Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Spotlight and Giveaway: Sooner or Later by Vickie McDonough



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.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

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.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7

Texas Book-aholic, April 8

Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, April 9

For Him and My Family, April 10

Happily Managing a Houehold of Boys, April 11

Guild Master, April 12 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 13

lakesidelivingsite, April 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 15

Fiction Book Lover, April 16 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 17 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, April 18

Holly’s Book Corner, April 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe, April 20

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Vickie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/mieGk/sooner-or-later-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Review and Giveaway: The Blobs by Justin Stuart



The Blobs: Volume Two releases April 7th everywhere books are sold!

The Blobs books are available on Amazon or everywhere books are sold.

The Blobs: Volume 2: Attack of the Glitchies is the second book in The Blobs, a graphic novel series that blends sci-fi adventure, humor, and high-energy action for readers ages 8-12



Synopsis: 

Fans of Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Captain Underpants will love this hilarious, high-stakes adventure about friendship, courage, and what it takes to protect the place you call home. The Blobs are back—bigger, braver, and in more danger than ever. Cadetski and his crew of misfit Blobs finally make it to their new home, Planet Splotch, only to realize they’ve accidentally stolen the most powerful artifacts in the galaxy: the Doomsicles.

Now, they’re on the radar of every villain in the galaxy, especially King Neptune: a tyrant with plans for domination who wants the doomsicles back ... and isn’t asking nicely. With their new world on the brink of invasion, Cadetski and the gang must dive into the planet’s deepest secrets, face impossible odds, and discover that real courage isn’t about size or strength, it’s about sacrifice. And when one Blob is believed to be a galactic “Chosen One,” things go from bad... to bonkers.


Packed with laugh-out-loud chaos, surprising heart, and clean comedy, The Blobs: Attack of the Glitchies cranks the adventure to the max.



The Blobs: Volume Two releases April 7th everywhere books are sold - order your copy today!




My Reviews:

The Blobs: Vol One: Crash Land! is a fun filled graphic novel by Justin Stuart. I thought this was a cute story to read with valuable lessons to learn for young readers. It was a delightful and entertaining tale to read.
The Blobs: Vol One: Crash Land! is illustrated by the talented artist, Rick Douglas. The pictures were fun to look at while following the story.
I am going to give The Blobs: Vol One: Crash Land! five stars. I highly recommend it for readers between the ages of eight and twelve years of age. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, The Blobs: Vol Two: Attack of the Glitches.
I received a hard cover copy of Justin Stuart's The Blobs: Vol One: Crash Land! from David C. Cook, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


The Blobs: Vol Two: Attack of the Glitchies continues the series written by author, Justin Stuart. It was great catching up the Blobs group and seeing what they would get into this time around. It was yet again an adventurous, hilarious tale to read. A clean and delightful novel to read.
The Blobs: Vol Two: Attack of the Glitchies is illustrated by the talented artist, Rick Douglas. I found his pictures were a perfect addition to this book. I loved seeing the visuals of what was going on from page to page.
I am going to give The Blobs: Vol Two: Attack of the Glitchies five stars. I highly recommend it for readers between the ages of eight and twelve years of age and for those who love to read clean graphic novels. It would a fabulous way for parents to spend time with their younger ones. I would be interested in reading more books from Justin Stuart in the future. 
I received a hard cover copy of Justin Stuart's The Blobs: Vol Two: Attack of the Glitchies from David C. Cook, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 


Disclosure: 

Many thanks to David C. Cook for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.


Giveaway:

(Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be US residents who have not won via another blogger’s giveaway for this campaign. )

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Leave a more than a three word completed sentence telling me who you in your life would love to read The Blobs books. Don’t forget to leave your NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS in your comment so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on April 13, 2026.


Giveaway Rules:


Giveaway is limited to US winners only.

Three or less word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you.

Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours.

If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner.

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified.

Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy



About the Book



Book: Petticoat Ranch

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 10, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he’s the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband’s twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.

Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother’s murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn’t need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.

As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God’s plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West. 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

 


More from Mary

Petticoat Ranch is my husband’s story.

My husband is a cowboy…or rather he’s a Nebraska cattleman. Our ‘horse’ though we used to have horses, is now a pick-up truck and a four-wheeled rig that can crawl all over rugged land.

My Cowboy grew up in a family of seven sons.

His mom was about the coolest, nicest lady ever born…a living embodiment of ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.’ She could tell stories of chaos and mayhem for HOURS and just laugh. I loved her.

Then I married My Cowboy and we had FOUR DAUGHTERS.

My husband spent his whole life confused.

And example of a usual conversation:

My Cowboy: Why won’t they stop crying!?

Why won’t they stop giggling?

Why won’t they stop TALKING?

Me: Um, cuz they’re girls?

He was constantly befuddled. He loved them (still does) so madly but they did NOT make sense to him.

That’s Petticoat Ranch.

A mountain man comes to find his brother’s wife…his brother died and he’s come to ‘rescue’ them. Except they’re unbelievable tough and competent and, well, maybe they could use a little rescuing, life is tough in Texas for a widow and her four children and, in a weak moment, she agrees to marry this man who looks EXACTLY like her husband. A man she never knew existed.

And there they are. Her and her four tough Texas daughters.

Him who’s pretty much never seen a woman in his life, and certainly not a CHILD.

Now they’re married about twenty-four hours after she found out he existed…and they have to figure out how to get along.

I try really hard to thread that needle where a man is befuddled by a woman…but he’s not stupid. A woman is exasperated by a man…but she’s got a good heart.

I shove them together…and leave them to try and get along. If someone is trying to kill them, or steal their ranch, or whatever horrible outlaw is in the book, that adds to the fun.

I shove them together and then leave them to figure out how to get along.

I love Petticoat Ranch. I’ve done this kind of book many times, the mountain man who’s never been around women. The feisty lady rancher who’s used to being in charge. And never did I find that sweet spot quite as well as I did in Petticoat Ranch.

One of my very favorite books.

Ah, tough, self-sufficient Sophie. She really can use the help and he really does look exactly like her dead husband.

Ah, confused but definitely attracted Clay. He’s trying to take care of her and take charge…and she’s not cooperating.

She was definitely in charge when his brother was alive…he was kinda cranky and inept. Why won’t Clay just let her run things?

All those tough little Texas cowgirl daughters who can’t quite figure out if this is they’re pa, given back to them by God…or if this is some new guy that they are desperate to make love them, when their real pa was so desperate to have sons.

I love that Wild Heart Books is re-releasing Petticoat Ranch.

Thank you Wild Heart for giving it another chance at life.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

Holly’s Book Corner, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Jodie Wolfe, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 27

Devoted To Hope, March 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 1

Vicky Sluiter, April 2

Sydney Schmied Books, April 2

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Labor Not in Vain , April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/0Pzml/petticoat-ranch-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Petticoat Ranch starts off the first book from Mary Connealy's Lassoed in Texas series. When I am looking for a fun and heartwarming read, Mary Connealy is my go to author. Petticoat Ranch was just what I was looking for. I adored the story between Clay and Sophie. The two had great chemistry and it was delight to see the two interact with one another. I loved this adventure and taking this journey with them. 

Petticoat Ranch will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read sweet and clean historical fiction. I look forward to the next installment from the Lassoed in Texas series. 

I received a digital copy of Mary Connealy's Petticoat Ranch from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.