Showing results by author "Julie McDonald" in All Categories

Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, she balks. But in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward. Fresh graves testify to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream.

This is the true story, (10 minute read time) of a slave named Rachel. Rachel had escaped once before and when her owner captured her, he took drastic measures to make sure she would not escaped again! A leg iron, with a heavy ball and chain was clamped just above her ankle. Handcuffs were put on her wrists. She was loaded onto a wagon and bound once again for a life of slavery. The situation looked hopeless. As the title indicates, this heartwarming story of Rachel is simply miraculous.

Who is Lottie Moon, 1840-1912? In this short story, about a 20 minute read, you will learn the incredible story of, "the most educated woman in the south," who spent most of her life in China. Lottie's conversion is interesting, her work in China thrilling, and her death, not like any you have heard before. Lottie Moon continues, over 100 years after her death, to raise money and awareness for world missions.

In this short read, about 30 minutes, you will learn the amazing story of a tiny, fiery redhead, Mary Slessor, (1848-1915) from the slums of Dundee, Scotland. Mary's difficult childhood would serve her well as she braves the unknown and terrors of the African jungle. This is an inspiring story of how God mightily used a woman, who was totally sold out to HIM.

In 1943, J. Robert Oppenheimer was named the Director of the Manhattan Project. It was his responsibility to recruit scientists from around the globe to come to a secret city, high a top a mesa in Los Alamos, New Mexico, 35 miles from Santa Fe. Here, the scientists would collaborate together to make an atom bomb, before Germany did, and end World War II. An essential piece of the puzzle was to recruit a local from Santa Fe, to be the face of the Manhattan Project at 109 East Palace. This person would need to be above reproach and totally trustworthy. They would need to be capable, hard ...

What do you think of when you think of Valentine's Day? Cards, cupids, roses a romantic dinner? Did you know the day is in honor of a man named Valentine who lived in the third century? On February 14, 269AD Valentine was beheaded by Emperor Claudius because he would not deny his Christian faith. This short, (5-10 minute read) tells about the man, the times and culture he lived in, and the progression to our modern day celebration.

This fun book contains 6 very short stories about the Underground Railroad. The total read time is 30-45 minutes. You will learn about the touching love story of Louis and Ellen, the miraculous escape and inspiring story of Mary, the hilarious story of "Deacon Jones," plus three more. This book is suitable for all ages, but especially useful for grade school children.

Biographies are a joy to write! I am often inspired by the lives of the people I write about. Not since I wrote about Clara Brown, in 2010, have I been so personally inspired and impacted by a life story. In this short story, about a 30-45 minute read, you will learn about this phenomenal woman. Blind, almost from birth, she became a spokesperson for the disabled, an accomplished musician, and a popular speaker and evangelist in her later years. She was known for her great joy and love for everyone. Fanny was considered one of the most influential women in the second half of the 1800's.

I love Colorado's colorful history! I have spent so much time there, vacationing in one place or another for 50 years. I have been able to spend even more time there since my son, Shawn, moved to Denver. I love learning all about the history and the colorful characters who made Colorado their home. I especially love to find that obscure story, hidden away in a self published book in a small town library or on the book shelf of a pioneer family. I loved researching and writing this book. There are so many fun, short stories, 22 in all! I hope you enjoy it as well.

There is only one word for the life of Prince Kaboo, Samuel "Sammy" Morris, 1872-1893. MIRACULOUS! In this short eBook, about a 30 minute read, you will be thrilled and awed by his escape from captors in Africa, his voyage to America and the amazing ministry he had here in the United Sates, touching hearts and lives wherever he went.

In 1960, nineteen-year-old, Bruce Olson, with only 72.00 and a one way ticket to Venezuela, embarked on a lifetime of adventure. In this short eBook, a 20-30 minute read, you will get a glimpse into the Motilone Miracle, which transformed an entire tribe and many other tribes as well, in Columbia and beyond.

Biddy Chambers was a woman devoted to her husband and to God. In this short eBook, about a 30 minute read, you will see the hand of God in every aspect of Oswald and Biddy Chamber's life, as they served him in early 1900's England. You will read about the inspiring story of how My Utmost for His Highest, a book that has never been out of print, came to be the best selling devotional of all time. My Utmost for His Highest has sold over 13 million copies and is still relevant for people today.

The wonderful and inspiring story of Clara Brown, 1800-1885, is one of my all-time favorite stories! At age 36 Clara was separated from her beloved husband Richard and three children on the auction block. After being freed at the age of 57, she begins a tireless search for her only remaining family member, her daughter Eliza Jane. What Clara accomplishes in her 28 years of freedom will simply astound you! I first wrote about Clara Brown in my book Unbreakable Dolls, Too. This single story eBook is the expanded version, with much more information and 9 photos.

On October 16, 1931, a murder so bizarre, so gruesome, gripped not only Arizona, but all of America. Three beautiful women. Best friends. Two were dead, and the third accused of murdering them and then "chopping up" their bodies. The bodies were then stuffed into two trunks and shipped by train from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California. The trunks were accompanied on the train by the accused murderer, Winnie Ruth Judd. What really happened? What was Winnie Ruth Judd guilty of? Was she an evil killer? Or was she framed?

Harriet Beecher Stowe had seven brothers, all pastors, all staunch abolitionists who used their pulpits to condemn slavery. Harriet was just as passionate in her opposition to slavery as they were. What could she, a wife and mother of six children do? In 1850 her brother Edward's wife, Isabella, wrote her a letter challenging her; "Hatty, if I could use a pen as you can, I would write something that would make this whole nation feel what an accursed thing slavery is." Harriet accepted the challenge! With her words, she changed the way the world thought. By writing Uncle Tom's Cabin, Harriet...

This short story, about a 10-15 minute read, is interesting, educational and amazing! It is the true story of a young native man who was captured as a slave, taken to Spain and England, then returned to his homeland again just in time for the arrival of the Pilgrims. While people of all ages will enjoy this story, it was written with grade school children in mind.

In 1896, Philip Johnston, age four, arrived on the Navajo Reservation with his parents, William and Maggie. In 1901 William brought Navajo leaders to Washington to plead their case to expand the borders of the reservation. Nine-year-old Philip did all the translating and interpreting between the Navajos and President Theodore Roosevelt. This is a fascinating audiobook about Philip's life growing up on the Navajo Reservation and the equally fascinating story of his role with the amazing Navajo Code Talkers.

While researching and writing, Adoniram Judson, America's First Foreign Missionary, I became very frustrated. The book was already longer than my normal 15-20 page, 30 minute read. How could I possible honor his three wives, keep the narrative running smoothly and not confuse the reader with too many characters? I came up with, what I hope, is a great idea! I decided to do an entirely separate book, featuring each one of Adoniram's amazing wives, her early background, and individual story. I really enjoyed being able to give each woman the respect due her. Each one played a major role in ...

Betty Greene, 1920-1997 was a woman who accomplished many, "firsts," in the world of aviation. In this short story, about a 20 minute read, learn how Betty Greene used her love of flying to serve God all around the world.

Mary Bickerdyke. Never heard of her? You're not alone! In my unofficial survey, I have yet to find a single person who has. This short story, about a 20 minute read, is a lost treasure that somehow slipped through the cracks of Civil War history. You will understand, after reading it, why she was called America's Florence Nightingale and why General Sherman said of her, "She outranks me."