The Preacher's Faith (Red River Romance Book 1)

by Caryl McAdoo

  The men who served the church got the offering plates and filled them with blank papers to be used for ballots. While James explained the vote should be a simple yea or nay, the men stopped at each aisle all the way to the back and waited there to pick up all the ballots on their way back to the front.

  “Now Preacher, if you’d be so kind as to teach these people about the Lord, we’ll get these votes counted in the back and turn off the baptistery water when it’s full. DeWayne, if you’ll take a seat on the end there.” He pointed to the pew closest to the door.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And my pleasure.” Asa, light as a feather for his confession, shared the Word of the Lord with the wonderful people. Oblivious to the outcome of the vote, he preached of being disciples of Christ and all that entailed. The time flew by and then the pianist softly played the last notes of Softly and Tenderly.

  Brother James, followed by the rest of the deacons, all with solemn faces re-entered the sanctuary. Uh oh, looked like he’d be moving on again. God was on the throne and in control. Asa would land on his feet and in God’s will, that’s all that mattered. He stepped down and sat beside the woman he loved.

  She immediately took his hand and wrapped it with both of hers.

  James stepped to the pulpit and waited until all the others were seated before taking the mic to his mouth. Not until then did he crack a smile. “Asa Davidson, I’m pleased to say you’ve been unanimously approved, and we invite you to lead the congregation of the New Hope Baptist Church. Congratulations, Pastor.”

  His amazement wouldn’t be contained, and he stood. Faith stayed at his side, his hand still in hers. He looked into her eyes where his heart lived now. She mouthed ‘I love you’ and hugged him again. He bowed his head and gave thanks to God first then faced his new congregation. The people whom he loved, and who’d accepted him, all of them, without one ‘no’ vote. How could it be?

  “I can’t thank you all enough for your love and your confidence in me. I promise that as long as we stay true to God and trust Him, together we’ll work all this out. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you for choosing me.” All he could do was nod after that. Not another word could make its way past his clogged throat.

  Faith pressed her head into his chest then raised his hand into the air as in victory. “And we’d like to invite all y’all to our wedding this coming Wednesday night right here at the church! God’s sent me a husband!”

  The congregation erupted into applause and shouts.

  Asa was home, and his home stood beside him.

  THE END

  Historicals by Caryl McAdoo

  Vow Unbroken

  A historical Christian Texas Romance from Howard Books, Simon & Schuster division; Book One / ISBN 978-1-4767-3551-1 / ASIN B00DPM7UYY

  Susannah Baylor reluctantly hires Henry Buckmeyer in 1832 to help her along the Jefferson Trace, the hard stretch of land between her Northeast Texas farm and the cotton market, where she's determined to get a fair price for her crop. It's been a long, rough ten years and the widow's in danger of losing the land her husband and his brother left to her and the children, and she needs help to get both her wagons safely to Jefferson.

  She knows Henry's reputation as a lay-about and is prepared for his insolence, but she never expects his good looks or irresistible, gentle manner. Soon they are entwined in a romantic relationship that only gets more complicated because Henry doesn't know God the way she does. Dangers arise on the trace—but none as difficult as the trial her heart is going through. Will Susannah and Henry's love overcome their differences?

  And will she get her crop to market and sell it for enough to save her farm? In this heartening and adventurous tale, a young woman's fortitude, faith, and heart are put to the ultimate test.

  (See 5-Star Reviews in the front pages herein)

  Five Star Reviews of Book One

  Vow Unbroken

  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

  Caryl McAdoo is a new unique voice in historical Christian fiction. I fell in love with the characters from the very first page. They pulled me into their lives and kept me there through the whole interesting storyline. I found the setting authentic, and Caryl kept me turning pages. I know you’ll love this book as well as I did.

  --Lena Nelson Dooley, award winning, best-selling author of Maggie’s Journey, Mary’s Blessing, Catherine’s Pursuit & many more novels

  Loved this story! Fresh strong voice from Caryl McAdoo…most memorable character [heroine Sue Baylor] I’ve encountered in some time. Well plotted and nicely paced. There’s a Louis L’Amour and All-American feel to Caryl’s writing. Beautiful romance, one of the nicest I’ve seen in a while.

  --Carrie Fancett Pagels, author of Return to Shirley Plantation, a Civil War romance

  A Really "Wow" Debut Novel! I loved this book--fast paced, adventurous, and satisfyingly wholesome. Oh, you are going to love this book.

  --Anne Baxter Campbell, author The Truth Trilogy: The Roman’s Quest, Marcus Varitor, Centurion, and The Truth Doesn’t Die

  Hearts Stolen

  A historical Christian Texas Romance; Book Two / ISBN 978-1-5003-3651-6 / ASIN B00NAXGAZI

  Unbeknownst to loved ones, a headstrong young wife is snatched off the prairie by two Comanche braves, carried north of the Red River, and traded to their war chief for ponies. After five years, a small detail of Texas Rangers rides into camp, and she determines that day will bring freedom or death. She’ll remain captive no more.

  Sassy Nightengale almost gives up hope until that company of rangers rides into Bold Eagle’s peace camp. They’ve come for the negotiated exchange of stolen whites, except neither her name nor her son’s is on their list.

  Famed Texas Ranger Levi Baylor spots the red-headed beauty and agrees to the war chief’s high price, adding his personal horse and favorite weapon to the Republic’s agents’ offerings. The trade propels the couple on a trail of joy and sorrow.

  Sweet love blossoms but must be denied. His integrity and her faith in God keep them at arm’s length, not even allowing a kiss. Sassy’s still married to her son’s father, and Levi’s honor-bound to deliver her home—to her husband.

  Can their forbidden love be made holy? God hates divorce. Will Nightengale relinquish his wife and son? Will Sassy and Levi find the redemption they search for their troubled souls?

  (See 5-Star Reviews in the front pages herein)

  Five Star Reviews of Book Two

  Hearts Stolen

  Christian Romantic Historical Western Adventure Fiction--a BIG genre for a whole lot of novel. For me, McAdoo vaulted immediately into the ranks of a great writer I'll follow closely.

  -- Howard “Doc” Wolfe, top Amazon reviewer

  Caryl McAdoo is an entertaining storyteller! Hearts Stolen kept me up late, turning page after page, with an eagerness to know how the love story would end. I enjoyed this emotional journey of love and loss and look forward to continuing the trilogy in Hope Reborn!

  --Britney Adams, reader, Texas

  A great novel. I loved the characters, setting, history, and plot. I found the storyline quite unique. Just when I thought I knew how it will end, there was an unexpected twist. Highly recommended! 5 stars!

  --Amy Campbell, reader, Salem, Virginia

  I loved this one every bit as much as the first. Caryl makes you feel like you are actually in the midst of the story with an outstanding cast of characters, especially an enchanting 4 year old Charley. It tells a wonderful story of early Texas…rescue of Indian captives, Texas Rangers, outlaws and settlers…plenty of adventure and romance. I
wasn't ready for the story to end.

  --Ann Ellison, reader, Abilene, Texas

  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. Caryl’s a master storyteller weaving Texas history into a well-crafted plot with unforgettable and totally loved characters. --Holly Michael, author, Crooked Lines

  Hope Reborn

  A historical Christian Texas Romance; Book Three / ISBN 978-1502-8170-4-4 / ASIN B00RASZWEY

  New York novelist May Meriwether decides a heroic Texas Ranger will make a great love interest for her new novel’s heroine. Bored to tears and loving adventure—keeps her mind off her solitude—she sets out to the Lone Star State with her constant companion and confidant Chester in tow.

  Dreams for a husband and children are relegated to the recesses of her heart; the self-confessed old maid deems it’s too late. But the near-perfect widower resurrects a smidgeon of hope.

  Only his impenetrable, superstitious religious beliefs stand in the path to her falling head over heels, those and his love for his dead wife. Would there ever be room for her in his heart?

  And would he give up his fanaticism over God?

  An unexpected romance surprises both. Hope is reborn in God’s unfailing love and grace. Can a life built on lies find the Way to confession, forgiveness, and true joy? In a day when the church offers the only stability on the 1850 Texas prairie, these unlikely players find one another and fall in love.

  But will it be enough?

  (See 5-Star Reviews in the front pages herein)

  Five Star Reviews of Book Three

  Hope Reborn

  I loved the characters in this book, and I thought it was so much fun that Ms. McAdoo put her novels in as though they were written by May. This was a great story and I can't wait until the next one comes out.

  –Susan Johnson, reader, Odessa, Texas

  I waited eagerly for this book and definitely wasn't disappointed! Caryl once again authored a beautifully written story with well developed characters. Wonderful addition to the series!

  --Amber Merchant, reader, Irving, Texas

  Ms. McAdoo once again gripped me from page one. ( read almost one sitting.) These Texas Romances, Christian Historical Western Adventures, are certainly full of all of the aspects of each genre individually meshed into a wonderful, very unique, unforgettable story. --Rachelle Williams, reader, Mississippi

  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, reader, Mason, Tennessee

  I loved it. A real Christian story. I love Caryl’s books because they are exciting, funny and with a lot of love and respect. Many great characters and great dialogues. Never boring.

  I can't wait to read the next book. Great job Caryl McAdoo.

  --Catherine Peterson, reader, Denmark

  Lady Luck’s a Loser A contemporary mature inspirational romance; Book 1, an Apple Orchard Romance / ISBN 978-0-6159-9574-8 / ebook ASIN B00JCC5YI0

  Marge Winters answers the ad for manager at a Bed & Breakfast, placed by a wealthy widower. W. G. Preston, trying to avoid the dating game, hires eight diverse women to live at his B&B and be themselves while he gets to know them.

  He soon realizes he can’t take six months with all eight and devises a monthly elimination, leaving Lady Luck to decide while the women compete to win his wedding ring.

  The widowed grandmother Marge is witty and friendly, yet naive. Youngest, Vicki hides her enchanting vulnerability with a queenly persona. Audrey, a great listener and cook, can be quite moody. The cute Natalie has trouble making friends.

  The beautiful Virginia harbors a secret, and energetic Holly lifts everyone’s spirits, but ruined her wholesome image with breast implants, paid for with Preston’s signing bonus. Charlotte loves antiques, as did the first Mis’ess Preston, and Dorothy is quite a leader, but Preston isn’t looking for a manager. He wants a wife.

  Who will win his proposal?

  Lady Luck’s a Loser, formally The Apple Orchard Bed and Breakfast published by the Gale Group’s Five Star imprint in 2002, was written before they first filmed a season of The Bachelor. Just so you know.... A few changes have been made and a new chapter added.

  Five Star Reviews of Book One

  Lady Luck’s a Loser

  I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. I loved that the characters are more mature and not entirely perfect If you are a more mature reader, as I am, and would like to read about more mature characters I recommend this book. Younger readers would it enjoy it too!

  --JoAnn Stewart, reader, Defuniak Springs, Florida

  I really like this book! I love plots that are different, not the same old regular love story. I enjoyed that the characters were not the "normal" that they were older and not your skinny beautiful people. I loved that the story kept my attention the entire way.

  --Teresa Denise Summers, reader, Irving, Texas

  A very unique, witty plot. I couldn't put it down. I love that my favorite charactors 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, reader, Oneida, Tennessee

  Lady Luck's is a Loser is such a fun and quick read. The storyline is unique and clean. The characters are interesting and believable. I love the setting too. If you are looking for a good, clean, quick, and romantic story, then this book is for you. A definite page turner.

  --Amy Campbell, reader, Salem, Virginia

  A Little Lower Than the Angels

  A Biblical fiction; Volume One of The Generations series ISBN 978-1502412270 / ebook ASIN B00P4UXEU4

  Running three parallel storylines, A Little Lower Than the Angels opens with the sacrifices offered to God by Adam and his two sons Cain and Abel. Everyone knows the story, but this novel brings it to life from a new perspective.

  One story follows Cain after the murder. He flees Adam’s Valley with his sister Sheriah traveling to Nod, east of Eden. Marked and cursed as a vagabond, he becomes easy prey for Satan and his minions, ever moving further and further from the teachings of his father and obedience to God. (Scripture says he went to Nod with his wife, and that Eve is the mother of all the living, so she must be the mother of the woman Cain takes as his wife, making her his sister as well.)

  Another tells of Abel’s adventures in Paradise. He enters in at the death of his earthly flesh. Father God sends the first of the cherubim, a wonderful character named Namrel, to greet him and teach him, help him adjust to his new home. Abel meets his parents’ Garden of Eden pets, Lion and Lamb, and Centurion, a large angel of the host. He learns how earthly prayers loose the angels to war on earth’s inhabitants’ behalf—and how they fight.

  Lastly, we remain in Adam’s Valley and mourn with the bereaved parents, facing the loss of their three children. He and Eve relive different times in their lives as God helps them to endure and brings them to repentance.

  Five Star Reviews of Volume One of

  The Generations

  A Little Lower Than the Angels

  The best way to enjoy a book or your Bible, is to put yourself in it…see, feel, smell, and touch, be sure you experience…the emotions they feel; anger, love, hate, betrayal, sadness and happiness-just what Christians today deal with. How wonderful that God is loving and forgiving as we often are tempted and go astray and Caryl brings this to light with her characters.

  --Michelle Rhoden, reader, Paducah, Kentucky

  Adam and Eve tempted. Seduced by evil, Cain kills Abel. Caryl McAdoo gives her spin on this capt
ivating story in Genesis. I did enjoy reading the story of Eve's betrayal, Angels and the Wonders of Heaven, the pain of Adam and Eve losing their children. Caryl gives biblical scripture and insight to this story at the end of the book. You can look up and read the scriptures she refers to throughout this book. I recommend this book.

  --Deanna Stevens, reader, Beatrice, Nebraska

  Caryl McAdoo used her research and knowledge 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. I was 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 that guided this work of fiction. I loved "A Little Lower Than the Angels" and highly recommend it.

  --Judy Levine, reader, Prescott, Arizona

  And Coming Soon, God willing…

  Then the Deluge Comes

  A Biblical fiction; Volume Two of The Generations series ISBN 978-1503197459 / ebook ASIN / March 6, 2015

  Obedience assures the preservation of life. By Adam’s death, evil rules the sons of Cain who fill the earth with their lasciviousness and violence. God declares He will not contend forever with man. But, Noah, the only one of the tenth generation to walk perfectly before the Lord, hears His Word.