My son has been so fortunate to work with an incredible acting and life coach, Mary McDonough. She’s a wonderful woman and so very talented and I’m delighted to have her as a guest on my blog as we celebrate the launch of her new book, One Year.
If you loved Mary McDonough on the Waltons, and have followed her career since, you’ll want to pick up her newest release.
The Fitzgibbons–especially the women–have long been the backbone of Oliver’s Well, Virginia. Matriarch Mary Bernadette is still striking and tireless at seventy-five, with a generous heart that belies her sometimes sharp tongue. Her husband, Paddy, owns the local landscaping business, daughter Grace is a nun, and son Pat and his wife Megan are successful lawyers. Her grandson, PJ, and his new wife, Alexis, live in a charming cottage behind the main house. Church, family, tradition, and the local historical society–everything Mary Bernadette cherishes is in Oliver’s Well. But below the surface, there are fractures.
Megan sees the strained relationship between her husband and Mary Bernadette, who has never quite recovered from the painful loss of her first-born son. Megan too is torn between gaining her mother-in-law’s approval and living life on her own terms. Alexis loves PJ deeply yet chafes against his grandmother’s influence in their marriage. Then a looming scandal brings unexpected tragedy, compelling the Fitzgibbons to determine the depth of their loyalty, find their strength–and repair the bonds that have held a town, and a family, together for so long.
With warmth and an abundance of insight, Mary McDonough artfully captures the shifting dynamics of family life–and the revelations they may bear just in time.
“Mary McDonough played Erin on the beloved TV show, The Waltons. Now in her debut novel, a heartfelt, charming story set in a picturesque small town in Virginia, she portrays three generations of women in a modern Irish-American family as they navigate marriage, motherhood and independence.” —Library Journal
Mary McDonough is a born and raised “Valley girl.” Born into an Irish Catholic family, she attended Catholic school until she was cast as Erin on the award winning television series, The Waltons.
Lessons From the Mountain is Mary’s first book. In this strikingly honest book, McDonough shares the story of her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class family, to a Hollywood child star. She reveals intimate memories of life in and around that idyllic Virginia farmhouse. Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over–and beyond–that famous mountain.
A sought-after speaker and workshop leader she guides women and teens toward improving their body image through healthy lifestyle choices. Her workshops help individuals create personal change, life balance, and return to a sense of self. Mary’s workshop: BODY BRANDING, GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH THE SKIN YOU’RE IN explores how we choose to “Brand” ourselves and then project that personal branding to the world. “BODY BRANDING” examines how we can undo the negativity about ourselves and change the picture you offer of yourself to the world. Mary also teaches acting as a method of raising confidence and improving communication skills.
Mary left the “Valley” when she got engaged and moved to the OC. She lives there with Don and their blended family, including her lap dog Runtie who was instrumental in the writing of her book. For more on Mary visit MARYMCDONOUGH.COM
I am always looking for new authors to read. Your book sounds like the kind i enjoy reading.
I have added it to my TBR list.
Congrats on your book release! 😀
It is so nice to hear about Mary and what she has done with her life outside of The Waltons. I will certainly look for both of her books. Thanks Jane!
Happy Release Day to Mary.
This book sounds amazing!
Congrats on your new release, it sounds amazing and I would love to read it. I use to love The Waltons, watched it a lot and is nice knowing where one of the casts is now. Good luck with your book and thanks for sharing.
Happy Release Day Mary. Congratulations
I look forward to getting to read your books! Very nice to get to read the preview and review!
How nice it is to read about a former cast member from the Waltons.Congrats on the release of One Year. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Carol L
Loved the Waltons. Would love to read Mary’s book.
Sounds great! Thanks for sharing.
Welcome, Mary. Congratulations on your novel. I am
a long time fan. What a treat to have you on the blog!
Congrats on your book and happy release day! The story about three generations of women sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
I had no idea that “Erin ” was now an author. I loved the Walton’s and look forward to checking out her books! Congrats!!!
Hi Mary! Congratulations on your book release. It sounds really good.
I love books about several generations of family & this looks like it fits the ticket.
Sounds like a good read. It will go on my to read list!!! Love the cover too..
I was also a Waltons fan. Both books sound good. Congrats on the launch of One Year.
I would get this book based on the cover alone! I adore it. Some of my favorite memories are of watching The Waltons as a kid with my parents. We didn’t watch much T.V. (because I was usually reading books), so it was a treat to watch. Stories about multiple generations of women are always high on my to read list.
Welcome! I’ll look for your book!
I would love to read this book. I never missed an episode of the Waltons. Absolutely loved it
I use to love watching the Waltons! I knew I regonized her when I saw her picture. Erin was one of my favorite characters. I didn’t know she was an author but, I will be checking out this new book by her! It sounds really intriguing! Congratulations on your new release Mary!
Congratulations on your first novel. It sounds wonderful. And I loved The Waltons. What a wonderful show. I watched it when I was a child.
Congratulations on the new release Mary! It sounds wonderful. It is always interesting to read about families and the changes they go through. Sometimes it is easy to think that not everyone experiences them, but we all do. It is nice to have something remind us.
I loved watching the Waltons, I have the DVD series. Introduced them to my son’s years ago. They enjoyed watching them as well.
sounds interesting
Welcome to Janeblog & congrats on releasing your first novel Mary. Will definitely be adding to my TBR list.
I love watching The Waltons reruns! This book sounds great! Can’t wait to read it
Sounds like a great book.
This sounds like a good book. I will be adding it to my TBR list. Thank you for sharing and for the chance to win
Congratulations on your new book release. I will put it on my list.
I loved watching The Waltons growing up in the Philippines. It was show that was family oriented and valued the traditions of religion, family, and kindess. I would love to read Mary’s new book. Looking forward to it. 🙂
Congratulations on your release.
The book looks amazing–look forward to reading it!
I still love watching the Waltons. I look forward to reading these books. Thank you for the interview and the chance to win.
Welcome! ! Would love to read one of your books !
Loved this introduction. Book sounds great.
Hi Mary – I grew up on the Waltons. Congrats on your new book, look forward to reading it.
Loved the Waltons growing up. Such a pretty cover. Adding to my list of wanting to read.
So exciting, can’t wait to read it.
I am so excited for her. It sounds like it will be an interesting book. I enjoyed her playing on the Waltons and still enjoy watching it. I would love to win this book. It sounds like a very interesting book!
sounds like a great book!
This is so wonderful to see! I also grew up with The Waltons. In fact, I just had four episodes on my DVR to watch, one of which was the episode where G.W. was killed and Erin was a huge part of the story. I tear up with the 4 bell notes after all of the good-nights every time. Can’t wait to read this story!!
so excited – I am going to get this – thanks Jane for telling us!!
I would lovea chance to win!
Thanks for sharing this. Sounds like a great book!
Can’t wait to read this one!
I have always been a fan and was excited to read the preview. I am looking forward to reading more. Congrats on the new book!
Welcome Mary! I am looking forward to reading your book!!
Congratulations on the book release. I hope I get to read it.
a new author to me, thanks for the great introduction 🙂
Congratulations, Mary!
Always a fan–wonderful to see you branch out into writing (among your other talents)!
She had me at church, family, tradition, and the historical society…
Looks wonderful and will check it out. I adored the Waltons and Erin!
congrats! would love to read this book! I loved watching the Waltons!
Mary, Welcome to Jane’s Blog. Your books sounds very interesting. I’ll be adding it to my must read list.
Hi Mary! Congratulations on your new book release. It looks like a great story. I am putting it on my wish list.
Looks to be a wonderful read, always been a fan of hers too. Thank you for the contest and the opportunity to read this story.
What an amazingly interesting life! The book sounds like a lovely read! And Erin, you are aging beautifully!
Sounds like a great read! Thanks, Jane!
Congratulations on your New Release Mary! I will be adding it to my TBR pile. I love books like this!
Loved “Little House” and your character. Cannot wait to read your book. If Jane likes your writing – I will love it. Good luck with your book.
Such a beautiful cover to go with a great story.
love the waltons. Awesome
I loved Mary on the Waltons! I cant wait to read the new book ty for stopping in and sharing it with us! Jane you rock too ty for hosting her !
I loved the Waltons and am happy to know that Mary’s creativity morphed into writing books!! Congrats on the release!
Loved watching you on The Walton’s. It is wonderful that you have a career and a writer and can give us such wonderful stories to read. Congrats on your new book. I am looking forward to reading it.
Sounds great, cannot wait to read it.
This book sounds wonderful. I need to read this as well as her previous book. Thank you for helping young girls obtain a positive image.
I’m so excited, I loved her on the Waltons. When I was growing up we would all watch together…it was a family tradition. My baby sister was too young to see the originals but, she watched them in syndication and loved them as much as us. I can’t wait to read her book!
Loved watching you on the Walton’s. Your book sounds interesting too. Glad you are able to express yourself in the world of writing 🙂
You’re an incredible woman – actress, life coach and now a new release. Congratulations, I can’t wait to read it. And will leave a review (very important). So glad you were a guest on Jane’s blog, best place to be for a shout out about a new book.
Always interested in new authors – I will pick up that book as soon as possible
I had no idea she was an acting and life coach has well, very cool. The books sounds great as well!
I loved her on The Waltons. This book sounds very interesting. I’d love to win the swag. Thanks for the opportunity.
I love Mary’s book about her life I watched her growing up I couldn’t put the book down I’m so happy the next book she wrote is out I’ll have to get a copy great work Mary congrats on the release
Congrats on the new Book!!! I never knew you became an author , me and my mom used to watch The Walton’s all the time. You were one of my favorite characters 🙂
I used to watch the Walton’s and can’t help wishing the family dynamic was the same in this day and age. They were so close. People now are so busy with their lives they don’t have time for each other. Loved the Walton’s and Congrats on the new book.
Congrats on the new book. I loved watching the Waltons. I’m looking forward to reading the book.
Congratulations! This book looks captivating. Best wishes.
Wow I haven’t visited this site before but so glad that I did today. What a beautiful cover for a book. I just love it and if i saw it someone this is a book i would buy just on the cover it is awesome and such a great site so much information on the book and author . Congradulations!
Congratulations on the new book! Sounds like a lot of drama in that Irish-Catholic family!
Congrats on your first book!
Wow, how awesome – thank you so much for sharing with us!
Congratulations to You! wish you much success! I’d love to read it. thanks for the giveaway 🙂
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Love the sound of this book!! Adding it on my TBR list!
I loved the Waltons and still watch it. I look forward to reading your book.
This looks like a amazing book just added to my tbr.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Jane.
Congratulations, Mary! I love the sound of this book. I’ll definitely be picking up a copy!
This sounds wonderful. Will have to get it.
The book sounds really good. Glad to know that “Erin” is all grown up and doing well!
Life is good! One more book!
Hi, I would love to read your new book. It looks like something I would enjoy reading.
Lots of time & hard work went into it on your part!~~! I am anxious to get a copy of it and start reading!~!~! Thank you for your
offer to win here!~!
We still watch the Waltons every chance we get! Reminds me of simplier times and how family always comes first.
Your book sounds delightful and I have now added it to my TBR list.
Can’t wait to see what is next from you!
Loved your writing of your first book about the mountain and can’t wait to start on this one!
I loved watching The Waltons. I’m pretty sure I’ve see all episodes.
On my TBR list for sure 🙂
Sounds like a fabulous read.
I loved the Waltons. I will have to check out this book!
Your book sounds wonderful!!! Can’t wait to win/read it. Judy F
Congratulations on your new release, Mary! It sounds like a wonderful book 🙂
i am so happy to read about the books by Mary McDonough. they both sound very interesting and i will be sure to look for them. thanks
Mary, welcome to Jane’s group of ardent readers! We love finding new authors to love.
Thanks Karla! You all have made me feel so welcome!
#8 Helen Matson, you are the winner! Drop me an email with your mailing info and I’ll get prize in the mail to you.
Thank you everyone for making Mary feel welcome on JaneBlog. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Yes, thanks!!!!!
congrats to Helen!
Jane,
Thanks you so much for the lovely words and having me as a guest on your Blog. You are a dear-heart!
Thanks to everyone here who wrote such kind posts. I am humbled and honored.
With big hugs and appreciation,
Mary McDonough
marymcdonough.com
PS: I think we should do a give away!