Caryl McAdoo's Blog, page 4
August 25, 2014
Hopping from Huckleberry Hill all the way to TEXAS!
I’m part of a HOP this week! My friend Jennifer Beckstrand, author of the Huckleberry Hill novels - wonderful Amish romances full of fun since she enjoys making her readers laugh and fall in love! - You'll find her answers on her Facebook page. So, I'm supposed to answer the following same four questions then send my readers on to Holly Michael's website working on b
1) What am I working on? I’m working on book four of my Texas Romances, 1800s series SINS OF THE MOTHERS. It follows VOW UNBROKEN (1832 - Simon and Schuster’s Howard Books debuted in March 2014), book two HEARTS STOLEN (1839-1844, debuts September 2014), and book three HOPE REBORN (1850 – 1851, planned January 2015 debut). My work-in-progress is the first of the series where the majority of the story takes place outside Texas when young Mary Buckmeyer marries and flees with her new husband to California. Though born in Long Beach, California, I was in Texas for my first birthday and have always considered myself a Texan! Still, when the Beach Boys sang ‘I Wish They All Could be California Girls’ when I was but a teen, I proudly declared my birth state J
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
It’s seems difficult to compare my stories to others in my genre. I guess the setting being Tejas, then the Republic of Texas, then the State of Texas makes it different from many historical romances. My characters don’t all have it so easy, they work long and hard and test their unction against nemesis that aren’t always men, but nature and the time period when living in Texas hurled troubles most different from the Eastern Seaboard of America and across the ocean in England and the European countries. I hope my characters will become friends of my readers and keep them interested enough to read all in the series, as well as encourage them to read other novels and novellas I’ve written to make new friends! I believe most all Christian authors desire to honor the Lord and advance His Kingdom with their stories, but if they don’t, then that would be a difference, too. I try never to be preachy or judgmental, but tell life the way it is and work in—through the faith of my characters—scriptural principals that the Holy Spirit will use to convict readers and draw them into a closer relationship with the Father through His Son.
3) Why do I write what I do? I believe most all Christian authors desire to honor the Lord and advance His Kingdom with their stories. In my writing, I try never to be preachy or judgmental, but tell life the way it is. I’ve been called bold and am not ashamed of my God or His Good News. I try to work in—through the faith of my characters—scriptural principals that the Holy Spirit will use to convict readers and draw them into a closer relationship with the Father through His Son. I write what I do because I believe it is God’s will for my life.
4) How does my writing process work? I’ve come to know my characters, and so just write to tell their stories, their life experiences, the tragedies and ecstasies. I usually spend most my early moring hours on the computer and then my late night hours back at the computer again.That would be when the boys are off to school, and afterthey retire for the night! O’Pa and I have had four grandsons for eleven years. This year, our household lost the two oldest—one to graduation, Matthew’s off to college, and the other to his maternal grandparents. That granddad fell and broke his hip and Gregory asked if he could go to live with them to be a help. So we still have Christian, a fourteen-year-old and eleven-year-old Benjamen. Since my husband is also a writer, he makes sure my heroes are strong and manly. I’m so blessed that God made me in my mother’s womb to be his wife. He is, to me, the epitome of Christ on earth and shows me daily the example of God’s love for His bride. The fact that he writes, too, means he understands the time I spend at the computer – not only writing, but on marketing, too. That’s a huge part of a writers’ ‘job’ if they are to be successful. God always opens doors and blesses me beyond comprehension.
From here, I will introduce you to the next hop on this BlogHop who would be a dear friend of mine, Holly Michael. I met her just last year at ACFW but believe our coming together was in God’s divine plan. Holly is published in various magazines, newspapers, and in Guideposts books, and CROOKED LINES, a 2012 ABNA quarterfinalist, is her debut novel, August 2014. She has her second novel, a 2014 Genesis semifinalist, I’LL BE SEEING YOU coming soon, and also is co-authoring a devotional with her NFL tight end son, Jake. She and her husband, Anglican Bishop Leo Michael, regularly travel from their home in Kansas City to India, and she loves watching her sons play football—Jake (NFL) and Nick (Rajin’ Cajuns)—and visits from her daughter, Betsy.
About CROOKED LINES: On the shores of Lake Michigan, Rebecca Meyer seeks escape. Guilt-ridden over her little sister’s death, she sets her sights on India, a symbol of peace.Across the ocean in South India, Sagai Raj leaves his tranquil hill station home and impoverished family to answer a higher calling. Pushing through diverse and challenging cultural and religious milieus, he presses toward his goals, while wrong turns and bad choices block Rebecca from hers.On similar paths midst twists and turns, and bridged across oceans through a kindly priest, the two desire peace and God’s perfect will. But vows and blind obedience at all costs must be weighed…and buried memories, unearthed.
A review:
Crooked Lines,
a beautifully crafted debut novel, threads the lives of two determined souls from different continents and cultures. Compelling characters struggle with spirituality through despair and deceptions in search of truth
GET YOUR COPY NOW!
1) What am I working on? I’m working on book four of my Texas Romances, 1800s series SINS OF THE MOTHERS. It follows VOW UNBROKEN (1832 - Simon and Schuster’s Howard Books debuted in March 2014), book two HEARTS STOLEN (1839-1844, debuts September 2014), and book three HOPE REBORN (1850 – 1851, planned January 2015 debut). My work-in-progress is the first of the series where the majority of the story takes place outside Texas when young Mary Buckmeyer marries and flees with her new husband to California. Though born in Long Beach, California, I was in Texas for my first birthday and have always considered myself a Texan! Still, when the Beach Boys sang ‘I Wish They All Could be California Girls’ when I was but a teen, I proudly declared my birth state J
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
It’s seems difficult to compare my stories to others in my genre. I guess the setting being Tejas, then the Republic of Texas, then the State of Texas makes it different from many historical romances. My characters don’t all have it so easy, they work long and hard and test their unction against nemesis that aren’t always men, but nature and the time period when living in Texas hurled troubles most different from the Eastern Seaboard of America and across the ocean in England and the European countries. I hope my characters will become friends of my readers and keep them interested enough to read all in the series, as well as encourage them to read other novels and novellas I’ve written to make new friends! I believe most all Christian authors desire to honor the Lord and advance His Kingdom with their stories, but if they don’t, then that would be a difference, too. I try never to be preachy or judgmental, but tell life the way it is and work in—through the faith of my characters—scriptural principals that the Holy Spirit will use to convict readers and draw them into a closer relationship with the Father through His Son.
3) Why do I write what I do? I believe most all Christian authors desire to honor the Lord and advance His Kingdom with their stories. In my writing, I try never to be preachy or judgmental, but tell life the way it is. I’ve been called bold and am not ashamed of my God or His Good News. I try to work in—through the faith of my characters—scriptural principals that the Holy Spirit will use to convict readers and draw them into a closer relationship with the Father through His Son. I write what I do because I believe it is God’s will for my life.
4) How does my writing process work? I’ve come to know my characters, and so just write to tell their stories, their life experiences, the tragedies and ecstasies. I usually spend most my early moring hours on the computer and then my late night hours back at the computer again.That would be when the boys are off to school, and afterthey retire for the night! O’Pa and I have had four grandsons for eleven years. This year, our household lost the two oldest—one to graduation, Matthew’s off to college, and the other to his maternal grandparents. That granddad fell and broke his hip and Gregory asked if he could go to live with them to be a help. So we still have Christian, a fourteen-year-old and eleven-year-old Benjamen. Since my husband is also a writer, he makes sure my heroes are strong and manly. I’m so blessed that God made me in my mother’s womb to be his wife. He is, to me, the epitome of Christ on earth and shows me daily the example of God’s love for His bride. The fact that he writes, too, means he understands the time I spend at the computer – not only writing, but on marketing, too. That’s a huge part of a writers’ ‘job’ if they are to be successful. God always opens doors and blesses me beyond comprehension.
From here, I will introduce you to the next hop on this BlogHop who would be a dear friend of mine, Holly Michael. I met her just last year at ACFW but believe our coming together was in God’s divine plan. Holly is published in various magazines, newspapers, and in Guideposts books, and CROOKED LINES, a 2012 ABNA quarterfinalist, is her debut novel, August 2014. She has her second novel, a 2014 Genesis semifinalist, I’LL BE SEEING YOU coming soon, and also is co-authoring a devotional with her NFL tight end son, Jake. She and her husband, Anglican Bishop Leo Michael, regularly travel from their home in Kansas City to India, and she loves watching her sons play football—Jake (NFL) and Nick (Rajin’ Cajuns)—and visits from her daughter, Betsy.
About CROOKED LINES: On the shores of Lake Michigan, Rebecca Meyer seeks escape. Guilt-ridden over her little sister’s death, she sets her sights on India, a symbol of peace.Across the ocean in South India, Sagai Raj leaves his tranquil hill station home and impoverished family to answer a higher calling. Pushing through diverse and challenging cultural and religious milieus, he presses toward his goals, while wrong turns and bad choices block Rebecca from hers.On similar paths midst twists and turns, and bridged across oceans through a kindly priest, the two desire peace and God’s perfect will. But vows and blind obedience at all costs must be weighed…and buried memories, unearthed.
A review:
Crooked Lines,
a beautifully crafted debut novel, threads the lives of two determined souls from different continents and cultures. Compelling characters struggle with spirituality through despair and deceptions in search of truthGET YOUR COPY NOW!
August 22, 2014
A Music Loving Heroine ~ My Kind of Story!
“The Hesitant Heiress” by Dawn Crandall
With the rare ability to play the piano by ear, Amaryllis Brigham wants nothing more than to someday found a music school. However, someone keeps undermining her hopes and dreams at every turn.
Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men—the son of the very man she suspects has been bent on ruining her life. However, Nathan Everstone turns out to be much more than he seems… and everything she never knew she wanted. But can she trust an Everstone man?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
READ THE FIRST CHAPTER HERE:www.whpub.whitakerhouse.com/dawncrandall/heiress.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dawn Crandall
writes long inspirational historical romantic suspense. She has a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University and lives in northeast Indiana with her ever-supportive husband and their newest addition, a little baby boy. Learn more about Dawn and
The Hesitant Heiress
from the August 2014 blog tour: http://www.dawncrandall.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-hesitant-heiress-blog-tour.html
With the rare ability to play the piano by ear, Amaryllis Brigham wants nothing more than to someday found a music school. However, someone keeps undermining her hopes and dreams at every turn. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men—the son of the very man she suspects has been bent on ruining her life. However, Nathan Everstone turns out to be much more than he seems… and everything she never knew she wanted. But can she trust an Everstone man?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
READ THE FIRST CHAPTER HERE:www.whpub.whitakerhouse.com/dawncrandall/heiress.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Dawn Crandall
writes long inspirational historical romantic suspense. She has a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University and lives in northeast Indiana with her ever-supportive husband and their newest addition, a little baby boy. Learn more about Dawn and
The Hesitant Heiress
from the August 2014 blog tour: http://www.dawncrandall.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-hesitant-heiress-blog-tour.html
August 15, 2014
Maranatha BookFest / Kansas City ~ First Annual Christian Event!
"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25
Highlighting CHRISTIAN AUTHORS for CHRISTIAN READERS! Bringing together Christian Literature to advance the Kingdom!Every thirty minutes, an author will present or read from their book. Then be available for Q&A! A wonderful opportunity to get to know the Christian authors you love to read!Please go to the Event Page for all the details: Maranatha BookFest Event
Christian Authors and Readers: Please go to this site and forward and tweet to your friends. Especially if you know you have frineds in the Kansas City area. It's in Missouri, but close to Western Kansas and semi-close to North Arkansas!
Authors: If you can’t attend, consider donating books for our Review Table. Book there will be sold at half price and/or given away as door prizes in trade for a review.
Readers: Please check out the site and tweet and share on Facebook. It’ll be a great event!
Planning a Children's Corner, so it'll be a family event!
July 22, 2014
I Believe! I Believe! THE TURNING
Do what God Asks of You!Kudos and three cheers to Davis Bunn for writing an awesome book about the marvelous ways of of our awesome God. How He plans and directs and sends us help and encouragement and victory in the face of our enemies. Davis weaves a tale so believable, I could have been seeing it all happen on Fox!He brings together the most unlikely candidates: John, middle aged father with a secret and a wife who adores him, Jenny, the young highly intelligent oriental girl at odds with her father, Alicia, a black choir leader who loves nothing more than praising God, a doctor trying to finish his residency, and a beloved lady, Ruth, widow of America's greatest evangelist.
God calls each of them for His purpose. With human frailties, fears, and self preservation instincts, will they choose to do the hard thing God asks of them? The answer - to my heart's thrill and God's glory - is a resounding YES! But can they follow through when the going really gets tough? I was reminded of "God works all things together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
You know, as an author, learning the craft of creative writing has truly detrimentally affected my reading, and editing professionally for thirteen years hasn't helped either!. It's very hard to get into a book that was'es me to distraction and jumps all over the place introducing characters that don't seem to go together, getting into each one's head, but I promised to read THE TURNING and kept at it. I'm uncertain when the story took over and all the was'es faded from my view and the characters became friends I loved and could easily keep them apart, but I can say it happened early in this book, and I did not want to put it down again until I found out what happened.
And while these brothers and sisters consider or go straightaway to the turning God speaks to each about, another young man on the rise is taking the money moguls to town. Dripping with success, money, and the beautiful girl Trent Cooper plays a bad guy you're praying for! With his career on the line, he's out to convince the world Hope is Dead!
But God has a plan.
You will not be sorry you pick up THE TURNING! It's a wonderful book with heart warming messages filled with truths of God's love. It will lift your spirit and build your faith. And if you do not know Christ as your Lord and Savior, read it because you will enjoy it, too, and you may just get saved!
Davis BunnAngel Gray Photography LLCBIO: Davis Bunn is a self-proclaimed renaissance man who left his career in business to start a successful writing life. He has been honored with Christy aad Carol Awards for contemporary and suspense fiction. A sought after speaker, Davis teaches in the creative writing programme at The University of Oxford. He and his wife Isabella split their time living between Oxford and Florida.
CONTEST TIME! I have a book to give away courtesy of Davis' publisher Moody!
FOUR Entry Opportunities!
(1) Leave a comment here, answering this question: Has God ever asked you to do a hard thing?
(2) retweet this: Review of award-winning Christian author DAVIS BUNN's THE TURNING at http://www.CarylMcAdoo.blogspot.com #Giveaway, visit & enter @CarylMcAdoo 5 stars!
(3) Like my author's FB page :) http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.a...
(4) Follow my blog :) right here!
Blessings and thank you for coming by!
July 18, 2014
It's Hard to be Thirteen!
Rebecca fumed silently. Nothing could be better than having Daddy home, except if Levi had come with him. After the third full day’s work and once Mary Rachel and Gwendolyn’s breathing eased into a rhythmic chorus, she turned up her lamp and carried it to her desk. She retrieved paper and ink, then dipped her quill and wrote in a swoopy loopy cursive. She loved how pretty she could write.
May 29, 1836
Levi Bartholomew Baylor – Why didn’t you come home before you lit a shuck to join the stupid rangers? Daddy’s been home three days, and it’s taken me this long to calm down enough from being mad at you to write. When I first looked out and saw him riding in alone—without you—my heart stopped. I thought you were… Never you mind what I thought. You should have come home! We prayed for you and Daddy every day and night. Do you know how worried we were?
The night breeze caused the light curtain to dance. She looked up and gazed out the window at the stars, then sighed. She wasn’t really ever worried…
Well, as you know Mama always says worrying only hinders every promise of God, but you know what I mean. Of course we trust God to watch over and keep you—even if you are nothing but a heathen. And now you’ve gone and signed up to put yourself in more danger. I hate it! What’s wrong with you? I hate you being gone. And I hate how angry I am with you that you made me think for even one minute that you were… Oh, bosh! That’s all I’m writing tonight because I know all I’m doing is gripping and complaining. Mama told me men folk don’t like that and even the Bible says it’s better to live in the corner of an attic, than in a big house with a nagging woman! I’ll write more when my insides are calmer. I had something I really wanted to talk with you that I’m all balled up over, but now you’re not here and you’re not coming home. You best be proud I love you so much, ’cause if I didn’t, I’d hate your guts for sure and certain.
Your teenaged sister, Rebecca
What would he think about her being in love? Lifting the partial page of writing, she waved it in the air, blowing gently on it while she corked the inkwell. She wanted to ask him about the best way to tell Chester Robbins how handsome he was, and how wonderful she thought he was. Once the ink dried, she folded the paper, stuck it inside her novel, and climbed into bed next to Mary Rachel. Sure would be nice to have her own room.
June 7, 1836 Me again. I guess I’m not angry with you anymore, but I’m still very sad. I don’t know when Daddy will want to post my letter, but I’ll keep writing until he does. May be my first book! He says we have to send it to the Ranger Office at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and you can pick it up when you’re by there. So I guess I won’t know when you might actually get it. I can tell I am not going to like this arrangement. I miss you so much every day. Things here are getting back to normal. Nothing will ever be normal again though without you here. Can’t you just come home? Daddy’s working on the house again. Him and Mama said I could go ahead and move into your room if I’ll box all your things. That’s a benefit to you being gone, but I’d rather have you here even if Mary Rachel is a terrible bed partner, rolling and kicking and climbing over me all night. Best hurry back or you won’t have a room to come home to. She dipped her quill again. What did she want to tell him? What might he find interesting? How she could possibly persuade him to come back home and forget rangering altogether? What was it that caused men to like fighting and danger, wars and the like? She hated it all and wanted everyone to mind their own business and stay home and get married and have babies.
I guess you know since you aren’t here, me and Mama have to haul the boards up the ladder for Daddy. He’s putting on a second story to double the space and make bedrooms for all the baby girls. Anyway, it’s hard work for women to do, and if you were here, we wouldn’t have to. Oh, and guess what! We have a cook now. Captain O’Mally sent them to Clarksville and Daddy picked them up from town. Are you wondering why I keep saying them? It’s on account of Mammy, that’s the cook, has a son. His name is Jean Paul, but he isn’t as dark skinned as her. He’s all grown up, older than you, and he knows powerful lot about cotton. They used to be slaves! Can you imagine what it would be like if somebody owed you like we own our horses? Mammy said their old master’s done gone to Glory and he set them free in his will. Freedmen is what they are now. Don’t tell Mama I said, but Mammy sure can cook. Ha! You don’t even know what you’re missing? When are you coming home, Levi? Gotta go, Mama’s calling me. Mary Rachel’s hollering, too. She’s really talking up a storm all of a sudden and says the cutest things. Ask me the other day if I ever ate a worm! If you don’t come back directly, she’s liable to forget who you are. Think you’ll be here afore summer’s gone? I hope so. I love you and miss you heaps. Your Bitti Beck
p.s. um, guess you figured out Jean Paul’s actually carrying most the boards now, but that’s no reason for you to stay gone!
“Long live the Republic, Levi! Now come home!”Daddy described this as our new flag.
July 12, 2014
Cover Reveal Party x2 for Holly Michael's CROOKED LINES --and-- Caryl McAdoo's HEARTS STOLEN
HEARTS STOLEN COVER REVEAL As the author of this book, I am so very blessed to have my cover designed by DogEared Design, amazing graphic artist Kirk DouPonce. He did the cover to VOW UNBROKEN as well and I may even love this one more! See at Kirk's website Starting with Rosaleen "Sassy" Fogelsong Nightengale, also called Rose, my beautiful heroine: She's young, almost sixteen in Chapter One. That summer of 1839, two Comanche braves captured her and carried her far from home.Then in Chapter Two, it's 1844, and she's turned twenty-one and weary of being held captive. Enter Levi Bartholomew Baylor, famed Texas Ranger, who rides into the peace camp of Bold Eagle (teepees on the cover) that October with a detail sent to recover white women who've been stolen according to the Tehuacana Creek Treaty negotiated by Sam Houston. But Sassy's name wasn't on the list. She determines that she will leave with her four-year-old son Charley, named after his father Charles Nightengale, but born as the son of the Comanche chief. She'll either be free or she'd be dead. That she recognizes the handsome Ranger as the brother of her childhood friend Becky makes her more determined. Freedom or death, she won't spend one more day as a third wife. I wholeheartedly believe that the only other character who earned a spot on the cover of HEARTS STOLEN is sure to steal your heart away like he did mine--that's Charley. Born in the Comanche camp, he was raised as the chief' own son though he's blonde and blue-eyed. To say the least, he's a little wild man, but all together adorable and a big scene stealer!
For the Veggies and dip Lovers
Fruit-n-herb flavored water I hope you'll enjoy some refreshments: 
Sweet Tea
Jalapeno Cream Cheese Meatballs
Watermelon Hedgehogs
Peach Salsa Dip
Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese muffins 
Banana Cream Pie Bites
Pecan Poe CupcakesYum, guess you could call me a pepper belly because I do love those jalapenos! And no gathering in the south is a party without Sweet Tea to drink, but for those of you health conscious party-goers... That flavored water is excellent as well and I chopped and peeled all those veggies just for you!
1840s farm dress And here's what I'm wearing to the party today - it's period 1844! and GREEN! What an elegant and feminine time, when ladies wore such beautiful, modest dresses. I still wear only modest dresses, but do enjoy my modern conveniences such as washing machines (clothes and dishes) and dryers and for sure, I do enjoy my conditioned air!! Here is a code you will need in the scavenger hunt:
Scavenger Hunt Clue #2
I love writing historical (1832, 1844, and 1850) Christian (glorifies God!) western (Texas) adventure (lots!) romance (love) novels! Having Simon and Schuster publish VOW UNBROKEN was an experience to be sure! I thrilled that so many men are reading and enjoying it, too! And many HEART STOLEN readers (helpers to get reviews ready and catch errors and type-Os) are saying they even like it better!Music to an author's ears :) Y'all be blessed! Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you!
All together, I cannot choose a favorite between this and VOW UNBROKEN's (my first historical Christian western adventure romance :) cover. Which do YOU like best?
HEART STOLEN debuts September 5, 2014 and I'll send one copy to the winner of this contest.
#1 Leave a comment on this post answering WHICH DO YOU LIKE BEST? (and your email so I can contact you)!
#2 Like my Facebook Author's page at www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author for another entry
#3 And re-tweet the tweet below for a third entry!
TWEET: Cover Reveal Virtual Party! @CarylMcAdoo Enter 3x for FREE copy HEART STOLEN, Christian western historical romance
http://www.CarylMcAdoo.blogspot.com
BLESSINGS from Texas!
July 7, 2014
William Sirls: Penitentiary Pennings Lead to Christ and a Movie Deal
Today, we are blessed! Well, actually all this week :)
At India's Crown In Christian Literature Excellence (ICICLE), I've had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author with a very interesting story! William Sirls' novel THE REASON hit the #1 in the United States and England over it's first year and is now being made into a Christian MOVIE! He tells us all bout his journey in the in-depth interview here: https://indiascrown.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=121&action=edit&message=1
And you won't want to miss THE REASON's book trailer! Take the few minutes to watch it...awesome!
And William Sirls is giving away a DOZEN FREE copies of his Christian novel THE REASON at ICICLE!
When facing the impossible, will you believe? Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas Church flicker . . . and then go out. All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross—leaving it ablaze and splintered in two. When the storm ends—the search for answers begins.James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe.”Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine—yet is challenged to “only believe.” And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening . . . to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.”The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a thunderbolt and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.
William Sirls has experienced 'God's time-out'.Visit ICICLE now and enter to win one of William's The Reason novel! There's more than one entry available :)
At India's Crown In Christian Literature Excellence (ICICLE), I've had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author with a very interesting story! William Sirls' novel THE REASON hit the #1 in the United States and England over it's first year and is now being made into a Christian MOVIE! He tells us all bout his journey in the in-depth interview here: https://indiascrown.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=121&action=edit&message=1
And you won't want to miss THE REASON's book trailer! Take the few minutes to watch it...awesome!
And William Sirls is giving away a DOZEN FREE copies of his Christian novel THE REASON at ICICLE!
When facing the impossible, will you believe? Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas Church flicker . . . and then go out. All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross—leaving it ablaze and splintered in two. When the storm ends—the search for answers begins.James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe.”Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine—yet is challenged to “only believe.” And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening . . . to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.”The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a thunderbolt and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.
William Sirls has experienced 'God's time-out'.Visit ICICLE now and enter to win one of William's The Reason novel! There's more than one entry available :)
June 30, 2014
Joining East to West: Readers with Authors in Growing Christian Market
More Christians in India than ever before have their heads bowed low these days. Praying? Maybe, but also reading on their smart phones and tablets. The popularity of E-readers and apps for enjoying books on smart phones and tablets has substantially increased readership in India, especially in larger cities and among college students. After researching and speaking with Christian pastors in India, authors, and a barrage of voracious book lovers, it crystallized the truth that excellent Christian literature and clean fiction are in demand in the East.
"People from India want to read and learn about the Western world," says Shilpa Joshi, a Christian from Bangalore. "We want to explore places like Texas and reading about these places in novels takes us there, but I rarely come across such books."
Holly Michael reported, “During a visit to India last year, browsing large Christian bookstores, I found mostly self-help and spiritual non-fiction books written mainly by Indian authors. I did come across a few nonfiction titles by Joyce Meyer and Joel Olsteen, but found almost zero Christian novels.”
Renjit Varghese, a Christian from Kerala, India lives in Kansas City now. He says that readership is growing among Indians due to the lower cost of eBooks. "But Christian books are difficult to find in India," says Varghese. "Even more rare is fiction written by American authors." When I go back home to Kerala, I take books back with me for my family."
Seeing the need to connect Christian authors in the West with readers in the East, Holly, author of the soon to be released CROOKED LINES and I began a website: www.indiascrown.com. The full name of the premier site is India's Crown in Christian Literature Excellence or ICICLE. The website will feature American Christian authors with books marketed in India through Amazon and other sources. Each author featured will have also give away one copy of their book.
India's Crown In Christian Literature Excellence (ICILE)India’s Crown is a place where the authors and readers can also connect. It surprised me to discover a few years ago that people all over the world love Texas. My historical Christian romance—reviewers have told me I should add western adventure to my genre—Vow Unbroken is set in 1832 Texas, so I am excited about the untapped market in India. And while it’s nice to sell more books, I’m more excited with the aspect of meeting Indian Christians and making friends across the ocean. With Christ in common, we can minister to one another and see that God is doing wonderful things in other places.So, Holly and I are off and running on a massive campaign to bring awareness of http://www.indiascrown.com/ to India, and fill this niche, with literary minded Christians working on both sides of the ocean. It is time now to welcome authors to contact us about promoting their book. We are filling our calendars now. We’re thrilled to be wide open to Indy titles, but do want to read them ahead of time to ensure the excellence in Christian Literature we advertise. It is this assurance that will catapult India’s Crown into the organization we believe God wants it to be. Visit the site and contact us with any questions.
Get ready Christian authors in the US! Indian readers want your books! And what a platform God has given us to spread the Gospel through our Christian Fiction.
Caryl McAdoo
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Indian Christians READ
More Christians in India than ever before have their heads bowed low these days. Praying? Maybe, but also reading on their smart phones and tablets. The popularity of E-readers and apps for enjoying books on smart phones and tablets has substantially increased readership in India, especially in larger cities and among college students. After researching and speaking with Christian pastors in India, authors, and a barrage of voracious book lovers, it crystallized the truth that excellent Christian literature and clean fiction are in demand in the East.
"People from India want to read and learn about the Western world," says Shilpa Joshi, a Christian from Bangalore. "We want to explore places like Texas and reading about these places in novels takes us there, but I rarely come across such books."
Holly Michael reported, “During a visit to India last year, browsing large Christian bookstores, I found mostly self-help and spiritual non-fiction books written mainly by Indian authors. I did come across a few nonfiction titles by Joyce Meyer and Joel Olsteen, but found almost zero Christian novels.”
Renjit Varghese, a Christian from Kerala, India lives in Kansas City now. He says that readership is growing among Indians due to the lower cost of eBooks. "But Christian books are difficult to find in India," says Varghese. "Even more rare is fiction written by American authors." When I go back home to Kerala, I take books back with me for my family."
Seeing the need to connect Christian authors in the West with readers in the East, Holly, author of the soon to be released CROOKED LINES and I began a website: www.indiascrown.com. The full name of the premier site is India's Crown in Christian Literature Excellence or ICICLE. The website will feature American Christian authors with books marketed in India through Amazon and other sources. Each author featured will have also give away one copy of their book.
India's Crown In Christian Literature Excellence (ICILE)India’s Crown is a place where the authors and readers can also connect. It surprised me to discover a few years ago that people all over the world love Texas. My historical Christian romance—reviewers have told me I should add western adventure to my genre—Vow Unbroken is set in 1832 Texas, so I am excited about the untapped market in India. And while it’s nice to sell more books, I’m more excited with the aspect of meeting Indian Christians and making friends across the ocean. With Christ in common, we can minister to one another and see that God is doing wonderful things in other places.Currently, we're off and running on a massive campaign to bring awareness of http://www.indiascrown.com/ to India, and fill this niche, with literary minded Christians working on both sides of the ocean. It is time now to welcome authors to contact us about promoting their book. We are filling our calendars now. We’re thrilled to be wide open to Indy titles, but do want to read them ahead of time to ensure the excellence in Christian Literature we advertise. It is this assurance that will catapult India’s Crown into the organization we believe God wants it to be. Visit the site and contact us with any questions.
Get ready Christian authors in the US! Indian readers want your books! And what a platform God has given us to spread the Gospel through our Christian Fiction.
Caryl McAdoo
Looking forward to hearing from you!
June 23, 2014
Daddy's Home from the War
The first of several 'Prequelettes'; Letters exchanged from 18 year old Levi and his little sister-cousin Rebecca (characters you met in VOW UNBROKEN, four years have passed) The missives will give readers an idea of what's been going on from VOW UNBROKEN's 1832 setting and HEARTS STOLEN, book two, set in 1844. In May, 1836, his Uncle Henry returns home from the Battle of San Jacinto carrying Levi's letter. He arrives on May 26, 1836...
After the tears and shouts, the celebration and heartbreak of Levi not returning home but being alive, Rebecca Ruth Baylor Buckmeyer snuggled her two oldest little sisters up close. Instead of a bedtime story though, she unfolded her brother’s letter Daddy brought home to her.
May 8, 1836 My dearest little sisters, Bitty Beck, Mary Rachael, and Gwendolyn Claire…I’m sure Baby Ce Ce could care less only eight weeks old. Or has it been nine now?
The four-year-old popped up. “That’s me! It said Mary Rachael.”“That’s right. It’s from Levi. He didn’t come home from the war with Daddy, so he sent us a letter.” She turned to the two –year-old on her left. “You remember Levi, don’t you Gwen?”The little one shook her head against Rebecca’s chest. “No!”She didn’t chide her baby sister for the bad attitude in her tone. Mama never should have let her start sleeping with her and Baby Cecelia while Daddy was away.
Well, we did it! We’re all Texians now! Don’t know rightly what I expected, but it was unbelievable. Everyone charged shouting, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” It was like one huge roar, and before I could imagine, the battle ended. The Mexicans fired a few shots, but they all turned tail and ran. You’d never guess it, but you are the real hero of the Battle of San Jacinto.
Her? What in the world could he be talking about?
Yes, you. Remember that morning we left and Blue Dog was torn between staying home with you and going? You convinced him to go. Remember?
Blue Dog hunted down Santa Anna!“Do you, Becca? I don’t remember.” Mary Rachael stopped twirling Rebecca’s hair and looked up. She loved her little sisters, and the little girl’s beauty almost took her breath away looking so much like her Daddy.
“I do as a matter of fact. I told Old Blue that he needed to go help win Texas’ independence and make sure Daddy and Levi got home safe.”Gwen sat up, pulled her thumb out of her mouth, then wrinkled her nose and stuck out her tongue at her slightly older sister.“Now, that wasn’t very nice, was it? You two shush and be good, let me read the letter. I want to see how I was the hero, don’t you?” She started the new sentence over.
Well, Blue is the very one who tracked Santa Anna and found him the next day! No telling what might have happened if the general got away. We might still be fighting. But the defeated cockroach signed the treaty, and Texas is now a Republic! Independent, free from Mexico’s rule! Isn’t it wonderful?
President Lamar is forming a rangering company. Wallace Rusk and I joined up, so now I’m a ranger. How about that, Bitty Beck? Don’t be upset with me for not coming home. I’m sure I’ll be back before you know it, and bring my new friend with me.
Did Uncle Henry tell you about Wallace yet? We found him walking along just outside of Nacogdoches. First said he was eighteen, but I found out he’s only big for a sixteen year old. He had to lie again to get in the rangers with me. He’s had a sad life. Never knew his father like me, but his mother left him an orphan last February. Said she was a sporting lady.
Rebecca gasped. “Oh my.”
“What’s a sporting lady, Becca?”“Oh, uh, you know. Like marbles… Or racing horses.” How brilliant, Levi Baylor! A little warning might have been nice. Hadn’t the thought entered his mind that she may be reading his letter aloud? Well, at least it wasn’t in front of Mama or Daddy. Surely the little sisters wouldn’t say anything. “Be quiet, now, and let me read the rest.” She read silently until she got past the part about his friend’s mother. Just like him to put the keep it quiet after the bad part. What a clown.
Don’t say anything about that, it should be just between you and me – or about his real age, either. I know Uncle Henry and Aunt Sue planted all that extra cotton and hate it that I won’t be there to help. This is something I feel I must do. As a man. Lamar is sending all the rangers to Comanche Springs so we can teach the Comanche and Kiowa a lesson for joining up with the Mexicans to fight against us. It’s pretty far west, not far from the Rio Grande is what I heard. Some of the older rangers think we’ll be done by Thanksgiving, maybe sooner. Can you believe Wallace has never even had a proper Turkey Dinner with all the fixin’s before? Or even celebrated the holiday at all. Maybe I can bring him with me in the fall. I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s like a brother to me already. Kiss all my little Buckmeyer ladies for me and give Aunt Sue a real big hug. May be a chance we can come late September and help with the pickin’. I’ll write again next chance I get.
I love you, your brother-cousin,
Levi Bartholomew Baylor “Long live the Republic, Bitty Beck!”
After the tears and shouts, the celebration and heartbreak of Levi not returning home but being alive, Rebecca Ruth Baylor Buckmeyer snuggled her two oldest little sisters up close. Instead of a bedtime story though, she unfolded her brother’s letter Daddy brought home to her.
May 8, 1836 My dearest little sisters, Bitty Beck, Mary Rachael, and Gwendolyn Claire…I’m sure Baby Ce Ce could care less only eight weeks old. Or has it been nine now?
The four-year-old popped up. “That’s me! It said Mary Rachael.”“That’s right. It’s from Levi. He didn’t come home from the war with Daddy, so he sent us a letter.” She turned to the two –year-old on her left. “You remember Levi, don’t you Gwen?”The little one shook her head against Rebecca’s chest. “No!”She didn’t chide her baby sister for the bad attitude in her tone. Mama never should have let her start sleeping with her and Baby Cecelia while Daddy was away.
Well, we did it! We’re all Texians now! Don’t know rightly what I expected, but it was unbelievable. Everyone charged shouting, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” It was like one huge roar, and before I could imagine, the battle ended. The Mexicans fired a few shots, but they all turned tail and ran. You’d never guess it, but you are the real hero of the Battle of San Jacinto.
Her? What in the world could he be talking about?
Yes, you. Remember that morning we left and Blue Dog was torn between staying home with you and going? You convinced him to go. Remember?
Blue Dog hunted down Santa Anna!“Do you, Becca? I don’t remember.” Mary Rachael stopped twirling Rebecca’s hair and looked up. She loved her little sisters, and the little girl’s beauty almost took her breath away looking so much like her Daddy.“I do as a matter of fact. I told Old Blue that he needed to go help win Texas’ independence and make sure Daddy and Levi got home safe.”Gwen sat up, pulled her thumb out of her mouth, then wrinkled her nose and stuck out her tongue at her slightly older sister.“Now, that wasn’t very nice, was it? You two shush and be good, let me read the letter. I want to see how I was the hero, don’t you?” She started the new sentence over.
Well, Blue is the very one who tracked Santa Anna and found him the next day! No telling what might have happened if the general got away. We might still be fighting. But the defeated cockroach signed the treaty, and Texas is now a Republic! Independent, free from Mexico’s rule! Isn’t it wonderful?
President Lamar is forming a rangering company. Wallace Rusk and I joined up, so now I’m a ranger. How about that, Bitty Beck? Don’t be upset with me for not coming home. I’m sure I’ll be back before you know it, and bring my new friend with me.
Did Uncle Henry tell you about Wallace yet? We found him walking along just outside of Nacogdoches. First said he was eighteen, but I found out he’s only big for a sixteen year old. He had to lie again to get in the rangers with me. He’s had a sad life. Never knew his father like me, but his mother left him an orphan last February. Said she was a sporting lady.
Rebecca gasped. “Oh my.”
“What’s a sporting lady, Becca?”“Oh, uh, you know. Like marbles… Or racing horses.” How brilliant, Levi Baylor! A little warning might have been nice. Hadn’t the thought entered his mind that she may be reading his letter aloud? Well, at least it wasn’t in front of Mama or Daddy. Surely the little sisters wouldn’t say anything. “Be quiet, now, and let me read the rest.” She read silently until she got past the part about his friend’s mother. Just like him to put the keep it quiet after the bad part. What a clown.
Don’t say anything about that, it should be just between you and me – or about his real age, either. I know Uncle Henry and Aunt Sue planted all that extra cotton and hate it that I won’t be there to help. This is something I feel I must do. As a man. Lamar is sending all the rangers to Comanche Springs so we can teach the Comanche and Kiowa a lesson for joining up with the Mexicans to fight against us. It’s pretty far west, not far from the Rio Grande is what I heard. Some of the older rangers think we’ll be done by Thanksgiving, maybe sooner. Can you believe Wallace has never even had a proper Turkey Dinner with all the fixin’s before? Or even celebrated the holiday at all. Maybe I can bring him with me in the fall. I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s like a brother to me already. Kiss all my little Buckmeyer ladies for me and give Aunt Sue a real big hug. May be a chance we can come late September and help with the pickin’. I’ll write again next chance I get.
I love you, your brother-cousin,
Levi Bartholomew Baylor “Long live the Republic, Bitty Beck!”
