Wednesday, September 25, 2019

About the Book

Book: Texas Tears

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 2, 2019

Just like Mexico and the U.S. wanted the Republic of Texas; best friends Charity and Arlene want the same man. Who will Texas choose? Who will the man? Will Eberhart de Priest, the object of the young ladies’ desires, follow his heart or his mother’s advice? And what of the interloper from New Orleans who knows exactly whom he loves? Can a Christian find happiness with a non-believer? Only the Lord knows the future, but He does give the desires of the heart to those who delight in Him.

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About the Author

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory—what she lives to do. Her award-winning, best-selling novels enjoy a lion’s share of 5-Star ratings from Christian readers around the world. With forty-five titles, it’s obvious she loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen to a few at YouTube. ‘Golden husband Ron shares four children and eighteen grandsugars. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

TEXAS TEARS includes the vote to enter the Union or remain a Republic in 1845. Though it ended in an overwhelming approval to become a state, believe you me, tears fell all over Texas and have been falling since for some.

As a semi-closet secessionist, it wouldn’t bother me if the Texas Legislature voted tomorrow to become the Second Republic of Texas! There are plenty of true radicals living today in the Lone Star State who work diligently daily toward that end!

Anyway, tears also fell in the new Texas community where the four families first met in GONE TO TEXAS—the O’Neals, Van Zandts, Worleys, and Harrells—have been settling in five years. One of their own, Thomas Baldwin (introduced in book two, TEXAS MY TEXAS) represented them in the Texas Congress, going to Washington on the Brazos to vote!

Not all the tears that fell in that growing community were over the vote, but rather a man who came riding in on a magnificent black stallion. Eberhart de Vecchi was tall, handsome, and a perfect Prince Charming who swept the two young coming-of-age women there right off their high-topped shoes!

Friends their whole lives, the older, Charity O’Neal, claimed him right off, but Arlene Van Zandt the younger—only by six months and three days—who’s always given in before isn’t ready to acquiesce so quickly in this instance, smitten as she is.

And so, thar’s trouble in them thar hills! To thicken the sludge, enters the hard-working Landry Humble, Monroe’s (also introduced in book two TEXAS MY TEXAS) nephew. This young man, able to pick more than twice his weight in cotton in a day, knows immediately which lovely he wants.

My, my, my . . . the tears do fall in Texas, and not everyone can have a happy ending. Or can they?

Welcome to the great adventure in Texas where we meet characters who are written with compassion, depth and realistically. I had no trouble picturing myself back in the late 1840's. It was a time when Texas was fighting for independence and the towns were waiting to see what the vote would be. I loved the history in this story and how accurate it is. It is easy to recognize landmarks and towns because of the detailed description. You could sense the tension among the townspeople as they anxiously hoped for good news. Oh how exciting it would be to be among the people and experience such an historical event that changed lives and helped Texas become an important part in our country's heritage.

Charity O'Neal and Arlene Van Zandt are two young ladies who make the story intriguing and fun to read. Charity is sassy and quite prideful at times. Arlene is humble and has a dream to be an author. They are very close and always do things together. What a shame they let a man come between them. It was fun to read how these two women were smitten with the same man. I wonder who Hart will pick to be his wife? I am amazed that Hart was willing to let his mother decide who he should marry. Really? Hart please follow your heart and don't let your mother influence you.

I can't forget to mention a very important character. Landry is a man who is compassionate and has set his eyes on a certain young woman. He is hardworking and a joy to be around. He has set his eyes on someone who is struggling with their feelings. He questions if God is real and his doubts could push the woman he loves away. Reading how a character doubts God's existence is powerful and I loved the journey the character took to finding out how much they were loved by God. I love watching someone come to Christ and seeing their big smile as they feel His presence. It gives me chills as I remember the day I gave my life to Christ.

What I really enjoyed about this story was the wonderful biblical stories the author uses to illustrate how Jesus sees people. One of my favorite stories is about the woman who everyone was ready to throw stones at. Jesus told them, "Ye without sin cast the first stone." Oh I rejoice every time because we all have sinned. It is not our place to judge and the author reminds us of that with a beautiful woman from the Bible.

Some of the sayings the authors uses such as, "Seeing you this morning is like iced water on a hot day, with sugar and lemon....and a hint of mint, " is brilliant writing and fits perfectly in this time period. I will not divulge who ends up with who because it would spoil the entire story. I will say once again the author has written a story that is filled with wonderful references to scripture and helps me grow closer in my walk with God. The author illustrates about being unequally yoked, pride, jealousy and unconditional love.

Thank you for a story that spans the history pages as it highlights Texas. The characters are easy to relate to and along the way readers get a glimpse of God's love.. One of the best lines in the book says, " Sitting in a church doesn't mean a person has a relationship with God." That one statement has such power and I like how the author demonstrated how that statement will show the real character in people of this story. Tears are shed throughout the story and hearts are healed. Let the tears fall as you read a story that touches your soul and reaffirms the undeniable love that God has for us.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.