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Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga #1
Gone to Texas
Can beauty truly come from ashes?
In Book One of the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection and the all new Cross Timbers Family Saga series, Gone to Texas uncovers a deception that drives seventeen souls to hard choices. Either stay on the land they thought they’d bought or heed the lure of free land in the faraway wilderness of a new Republic. Rife with peril and hardship, three families knit together by blood and friendship head out with a widowed man, daughter, and his slave, gambling everything they own on the prospect of land ownership and working it together. Does friendship pave a way to marriage? Can puppy-love survive through a harrowing journey to blossom into a forever love? With duress at every turn, can the clan stay together all the way to Texas and accomplish their goals?
In Book One of the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection and the all new Cross Timbers Family Saga series, Gone to Texas uncovers a deception that drives seventeen souls to hard choices. Either stay on the land they thought they’d bought or heed the lure of free land in the faraway wilderness of a new Republic. Rife with peril and hardship, three families knit together by blood and friendship head out with a widowed man, daughter, and his slave, gambling everything they own on the prospect of land ownership and working it together. Does friendship pave a way to marriage? Can puppy-love survive through a harrowing journey to blossom into a forever love? With duress at every turn, can the clan stay together all the way to Texas and accomplish their goals?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2018
1123 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Caryl McAdoo
98 books660 followersBorn in California, Caryl McAdoo got to Texas in time to celebrate her first birthday. As a Dallas seventh grader, she remembers a homework essay on ‘What will you be doing in 2000?’ Looking into the future, she saw herself as an inter-galactically famous author, streaking from planet to planet signing books.
She laughs, “But I didn’t start writing again until the late ’80s, then was so blessed to find the DFW Writers’ Workshop in ’93.”
Her first book debuted ’99, then for the next nine years, she averaged a title a year from four traditional presses: two non-fiction, four novels, and three mid-grade chapter books.
In March 2014, her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN debuted from Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
In April that year, she re-released LADY LUCK'S A LOSER (formerly The Apple Orchard Bed and Breakfast) with a new chapter. In September 2014 HEARTS STOLEN, book two in the Texas Romance Family Saga historical romance series, debuted as her first new Indie, and in November A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, her first Biblical fiction series The Generations launched. So four titles in 2014.
Book three of the historical Family Saga HOPE REBORN debuted in January 2015 to start off a whole new year with eleven new titles planned. THE PREACHER'S FAITH comes in February, Caryl's first contemporary in Red River Romance series. THEN THE DELUGE COMES, volume two of The Generations, follows in March.
Since 2014, she's published over sixty new books, averaging over seven new titles a year through 2020. She completed the 'Texas Romance Family Saga' with a total of ten novels, plus several 'Texas Companion Books'!
Plus, she's eight books into a second series, the 'Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga' and debuts a third New Beginnings saga's book one WAGONS WEST in November 2022, her fifth book for the year.
Also known as Grami, she adores twenty-five grandsugars, and she and O’Pa—her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty+ years write together. She’s dedicated to advancing God’s Kingdom through her novels, praying her story gives God glory!
Caryl loves to share her testimony, pray, and praise and worship Him; He frequently gives her new songs.
She believes all good things are from Him and that her books will minister His love, mercy, and grace to her readers.
Irving, Texas remained her lifelong home until 2008 when she and Ron followed God’s leading to Red River County in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State. There at The Peaceable, the twenty acres of blessings they call home, the McAdoos raise chickens and goats while waiting for God to open the next door!
She laughs, “But I didn’t start writing again until the late ’80s, then was so blessed to find the DFW Writers’ Workshop in ’93.”
Her first book debuted ’99, then for the next nine years, she averaged a title a year from four traditional presses: two non-fiction, four novels, and three mid-grade chapter books.
In March 2014, her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN debuted from Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
In April that year, she re-released LADY LUCK'S A LOSER (formerly The Apple Orchard Bed and Breakfast) with a new chapter. In September 2014 HEARTS STOLEN, book two in the Texas Romance Family Saga historical romance series, debuted as her first new Indie, and in November A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, her first Biblical fiction series The Generations launched. So four titles in 2014.
Book three of the historical Family Saga HOPE REBORN debuted in January 2015 to start off a whole new year with eleven new titles planned. THE PREACHER'S FAITH comes in February, Caryl's first contemporary in Red River Romance series. THEN THE DELUGE COMES, volume two of The Generations, follows in March.
Since 2014, she's published over sixty new books, averaging over seven new titles a year through 2020. She completed the 'Texas Romance Family Saga' with a total of ten novels, plus several 'Texas Companion Books'!
Plus, she's eight books into a second series, the 'Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga' and debuts a third New Beginnings saga's book one WAGONS WEST in November 2022, her fifth book for the year.
Also known as Grami, she adores twenty-five grandsugars, and she and O’Pa—her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty+ years write together. She’s dedicated to advancing God’s Kingdom through her novels, praying her story gives God glory!
Caryl loves to share her testimony, pray, and praise and worship Him; He frequently gives her new songs.
She believes all good things are from Him and that her books will minister His love, mercy, and grace to her readers.
Irving, Texas remained her lifelong home until 2008 when she and Ron followed God’s leading to Red River County in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State. There at The Peaceable, the twenty acres of blessings they call home, the McAdoos raise chickens and goats while waiting for God to open the next door!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 26, 2018
Welcome to a great new book from one of the most talented christian fiction authors. I was very excited to read this novel from Caryl McAdoo. It has kept with the tradition of her style with strong characters that are memorable beyond words,a well described setting and keen plot. It was a delight to read such a novel, and meet her newest characters.
This isn’t just a book about family and love, it is about hardships and what one must do in order to overcome them. As always with this author the faith level is wonderful. Truly, God speaks to her hands as she types her books, because it is so natural to have read the faith elements that I do believe that without these elements the book wouldn’t be as wonderful.
To think about the hardships during this time in our young country is a historian’s dream. We see the struggles of the South and families that aren’t as well off as the plantation owners, though they are white. That is something many don’t always consider when they think of the South in the 1800’s. Many assume all the whites had success and the blacks had none. This book also makes a reader think about what is important, just like the characters life in the real world will through you for some twists, but it is all about your faith and how you will choose to follow or lead in your life.
As I have said with many of McAdoo’s books this is a must read. It will give you vivid characters and storyline that you can dig into and a reminder of what faith and glory to God can do. Enjoy and relax while reading this book.
This isn’t just a book about family and love, it is about hardships and what one must do in order to overcome them. As always with this author the faith level is wonderful. Truly, God speaks to her hands as she types her books, because it is so natural to have read the faith elements that I do believe that without these elements the book wouldn’t be as wonderful.
To think about the hardships during this time in our young country is a historian’s dream. We see the struggles of the South and families that aren’t as well off as the plantation owners, though they are white. That is something many don’t always consider when they think of the South in the 1800’s. Many assume all the whites had success and the blacks had none. This book also makes a reader think about what is important, just like the characters life in the real world will through you for some twists, but it is all about your faith and how you will choose to follow or lead in your life.
As I have said with many of McAdoo’s books this is a must read. It will give you vivid characters and storyline that you can dig into and a reminder of what faith and glory to God can do. Enjoy and relax while reading this book.
September 19, 2018
My Penny’s Worth
“Wagons roll” a blast from my childhood past that blared out from the television. So different from the history of England with our Kings, Queens, and Knights in shining armour. I love the simplicity of the American Wild West. Caryl McAdoo’s book Gone to Texas reminded me of that past era. The pilgrimages made by ordinary people to find the promise land.
The Characters make the book
Throw a few families together add a widower and slave, mix it up with secrets and sins, and you have a journey of revelations, forgiveness, and redemption. As the wagons roll friendship, marriage, and love vie for center stage. I felt each character’s vulnerability at times as well as their great strength.
Yes I chuckled at one point
There is a scene: “The ladies gasped in unison, including Alicia. Uncle Laud spoke up, ‘Shot him dead? Mercy!’ ‘Over politics?’ I had to smile.
The skill of the writer
Caryl McAdoo had me walking alongside the wagons listening into the conversations, holding hands with anticipation. Travelling with these souls as they journeyed onwards to the land of hope. Within the pages, you will find secrets and sins, forgiveness and redemption. These pilgrims walk the path of pain and sorrow while trying to hold onto their friendships.
Yes, there are disasters, it is the 1840’s and travelling by wagon takes months to get to a destination. There are no fast trains to catch back then. Just as I am getting comfortable by the fire with my friends, Ms. McAdoo takes the mat from right under my feet.
“The thunder rolled over her heart, and the lightning flashed in her mind, and the rain wet her cheeks every time she found herself alone.”
The life of a pilgrim is tough. And it gets tougher.
“He slumped down to the base of the tree. Her lantern snuffed out, just like his life would be without her. There’d be no light. Tears filled his eyes.”
What are you doing to me?
“He looked skyward. ‘Please, Father, give me the desires of my heart.’”
Does God? My emotions are rung, I want to know what Caryl McAdoo has in store for them all. But like you dear reader you will have to wait, you to read the book and me for the next in the series.
Does their friendship survive? He he, I can’t tell you
I am sore from the hardwood of the wagon seat, but I hope you will get on board and read this book.
Thank you, Caryl, for writing this book. I’d like to give it 4****
*I received this book for free. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.*
“Wagons roll” a blast from my childhood past that blared out from the television. So different from the history of England with our Kings, Queens, and Knights in shining armour. I love the simplicity of the American Wild West. Caryl McAdoo’s book Gone to Texas reminded me of that past era. The pilgrimages made by ordinary people to find the promise land.
The Characters make the book
Throw a few families together add a widower and slave, mix it up with secrets and sins, and you have a journey of revelations, forgiveness, and redemption. As the wagons roll friendship, marriage, and love vie for center stage. I felt each character’s vulnerability at times as well as their great strength.
Yes I chuckled at one point
There is a scene: “The ladies gasped in unison, including Alicia. Uncle Laud spoke up, ‘Shot him dead? Mercy!’ ‘Over politics?’ I had to smile.
The skill of the writer
Caryl McAdoo had me walking alongside the wagons listening into the conversations, holding hands with anticipation. Travelling with these souls as they journeyed onwards to the land of hope. Within the pages, you will find secrets and sins, forgiveness and redemption. These pilgrims walk the path of pain and sorrow while trying to hold onto their friendships.
Yes, there are disasters, it is the 1840’s and travelling by wagon takes months to get to a destination. There are no fast trains to catch back then. Just as I am getting comfortable by the fire with my friends, Ms. McAdoo takes the mat from right under my feet.
“The thunder rolled over her heart, and the lightning flashed in her mind, and the rain wet her cheeks every time she found herself alone.”
The life of a pilgrim is tough. And it gets tougher.
“He slumped down to the base of the tree. Her lantern snuffed out, just like his life would be without her. There’d be no light. Tears filled his eyes.”
What are you doing to me?
“He looked skyward. ‘Please, Father, give me the desires of my heart.’”
Does God? My emotions are rung, I want to know what Caryl McAdoo has in store for them all. But like you dear reader you will have to wait, you to read the book and me for the next in the series.
Does their friendship survive? He he, I can’t tell you
I am sore from the hardwood of the wagon seat, but I hope you will get on board and read this book.
Thank you, Caryl, for writing this book. I’d like to give it 4****
*I received this book for free. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.*
September 13, 2018
I’m so glad Caryl McAdoo has started a new series! I love these characters just as much as the others in her books. Here’s the thing about McAdoo’s writing – she writes real, down to earth, faulty characters. They aren’t perfect, they have hardship, and they are easy to connect with. She does not shy away from sharing the message in and throughout her stories either. It comes across so graceful and beautifully woven into the story line that it does not sound preachy, or right in your face. It can be hard for an author to do that – they want to be loud to get their message across. I have not found that to be the case with McAdoo’s books at all, this one included.
The cover to this book certainly grabbed my attention. First of all, the fall is my favorite time of year, so the trees in the bottom really stood out to me. To be honest, the way McAdoo writes, I would have been able to picture the scene just as vividly. But then you see the heroine at the top. She looks strong, composed, determined, and ready to face whatever life throws at her. So based on the cover alone, I was expecting this to be a great story, and it was. The awesome thing was that it wasn’t just about one family, it was about three families. Don’t worry – the amount of characters didn’t overwhelm me one bit, and actually I thought each family was represented in just the right quantities. It added to the richness of the story. I mean when you have this many people traveling a long distance, there is bound to be some turmoil, laughs, love, and most of all togetherness.
I encourage historic fiction readers to pick up this book and start reading! I think you’ll find a new series to fall in love with. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The cover to this book certainly grabbed my attention. First of all, the fall is my favorite time of year, so the trees in the bottom really stood out to me. To be honest, the way McAdoo writes, I would have been able to picture the scene just as vividly. But then you see the heroine at the top. She looks strong, composed, determined, and ready to face whatever life throws at her. So based on the cover alone, I was expecting this to be a great story, and it was. The awesome thing was that it wasn’t just about one family, it was about three families. Don’t worry – the amount of characters didn’t overwhelm me one bit, and actually I thought each family was represented in just the right quantities. It added to the richness of the story. I mean when you have this many people traveling a long distance, there is bound to be some turmoil, laughs, love, and most of all togetherness.
I encourage historic fiction readers to pick up this book and start reading! I think you’ll find a new series to fall in love with. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 19, 2018
“The truth would be the right answer of course. But the truth... it was so hard.” This could have been the statement of any of the half-dozen or so of the travelers whose lives we see in Caryl McAdoo’s Gone to Texas novel.
Having been sold land in Tennessee by a shyster, a close-knit group of three families decides to reject the idea of sharecropping and head for the wide-open, cheap land of Texas. What starts out as a party atmosphere of friends and relatives becomes a journey of growth and change for many of the group.
While the immediate focus is the young love between Alicia and Flynn, we are treated to see other, more mature loves, as well as familial loves and friendship, loves. Trust has to be both earned and given, and characters are shown both in their best light and at their worst. Forgiveness and mercy are huge themes replayed many times. How sweet it is to see them displayed, especially with certain people we might say don’t deserve those kindnesses. The gospel is clearly laid out.
I liked the support and pride especially one character showed in her loved one’s dreams and plans. I think that kind of support glorifies God and enables the spouse to do great things.
I found the novel hard to enter into at first because the colloquialism was so thick and used without a break for a while. As I kept reading, this improved, and I was able to better enjoy the book. At one other point, there were numerous typos to the point I had to reread sentences and put in my own pronouns to make sense of what was really happening.
Bottom line: I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Having been sold land in Tennessee by a shyster, a close-knit group of three families decides to reject the idea of sharecropping and head for the wide-open, cheap land of Texas. What starts out as a party atmosphere of friends and relatives becomes a journey of growth and change for many of the group.
While the immediate focus is the young love between Alicia and Flynn, we are treated to see other, more mature loves, as well as familial loves and friendship, loves. Trust has to be both earned and given, and characters are shown both in their best light and at their worst. Forgiveness and mercy are huge themes replayed many times. How sweet it is to see them displayed, especially with certain people we might say don’t deserve those kindnesses. The gospel is clearly laid out.
I liked the support and pride especially one character showed in her loved one’s dreams and plans. I think that kind of support glorifies God and enables the spouse to do great things.
I found the novel hard to enter into at first because the colloquialism was so thick and used without a break for a while. As I kept reading, this improved, and I was able to better enjoy the book. At one other point, there were numerous typos to the point I had to reread sentences and put in my own pronouns to make sense of what was really happening.
Bottom line: I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions and I was not required to leave a positive review.
September 23, 2018
Gone to Texas Author: Caryl McAdoo Genre: Historical Romance Release date: September 6, 2018 Can beauty truly come from ashes? Deception drives seventeen souls to hard choices. Either stay on the land they thought they’d bought or heed the lure of free land in the faraway wilderness of a new Republic. Rife with peril and hardship, three families knit together by blood and friendship head out with a widowed man, daughter, and his slave, gambling everything they own on the prospect of land ownership and working it together. Does friendship pave a way to marriage? Can puppy-love survive through a harrowing journey to blossom into a forever lover? With duress at every turn, can the clan stay together all the way to Texas and accomplish their goals?
My Thoughts:
This is an interesting story about a homesteading for seventeen people to find new land. As with many who ventured out on these journeys there were many hardships, but some blessings. It took courage and trust to make these treks.
I believe that Caryl McAdoo has caught all this in her newest novel "Gone to Texas". In this story, you find a lot of hard work, some deception, love and one close-knit clan of people.
This is a story of trust, of forgiveness and love. We learn that we must trust God's timing in everything, as we see with Alicia and Flynn. Alicia learns that forgiveness and mercy goes a long way in friendship. This was a good story with many good issues covered.
I do believe that readers will enjoy Caryl McAdoo's newest series.
My Thoughts:
This is an interesting story about a homesteading for seventeen people to find new land. As with many who ventured out on these journeys there were many hardships, but some blessings. It took courage and trust to make these treks.
I believe that Caryl McAdoo has caught all this in her newest novel "Gone to Texas". In this story, you find a lot of hard work, some deception, love and one close-knit clan of people.
This is a story of trust, of forgiveness and love. We learn that we must trust God's timing in everything, as we see with Alicia and Flynn. Alicia learns that forgiveness and mercy goes a long way in friendship. This was a good story with many good issues covered.
I do believe that readers will enjoy Caryl McAdoo's newest series.
Read
September 12, 2018Gone to Texas introduces us to the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection, a part of Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga. The novel, Gone to Texas, is divided into the thoughts and feelings of the families leaving Tennessee because they have “Gone to Texas.”
The journey is rife with realistic, credible and authentic experiences encountered by the O’Neal, Worley, Van Zandt and Harrell families. Jealousy, disloyalty, tragedy, compassion, blessing and forgiveness are all vividly brought to life.
I enjoy Caryl McAdoo’s novels because she brings such heart, truth and true-to-life situations to bear. In addition, I usually learn a lot from reading her books. The characters are relatable, loveable (and in some cases, dare I say hateable-maybe a better word is conniving or despicable!).
I must admit, however, that I would have a hard time not liking a book about Texas since I claim it as home, even though I no longer live there. But, don’t let my predisposition towards Texas influence you. This is a good book, regardless! When you add the fact that it is historical fiction written by Caryl McAdoo, a master storyteller of Texas history, you can’t go wrong spending a few hours reading Gone to Texas.
I received this book from CelebrateLit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
The journey is rife with realistic, credible and authentic experiences encountered by the O’Neal, Worley, Van Zandt and Harrell families. Jealousy, disloyalty, tragedy, compassion, blessing and forgiveness are all vividly brought to life.
I enjoy Caryl McAdoo’s novels because she brings such heart, truth and true-to-life situations to bear. In addition, I usually learn a lot from reading her books. The characters are relatable, loveable (and in some cases, dare I say hateable-maybe a better word is conniving or despicable!).
I must admit, however, that I would have a hard time not liking a book about Texas since I claim it as home, even though I no longer live there. But, don’t let my predisposition towards Texas influence you. This is a good book, regardless! When you add the fact that it is historical fiction written by Caryl McAdoo, a master storyteller of Texas history, you can’t go wrong spending a few hours reading Gone to Texas.
I received this book from CelebrateLit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
September 10, 2018
Gone to Texas is the beginning of the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection and the Cross Timbers Family Saga series. I liked this sweet, clean and heart warming story. The journal entries were inspiring to read. The historical details were well written that gave me a sense of being part of the families' lives. I admired their love, strength, faith, courage, and bravery of getting through the turmoil they went through.
I enjoyed Gone to Texas. I look forward to reading the other releases from the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection, as well as, continuing the Cross Timbers Family Saga. I give this one four and a four stars.
I believe many historical fiction lovers would enjoy this beautiful story. I highly recommend Gone to Texas to those readers, as well as, those who are needing inspiration. They should, also, be prepared to go on quite a journey.
This is a great read!
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I enjoyed Gone to Texas. I look forward to reading the other releases from the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection, as well as, continuing the Cross Timbers Family Saga. I give this one four and a four stars.
I believe many historical fiction lovers would enjoy this beautiful story. I highly recommend Gone to Texas to those readers, as well as, those who are needing inspiration. They should, also, be prepared to go on quite a journey.
This is a great read!
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
September 23, 2018
A lovely way to begin a collection about thanksgiving and blessings. With a bumper crop of cotton in their fields, the clan of families begin to wonder if it might be better to own the land and thus be able to keep all the proceeds from their hard work. Since land in Tennessee was unaffordable, the decision was made to move to Texas where land could be purchased at a price they could work with. Join the families as they travel in wagons across this great land. Cry when sorrow finds their camp, rejoice when happiness and love arrive bringing changes, and pray along as they try to understand all the wonderful blessings that God has for them. I loved the thanksgiving feast at the end - such a perfect way to end this part of the story.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.
November 26, 2018
I love the ups and downs and unpredictability of this wonderful story. With multiple families, all structured a little different, there is sure to be joy, sadness, sorrow, anger and so much more! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the various families in this story, as well as their relationships with each other. I can't wait to read about their adventures in Texas!
September 14, 2018
Gone to Texas is a wonderful book by Caryl McAdoo. Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection is Caryl's is the first book in her new series. What a wonderful piece of historical fiction. Story very well written. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 24, 2019
My Musings
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did,I enjoyed it. This is more a family saga than a romance with a great spiritual message. Glad I stuck with it. Happy ☺reading 📚!
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did,I enjoyed it. This is more a family saga than a romance with a great spiritual message. Glad I stuck with it. Happy ☺reading 📚!
July 6, 2022
This is the first book in the Cross Timbers romance family Saga by Karol Macado and it could definitely be broken up into three different novels, but it’s so interesting Time just flies by as you read it. The first main plot is Alicia and she is in love with Flynn their families have been friends since before they were born in their moms prayed they would eventually fall in love in Mary and Alicia wants to make that prayer come true but does Flynn? He isn’t Alicia‘s only problem though because even if he does love her he will first have to convince her dad savvy at at the moment savvy and the to all the families have even more problems. The land they thought they bought wasn’t the sellers land to sell and although he was hung for his deceitful crimes it still leaves the three families with the decision to make. Should they stay in the Carolinas or go west to the republic of Texas? The families decide to go west after the harvest and as they take turns bringing the cotton in to be sold on one of these trips Alicia and her dad meet a man his daughter in the slave and when he exes Xavi they could work for them until after harvest he says he asked to talk to the clan first. The families decide to bring them a board even though Alicia and Flynn‘s mamas don’t like that he owns a slave and once they come they like it even less when they say she is expecting a child because they assume it is The man carbons baby and why does his teenage daughter keep gazing at Flynn like she is in love when she knows he is Alicia‘s bow. There is yet another plot in this saga, but I will put it in my review as it would be a big-time spoiler just know this is a great book to curl up on the weekend with and read until your hearts content I cannot wait to get started on the second book in this Siri‘s. I love and admire Carol Macadoo’s writing style and her books are always faith filled and are so authentic and her writing style seems to be so natural. As I said this is a very long book but OMG is it worth reading I absolutely loved it and gave it five stars only because that is the most you can give a book. I received this book from netGally and the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review , But all opinions are definitely my own.
April 10, 2024
Down to earth characters, good apples for the most part. I found the book hard to get into at first, but I’m glad I stuck around.
After being swindled by a deceitful land deal in Tennessee, three close-knit families opt to forsake sharecropping and venture towards the vast, affordable expanses of Texas. What begins as a jovial gathering of friends and relatives transforms into a journey of personal growth and transformation for many within the group.
The novel eloquently presents the gospel message, underscoring the importance of kindness even towards those deemed undeserving.
Particularly notable is the unwavering support and pride demonstrated by one character towards their loved one's aspirations, highlighting the role of encouragement in glorifying God and facilitating greatness.
I know colloquial language is not everyone cup of tea, but I like it. It added authenticity, I thought. Somebody has got to fix those typos, though. They disrupt comprehension, but the overall impression remains positive.
After being swindled by a deceitful land deal in Tennessee, three close-knit families opt to forsake sharecropping and venture towards the vast, affordable expanses of Texas. What begins as a jovial gathering of friends and relatives transforms into a journey of personal growth and transformation for many within the group.
The novel eloquently presents the gospel message, underscoring the importance of kindness even towards those deemed undeserving.
Particularly notable is the unwavering support and pride demonstrated by one character towards their loved one's aspirations, highlighting the role of encouragement in glorifying God and facilitating greatness.
I know colloquial language is not everyone cup of tea, but I like it. It added authenticity, I thought. Somebody has got to fix those typos, though. They disrupt comprehension, but the overall impression remains positive.
November 25, 2023
Gone to Texas
Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga, Book One
by Caryl McAdoo
Pub Date 09 Jun 2018
BooksGoSocial
Christian| Historical Fiction
BooksGoSocial and Network have provided me with a copy of Gone to Texas for review:
Is it possible to create beauty from ashes?
A deception drives seventeen souls to make a hard choice: stay as sharecroppers or take up the lure of free land in a new Republic far away.
Amidst peril and adversity, Liberty O'Neal, a widowed man, his daughter, and slave, head out with Corbin Harrell, a widowed man, a widower, and a slave, gambling everything on gaining land ownership and working it together.
Can friendship and puppy-love survive a harrowing covered wagon journey to blossom into a forever love and marriage between Alicia Van Zandt and Flynn O'Neal?
I give Gone to Texas five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga, Book One
by Caryl McAdoo
Pub Date 09 Jun 2018
BooksGoSocial
Christian| Historical Fiction
BooksGoSocial and Network have provided me with a copy of Gone to Texas for review:
Is it possible to create beauty from ashes?
A deception drives seventeen souls to make a hard choice: stay as sharecroppers or take up the lure of free land in a new Republic far away.
Amidst peril and adversity, Liberty O'Neal, a widowed man, his daughter, and slave, head out with Corbin Harrell, a widowed man, a widower, and a slave, gambling everything on gaining land ownership and working it together.
Can friendship and puppy-love survive a harrowing covered wagon journey to blossom into a forever love and marriage between Alicia Van Zandt and Flynn O'Neal?
I give Gone to Texas five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 21, 2023
Book one in the collection. I was easily hooked at the beginning of the book. Told in first person switching characters as it goes, a great group of Christian people. What I like in a wagon train story, it makes you feel like you're on the journey with them going from Tennessee to Texas. They'd been swindled on their collective land and farm in Tennessee so they headed to Texas for the free land there that you could get for homesteading it. Interesting journey and it's nice that you get to see them arrive and get settled as things fall into place.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#GoneToTexas #NetGalley #CarylMcAdoo #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BooksGoSocial #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#GoneToTexas #NetGalley #CarylMcAdoo #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BooksGoSocial #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical
April 22, 2023
This was quite a family saga moving from what they thought would be their forever home in Tennessee to the Republic of Texas. Actually, the travelers are related by blood and/or friendship. It took a couple of months and they experienced tragedy, love, friendship and lots more on the trip. This is the first in the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings series. I am interested to know more about what happens next. It is a clean story and it stirs a lot of different emotions as you travel along with the characters in the story. One of the characters, Liberty, kept a journal of their travels and experiences throughout the book. I enjoyed picking up the book each time to find out what the next adventure would be.
April 18, 2021
The Beginning of the Story
This book is the beginning of the story of families who tried to work together to make a better life for their families. They had bought a farm but learned that they had bought the right to live and work on the farm from which the owner took most of the profits. They learned of a land give-away in Texas and headed there. This book tells of the journey by wagon to Texas and the building of the initial structures on their property.
Good book! Interesting characters! Great interaction of characters! Definitely *****.
This book is the beginning of the story of families who tried to work together to make a better life for their families. They had bought a farm but learned that they had bought the right to live and work on the farm from which the owner took most of the profits. They learned of a land give-away in Texas and headed there. This book tells of the journey by wagon to Texas and the building of the initial structures on their property.
Good book! Interesting characters! Great interaction of characters! Definitely *****.
July 20, 2022
Settling the West
Take a faith based journey west to the new Republic of Texas with author Caryl McAdoo and her and the first of her Texas saga. What a tour-de-force! We are introduced to an extended family and their immediate friends who have been cheated on a land deal in Tennessee and now must seek greener pastures. The new Republic's land offerings seem like a reasonable way for the group to get a new start. I cannot imagine a better introduction to the vicissitudes of pioneering then this warm and loving drama. Put this at the top of your must read books!
Take a faith based journey west to the new Republic of Texas with author Caryl McAdoo and her and the first of her Texas saga. What a tour-de-force! We are introduced to an extended family and their immediate friends who have been cheated on a land deal in Tennessee and now must seek greener pastures. The new Republic's land offerings seem like a reasonable way for the group to get a new start. I cannot imagine a better introduction to the vicissitudes of pioneering then this warm and loving drama. Put this at the top of your must read books!
August 6, 2022
As 17 people embark on a journey in the 1800’s riding in covered wagons to their new destination, they endure struggles and hardships that causes them to draw on their faith and forgiveness. I always enjoy reading Carol McAdoo’s books because they are always inspiring, clean and filled with scriptures that cause me to reflect on her characters and how they handle the situations they are put in.
All words and opinions are my own. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
All words and opinions are my own. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
August 15, 2022
I really enjoyed every minute of Gone to Texas: Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga, Book One by Caryl McAdoo. The story was very well crafted and kept my attention throughout. The historical aspect of this novel demonstrates the author’s understanding of the era and the characters were simply unforgettable.
This is the kind of book that really begs to be read in one sitting, even if it is 432 pages long – who needs sleep anyway?!
I highly recommend this novel and I will certainly be adding the rest of the series to my ever growing to-read list!
This is the kind of book that really begs to be read in one sitting, even if it is 432 pages long – who needs sleep anyway?!
I highly recommend this novel and I will certainly be adding the rest of the series to my ever growing to-read list!
August 4, 2022
There is so much I enjoyed about this book! The story was great! The characters were realistic and loveable! I loved the way Caryl enhanced conversation between the characters with the southern drawl and terms of endearment between them. A very inspirational read that touched on every emotion! Though this was my first read by this author, it will not be my last! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
March 13, 2023
my first Texas Book
Good clean Christian book. I must admit just a bit hard to start but once I got in it it was a great story. Lots of good messages in it from GOD. it’s a good book to start a series although so many names to put with the right person gets a bit confusing, maybe only because I’m a speed reader and had to slow up some to get into it.
Well written and Lots of Biblical entries
Good clean Christian book. I must admit just a bit hard to start but once I got in it it was a great story. Lots of good messages in it from GOD. it’s a good book to start a series although so many names to put with the right person gets a bit confusing, maybe only because I’m a speed reader and had to slow up some to get into it.
Well written and Lots of Biblical entries
May 6, 2023
Gone to Texas
So many likes and dislikes about this one. Dislike the young woman’s who sounded like no way was she ready for marriage.
Like the lord is mentioned, and scriptures.
Dislike so many people I couldn’t keep track. Mom, maw, aunt uncle, then to names… not so much liked all this.
But other than that it’s good.
So many likes and dislikes about this one. Dislike the young woman’s who sounded like no way was she ready for marriage.
Like the lord is mentioned, and scriptures.
Dislike so many people I couldn’t keep track. Mom, maw, aunt uncle, then to names… not so much liked all this.
But other than that it’s good.
August 29, 2020
Wondrous
Not only a fabulously written historic story but a wonderful testament to our Lord. I love the characters, far from perfect and some a hard struggle to follow the path He chose for them.
Not only a fabulously written historic story but a wonderful testament to our Lord. I love the characters, far from perfect and some a hard struggle to follow the path He chose for them.
May 21, 2021
Disappointed
I love a religious romance as much as the.next person but it has to balance out. I can not abide a historical book that disregards the language of the day. Please don't use modern slang do a little research.
I love a religious romance as much as the.next person but it has to balance out. I can not abide a historical book that disregards the language of the day. Please don't use modern slang do a little research.
September 28, 2021
This is my favorite book by this author so far. It is a closeup look at Christian families moving by wagon train to Texas. Her in depth look at individual characters gets the reader totally involved with them. How their faith comes into play is moving.
October 2, 2025
The only one of the "Gone to Texas" novels I read that was written by a woman, so I had high hopes for a good story. Instead, I got sappy, stupid, and boring. She was trying too hard to put in the religion and forgot to write a good story.
December 5, 2021
Easy to read historical romance
Sweet and easy read. Well written and a clean, uplifting read for fans of Christian fiction. Would continue the series at leisure.
Sweet and easy read. Well written and a clean, uplifting read for fans of Christian fiction. Would continue the series at leisure.
March 5, 2022
Book one in the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection. An 1840’s tale of four families traveling to Texas. A long journey that has hardships and lessons along the way. Christian based.
July 24, 2022
I love westerns. And love stories. I'm also ok with some religion. However, I found this book to be very heavy in religion and the bible.
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