I am always excited when I get to read a book from this author. She has a gift of writing that spreads across the pages with grace and compassion. Her characters are always well developed and she makes you feel part of the story . I love the title but it could be because I am a Texan. Texas is a wonderful place filled with lots of land and people that make you feel at home. This story takes place in March 1841. The author captures the dialect of the time period perfectly.

Gabrielle is so sure the man she loves is coming back to her. Poor thing doesn't realize he may have run scared and abandoned her. My heart went out to her as days went by and she still held out hope for a man that may never return. There is little time to think as Gabrielle has a son to care for and chores that never end. It was so hard to keep herself together each day and I began to wonder if she would give up hope. She is a very unhappy person , just longing for the man she loves. It hurts when your loved one is gone. Can Gabrielle find happiness?

Isabel is a wonderful character and kind of reminds me of a spitfire. She has a baby to care for . Now where did the father of the baby get off to? Isabel has her eyes on someone and she better be careful that she doesn't get ahead of herself. Isabel catches herself day dreaming about a certain young man and her thoughts are starting to overtake her. She steps up to help Gabrielle when she notices how unhappy Gabrielle is.

I loved reading about the dangers around the clan with wild animals and how hard they worked everyday to keep the crops growing and enough food for everyone. I wasn't familiar with some of the things they ate but it did make me want to know more about the food they had back in the 1840s. We have it so easy today. If we are hungry, we go to the store or fast food place and there is food choices galore. As I read the story I really started to appreciate all the food and shelter that God provides for us.

I loved how the author said , " A person can waller like a hog in self-pity and regret til they make themselves sick, or they can choose to put the past behind them and look forwards instead." It made me think how much we wallow in our own misery and forget to call out to God for help.

The story is filled with adventure, heartache and danger. I loved following each character and reading about how their lives took different turns. The hero in my eyes is Thomas in this story. He is a true gentleman with kindness and patience. I realized that Thomas made me think of my husband. He is kind, gentle and oh so patient with me. The author has given readers a glimpse into long ago days with beauty, faith, adventure and most of all the importance of God and family.

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

I enjoyed reading about this latest family that this author dreams up. I enjoy her families. They are always so big and take care of each other. I loved Isabel and Monroe and Gabrielle and Thomas. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Caryl McAdoo’s newest novel, Texas My Texas, is set in one of my favorite states (I lived there longer than most places, and I love and miss it!).

Texas My Texas is also book two in the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga, where we meet up again with the Harrell, Worley, Van Zandt and O’Neal families along with several other families. Because there are so many characters in the story (in fact, they refer to themselves as a clan), I feel it would be extremely helpful to first read book one, Gone to Texas.

Texas My Texas picks up with the “clan’s” life after they moved to Texas. The story focuses mainly on Gabrielle “Gabby” and Isabel “Izzy” Harrell. Gabrielle is the daughter of “Pap” and Isabel was his slave. She took on his last name when he freed her. Both girls, however, have something else in common-they both have a child fathered by “Junior.”

Gabrielle thought Junior loved her, and as a result, became pregnant. I had a very difficult time with Gabby. She was petty, whiny, self-centered and cared so very little for her child as to be reprehensible. Plus, all the excuses she made for Junior and her daydreams of life with him were indefensible.

Izzy became pregnant against her will when Junior forced himself on her. However, Izzy kept an upbeat, optimistic and cheerful attitude, in addition to being a great parent to both her and Gabby’s babies.

Overall, I enjoyed catching up with the clan and seeing how obstacles and heartaches were overcome. McAdoo’s writing is replete with her love for God and her fellow readers, in that she points the way to Christ and the paths to follow Him throughout her stories.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review. ( )

Now that the clan of families has arrived in Texas, the work to make the land their own begins. The seeds from Tennessee are planted as soon as the ground is cleared bringing forth tiny shoots of green and joy to the farmers. What a great deal of work, but so worth it in the end. With marriages, babies and new families a tiny community is born, bringing with it many dreams. Is it possible that with learning to lean on the Lord those dreams will finally overshadow the hurts of the past? This continuing saga is a most enjoyable way to learn more about the settling of Texas.
I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own. ( )

“Family Saga” describes this new novel by Caryl McAdoo so well. In 1841 Texas Territory, we meet one of the main protagonists, Gabrielle. She has been blessed with a young baby, yet is extremely jealous of another “clan member” throughout the book. Gabby has a hard time telling herself the truth, or letting others tell it to her. Because of her negative thoughts and downward -spiraling emotions, this book was a little gloomier than I had hoped.
Having read an earlier book in the series, I found myself adrift at first, desperately wishing for family tree. There are a lot of characters, and I wanted to be reminded how they all fit together sooner than later. I really was amazed at the depth of the love and the lack of conditions Thomas placed on the love he offered. So Christlike, yet so rare in our world.
The love that Gabrielle’s Pap shows both of his daughters is nothing short of amazing to me, as well. He changed from being a drunk to being a very godly, wise man who could counsel and support either daughter in her separate needs.
I appreciated that people could be sorry that their actions hurt others, yet realize those actions were the best choice possible. This seemed to happen several times, perhaps because mature people were repeatedly dealing with immature people.
Because of mature themes, this is a book I would recommend for older readers. The love that Gabrielle’s Pap shows both of his daughters is nothing short of amazing to me, as well. He changed from being a drunk to being a very godly, wise man who could counsel and support either daughter in her separate needs. Grammar mistakes or typos made for a bit of a disjointed read in spots.
A favorite quote:
“Worry doesn’t do anything but make you sick. Plus, it’s just a slap in God’s face. As if you can’t trust Him or He isn’t able to keep your husband safe.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own and no positive review was required. ( )