Whenever I start reading a book by Caryl McAdoo, I know I will enjoy it. Jo proved to be enjoyed just as I expected. We first meet Jo at the beginning of the story. She and her parents set out to visit her grandparents, but tragedy strikes when they arrive at the house. Raised by her over-indulgent grandfather and uncle, she becomes slightly spoiled.

Later in her life, health concerns for her grandfather force them to set out to Santa Fe. They pick up some extras before leaving – namely two wives for Jo’s grandfather and uncle before they leave. Then they pick up a worker who winds up falling in love with Joan’s wishes to marry her,

Through the tragic death of her parents and grandmother when she was young through additional tragic events when she is older, Jo falsely believes she is cursed. Keegan, the young man her family hired and who falls in love with her sets out to prove otherwise.

This story set I. The past drew me in and kept me reading. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

With Jo, the 23rd book in the "Prairie Roses Collection," Caryl McAdoo has penned yet another heartwarming story. The tale follows Jolene "Jo" Foster as she, her grandfather and family members leave Mississippi to follow the Santa Fe Trail in the hopes of improving her grandfather's health by living in a more arid region. As the chronicle moves along, you are drawn into the adventure, too.

McAdoo's trademark faith-filled discourse, love and forgiveness are all present in the novel. It has a strong and consistent Christian message throughout, and it makes no attempt to hide it. That's one of the things I appreciate about McAdoo’s writing.

This story was unique in that the narrator appears to step out of the plot, as indicated by a different font, and provides needed information to the ongoing saga, a detail I’m not sure whether I liked or not.

I enjoyed the journey and the characters created by McAdoo in this sweet tale.

Even though this is part of the "Prairie Roses Collection," it works well as a stand-alone.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own. ( )

I love when this author writes stories that take us on a journey complete with wagons, danger and wonderful characters. I was completely mesmerized by the lay of the land and how hard it was to travel over rough terrain. Having to look for water and keep everyone safe was a full time job. I remember my dad watching westerns every Saturday and thinking how boring they were. Now I can’t get enough of reading books just like this one. There is something about this time period that fascinates me and I enjoyed every minute of the trip back to the days where traveling by wagon or horse was the only transportation available. It also reminds me how blessed we are to live in an era where things are easier for us. We don’t have to walk for days in the heat, when a car is available. Thank the Lord for air conditioning as well.

Jo is such a great character with her devotion to her grandfather. Making sure he gets better they travel to a place where the air is better for him. With this decision made they set off with a group to travel to Santa Fe Trail. Jo can be a bit stubborn and her jealousy does get in the way at times. I loved how she kept trying to convince herself that she had no interest in the handsome Keegan.

Keegan joins the wagon train to help out Jo’s grandfather and help care for the goats as well as whatever else is needed. I must say he is a charmer and is able to go toe to toe with Jo when she gets her stubborn streak going. He does have a gentleman quality about him which I loved. It is obvious that there is an attraction between Jo and Keegan but I’m not sure which one is holding back from letting the other know how they feel.

The author creates a beautiful story with realistic emotions that had me crying. Jo suffers great loss and I think it broke her. Seems the people she loves die and now she is afraid to love again. Her heart is shattered and this is the moment that will change her forever. I really started praying that she would find comfort and trust God to heal her. Keegan never gives up and I loved how he came to Jo with scripture to show her that the thoughts she has been having is not from God. What a wonderful ending the author gives us with a feeling of hope and a new beginning . As always after reading a book by this author I grow closer to God and find new scriptures that help me with things I struggle with.

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

Jo, by Caryl McAdoo, is book 23 in her Prairie Rose Collection series. This is also a good stand alone story. I have not read others in this series and had not trouble reading this story. This is such an inspirational story to read. The love and determination Jo has to keep her Grandfather safe and healthy is heartwarming to read. I found the parts of her Grandfather and his brother and their quick marriage humorous. The two couple both had feeling for each other for some time but none of them spoke of it until just before the brothers were about to move.
I found the information regarding how the building were made interesting. It was interesting to read of how quickly men professed their love to Jo, who never intended to marry, yet how heartbroken she was when something happened to them. This is a nice story to read for enjoyment for anyone who likes good clean stories.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review. ( )