Vickie McDonough has done it again--written a great story. This one starts in 1868 Kansas with a tragedy involving Ethan Harper. Then it moves to 1870 Chicago where we meet Sarah Marshall, our heroine, her Aunt Emma and Uncle Harvey. Aunt Emma is a wonderful person, but that's not true of Uncle Harvey. When Sarah is forced to go with them to Santa Fe, New Mexico, she is bound and determined to go back to Chicago. Well...circumstances conspire against Sarah's plans. She and her aunt end up staying with the Harper family (mother Karen, father Nick and 3 sons, Aaron, Josh & Ethan) at their stage stop. Ethan is the one made for Sarah, and has feelings for her that confuse him, but he has his two brothers to contend with, especially Aaron who needs a mother for his two children, Corrie and Toby. You know Sarah will find her happy ending, but it keeps you wondering how it will come about. I loved all the characters in this story--Aunt Emma loves Sarah and wants the best for her; Karen loves her family and has such insight into her sons' feelings; Nick is a wise and loving father; Aaron, Josh and Ethan are handsome and strong men , yet caring and gentle. You can't help but love Corrie (age 6) and Toby (age 4) with their ability to play and have fun, but also do the chores required of them. I can hardly wait for Book 2 and 3 of this Pioneer Promises series. I want to see who Josh and Aaron will find for wives because all three Harper sons deserve to live happily-ever-after with women who love them. I'm grateful to Vickie McDonough and her publisher for providing me with this book to read and review. I expected a wonderful story and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Do you enjoy Janette Oke's books? If so, then Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough is the book for you! Seriously, I haven't read a 'prairie' romance that I have enjoyed more than this one. From the beginning, I was entranced by this story. I did not want to put it down. It's not a long book but it is overflowing with rich characters, deep spiritual themes, and lots of good old fashioned romance.

Emotionally captivating seems like such an inadequate way to describe how this story drew me in but I can't think of another description. I felt so sorry for the way that Sarah's uncle treated her and yet she remained a precious and devoted companion to her aunt. Ethan carried such a heavy burden about the death of his sister-in-law, even though it was misplaced. While these two come together under unusual circumstances, Vickie brings about the sweetest and most gentle of romances that totally warmed my soul, leaving me to imagine it might actually have happened.

Anyone who is a fan of top quality Historical Fiction will become fully enthralled with this story. It's a lovely beginning to a new series. I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review, only give my honest thoughts on the book.

Sarah Marshall is a city girl, she loves living in Chicago. So when her Uncle announces he is moving to Santa Fe, NM, she is beside herself. She has lived with her Aunt and Uncle, since her parents passed away. She loves her Aunt, who is not really well, but her Uncle despises her, and she has had a rough time growing up with him.

Her Uncle has made up his mind and their is no changing it. Sarah goes along, and is hoping once they meet up with her Uncle's brother she can return to Chicago. The trip is rough on her Aunt, and stumbling blocks keep popping up.

Ethan Harper has been carrying around a lot of guilt after his Sister-In-Law was killed in an accident, because she was in his care, he feel responsible. Just how do Ethan and Sarah meet, one could say in a mud puddle. Or rather Sarah ends up sitting in one.

Their paths keep crossing and more tragedy befalls Sarah and her family. Once they are rescued they end up staying with the Harper family. At first Sarah, can barely stand Ethan, but??? Will one of the four brothers win her heart? Will Sarah ever get to return to Chicago? With the Lords help all will find out where they need to be. Be ready for a wonderful journey back in the 1870's. Learn to live on the Prairie. I didn't want this story to end, but there is another book coming in the series...Yeah!!

I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Whispers Across the Prairie by Vickie McDonough is an exciting and heartwarming historical romance with a great cast of realistic characters who will capture your interest from the first page. The twists and turns in the story will keep you turning pages and be sorry to see the book end. Those who enjoyed McDonough's other novels will find even more to savor in her latest story. Charming, inspiring, and delightful--Prairie romance at its best!

It has been a while since I've read a prairie romance and I really enjoyed this one. I was particularly inspired by the spiritual growth of the main character and also the practical ways the characters lived out their faith in their daily lives. Whispers on the Prairie is the first full-length novel that I've read by this author, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.