by Caryl McAdoo
“I’d like that. Do you think we might get it in quarters?”
Epilogue
Seven days. Oh, what a difference one short week had made in Sammi Dan’s life. She snuggled in closer to Gij and shared some of his body heat.
It got rather cold in the Sawtooth Mountains in November, but what a spectacular, beautiful place. She loved it, loved him. Oh, such a grand life adventure being his wife promised. Who would ever dream of honeymooning in an Alaskan gold mining camp?
Her cell dinged its annoying little you’ve-got-a-text tone. Club Crackers, why hadn’t she turned the thing off? She scooted over and glanced at it. Her mom! She tap tapped the screen then read the message. A warm glow filled her heart.
Thank You, Lord.
She snuggled back under the layers of quilts. Perfect, perfect, perfect cuddling weather. And the whole world was a better place now than just a few minutes ago. Giddy with excitement, she stared him awake.
He opened one eye and smiled. “Good morning, Mrs. Johnson.”
“Yes, it is, my Sweetheart. It’s a wonderful morning indeed.”
“What do you want to do this fine day?”
She giggled and grinned and rapidly hiked and lowered both eyebrows. “Really? You need me to spell it out for you?”
“Not at all, my love, but what about after?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking we ought to write a book. I mean our love story would make an excellent romance. Don’t you agree? We could call it ONE AND DONE, to coin a phrase.”
He laughed. “I don’t know. Writing fiction is tough from what I’ve heard. I do know a guy who could ghost it, though. He’s a nice old dude, and his wife writes, too. Had a stable not far from our house, on that hundred and thirteen acres we lease now. The city shut his horse operation down, and they moved northeast to Red River County with the four grandsons they’re rearing.”
“Four grandsugars? And all boys? Poor lady, that’s a lot of testosterone.”
“I suppose.” He chuckled. “But I’ve still got his number.”
“Okay, well, call him. I was kind of kidding, but we really should think about it. Might be a fun project. You could see what your friends think. And by the way, we need to go to Fort Worth, in…” She closed one eye and did the math on the blackboard in her mind. “Six more days.”
He propped up on an elbow. “Oh yeah? Why, pray tell, do we need to go to Cow Town?”
“My wedding present to you.”
“You bought me a gift? What is it? Are you going to tell me?” He reached for her ribs. She blocked him, then he targeted her other side.
She grabbed his arm. “Stop, and I’ll tell you.”
He raised his hands over his head.
She snuggled in closer and put her chin on his chest then smiled up at him.
“Well? Are you going to tell me or grin cute all day?”
“So, last night…” She reached up and rubbed his stubble. His beard was looking totally cool.
“What about last night?”
“Oh, yes. I was admiring your facial hair. I’m going to love it.”
“Good, now what about –”
“Cate and my mother?” She propped up across his chest to see his expression better. “On my behalf, they convinced your mother to check herself into The Lamb of God Rehab Hospital, and she can have visitors after a week.”
“Oh, Samantha Danielle.” Tears welled in his eyes. “That’s wonderful news.” He choked back a sob. “Praise God. That’s awesome.”
THE END
Caryl’s Other Titles
…with Five-Star Reviews
Historical Texas Romances
for Vow Unbroken
Order Now
With an intriguing plot line and well-developed characters, McAdoo, who's written nonfiction and children's fiction, delivers an engaging read for her first adult historical romance.
--Publishers Weekly
After reading Caryl McAdoo's story of Henry and Susannah in "VOW UNBROKEN," I felt like I'd had another adventure with Tom Sawyer and Becky, this time as young adults.
--Alan Daugherty: columnist The News-Banner
…and for Hearts Stolen
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Get ready for a wild, uplifting, heart-tugging, page-turning ride. Hearts Stolen grabbed me at the start. Sassy’s feisty, fighting spirit…I couldn’t set it down. Burnt dinner, but forget eating, I ate this book up. This master storyteller weaves Texas history into a well-crafted plot with unforgettable and totally loved characters.
--Holly Michael, author of
Crooked Line a novel, and
Tsunami 2004, and Still Wading Through Waves of Hope a non-fiction
…and Hope Reborn
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With memorable characters, Caryl’s signature humor, and plenty of adventure, drama, and romance, “Hope Reborn” is anything but fluff. A strong message of salvation runs through, but well within the storyline. Enjoyed a unique twist with May writing the stories of the previous characters – clever and fun!
--Pam Morrison, Tennessee reader
…and for Sins of the Mothers
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Teenager Mary has wedded for love. Caleb married for convenience--that being the 100 gold coins Mary carried in her saddlebag. Then it's `Westward Ho' and what a surprise Caleb has planned in California for his unsuspecting new bride. But Mary comes from stout pioneer blood.
Chowderheads, scalawags, bamboozlers, and greed-sters abound; some as profiteering men, trollops, and street urchins. It's the era of California Gold fast-living and survival that Caryl McAdoo presents so tantalizingly in her period adventure story "Sins of the Mothers." Will His sheep hear God's voice as the scripture states? Caryl McAdoo knows how to write heart warmth out of heartbreak. I loved the first 3 in this series, but #4 so gripped me I forgot to eat.
--Harold ‘Doc’ Wolfe, Top fifty Amazon reviewer
Contemporary Red River Romances
. . . for The Preacher’s Faith… Order Now
Great story! Hope there’s a sequel, and I’d love to see the artful dodger as a part of it. Maybe a reunion? And he could find his mother. Just love curling up in an afghan with a cup of cappuccino and reading Caryl’s books! Keep on writing!
--Lenda Selph, Texas reader
This was my first book to read by Caryl McAdoo and I absolutely loved it. I will be reading more. I love the way she prays that her story gives God Glory and dedicates The Preacher’s Faith to Him and His Kingdom…a good clean book to read. I was drawn into this story right from the start. I loved this book and can’t wait for book two. --Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Dent, Alabama reader
. . . for Sing a New Song
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Sing A New Song is a delightful breath of Christian air. Caryl eloquently brings her audience always nearer to God and opens readers to fresh ways of viewing Christian life and all it offers. The characters are loveable and humorous. The romantic tale, just as lovely, demonstrates Christian virtues best remembered. Illuminating, the story shares the Gospel beautifully. Samuel’s sermons as well as the gorgeous lyrics of Mary Esther’s songs fill our hearts with newfound worship. Truly an inspiring tale. Christian fiction in its best; a romantic love story that brings its readers closer to God. A treasure for sure.
--Christine Barber, author of Broken to Pieces
Contemporary Apple Orchard Romance
For Lady Luck’s a Loser
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A very unique, witty plot. I couldn't put it down. I love that my favorite characters are still very much active at the end of the book only their relationships have changed. What a way for Dub to fulfill his promises to his deceased wife. Love, trust, forgiveness, and many emotions make for a well written book.
--Joy Gibson, Tennessee reader
The Generations Biblical fiction
for
A Little Lower Than the Angels
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Caryl McAdoo used her research and knowle
dge of biblical scripture combined with an incredible imagination as a foundation to fill in the gaps of the story of Adam and Eve and their children. Caught up in the story from page one to the ending, I particularly appreciated the "Search the Scriptures" section at the end which explains some of the Biblical clues for this work of fiction. I loved it and highly recommend it. --Judy Levine, reader, Arizona
for Then the Deluge Comes
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If the books still to follow are as good as Volume 2 in the series and the first one, it’sgoing to be an incredible series. The author has a way of breathing life and emotions into the characters that made me feel like I was on the sidelines watching their stories unfold. This is some of the best Biblical fiction that I have read and I look forward to the rest of the series. I was furnished with an e-copy of the book in return for an honest review. --Ann Ellis, reader, Texas
for Story & Style, The Craft of Writing Creative Fiction
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This is a wonderful book for those wanting to learn more about writing. I know from experience. The content helped me tremendously!! It especially helped me gain a clear picture of POV and the use of action versus attribution to strengthen my writing and make my debut book the best it can be. Thank you, Caryl, your continued helping hands are a blessing to many of us rookie writers!!
--Andy Skrzynski, author of
The New World, A Step Backward
And Coming Soon…
Replenish the Earth
A Biblical fiction; Volume 3 of The Generations series / August 8, 2015
Noah & Hattimas, Japheth, Ham, and Shem work on the ark tending God’s animals thinking anyone can stand forty days and forty nights. They hope Noah heard right and the rain would stop. Then they could return to living on dry ground, but they discover that’s only the beginning of their time on the ark.
Daughters of the Heart
A historical Christian Texas Romance, Book Five / September 1, 2015
Gwendolyn, Cecelia come of age—with Bonnie close on their heels wishing she was, too—and the young men come courting from all over. But after seeing how devastated their father was when Mary Rachel ran off, the sisters enter into a pact never to break his heart.
Starfish Prime ~ (a change in October’s release)
A mid-grade not-so-far into the future dystopia. Book One of The King’s Highway trilogy / October 13, 2015
Strange things start happening beginning with the electricity going off. Cars die in the middle of the road, and planes are falling from the sky all around the DFW Airport.
Fifteen-year-old Jackson waits four days on his mother to return. She went in early for a meeting in Rockwall, but it shouldn’t take even two days to get home. With his Marine dad in Afghanistan, he’s the man of the house and decides he must get his siblings, twelve-year-old Makenzie and nine-year-old Cooper, to a safer place—his grandparents’ in Honey Grove, only a couple of hours by car, but they’ll have to walk.
Children of Eber
A Biblical fiction; volume four of The Generations series / November 2, 2015
This story opens withAbram and Sarai , Sarah, Ishmael, and Isaac live out their stories.
Son of Many Fathers
A historical Christian Texas Romance / Book Six / Jan. 2016
Charley Nightengale comes home from the Civil War to find Lacey has run off, heading out to join the People of her father and Charley takes out after her alone.
How about a couple of recipes?
Gij’s Drunk Chicken and Sopapilla Cheesecake!
Our Texas Ranger pitcher got this recipe from Ron and Caryl McAdoo’s Great Firehouse Cooks of Texas. Flower Mound fireman Travis Ownby shared it, and it became one of Gij’s favorites .
THE DRUNK CHICKEN
12-16 oz. Favorite beer (one can)
1 Chicken - whole
1 tsp. Chili powder
1 tsp. Garlic powder
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Pepper
1 tsp. Thyme
1) Open the beer and drink about one-third.
2) Mix all the spices together. (Feel free to add any personal favorites.)
3) Pull the skin back from the chicken without removing it and stuff the mixed spices between the skin and meat.
4) Pour the remainder of the spices into the beer. Puncture several holes in the upper portion of the beer can.
5) Set the chicken on top of the can so that it remains upright in the smoker. Here’s where you use their legs to help prop them upright on the grill.
6) Smoke the bird in a smoker with your choice of wood for about two and one-half hours. The wings and legs should pull off easily when done.
Cook’s note: CAUTION: Don’t drink the leftover beer after
cooking (Anything is possible with a firefighter.)
Truth be known, Sammi Dan was never much of a cook, but she did herself proud with this easy recipe Gij got from Jessica Renee, the daughter of a couple he met at a different home group.
SOPAPILLA CHEESECAKE
1 ½ cup Sugar
2 cans Crescent rolls
2 8oz pkgs Cream Cheese
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 stick of butter
~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees
~ Cream Filling: Cream together cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla
~ Butter 9 X 13 pan, roll one can of crescent rolls flat to cover bottom of pan.
~ Spread filling over the bottom crust.
~ Cover with second can of rolls spread flat.
~ Melt the butter then pour over the top crust.
~ Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon
~ Bake thirty minutes.
This recipe came from Jessica Renee the daughter of my sister-friend Elaine, both from Grand Prairie, Texas.
Little admission: When Sammi Dan made this, she used 3 or 4 times the sugar and cinnamon, sprinkling generously (not measuring) over the bottom of pan, the bottom crust, the filling, and the top crust. What can I say? She thought it would make it taste even better! Er hum. Sounds like it to me
Reach out to the author…
Website http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com
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Author Pages :
Amazon http://tinyurl.com/CarylsAmazonAuthorPage
Simon & Schuster http://tinyurl.com/S-SCarylsPage
Email [email protected]
Praying my story gives God glory!
Blessings, Caryl
Author reaching out to you!
Hey dear Reader!
Where would I be if not for you? I always pray my story gives God glory and hope you enjoyed it. My desire is that it brought you closer to Him and gave you issues to ponder, asking for God’s perspective.
If you’d like to stay right on top of all my book news, I’d love you to subscribe to my email newsletter The Caryler which comes each month to your Inbox. I try to make it fun with a Scripture of the day and a lyric of the day. God gives me new songs—a few introduced in this book—and there’s nothing I’d rather do than praise and worship Him in song!
I include a few of my favorite things in it, too. My husband, being my favorite man, has a little corner and shares a few of his thoughts. I include other Christian authors and bloggers, sometimes a movie or book review, or a song.
What I’m working on, what’s finished and coming out soon, and sales coming up on different titles. And the
best part—as far as you’re concerned—is that as my thank you for being a subscriber and following me, I’ll give you a FREE e’BOOK every quarter! Four new books a year! Who can beat that? You can sign up at my website www.CarylMcAdoo.com in the right column on my Home page.
I hope if you like my story, you’ll take the time to review it and click “follow” under my picture while you’re there. And of course that you’ll tell your friends. I love visiting with my readers, and have a group of special readers who help me spread the word when I have a new release. Let me know if you’d like to be a part of the Christian eVALUaters. Stop by my Facebook page, too!
Always out of room before I’m through visiting!
Love in Christ and many blessings,
Caryl
A few links Readers might find helpful:
Needing any help with your online presence? Go to Rocksteady Resolutions for help with websites, email lists, and all social media outlets. CEO Janis McAdoo (yes, my daughter-in-love) will be the best virtual assistant you could ever have. She is knowledgeable, energetic, full to the brim of integrity, and I promise, will be a God-sent blessing to you!
Christian Indie Books is a great place to find great books from new authors who post new releases, special sales, and sometimes, even free books!
