Caryl McAdoo's Blog, page 2
May 2, 2015
California, Here We Come!
Hallelujah! SINS OF THE MOTHERS is here! Book Four in the historical Christian Texas Romance series! The first story of the next generation!
Henry and Sue's oldest daughter together, Mary Rachel is only seventeen. Propelled by blind first love, she defies her father and elopes with Caleb Wheeler.
He whisks her away to California while her daddy is off to Europe. In the gold rush days of 1851 San Francisco, the newlyweds partner with his cousin John in his dry goods business.
Unbeknownst to the young bride, her new husband sends his kissing cousin Lanelle ahead. He wants his love and his new wife’s money, too.
Betrayal and murder drive Mary, soon a young mother, to the depths of despair. But she can't go home, and hates the one man who loves her enough to cover her sins and deliver her out of the horrible pit she’s dug for herself.
Or does she?
From frontier Texas to the raw bone boomtown of the west coast, then all the way to genteel New York, Mary travels to find redemption for the sins of her mothers.
This is the one everyone's been waiting for, and all the early buzz says it's the best yet!It's different from the first three in that I venture to the Golden State where I was born in 1950--right at one hundred years after Mary Rachel Buckmeyer was there--except I was not born in the city by the bay, but a little south in Long Beach. And Debut Day for SINS OF THE MOTHER, May 3rd, just happens to be my sixty-fifth birthday, too :)
What an exciting that must have been for my young heroine, but she could never imagine how many things could and would go wrong for her.
Here's what some of my early readers are saying about SINS OF THE MOTHERS > REVIEWS:
I've often wondered if the past can repeat itself in a person's life and Mary Rachel Buckmeyer gave me my answer. Love, betrayal, despair, the sweet faith of little children, and the perseverance of a miner. These all made for a wonderful story of what life was like in San Francisco during the gold rush of the 1850's. When I finished the last page of Mary's story, I smiled and thought... I loved this story! But... There had better be another book coming because I want more of these Buckmeyer's! I'd recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading a good Christian, historical fiction of the 1800's. --Deanna Stevens, Nebraska reader Sins of the Mother. Caryl McAdoo does it again with what I think is the best book yet in this series. The characters are so real and have a heap of real issues on their plates from page one. Pick it up and you won't be able to put it down. --Holly Michael
Would you like an EXCERPT from Chapter One? See how this novel starts:
With everyone on the porch for the clan’s sendoff, Mary Rachel decided for sure and for certain and could wait no longer. She took a deep breath and hugged his neck. “Daddy, I’m sorry. I really am, but I can’t go. No, I mean I’m not going. I can’t leave. I won’t.”He leaned back and stared at her for too long a minute, his face suddenly stone cold. “What did you just say?”She grimaced; steam rose to her cheeks. He softened just like he always had when her mother turned on him. Saying it aloud made it all the more real, strengthened her resolve. “I cannot be gone for seven months. I thought for a while maybe I could, but I can’t, Daddy.”Her new mother stepped close. “But Mary Rachel, why? It’s the trip of a lifetime. I promise you’ll adore Europe.”“It’s just Mary now, please. No Rachel. That’s what Caleb calls me.”His voice lowered to almost a whisper, he slipped some of the steel back on. “So. This is about that boy.”“He’s a man, Daddy, and you know it. We love each other.”“If he loves you, baby, then he’ll wait. It’s only seven months. He should be thrilled you have this opportunity to travel Europe.”“Well, I’ve made my decision, and I’m not going.”“We’ve booked your passage.”“I know, and I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner, but I knew you wouldn’t be happy about my decision.” She looked off at the tree line, hating the disappointment in his eyes. But that was a coward’s way, so she faced him again. “Like I said, I thought I could. Anyway, let Bonnie take my place.”From somewhere, her youngest sister burst into the middle. “Can I, Daddy? Please take me! I’ll be good. Mama, tell him how good I’ll be.” She turned those doe eyes on him. “Pleeeease.”
* * * * *
Six miles, north by northwest as the turkey vultures soar from Clarksville, Texas, the very reason Mary stayed home, rode his best mule as he skidded the black walnut saw log back to his cabin. Caleb looked behind. “Slow, girl, almost there.” He nudged the animal a bit further, the timber only feet from his makeshift hoist. Two more steps, then he eased Harley Sue to a stop. He hopped down then rubbed the old girl’s near ear. “You sure are a good mule.”The distant rattle of trace chains turned him east, for a minute he stared, then she waved. “Well, look here what the cat drug in.” He unhooked the skid and led Harley Sue to the barn’s corral; got back before Lanelle had the brake set on her wagon. “She go?”“Nope.”He nodded. “You sure? Saw it with your own eyes?”“Yep, he took the three younger girls, but not the princess.” She stood and threw him a smirk. “Help me down.”“Sure.” He stepped toward her with his arms held out, she fell into them. He caught her then twirled her around as she wrapped hers around his neck. He set her feet to the ground then stepped back a bit. Business first. “Anyone see you turn on my road?” “No, but what difference would it make? I’m only bringing supplies for my kin.”“True, you get it all?”“A pound of salt pork, two ounces of salt, and a pound of coffee, but you best get yourself to town. Old man Hobbs wants a word with you. Wasn’t too happy when I told him to put it on your bill ‘stead of Pappy’s.”Caleb nodded toward his wagon. “I should have this lumber loaded by Saturday. I’ll see to him on my way to Jefferson.”She shrugged then turned and moseyed toward the cabin. “That last batch any better?”Heading the opposite direction to the well, he soon went to cranking; retrieved the jug, pulled the cork, and sipped a taste. When he didn’t follow, she looked around then trotted to him grinning. He extended his home brew. “You tell me.”Always a sight to behold, she accepted the jug without an ounce of pretension. Licked her lips then took a short pull and wiped her mouth. “Boogers, Caleb.” She grinned then got herself a real drink. “Woo! I’d say that may be the best you’ve cooked yet.”He took the jug back and sipped a few gulps more. Burned good all the way down. Replacing the cork, he nodded toward the cabin. “You got time?”
Links - AllBooks SINS OF THE MOTHERS Website (All First Chapters are offered here) Newsletter (Get FREE books for subscribing!) Facebook BlogReviewer? (Join my Street Team/Review Crew a.k.a. Christian eVALUaters!)GoodReads Google+ Twitter Pinterest

Henry and Sue's oldest daughter together, Mary Rachel is only seventeen. Propelled by blind first love, she defies her father and elopes with Caleb Wheeler.
He whisks her away to California while her daddy is off to Europe. In the gold rush days of 1851 San Francisco, the newlyweds partner with his cousin John in his dry goods business.
Unbeknownst to the young bride, her new husband sends his kissing cousin Lanelle ahead. He wants his love and his new wife’s money, too.
Betrayal and murder drive Mary, soon a young mother, to the depths of despair. But she can't go home, and hates the one man who loves her enough to cover her sins and deliver her out of the horrible pit she’s dug for herself.
Or does she?
From frontier Texas to the raw bone boomtown of the west coast, then all the way to genteel New York, Mary travels to find redemption for the sins of her mothers.
This is the one everyone's been waiting for, and all the early buzz says it's the best yet!It's different from the first three in that I venture to the Golden State where I was born in 1950--right at one hundred years after Mary Rachel Buckmeyer was there--except I was not born in the city by the bay, but a little south in Long Beach. And Debut Day for SINS OF THE MOTHER, May 3rd, just happens to be my sixty-fifth birthday, too :)

Here's what some of my early readers are saying about SINS OF THE MOTHERS > REVIEWS:
I've often wondered if the past can repeat itself in a person's life and Mary Rachel Buckmeyer gave me my answer. Love, betrayal, despair, the sweet faith of little children, and the perseverance of a miner. These all made for a wonderful story of what life was like in San Francisco during the gold rush of the 1850's. When I finished the last page of Mary's story, I smiled and thought... I loved this story! But... There had better be another book coming because I want more of these Buckmeyer's! I'd recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading a good Christian, historical fiction of the 1800's. --Deanna Stevens, Nebraska reader Sins of the Mother. Caryl McAdoo does it again with what I think is the best book yet in this series. The characters are so real and have a heap of real issues on their plates from page one. Pick it up and you won't be able to put it down. --Holly Michael
Would you like an EXCERPT from Chapter One? See how this novel starts:
With everyone on the porch for the clan’s sendoff, Mary Rachel decided for sure and for certain and could wait no longer. She took a deep breath and hugged his neck. “Daddy, I’m sorry. I really am, but I can’t go. No, I mean I’m not going. I can’t leave. I won’t.”He leaned back and stared at her for too long a minute, his face suddenly stone cold. “What did you just say?”She grimaced; steam rose to her cheeks. He softened just like he always had when her mother turned on him. Saying it aloud made it all the more real, strengthened her resolve. “I cannot be gone for seven months. I thought for a while maybe I could, but I can’t, Daddy.”Her new mother stepped close. “But Mary Rachel, why? It’s the trip of a lifetime. I promise you’ll adore Europe.”“It’s just Mary now, please. No Rachel. That’s what Caleb calls me.”His voice lowered to almost a whisper, he slipped some of the steel back on. “So. This is about that boy.”“He’s a man, Daddy, and you know it. We love each other.”“If he loves you, baby, then he’ll wait. It’s only seven months. He should be thrilled you have this opportunity to travel Europe.”“Well, I’ve made my decision, and I’m not going.”“We’ve booked your passage.”“I know, and I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner, but I knew you wouldn’t be happy about my decision.” She looked off at the tree line, hating the disappointment in his eyes. But that was a coward’s way, so she faced him again. “Like I said, I thought I could. Anyway, let Bonnie take my place.”From somewhere, her youngest sister burst into the middle. “Can I, Daddy? Please take me! I’ll be good. Mama, tell him how good I’ll be.” She turned those doe eyes on him. “Pleeeease.”
* * * * *
Six miles, north by northwest as the turkey vultures soar from Clarksville, Texas, the very reason Mary stayed home, rode his best mule as he skidded the black walnut saw log back to his cabin. Caleb looked behind. “Slow, girl, almost there.” He nudged the animal a bit further, the timber only feet from his makeshift hoist. Two more steps, then he eased Harley Sue to a stop. He hopped down then rubbed the old girl’s near ear. “You sure are a good mule.”The distant rattle of trace chains turned him east, for a minute he stared, then she waved. “Well, look here what the cat drug in.” He unhooked the skid and led Harley Sue to the barn’s corral; got back before Lanelle had the brake set on her wagon. “She go?”“Nope.”He nodded. “You sure? Saw it with your own eyes?”“Yep, he took the three younger girls, but not the princess.” She stood and threw him a smirk. “Help me down.”“Sure.” He stepped toward her with his arms held out, she fell into them. He caught her then twirled her around as she wrapped hers around his neck. He set her feet to the ground then stepped back a bit. Business first. “Anyone see you turn on my road?” “No, but what difference would it make? I’m only bringing supplies for my kin.”“True, you get it all?”“A pound of salt pork, two ounces of salt, and a pound of coffee, but you best get yourself to town. Old man Hobbs wants a word with you. Wasn’t too happy when I told him to put it on your bill ‘stead of Pappy’s.”Caleb nodded toward his wagon. “I should have this lumber loaded by Saturday. I’ll see to him on my way to Jefferson.”She shrugged then turned and moseyed toward the cabin. “That last batch any better?”Heading the opposite direction to the well, he soon went to cranking; retrieved the jug, pulled the cork, and sipped a taste. When he didn’t follow, she looked around then trotted to him grinning. He extended his home brew. “You tell me.”Always a sight to behold, she accepted the jug without an ounce of pretension. Licked her lips then took a short pull and wiped her mouth. “Boogers, Caleb.” She grinned then got herself a real drink. “Woo! I’d say that may be the best you’ve cooked yet.”He took the jug back and sipped a few gulps more. Burned good all the way down. Replacing the cork, he nodded toward the cabin. “You got time?”
Links - AllBooks SINS OF THE MOTHERS Website (All First Chapters are offered here) Newsletter (Get FREE books for subscribing!) Facebook BlogReviewer? (Join my Street Team/Review Crew a.k.a. Christian eVALUaters!)GoodReads Google+ Twitter Pinterest
Published on May 02, 2015 22:33
April 7, 2015
Writing Tips from North Texas Book Festival Authors


I asked the attending authors to send me some of their writing tips and below are the results. Please do check back and if you can, join us Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Patterson-Appleton Center for the Visual Arts, 400 East Hickory Street in Denton.

Miracle Austin website

Rod Barklay website

Writing tip: Go on a 'WAS' war! Read over your chapter, or pages, and circle all the 'was' words you find. Then find another way to tell the story without the 'was'. A complete absence is not necessary -- just limit the use to once in a while. Cheers!
Carolyn Boyd link to book

Writing tip: Find a time and place that is quiet and you will not be uninterrupted. I often got up in the middle of the night and worked on 'The Langston Saga' when the phones weren't ringing and there were no interruptions. Also, write about something you know. Do your research and make your characters believable and realistic.
Katherine Boyer website Writing tip: I was a working librarian for over 20 years; I am now a non-working librarian (retired). I have been a reader since before I started to school – even though I could not understand the funny little squiggles that I learned were letters that formed words. That is my background. The writing tip from my side of the book is to PLEASE edit, edit, edit. Then get either a professional editor or have two or three friends read your book before you print it. I can’t say how difficult it is to follow a storyline if your mind keeps going back to that one little error (or several). I know I am preaching to the choir, but even the choir sometimes needs a little uplifting. *Just a little note – even with errors, I have always found something special and excellent in the books I have read.
Janet K. Brown website

Writing tip: Write every day, read every day, and make a synopsis up before writing the book.
Kathy Carniero website
Andrew Fairchild website

Writing tip: “Do your research”, upon recently publishing my first children’s book “Bali and Blu: Friends of a Different Color” I was eager to get my book out without researching and interviewing other authors about options available out there to us indie authors. There are a wide variety of options available that I have learned about, and I am still learning. There are many wonderful organizations that indie authors can join and fellow indie authors who are just willing to help you to get your book out there.
Diana Farrar website

Writing tip: Write about your passion, and then write with passion."
Keri Fry link to book

Writing tip: Story ideas can come from anywhere from just watching people at the park or restaurant to labels on the on boxes .
Fred Funk website

Writing tip: Write everyday. Some days I write for ten minutes, but other times it is all day.
Robin Graham website

Judy Lowe website

Caryl Mcdoo website

Myra McIlvain website

Writing tip: The first step is to place your bottom on the chair, your fingers on the keyboard, and begin to write over and over and over until each sentence is the best it can be. Since Texas history is my interest, my work requires tons of research to get the history as accurate as possible. With historic fiction, I try to follow the actual dateline as closely as possible and then I allow my characters to come to life within that historic framework. Characters have to be alive for me before I can make them alive for my readers. Things happen that I do not plan and characters behave in ways I have not anticipated. I do not demand a certain number of words a day. I demand that what I write is my best for that day. Always, I return to that same page many times to hone and improve each line.
Jennifer McMurrain website

Writing tip: One word - Outline. Outline are especially helpful for writers. They give you a road map to where your story is going. Write down those plot point destinations and then write away to your destination. No more writers block or getting lost, because you'll know where you're going.
James N. Patrick, co-author Link to Book

Writing tip: Visualize the scene as if you are in it.
Randall 'Randy' Reneau website

Writing tip: The best writing tip I ever got was from writer, Ken Hodgson. He told me to give my characters some "rein." He said, "Let 'em run a bit . . . and you'll be surprised where they'll take you." Boy was he right! Second best tip: Keep it fast-paced with deception at every turn . . .
Kathleen M. Rodgers website

Writing tip: Being a writer, that's my job. At book signings and presentations, I am an author. But when I am working, I am a writer. And, a writer must get beyond the thrill of a byline, plunge deeper than the words themselves, and dive head-on into a bottomless pit where all the good stories are swimming around waiting to be rescued from the soul.
Elaine Smith website

Writing tip: Put on some meditation or other music with no words, put your fingers on the keyboard, close your eyes and let the thoughts flow from your brain through your fingertips. Don't look, don't worry about misspellings or format. Just let it flow. Some call this "free writing." It is very cathartic and often great ideas pop into the flow. Then save it and go back another time to review. I usually choose music like this: 3 Hours Chi Activation Music - Extremely Powerful Brainwave Binaural - Focus Concentration Music
Jan Sikes website

Writing tip: I want to remind you to feed the reader within. You spend hours upon hours with research and you write, rewrite, proofread, and edit day and night, sometimes around the clock and into the next day without a break. But are you remembering to feed yourself, to give yourself the nourishment you need to stay strong and alert at those tasks?
Tui Snider website

Writing tip: In this era of rampant high-tech gadgetry, a simple kitchen timer remains my favorite writing tool. When feeling stuck or tempted to procrastinate, I set the timer and say, "You only have to write for 2 minutes." It's a silly trick, but it works! After 2 minutes, I've written through my resistance and am ready to continue. The timer also keeps me on track when researching. Hearing it ding after 20 minutes allows me to consider whether or not I've veered too far off the subject. My only caveat? Choose a timer with a pleasant ding and not a jarring buzz!
Shelly Tucker blog

Danielle Vann website Amy Zeller, illustrator

Writing tip: Often I am asked if there is a secret to excellent writing. My answer is always the same--READ YOUR WORK OUT LOUD! As authors/writers we often read what we intended to write instead of what is truly on the page. Most computers now have a programs that will read your work to you. As I begin editing, I will print my work, read aloud, and then turn the reading program on in Word and have the computer read to me. This simple step allows you to not only hear how your writing sounds to a reader, but it helps with flow, editing, pace, and consistency. It has changed the way I write, edit, and publish.
Published on April 07, 2015 13:13
April 2, 2015
SING a NEW SONG!
Here's a novel I am excited to release! It's full of new songs the Lord gifted to me, well, some of the lyrics at least, but I hope to have links for my YouTube channel where I can post videos with my songs so readers can hear them!Won;t that be fun?
Get it HERE!
SING A NEW SONG, book two of the Red River Romance series, is a stand alone contemporary, Christian, romance set in Northeast Texas. It's hero happens to be named after a great-great-great-great-grandfather of HEARTS STOLEN fame (Book Two of my historical Texas Romance series)!
In SING A NEW SONG, the untimely death of her father tears Mary Esther Robbins’ heart open and separates her from her grade school best friend, Samuel Levi Baylor. During their twenty years apart, she fulfills her life’s dream of penning new songs and singing God’s praise with a Christian band, while he tends his growing cattle herd and shares the Good News at every opportunity.
The Lord brings her home then throws them back together when Samuel agrees to help Mary Esther move and remodel her childhood home. The two decades lost vanish, and their time together convinces both the other is their soul mate.
But misunderstanding and fear keeps them from expressing their true love. Though jealousy rears its ugly head, can love and commitment hold the two together? And while they’re both committed to ministering the Gospel together, can they do it as husband and wife?
Here, let me give you an EXCERPT so you can taste and see for yourself! :)
Mary Esther waved her key card then turned around and extended her hand. He took it and pulled her toward him, leaned in. The desire to close her eyes and surrender, let him kiss her, washed over her like a sweet summer rain. She should pull away, but instead, at the last heartbeat, turned her cheek instead.
He smelled of summer pomegranates carried on ocean breezes, crisp and clean, though he’d been on the go with her all day. His lips brushed her burning skin. He kissed her then moved on to her ear. “I don’t want to leave. Can I come in?”
She pushed him back and smiled. “No, you may not. But you can write me. I love long letters.”
“How about I call instead? Where’s the band headed next?”
“Atlanta.”
He nodded then seemed to study her shoes a moment. When he looked back up, a troubled expression wrinkled his forehead. Staring into her eyes, he reached up and tapped the tip of her nose. “There’s something I need to tell you before you go.”
“Okay. What is it?”
“I’m, uh…” He grimaced, showing his perfect teeth clenched, then offered her a weak smile. “See? Uh, I’m married. Well, separated. I mean she’s gone, left me. No one’s –”
“You’re married?”
“Legally, yes—for now—and you’re beautiful.”
She pushed him back hard. The urge to slap his face burned her hand as though she had, but a long time ago, she learned not to go around hitting guys. “Married? What was the last week all about, you jerk? Get away from me, Richard. Go home. I cannot believe you… You… You’re nothing but a…”
The only words that came to mind weren’t worth speaking. She shook her head to make them go away. “Mercy, man, you’re an associate pastor. And you’d be an adulterer, too?”
He recoiled, as though the reality of how he’d been acting the last week cut him just as the cock’s crows had cut Peter. A horror filled his eyes. He shook his head no and opened his mouth, but no words came out. He backed a step away then turned hurried down the hotel’s hall throwing a lame “Sorry, I…” over his shoulder.
“Dear, Lord, my God. How could I have thought he might be the one I’ve been looking for, praying for?”
Her heart pounded. The desire to run after him and slap some smarts into him faded. He turned the corner; she pushed her door open, stepped inside, then hugged it resting her forehead on its edge. It hit her. If that guy wasn’t the one, maybe there wasn’t a man out there for her.
It seemed no one ever saw the real her. Either they loved her voice, her songs, or the way she sang, maybe the way she looked or walked or blah blah blah.
She shut the door and flung herself across the bed. It wasn’t fair. Tears welled and overflowed wetting the white duvet.
She grabbed the towel she’d wrapped her wet hair in that morning and pulled it under her face. Wouldn’t do to get mascara all over the cover. The tears kept coming with no end in sight.
The enormity of what she’d been thinking. That such an idiot could have been husband material! How could she? Didn’t she have any discernment at all? Was she so caught up in romance and concerned she’d never find Mister Right that she lost sight of character? Hadn’t she prayed? She searched her memory, but it didn’t register her asking God if Richard was the one.
Married, indeed!
She screamed into the towel, bawling like an idiot. Why, why, why couldn’t she see it? She flipped to her back and stared suddenly silent at the ceiling. The stillness rang in her ears. Her breath caught. She swallowed. Then it hit her, she wasn’t in love with the man. She barely knew him. The inference she’d never know love broke her heart. That caused all the tears.
But didn’t God promise the desires of her heart? She loved the idea of love, of belonging to one man, sharing his life… children. If that was not to be, what had she saved herself for? Wait a minute. That wasn’t the Lord. She saved herself in obedience to God. If she never found a man, if God never sent a Mister Right into her life, she would still remain chaste.
For Him, no one else, the least she could do after what He did for her. Besides His sweet salvation, He’d given her music, new songs, and a decent voice. As long as she could offer praise and worship, extol His Holy name, as long as He invited her into His throne room… Sleep finally found her, and then she was twelve again.
She stared at his casket, hated that they kept it closed, but understood the decision. Mama explained that he’d been mangled so badly. She wiped her cheeks. Praise God, at least he was in Heaven. “Someday, Daddy, we’ll all be together again.”
A hand slipped over hers. She looked down, studied the stubby fingers intertwining with her own, then followed the arm up to Samuel Baylor’s face.
And here's what others are saying (REVIEW):
Sing A New Song is a delightful breath of Christian air. McAdoo writes in such an eloquent way bringing her audience always nearer to God. She opens her readers’ minds to fresh ways of viewing Christian life and all it has to offer.
The characters are lovable and react to one another in humorous ways. The romantic tale is just as lovely as always demonstrating Christian virtues we all be best to remember. The story was illuminating in how it shares the Gospel in such a beautiful way.
The words from Samuel’s sermons as well as the gorgeous lyrics of Mary Esther’s songs fill our hearts with new found worship for Our Lord. Truly an inspiring tale. It is Christian fiction in its best; recounting a romantic love story while bringing its readers closer to God. A treasure for sure.
-- Christine Barber, Canadian author of BROKEN TO PIECES
So if you aren't a regular here, let me share a little about myself. I'm so thrilled to be a Christian author and excited over writing three series at this time: my historical Christian ‘Texas Romances’; the contemporary ‘Red River Romances’; and ‘The Generations’, my Biblical fiction.
Glad no one makes me choose between writing and singing, I love sharing the new songs the Lord gives me. And I enjoy painting, though I'm no Judy Downs Levine! (She's the amazingly gifted artist who paints the covers for The Generations series! You owe it to yourself to go see her work, and she has prints for sale!)
In 2008, my high school sweetheart-husband Ron and I moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. I birthed four children and now have fifteen grandsugars who I count life’s biggest blessings. All good things come from God. Praying my story gives God glory, I hopes each one will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. We live with two grandsons, five dogs, and a varying number of barn cats in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.
Links - All Books Sing A New Song Website (All First Chapters offered here) Newsletter (The Caryler! Get FREE books for subscribing!) Facebook
Reviewer? (Join Caryl’s Street Team!) Puzzle GoodReads Google+ Twitter
Pinterest
Get it HERE!
SING A NEW SONG, book two of the Red River Romance series, is a stand alone contemporary, Christian, romance set in Northeast Texas. It's hero happens to be named after a great-great-great-great-grandfather of HEARTS STOLEN fame (Book Two of my historical Texas Romance series)!

The Lord brings her home then throws them back together when Samuel agrees to help Mary Esther move and remodel her childhood home. The two decades lost vanish, and their time together convinces both the other is their soul mate.
But misunderstanding and fear keeps them from expressing their true love. Though jealousy rears its ugly head, can love and commitment hold the two together? And while they’re both committed to ministering the Gospel together, can they do it as husband and wife?
Here, let me give you an EXCERPT so you can taste and see for yourself! :)
Mary Esther waved her key card then turned around and extended her hand. He took it and pulled her toward him, leaned in. The desire to close her eyes and surrender, let him kiss her, washed over her like a sweet summer rain. She should pull away, but instead, at the last heartbeat, turned her cheek instead.
He smelled of summer pomegranates carried on ocean breezes, crisp and clean, though he’d been on the go with her all day. His lips brushed her burning skin. He kissed her then moved on to her ear. “I don’t want to leave. Can I come in?”
She pushed him back and smiled. “No, you may not. But you can write me. I love long letters.”
“How about I call instead? Where’s the band headed next?”
“Atlanta.”
He nodded then seemed to study her shoes a moment. When he looked back up, a troubled expression wrinkled his forehead. Staring into her eyes, he reached up and tapped the tip of her nose. “There’s something I need to tell you before you go.”
“Okay. What is it?”
“I’m, uh…” He grimaced, showing his perfect teeth clenched, then offered her a weak smile. “See? Uh, I’m married. Well, separated. I mean she’s gone, left me. No one’s –”
“You’re married?”
“Legally, yes—for now—and you’re beautiful.”
She pushed him back hard. The urge to slap his face burned her hand as though she had, but a long time ago, she learned not to go around hitting guys. “Married? What was the last week all about, you jerk? Get away from me, Richard. Go home. I cannot believe you… You… You’re nothing but a…”
The only words that came to mind weren’t worth speaking. She shook her head to make them go away. “Mercy, man, you’re an associate pastor. And you’d be an adulterer, too?”
He recoiled, as though the reality of how he’d been acting the last week cut him just as the cock’s crows had cut Peter. A horror filled his eyes. He shook his head no and opened his mouth, but no words came out. He backed a step away then turned hurried down the hotel’s hall throwing a lame “Sorry, I…” over his shoulder.
“Dear, Lord, my God. How could I have thought he might be the one I’ve been looking for, praying for?”
Her heart pounded. The desire to run after him and slap some smarts into him faded. He turned the corner; she pushed her door open, stepped inside, then hugged it resting her forehead on its edge. It hit her. If that guy wasn’t the one, maybe there wasn’t a man out there for her.
It seemed no one ever saw the real her. Either they loved her voice, her songs, or the way she sang, maybe the way she looked or walked or blah blah blah.
She shut the door and flung herself across the bed. It wasn’t fair. Tears welled and overflowed wetting the white duvet.
She grabbed the towel she’d wrapped her wet hair in that morning and pulled it under her face. Wouldn’t do to get mascara all over the cover. The tears kept coming with no end in sight.
The enormity of what she’d been thinking. That such an idiot could have been husband material! How could she? Didn’t she have any discernment at all? Was she so caught up in romance and concerned she’d never find Mister Right that she lost sight of character? Hadn’t she prayed? She searched her memory, but it didn’t register her asking God if Richard was the one.
Married, indeed!
She screamed into the towel, bawling like an idiot. Why, why, why couldn’t she see it? She flipped to her back and stared suddenly silent at the ceiling. The stillness rang in her ears. Her breath caught. She swallowed. Then it hit her, she wasn’t in love with the man. She barely knew him. The inference she’d never know love broke her heart. That caused all the tears.
But didn’t God promise the desires of her heart? She loved the idea of love, of belonging to one man, sharing his life… children. If that was not to be, what had she saved herself for? Wait a minute. That wasn’t the Lord. She saved herself in obedience to God. If she never found a man, if God never sent a Mister Right into her life, she would still remain chaste.
For Him, no one else, the least she could do after what He did for her. Besides His sweet salvation, He’d given her music, new songs, and a decent voice. As long as she could offer praise and worship, extol His Holy name, as long as He invited her into His throne room… Sleep finally found her, and then she was twelve again.
She stared at his casket, hated that they kept it closed, but understood the decision. Mama explained that he’d been mangled so badly. She wiped her cheeks. Praise God, at least he was in Heaven. “Someday, Daddy, we’ll all be together again.”
A hand slipped over hers. She looked down, studied the stubby fingers intertwining with her own, then followed the arm up to Samuel Baylor’s face.
And here's what others are saying (REVIEW):
Sing A New Song is a delightful breath of Christian air. McAdoo writes in such an eloquent way bringing her audience always nearer to God. She opens her readers’ minds to fresh ways of viewing Christian life and all it has to offer.
The characters are lovable and react to one another in humorous ways. The romantic tale is just as lovely as always demonstrating Christian virtues we all be best to remember. The story was illuminating in how it shares the Gospel in such a beautiful way.
The words from Samuel’s sermons as well as the gorgeous lyrics of Mary Esther’s songs fill our hearts with new found worship for Our Lord. Truly an inspiring tale. It is Christian fiction in its best; recounting a romantic love story while bringing its readers closer to God. A treasure for sure.
-- Christine Barber, Canadian author of BROKEN TO PIECES
So if you aren't a regular here, let me share a little about myself. I'm so thrilled to be a Christian author and excited over writing three series at this time: my historical Christian ‘Texas Romances’; the contemporary ‘Red River Romances’; and ‘The Generations’, my Biblical fiction.
Glad no one makes me choose between writing and singing, I love sharing the new songs the Lord gives me. And I enjoy painting, though I'm no Judy Downs Levine! (She's the amazingly gifted artist who paints the covers for The Generations series! You owe it to yourself to go see her work, and she has prints for sale!)
In 2008, my high school sweetheart-husband Ron and I moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. I birthed four children and now have fifteen grandsugars who I count life’s biggest blessings. All good things come from God. Praying my story gives God glory, I hopes each one will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. We live with two grandsons, five dogs, and a varying number of barn cats in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.
Links - All Books Sing A New Song Website (All First Chapters offered here) Newsletter (The Caryler! Get FREE books for subscribing!) Facebook
Reviewer? (Join Caryl’s Street Team!) Puzzle GoodReads Google+ Twitter
Published on April 02, 2015 13:13
March 27, 2015
Christian Fiction Friday - SING!
It's almost here! And I can hardly wait! Hurry APRIL!
The untimely death of her father shatters Mary Esther Robbins’ heart, and her mom moves, separating the twelve-year-old and her best friend. Samuel Baylor writes her without one response in twenty years. She sings God’s praise; he tends cows and shares the Good News. Then the Lord brings her home… He throws them back together when Samuel agrees to help Mary Esther move and remodel her childhood home. The two decades lost vanish, and their time together convinces both the other is the true soul mate. But fear and misunderstanding keeps them from expressing their true love. Though jealousy rears its ugly head, can love and commitment hold the two together? And while they’re both dedicated to ministering the Gospel together, can they do it as husband and wife?
A Sneak Peek :)
How could she? Didn’t she have any discernment at all?Was she so caught up in romance and concerned she’d never find Mister Right that she lost sight of character? Hadn’t she prayed? She searched her memory, but it didn’t register that she ever asked God if Richard was the one.Married, indeed!She screamed into the towel, bawling like an idiot. Why, why, why couldn’t she see it? She flipped to her back and stared, suddenly silent, at the ceiling. The stillness rang in her ears. Her breath caught. She swallowed.Then it hit her, she wasn’t in love with the man. She barely knew him. The inference she’d never know love is what broke her heart. What caused all the tears.But didn’t God promise the desires of her heart?She loved the idea of love, of belonging to one man, sharing his life… children. If that was not to be, what had she saved herself for? Wait a minute. That wasn’t the Lord. She saved herself in obedience to God.If she never found a man, if God never sent a Mister Right into her life, she would still remain chaste. For Him, no one else.The least she could do after what He had done for her.Besides His sweet salvation, He’d given her music, new songs, and a decent voice. As long as she could offer praise and worship, extol His Holy name, as long as He invited her into His throne room.…Sleep finally found her, and then she was twelve again.
Comment below to enter a drawing for a FREE copy! :)The e'book is free in April to all The Caryler subscribers! (my monthly newsletter)
All Books - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsAmazonPage
Website - http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com (All First Chapters are offered here)
Newsletter - http://carylmcadoo.com/sign-up-to-the-caryler/ (Get FREE books for subscribing!)
Reviewer? - http://carylmcadoo.com/christian-eval... (Join Caryl’s Street Team!)
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author
Christian Fiction Friday is a weekly blog hop where authors post snippets from their current Works in Progress. It is hosted by Alana Terry and Hallee Bridgeman.


A Sneak Peek :)
How could she? Didn’t she have any discernment at all?Was she so caught up in romance and concerned she’d never find Mister Right that she lost sight of character? Hadn’t she prayed? She searched her memory, but it didn’t register that she ever asked God if Richard was the one.Married, indeed!She screamed into the towel, bawling like an idiot. Why, why, why couldn’t she see it? She flipped to her back and stared, suddenly silent, at the ceiling. The stillness rang in her ears. Her breath caught. She swallowed.Then it hit her, she wasn’t in love with the man. She barely knew him. The inference she’d never know love is what broke her heart. What caused all the tears.But didn’t God promise the desires of her heart?She loved the idea of love, of belonging to one man, sharing his life… children. If that was not to be, what had she saved herself for? Wait a minute. That wasn’t the Lord. She saved herself in obedience to God.If she never found a man, if God never sent a Mister Right into her life, she would still remain chaste. For Him, no one else.The least she could do after what He had done for her.Besides His sweet salvation, He’d given her music, new songs, and a decent voice. As long as she could offer praise and worship, extol His Holy name, as long as He invited her into His throne room.…Sleep finally found her, and then she was twelve again.
Comment below to enter a drawing for a FREE copy! :)The e'book is free in April to all The Caryler subscribers! (my monthly newsletter)
All Books - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsAmazonPage
Website - http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com (All First Chapters are offered here)
Newsletter - http://carylmcadoo.com/sign-up-to-the-caryler/ (Get FREE books for subscribing!)
Reviewer? - http://carylmcadoo.com/christian-eval... (Join Caryl’s Street Team!)
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author
Christian Fiction Friday is a weekly blog hop where authors post snippets from their current Works in Progress. It is hosted by Alana Terry and Hallee Bridgeman.
Published on March 27, 2015 08:32
March 21, 2015
Christian Fiction Friday

Happy to join in my first Christian Fiction Friday!
SING A NEW SONG, book 2 in the Red River Romance series; debuts April, 2015 The untimely death of her father shatters Mary Esther Robbins’ heart and separates her from her grade school best friend, Samuel Levi Baylor. During their twenty years apart, she fulfills her life’s dream of penning new songs and singing God’s praise with a Christian band, while he tends his growing cattle herd and shares the Good News at every opportunity.
Excerpt : The twelve-year-old boy who drove that same truck to her daddy’s funeral stood over six feet tall, a full grown man decked out in jeans, blue long-sleeved work shirt, and scuffed boots, but she’d know him anywhere.He gawked. “It is, isn’t it?”“Yes, it’s me. How in the world have you been, Samuel? How’d you know I was in town?”“Well, I’ll be. Blessed. I’ve been blessed, but I didn’t have any idea. None. What are you doing here? Slumming?”She refused to take the bait. “I’ll have you to know I’m moving back. Just now I was trying decide if the old girl is worth fixing up.”“Really? What? You’re not singing anymore?”“Of course, I am. No way will I ever stop singing, you goof, but I can sing in Clarksville same as in Dallas. I quit the band though. I’m sick of the road. If you could call it that.”He nodded and looked around. “So what do you think?”That he didn’t offer to give her a hello hug was just wrong, but she didn’t say anything about it. “I don’t know, but what about you? Are you married? How’s your grandfather? Y’all still living in English?”
Pre-Release Review: A delightful breath of Christian air. McAdoo writes in such an eloquent way bringing her audience always nearer to God. She opens her readers’ minds to fresh ways of viewing Christian life and all it has to offer. The characters are loveable and humorous. The romantic tale is as lovely, demonstrating Christian virtues. The story was illuminating in how it shares the Gospel through Samuel’s sermons and the lyrics of Mary Esther’s songs. Fills our hearts with worship. Truly inspiring; Christian fiction in its best! A treasure for sure.
--Christine Barber, Canadian author of Broken to Pieces
Links : All Books / Newsletter (Get FREE books for subscribing!)
Praying my story gives God glory!
Christian Fiction Friday is a weekly blog hop where authors post snippets from their current Works in Progress. It is hosted by Alana Terry and Hallee Bridgeman.
Published on March 21, 2015 11:54
March 10, 2015
New Title Debut! THEN THE DELUGE COMES!
Then the Deluge Comes
Then the Deluge Comes, Volume 2 of the new Biblical fiction series,
The Generations, is my sixteenth published title and a story you won't want to miss.
With the firstborns of eight generations gathered around his death bed, Adam and his beloved Eve pass from this earth and are taken to Paradise where they are reunited with many loved ones including their son Abel.
The parallel storylines, one on the earth and the other in Paradise where the kindly old cherub Namrel helps the Almighty's men adjust to new life there.
Isn't the cover amazing? The gifted artist of this original artwork is Judy Downs Levine of Arizona. The gracious lady offers lovely, frameable prints of each of The Generations titles at her WEBSITE as well her her other outstanding pieces. Words of gratitude cannot express how thankful I am God gave Judy to me, an unthinkable blessing to me.
WHY do we think that Noah built the ark alone, or with only his sons? Yes, Enoch had gone, but Lamech, Noah's father joined his fathers only five years before the gargantuan project was complete, and his father, Methuselah lived right up until one week before the deluge came. That's what his name means, you know...when I die, then the deluge comes. Of course they helped Noah, prayed for him, strengthened him, supported him. They gathered supplies, much like we know King David did for his son.
So here's the Jacket copy or synopsis. Reviewers write synopses every day, authors hate them--at least every author I've ever met. Boiling your story down down down to a couple of paragraphs. But we do it, we just do it! Like this: Obedience assures the preservation of life. By Adam’s death, evil overtakes the sons of Cain filling the earth with lasciviousness and violence. God declares He will not contend forever with man. But, Noah, the only one of the tenth generation to walk perfect before the Lord, hears His word.
MAKE THEE AN ARK OF GOPHER WOOD; ROOMS SHALT THOU MAKE IN THE ARK, AND SHALT PITCH IT WITHIN AND WITHOUT WITH PITCH
With the help of his father Lamech, and Grandfather Methuselah—whose name foretells when the deluge will come—Noah and his three sons embark on the massive task of building the giant boat with no idea why except that God said.
Evil, too, heard the word of the Lord. Lucifer and his angels war in the second heaven to steal, kill, and utterly destroy the earth’s inhabitants. With each child passed through the fire, their battle songs grow stronger, but the Lord works in mysterious ways.
And I'd like to give you a little taste, excerpt:
[The flesh of earth’s first man has just died after nine hundred thirty years of living. His soul and spirit descend now to Paradise.]
Downward, Adam floated. Eve’s arms wrapped tight around him, but seemed so much stronger now. He held her firmly. Winged men surrounded him slowing his decent, and his wife snuggled in closer, covering her scar in his side like she had so many times in the past. Blue sky, greenery, and flowers…just as he’d seen in the vision.
Then it all vanished, and he found himself back in Eden. The Great I Am Himself, bent down on one knee and scooped a handful of clay.
The Father’s heart swelled with love as he fashioned his man. Tears welled as Adam witnessed his own creation and knew Abba’s overwhelming, everlasting love. What a wonderful gift, being allowed to see such a marvel. Then the first time he successfully climbed onto Lion’s back and raced through the garden with his hands flung high into the air. He laughed aloud. What fun!
How he had missed his old friend, yet so many years passed without thinking of him in the valley. Hadn’t realized how lonely he was without his Lion and all the rest to run and romp with. And now, he’d see Him again and be able to thank Him for His great sacrifice, repent for his sin that had separated him from the best friend he’d ever known.
Here's what some are saying about THEN THE DELUGE COMES:
I loved Then the Deluge Comes! Great job! Well worth the read! Terrific, terrific, terrific. Great story!
--Leah Jones, reader, Morrow, Arkansas
Then The Deluge Comes by Caryl McAdoo is beautifully written. This novel concentrates on the story of Noah, leading up to the flood. She takes nothing away from the biblical story, but enhances it. The characters are fully developed, becoming more three dimensional than in the Bible.
As with book one, not only does the reader see the earthly version of the story, but there are glimpses of the heavenly one too. This helps to remind the reader that all of life is a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness. One must always be ready and wearing the full armour of God.
Then The Deluge Comes can actually help to understand the original Bible story. Parts of the Old Testament that can be confusing, are made much clearer. There is so much beauty in Caryl McAdoo's retelling of the traditional story that the reader just revels in the language. It will leave you feeling calm and peaceful, and you will be glad that you picked it up.
--Julia Wilson, teacher and reader, United Kingdom
Anyone who enjoys reading Biblical fiction will love “Then The Deluge Comes”. Caryl McAdoo’s brilliant imagination combined with her determination to stay with biblical truth makes the characters come alive. I am looking forward to the next book in the Generation Series.
--Louise Koiner
Author Bio: Simon & Schuster, Christian hybrid author, Caryl McAdoo is currently writing three series: her historical Christian Texas Romances; the contemporary Red River Romances; and The Generations,her Biblical fiction. The novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her, and she paints. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and fourteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, she hopes each one will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.
Links -
All Books Then the Deluge Comes Website (All First Chapters are offered here) Newsletter (Get FREE books for subscribing!) Reviewer? (Join Caryl’s Street Team!) Facebook Blog GoodReads Google+ Twitter Pinterest

The Generations, is my sixteenth published title and a story you won't want to miss.
With the firstborns of eight generations gathered around his death bed, Adam and his beloved Eve pass from this earth and are taken to Paradise where they are reunited with many loved ones including their son Abel.
The parallel storylines, one on the earth and the other in Paradise where the kindly old cherub Namrel helps the Almighty's men adjust to new life there.

WHY do we think that Noah built the ark alone, or with only his sons? Yes, Enoch had gone, but Lamech, Noah's father joined his fathers only five years before the gargantuan project was complete, and his father, Methuselah lived right up until one week before the deluge came. That's what his name means, you know...when I die, then the deluge comes. Of course they helped Noah, prayed for him, strengthened him, supported him. They gathered supplies, much like we know King David did for his son.
So here's the Jacket copy or synopsis. Reviewers write synopses every day, authors hate them--at least every author I've ever met. Boiling your story down down down to a couple of paragraphs. But we do it, we just do it! Like this: Obedience assures the preservation of life. By Adam’s death, evil overtakes the sons of Cain filling the earth with lasciviousness and violence. God declares He will not contend forever with man. But, Noah, the only one of the tenth generation to walk perfect before the Lord, hears His word.
MAKE THEE AN ARK OF GOPHER WOOD; ROOMS SHALT THOU MAKE IN THE ARK, AND SHALT PITCH IT WITHIN AND WITHOUT WITH PITCH
With the help of his father Lamech, and Grandfather Methuselah—whose name foretells when the deluge will come—Noah and his three sons embark on the massive task of building the giant boat with no idea why except that God said.
Evil, too, heard the word of the Lord. Lucifer and his angels war in the second heaven to steal, kill, and utterly destroy the earth’s inhabitants. With each child passed through the fire, their battle songs grow stronger, but the Lord works in mysterious ways.
And I'd like to give you a little taste, excerpt:
[The flesh of earth’s first man has just died after nine hundred thirty years of living. His soul and spirit descend now to Paradise.]
Downward, Adam floated. Eve’s arms wrapped tight around him, but seemed so much stronger now. He held her firmly. Winged men surrounded him slowing his decent, and his wife snuggled in closer, covering her scar in his side like she had so many times in the past. Blue sky, greenery, and flowers…just as he’d seen in the vision.
Then it all vanished, and he found himself back in Eden. The Great I Am Himself, bent down on one knee and scooped a handful of clay.
The Father’s heart swelled with love as he fashioned his man. Tears welled as Adam witnessed his own creation and knew Abba’s overwhelming, everlasting love. What a wonderful gift, being allowed to see such a marvel. Then the first time he successfully climbed onto Lion’s back and raced through the garden with his hands flung high into the air. He laughed aloud. What fun!
How he had missed his old friend, yet so many years passed without thinking of him in the valley. Hadn’t realized how lonely he was without his Lion and all the rest to run and romp with. And now, he’d see Him again and be able to thank Him for His great sacrifice, repent for his sin that had separated him from the best friend he’d ever known.
Here's what some are saying about THEN THE DELUGE COMES:
I loved Then the Deluge Comes! Great job! Well worth the read! Terrific, terrific, terrific. Great story!
--Leah Jones, reader, Morrow, Arkansas
Then The Deluge Comes by Caryl McAdoo is beautifully written. This novel concentrates on the story of Noah, leading up to the flood. She takes nothing away from the biblical story, but enhances it. The characters are fully developed, becoming more three dimensional than in the Bible.
As with book one, not only does the reader see the earthly version of the story, but there are glimpses of the heavenly one too. This helps to remind the reader that all of life is a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness. One must always be ready and wearing the full armour of God.
Then The Deluge Comes can actually help to understand the original Bible story. Parts of the Old Testament that can be confusing, are made much clearer. There is so much beauty in Caryl McAdoo's retelling of the traditional story that the reader just revels in the language. It will leave you feeling calm and peaceful, and you will be glad that you picked it up.
--Julia Wilson, teacher and reader, United Kingdom
Anyone who enjoys reading Biblical fiction will love “Then The Deluge Comes”. Caryl McAdoo’s brilliant imagination combined with her determination to stay with biblical truth makes the characters come alive. I am looking forward to the next book in the Generation Series.
--Louise Koiner
Author Bio: Simon & Schuster, Christian hybrid author, Caryl McAdoo is currently writing three series: her historical Christian Texas Romances; the contemporary Red River Romances; and The Generations,her Biblical fiction. The novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her, and she paints. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and fourteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, she hopes each one will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.
Links -
All Books Then the Deluge Comes Website (All First Chapters are offered here) Newsletter (Get FREE books for subscribing!) Reviewer? (Join Caryl’s Street Team!) Facebook Blog GoodReads Google+ Twitter Pinterest
Published on March 10, 2015 19:53
January 28, 2015
FAITH is a Gift! February 2 Debut!

I'm so excited about this new contemporary Christian Red River Romances series! I started writing it and April's release Sing a New Song as novellas, but they both went well over 40,000 words. Still aren't my normal 300+ page historical novels though, so be forewarned.
And this title in e'book format is my gift to all those subscribed to my newsletter THE CARYLER! That's right, can you believe it? I'm thanking my subscribers with a free book every quarter! SING A NEW SONG is the second quarter's offering, and ACQUIRING A WIFE in August for the third quarter!
I wrote each in one month and really enjoyed the characters! The Preacher' Faith is set in Red River County. There are two little Baptist churches north of Clarksville, one named Hopewell and another named New Hope, so I made a fictitious New Hope Baptist Church for the book.
But the Rio Verde Mexican restaurant and the Italian Bistro, Rehkoph's and the shops mentioned are all in it, and I think that's so much fun! You may recognize a few names from around town if you live in Clarksville or from the historical novels you've read from the old timers in the Red River County of my Texas Romance series.
Poor Faith, her daddy's dying, and he so wants to see her married and settled before he goes. He hopes to walk her down the aisle. And to appease him, she promises to marry if a guy meeting her qualifications asks. Dumb-dee-dumb-dumb! :)

Can the orphaned preacher and the heartbroken rodeo queen navigate the path to true love with a lie and an ex-beau blocking their way? Learning of Faith Johnson’s rash promise to her father, New Hope Baptist’s interim preacher Asa Davidson shows up to apply for the position—of husband. The cowgirl was only trying to give her dying father hope promising to marry the first thirty-something-year-old Christian virgin to ask. Who’d ever dream one existed in all of Texas, much less Red River County? But sure enough, one comes a’courting the very next day thanks to the Lord and Daddy’s baby sister, loud mouth Aunt Iris. Faith’s appalled, but a promise is a promise. She only needs to figure a way out.Originally, Asa sees matrimony as a career move. He hopes a godly, local wife will seal the deal for a permanent call. Then asked right out about that very thing, he lies. Sparks fly when her past love and the preacher meet up, but as the days pass, she finds herself admiring the man and his relationship to God more and more. He’s a hard worker and wonderful, fun companion. Maybe she could learn to love him. But what if New Hope doesn’t call him? She loves it right where she’s at. Plus what about her dying father? And there’s that untruth between them….And to make things even harder, her ex comes to Christ through it all!

Opening excerpt from The Preacher's Faith: A black sedan rolled across the main entrance cattle guard. Faith sat a little taller in the saddle. Shame it wasn’t a new truck pulling a full Featherlight horse trailer, but hey, any new business would be a Godsend. Instead of coming to the barn though, the car stayed right and went up to the house. New nurse, maybe?Whatever. The gelding needed at least another fifteen minutes. She worked him hard—several times around with a right front lead, turn around the other way on a left lead, backed him one complete lap—then took him into the wash stall. She’d never known a horse who loved baths better than the beautiful paint, and so intelligent, almost too smart for his britches. Definitely one she wouldn’t mind calling her own. Halfway to having him brushed out, the barn’s man-door opened.“Miss Johnson?”She looked over the gelding’s back. The form of a man stood in the doorway silhouetted by the late afternoon sun. Tall with broad shoulders, he filled the opening. She couldn’t see if he looked like money or not, but hey, even poor guys needed their horses trained. “Yessiree, that’d be me. How can I help you?”“I came about the position.”“You’ve come to the wrong place. I’m not hiring.”The guy stepped in and closed the door, his face still dark and indistinguishable. “That isn’t what your aunt Iris said.”“Bless Auntie’s heart, I don’t know what she’s thinking, but she’s just wrong. I’m not hiring. Sorry you came all this way for nothing.”Her eyes started adjusting, and the man, maybe a few years older than her, came into view. A sort of good-looking type in a townie kind of way, but… “Maybe you need to come tell her yourself, Miss Johnson.”Oh no, the place was a wreck. Faith needed to get in the house and stop the old dear. “Auntie’s here?” The perfectionist would have herself a heart attack for sure.“Yes, ma’am. She rode out with me.” A sly grin etched the man’s face.Dear Lord, what was going on? She didn’t have time for this. Faith grabbed another brush and tossed it to him. “Here, make yourself useful.”“Sure. What do I do?”“Brush that side.”She moved the soft bristles a bit faster. Why, oh why, hadn’t she taken a little time and cleaned up this morning? A mental walk-through horrified her all the more. The armload of dirty laundry on the window bench in the living room. She’d been on the way to the utility room when her daddy needed help.She didn’t even want to think about the kitchen’s condition.And how long had it been since she swept? The dirty baseboards with webs and dog hair and who knew what else… And oh no, she left all her papers scattered all the way around her swivel rocker from looking at the bills and trying to figure out exactly how she was going to get them all paid. Bless God! Just what she needed. Why this person brought her house-crazy-keeping aunt all the way up to Negley, especially unannounced, proved more than a little irritating. This is a test, this is only a test, she assured herself.“Brush only in the direction his hair grows.”“Yes, ma’am.”She worked down each leg to the hooves with her mind racing a minute mile for the reason her daddy’s sister might have told this fellow there was a job opening. She’d love some help if she could afford it, but… In not quite half the regular time, the gelding rested in his stall, hayed, grained, and happy.Sliding the paint’s door closed, she practiced what she wanted to say then latched the stall and faced the intruder. “Okay look, I don’t know who you are, but hey, I’d appreciate the truth. Why are you here? Really.”“Sorry, ma’am.” He extended his hand. “Name’s Asa Davidson.”Closing the couple of steps between them, she one-shaked the offering then nodded toward the door. “How is it you know Aunt Iris anyway?”“Met her at church. I’m the new interim pastor out at New Hope Baptist.” He stepped out into the late afternoon sun. Better looking than she first thought, but dear Lord, the man really needed to get himself a pair of Wranglers and some boots. Slacks and loafers would not do, leastwise not in these parts. He stuck out like a newborn white Charolais calf.She walked beside him toward the house. “So, exactly what is this job Auntie is talking about? Did she tell you?” She looked over and grinned. “I’m already saved, a blood-bought, Bible-thumping child of the King.”“That makes you a princess.”“Yessiree, bless God. So if you’re not here to share the Good News, Pastor, what was it she told you I needed?”“A husband.”She stopped in her tracks, practically paralyzed. Tried to swallow, but couldn’t. He took two steps more then turned back, smiling.“Did you just say husband?”“Yes, ma’am. Miss Iris said you told your father yesterday that you’d marry if an eligible bachelor asked you.” He shrugged. “So what do you think?”
Reviews: These reviews come in before the book is actually released. These readers are on my 'street team' or 'Review Crew' that I call my Christian eVALUaters! If you'd like to join that team and receive free e'books before the actual debut of some of my titles, then you can SIGN UP here!
Great Story! Hope there’s a sequel. I love to see the artful dodger as a part of it, maybe a reunion? And he could find his mother. Just love curling up in an afghan and cup of cappuccino and reading Caryl’s books!--Lenda Selph, reader, New Boston, Texas
The Preacher's Faith, as with all Caryl McAdoo's novels, is full of good scriptural advice. The title is a play on words...does 'faith' refer to a personal faith or the person Faith or both? Have a read and decide for yourself. …a quick and easy read, and just right for a cold winter's day - your heart will be warmed by this delightful little story. -- Julia Wilson UK
This was my first book to read by Caryl McAdoo and I absolutely loved it. I will be reading more. I love the way she prays that her story gives God Glory and dedicates The Preacher’s Faith to Him and His Kingdom. You will find the two main characters, Faith and Asa, talk back and forth discussing scriptures. [It’s] a good clean book to read. I was drawn into this story right from the start. I loved this book and can’t wait for book two-- Elizabeth Dent, reader, Alabama
Bio: With sixteen titles released by six publishers, (Simon & Schuster’s Howard Books being one), I am excited about my first contemporary Red River Romance The Preacher’s Faith set in Red River County. I love being hybrid, too. That means I'm traditionally published (Howard, Roman and Littlefield, and Thorndike Press) and now also Independently (Indie) published. I also edit, paint, and sing the new songs God gives me as well as many other songs! In 2008, my high school sweetheart-husband Ron and I moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. I count four children and fourteen grandsugars my life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, I hope my books also minister His love, mercy, and grace to all their readers as well as cause them to examine their own relationship with Him and draw closer to Him. I live with Ron and two grandsons--Christian and Benjamen--in Clarksville, the county seat in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State I love, And we also have four dogs and a bunch of barn cats.
Links:
All Books - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsAmazonPage The Preacher’s Faith http://tinyurl.com/PreachersFaith
Website - http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com (All First Chapters are offered here)
Newsletter - http://carylmcadoo.com/sign-up-to-the-caryler/ (Get FREE books for subscribing!)
Reviewer? - http://carylmcadoo.com/christian-evaluaters/ (Join Caryl McAdoo Review Crew!)
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author
Blog - http://www.CarylMcAdoo.blogspot.com
GoodReads - http://tinyurl.com/GoodReadsCaryl
Google+ - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsGooglePlus
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/CarylMcAdoo
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Published on January 28, 2015 14:52
January 8, 2015
Celebrate HOPE!

In this new story, successful New York dime novelist May Meriwether sees an article in the paper and is convinced two Texas Rangers would offer great inspiration as a love interest for her new heroine and sets out to the Lone Star State with her companion Chester in tow. She's given up long ago on her dreams of finding her own true love and having a family, relegating them to the recesses of her heart. But a widower resurrects a smidgen of hope. Only his superstitious beliefs stand in the way--and his love for his dead wife.
Enjoy this excerpt! "Her two-room suite on the third deck practically took her breath away, much fancier than her own bedroom and the parlor back home. Dinner, served almost as she boarded, tasted divine.After putting away the rest of her things, he placed her valise on the writing table, took out the manuscript, ink well and quill pen. “Anything else, ma’am?”“Yes, please. I need another forty thousand words. Have any idea where I might pick some up?”“May I suggest the same place you obtained all the others?”“Oh Chester, Chester, Chester. I was afraid you might say something completely and dreadfully useless like that. Why can’t you ever tell me what I want to hear?”He grinned, bowed, then backed out like a real butler, and like she was a real lady.“Where’s your room?”He stopped at her door. “Directly across the hall. Supper’s at eight, ma’am. A warning bell will sound.” He bowed his head. “You should be able to cut that forty by a third before reclining for the night.”She curled her lip. “Work, work, work. You’re such a slave driver.”He smiled again and closed her door.No way could she write that fast, much less think of that much for her arrogant, mindless heroes and her whiny coy heroines to do or say. That’s it. She’d have them marry, say I do, and be done with the lot of them. Too bad the contract she’d signed clearly spelled out one hundred thousand hard-won words. Why, oh why, had she accepted the advance? She slipped out of her skirt and bustle then plopped into the chair. It didn’t even swivel, and the seat cushion wasn’t soft enough, and…now who was being whiny? She smiled.After all, weren’t all the well-rounded characters she created at least a tad like her? She hefted her hiney to the back of the seat cushion and straightened the blank pages.No time for complaining and whining.She stared at the last page she’d worked on, reread it, and picked up the pen. She carefully opened the ink well then tickled her chin with the feather. The tickle never failed.An idea emerged, and she dipped the quill in the offending black liquid. Soon flowing phrases filled the page. Like soldiers marching to a sure death, the letters formed their lines and hurried to their boring demise.Doing what paid so well, she started mussing the next pristine white paper page.Two wrong turns and five hundred decent words later, the supper bell rang and set her loose from the chains of her imagined dungeon. Shortly, Chester followed her down to the grand dining hall.He located then held her chair out. Once seated, he scooted her closer to the table then backed away. She nodded at the woman to her right. “Good evening, ma’am.” Then bent her wrist and extended her hand to the gentleman on her left. “Hello, May Meriwether, sir. Good evening.”He took her fingers ever so gently. “The same May Meriwether who killed her husband last year?”

And wow! Twenty-one Five-star reviews of twenty-one! Here's a sample: Ms. McAdoo once again has gripped me from page one. (I read this book in almost one sitting. I quit reading around 2/3 one morning and resumed later in the day after I got caught up on sleep.) These Texas Romance/Christian Romantic Historical Western Adventures are certainly full of all of the aspects of each genre individually and meshed into a wonderful story that is very unique and unforgettable. -- Rachelle Williams, a Mississippi reader
I love series books and A Texas Romance series is full of mystery, suspense, twist, turns, forgiveness, redemption and love. The story kept me captivated. The dialogue is entertaining and heartwarming. The story does have a cliffhanger for the next book. -- Kathy Watts, reader in Sevierville, Tennessee
Hope Reborn is the third in a series. It is not necessary to read the first two but it is helpful to get the background.I loved the characters in this book, and I thought it was so much fun that Ms. McAdoo put her novels in as though they were written by May. (Hint: If you haven't read Lady Luck's A Loser and plan to, you might want to read it first.)This was a great story and I can't wait until the next one comes out. -- Susan Johnson, reader in Odessa, Texas

Comment here on the blog for the opportunity to win a print copy of HOPE REBORN. Earn and extra entry for each Like, Follow, Tweet, subscribe, comment, and share on any social media, please let me know here where all you went and what all you did in your comment! BLESSINGS from Red River County, Texas!
Links -
All Books - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsAmazonPageHope Reborn http://tinyurl.com/HopeReborn
Website - http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com (All First Chapters are offered here)
Newsletter - http://carylmcadoo.com/sign-up-to-the-caryler/ (Get FREE books for subscribing!)
Reviewer? - http://carylmcadoo.com/christian-evaluaters/ (Join Caryl’s Street Team!)
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author
GoodReads - http://tinyurl.com/GoodReadsCaryl
Google+ - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsGooglePlus
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/CarylMcAdoo
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/CarylMcAdoo
Published on January 08, 2015 21:40
January 4, 2015
TSUNAMI Then and Now

It happened on December 26, 2004. The pictures they showed on the news will forever be in my memory. Until that time, I'd never heard a tsunami. I'm uncertain why, but India's TSUNAMI 2004 made the news world-wide. And the Michaels almost immediately started a fund-raiser in Northern Arkansas that quickly went coast to coast and the generosity of Americans shone.

This new book Tsunami 2004, Still Wading Through Waves of Hope is a work of love from these two servants of God.
It tells two true stories, a decade apart, tied together by the Michaels' Christian works of charity to those affected by the natural disaster in India. They went in January, 2005, within two weeks of the gigantic wave's annihilation of life as the simple fisherfolk knew it.

The Children, survivors of tsunami:Tsunami orphaned so many little ones, and besides helping the adults, the Michaels turned the love of Christ toward these little ones and in 2005, set up certificates of deposit for those who lost one or both of their parents in the storm. The CDs were set up to mature in ten years.





The book that you won't be able to put down is filled with heart wrenching photographs from the trip in 2205 as well as the journey in 2014 to go back for the tenth anniversary of the natural disaster. Fishing was the livelihood of so many, yet some of the men refused to fish in the waters that swallowed their loved ones. To the right, the smoldering piles are bodies burning, thousands of lives were lost.
And God made a way for them to return in 2014, just before the tenth anniversary of the tsunami and see those children they met a decade ago, and make sure they received their monies if they chose to cash them in. You'll be right there on the beaches a decade later and see how things have changed.

Holly also interviews the children, now ten years older and starting their lives with a little help from their matured certificates of deposit. They remember that day and share their survival stories and the obstacles they still face.

After the shock of loss that fateful day, the children needed places to sleep, food. Many surviving fathers abandoned their family leaving the older siblings to care for the younger.
While it is a story that will touch your heart, the courage and brave stamina of the stories speak of determination to overcome what life offered. It reminds me of a verse: In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world. God's presence was with the Michaels there on the beautiful tropical beaches, recovered in 2014, though life there will never be the same carefree existence for those survivors of tsunami 2004. You will not want to miss this book!




LINKS: Amazon Tsunami Amazon Crooked Lines Blog Facebook
To win a copy of TSUNAMI 2004, Still Wading Trough Waves of Hope, leave a comment below.
Published on January 04, 2015 14:23
December 12, 2014
Age Old Story Wows Readers!

A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS spent ten days as #1 in its category at Amazon. I'm grateful and overwhelmed by the wonderful reviews its received! Deanna Stevens in Beatrice, Nebraska said, "Adam and Eve tempted.. Seduced by evil, Cain kills Abel.. Caryl McAdoo gives her spin on this captivating story in Genesis on the fall of Adam and what would follow. I did enjoy reading the story Caryl tells us of Eve's betrayal, Cains murder of his brother Abel after his sacrifice isn't accepted, Angels and the Wonders of Heaven. ...I recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a new and different insight to the story of Adam and Eve."
And Debbie Gomes wrote "I read and loved A LITTLE LOWER THAN ANGELS by Caryl Lawrence McAdoo. It was truly an amazing book. I loved everything about this book. I have never read a biblical fiction and really never thought I would enjoy it, So I am very happy I read this book. I can't say how much this book touched my heart. I wa very emotional and crying throughout the whole story. I loved her notes at the end of the book. This is a 5 star book and 10 hanky's at least."
So please go and download your copy today! And if you could click over to The Clash of the Titles and check the little box next to A Little Lower Than the Angels, you'll be voting for my title and if I win the clash, it can mean a lot of great publicity for it, so I'd really appreciate you taking the time to do that! (I linked it again for your convenience. Just scroll down past the cover photos and vote :) Thanks SO much and bless you!
Published on December 12, 2014 09:58