?

I’ve been told my books read like a Mary Conneally book. I like to use humor whenever possible.

What helps you to write?

A deadline is an amazing motivator. You’d be surprised how fast you can write when the deadline is drawing near. Do you eat snacks, listen to music? No. I prefer quiet when I write. Generally, I just have a cup of water nearby.

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you go to?

I’d love to visit an Old West town, and sneak around and see what life was really like back then.,

What is your favorite book and why?

The Anonymous Bride is my favorite of my books. It’s a second chance at love and mail-order-brides story all in one. It has an ornery eleven-year-old tomboy who reminds me of myself. She stirs up all kinds of trouble. The romance is sweet and heart-tugging. And what do you do when 3 mail-order-brides show up, expecting to marry the same man? You hold a bride contest, of course.

What is your favorite hymn and why?

That’s a hard one. I think I’d have to say, In Christ Alone. Here’s the first verse:

In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when striving cease My comforter, my all in all Here in the love of Christ I stand.

What is one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you? I have four grown sons, but only one grandchild. She’ll be 20 in March and is studying forensics in college. Probably, the most interesting thing I’ve done was to live in Israel for a year. Robert and I had been married just six months when we went with a group of young adults to live on a kibbutz in Israel. A kibbutz is a communal farm. We worked on the kibbutz and got to travel once a month to different parts of Israel. It was a special time. We celebrated our first anniversary in Jerusalem, and when I left, I was carrying my first son. One time, I got him a t-shirt that said. “made in Israel.”
What inspired you to write this book?

My publisher asked me to write a three-book series set in historical Oklahoma. We have such a unique history here in OK since where I live was Indian Territory at one time. I wanted to write some books that included one of the land runs and also touched on the oil boom too.

Share with me a few of your favorite things.

Books, my craft room where I make cards and 3-d pictures from card stock. I like to garden in warm weather, travel, and I enjoy spending time with my family.

What is one question you would like readers to ask you?

Maybe, why do you write? What would be your answer? I write because I believe that’s what God wants me to do with this time of my life. I believe it pleases God when I write exciting stories of faith and relationships—modern day parables. Christian books show people how to be strong in hard circumstances and how to rely on God. I pray everyone grows closer to the Lord after reading my books.