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Mail-Order Shepherd: Healing Husbands
God will supply all our needs, according to His riches in glory.
Emma never expects to run the goat farm alone, but after a brutal lion attack takes her father’s life along with that of the beloved Huck, their livestock guardian dog extraordinaire, she's got no choice--even though she's injured as well. Knowing there's no way to manage by herself, she heeds her cousin's advice. "Just like men do when they need a wife! Put an ad in the paper!"
Callan figures a goat farm might be a good place with room and board to winter for himself and his dog, Boaz. Sheep, goats—how different can they really be? He plans on heading south to Texas in the Spring to sign up with the Rangers. He can help her out until then. Who said he had to marry the woman?
Emma needs healing and help. Callan needs a room and board. How could either have imagined what God truly has in store?
Emma never expects to run the goat farm alone, but after a brutal lion attack takes her father’s life along with that of the beloved Huck, their livestock guardian dog extraordinaire, she's got no choice--even though she's injured as well. Knowing there's no way to manage by herself, she heeds her cousin's advice. "Just like men do when they need a wife! Put an ad in the paper!"
Callan figures a goat farm might be a good place with room and board to winter for himself and his dog, Boaz. Sheep, goats—how different can they really be? He plans on heading south to Texas in the Spring to sign up with the Rangers. He can help her out until then. Who said he had to marry the woman?
Emma needs healing and help. Callan needs a room and board. How could either have imagined what God truly has in store?
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
About the author
Caryl McAdoo
99 books659 followersBorn in California, Caryl McAdoo got to Texas in time to celebrate her first birthday. As a Dallas seventh grader, she remembers a homework essay on ‘What will you be doing in 2000?’ Looking into the future, she saw herself as an inter-galactically famous author, streaking from planet to planet signing books.
She laughs, “But I didn’t start writing again until the late ’80s, then was so blessed to find the DFW Writers’ Workshop in ’93.”
Her first book debuted ’99, then for the next nine years, she averaged a title a year from four traditional presses: two non-fiction, four novels, and three mid-grade chapter books.
In March 2014, her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN debuted from Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
In April that year, she re-released LADY LUCK'S A LOSER (formerly The Apple Orchard Bed and Breakfast) with a new chapter. In September 2014 HEARTS STOLEN, book two in the Texas Romance Family Saga historical romance series, debuted as her first new Indie, and in November A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, her first Biblical fiction series The Generations launched. So four titles in 2014.
Book three of the historical Family Saga HOPE REBORN debuted in January 2015 to start off a whole new year with eleven new titles planned. THE PREACHER'S FAITH comes in February, Caryl's first contemporary in Red River Romance series. THEN THE DELUGE COMES, volume two of The Generations, follows in March.
Since 2014, she's published over sixty new books, averaging over seven new titles a year through 2020. She completed the 'Texas Romance Family Saga' with a total of ten novels, plus several 'Texas Companion Books'!
Plus, she's eight books into a second series, the 'Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga' and debuts a third New Beginnings saga's book one WAGONS WEST in November 2022, her fifth book for the year.
Also known as Grami, she adores twenty-five grandsugars, and she and O’Pa—her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty+ years write together. She’s dedicated to advancing God’s Kingdom through her novels, praying her story gives God glory!
Caryl loves to share her testimony, pray, and praise and worship Him; He frequently gives her new songs.
She believes all good things are from Him and that her books will minister His love, mercy, and grace to her readers.
Irving, Texas remained her lifelong home until 2008 when she and Ron followed God’s leading to Red River County in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State. There at The Peaceable, the twenty acres of blessings they call home, the McAdoos raise chickens and goats while waiting for God to open the next door!
She laughs, “But I didn’t start writing again until the late ’80s, then was so blessed to find the DFW Writers’ Workshop in ’93.”
Her first book debuted ’99, then for the next nine years, she averaged a title a year from four traditional presses: two non-fiction, four novels, and three mid-grade chapter books.
In March 2014, her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN debuted from Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
In April that year, she re-released LADY LUCK'S A LOSER (formerly The Apple Orchard Bed and Breakfast) with a new chapter. In September 2014 HEARTS STOLEN, book two in the Texas Romance Family Saga historical romance series, debuted as her first new Indie, and in November A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, her first Biblical fiction series The Generations launched. So four titles in 2014.
Book three of the historical Family Saga HOPE REBORN debuted in January 2015 to start off a whole new year with eleven new titles planned. THE PREACHER'S FAITH comes in February, Caryl's first contemporary in Red River Romance series. THEN THE DELUGE COMES, volume two of The Generations, follows in March.
Since 2014, she's published over sixty new books, averaging over seven new titles a year through 2020. She completed the 'Texas Romance Family Saga' with a total of ten novels, plus several 'Texas Companion Books'!
Plus, she's eight books into a second series, the 'Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga' and debuts a third New Beginnings saga's book one WAGONS WEST in November 2022, her fifth book for the year.
Also known as Grami, she adores twenty-five grandsugars, and she and O’Pa—her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty+ years write together. She’s dedicated to advancing God’s Kingdom through her novels, praying her story gives God glory!
Caryl loves to share her testimony, pray, and praise and worship Him; He frequently gives her new songs.
She believes all good things are from Him and that her books will minister His love, mercy, and grace to her readers.
Irving, Texas remained her lifelong home until 2008 when she and Ron followed God’s leading to Red River County in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State. There at The Peaceable, the twenty acres of blessings they call home, the McAdoos raise chickens and goats while waiting for God to open the next door!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 22, 2025
MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
The story is part of the Healing Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories! I will say about this story, I had mixed emotions about many things and I would give this one a 3.5 star rating.
The story begins in February 1886, on the White River south of Meeker, Colorado with Emma Jean Newman who has an injured foot, making it very difficult to care for herself and her goats, which are her livelihood. Her cousin Penny Dyer has been helping her out, but she is married, needs to return to town, and is also expecting. Since the death of Emma’s father, along with one of their dogs, killed by mountain lions, she has been alone, taking care of the animals. Penny and her husband, Stan, encourage her to place an ad—which she does—only they leave out a vital element.
“Shepherd/Ranch hand needed near Meeker. $5 a week, plus room and board. Experience with goats a must. Apply in person at the Dyer Forge in Meeker.”
Callan McCleary sees the ad in the Rocky Mountain News while in Denver, Colorado. He inquires about a train to Meeker, and learns he and his dog, Boaz, will need to travel by stage to get there. Nothing is holding him in Denver, so he decides to just go and take his chances. Growing up on a station in Australia, he is used to working with sheep and believes goats are similar, just smarter.
The story was ‘different’ and I will say ‘Christian’ based. I know dogs are smart, and have different barks, meaning different things, but this reads as if people and dogs are talking and answering each other. Then there is the fact that Emma needs a husband and leaves that part out of the ad, just hoping the man who arrives will capitulate to her need. So it begins with deception. One of the first questions asked is about being a Christian.
Add in that the dogs, Ruthie and Boaz ‘Bo’ have key roles. Both Emma and Callan are Christians, and that is a strong basis for their working together—he doesn’t stay in the house at night, but instead in the barn with the animals. They even have church together out in the meadow, while the goats are feeding. When she brings up the issue of him and her together at the ranch without a chaperone, and that she is hoping for marriage, he is a bit shocked—well, who wouldn’t be?
Emma: Will you marry me, Callan McCleary?
Callan: Wow. That was unexpected.
The story is listed as 163 pages but in fact, it is only 118 pages long, ending at 74% and the rest, 45 pages, involves advertisements for more books and series.
The story is part of the Healing Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories! I will say about this story, I had mixed emotions about many things and I would give this one a 3.5 star rating.
The story begins in February 1886, on the White River south of Meeker, Colorado with Emma Jean Newman who has an injured foot, making it very difficult to care for herself and her goats, which are her livelihood. Her cousin Penny Dyer has been helping her out, but she is married, needs to return to town, and is also expecting. Since the death of Emma’s father, along with one of their dogs, killed by mountain lions, she has been alone, taking care of the animals. Penny and her husband, Stan, encourage her to place an ad—which she does—only they leave out a vital element.
“Shepherd/Ranch hand needed near Meeker. $5 a week, plus room and board. Experience with goats a must. Apply in person at the Dyer Forge in Meeker.”
Callan McCleary sees the ad in the Rocky Mountain News while in Denver, Colorado. He inquires about a train to Meeker, and learns he and his dog, Boaz, will need to travel by stage to get there. Nothing is holding him in Denver, so he decides to just go and take his chances. Growing up on a station in Australia, he is used to working with sheep and believes goats are similar, just smarter.
The story was ‘different’ and I will say ‘Christian’ based. I know dogs are smart, and have different barks, meaning different things, but this reads as if people and dogs are talking and answering each other. Then there is the fact that Emma needs a husband and leaves that part out of the ad, just hoping the man who arrives will capitulate to her need. So it begins with deception. One of the first questions asked is about being a Christian.
Add in that the dogs, Ruthie and Boaz ‘Bo’ have key roles. Both Emma and Callan are Christians, and that is a strong basis for their working together—he doesn’t stay in the house at night, but instead in the barn with the animals. They even have church together out in the meadow, while the goats are feeding. When she brings up the issue of him and her together at the ranch without a chaperone, and that she is hoping for marriage, he is a bit shocked—well, who wouldn’t be?
Emma: Will you marry me, Callan McCleary?
Callan: Wow. That was unexpected.
The story is listed as 163 pages but in fact, it is only 118 pages long, ending at 74% and the rest, 45 pages, involves advertisements for more books and series.
March 7, 2025
I adored this amazing story, with sweet sheep, and 2 precious guard dogs, being my favorite characters! Lol 🐑🦮🦮 Emma has injured herself, her married cousin has been helping her, but talks Emma into running an ad for a mail order husband to help her run her sheep farm. Instead, Emma runs an and for a helper, omitting the husband part! Callen shows up with his big, male, guard dog (who just falls in love with Emma’s female guard dog) to assist Emma, not stay there indefinitely. This is when we see how God works to perform His will in His children’s lives. The gorgeous dogs were so smart and serious about their duties regarding watching their sheep AND their humans. My review can’t do this book justice. If you are an animal lover, you are going to treasure this beautiful story! ♥️♥️♥️
March 24, 2025
Both characters are Christians....
but at times Christians still sin....
trying to solve problems on their own terms,
and in this case leaving out information
( otherwise known as a lie).
However, there are a few other issues, a mother who left and resulting in an unforgiveness. spirit.
Still, God is still on His throne, and all the sins are repented of.
I love the Bible verses and how they are applied to the characters lives.
I thought the ( not quit 'lust' per say) but whatever it was, could have been a bit less.
Other than that, is was a good Christian fiction novel.
but at times Christians still sin....
trying to solve problems on their own terms,
and in this case leaving out information
( otherwise known as a lie).
However, there are a few other issues, a mother who left and resulting in an unforgiveness. spirit.
Still, God is still on His throne, and all the sins are repented of.
I love the Bible verses and how they are applied to the characters lives.
I thought the ( not quit 'lust' per say) but whatever it was, could have been a bit less.
Other than that, is was a good Christian fiction novel.
May 14, 2025
I feel like I’ve been to her beloved Peaceable after reading this book. Caryl McAdoo’s love for animals and the Lord shows through her stories. Her books show that she knows and loves the Lord and his creation. It is nice to have someone else have conversations with their pets, although in this case both Ruthie and Boaz are so much more. I find myself laughing out loud at Ruthie’s and Boaz’s conversations. This is a good book to treat yourself when you’re needing a chat with God, and perhaps his creations. I loved it and look forward to more books from her.
March 13, 2025
Emma put an ad in the paper for a shepherd/ranch hand. However, she left out the part where he would need to become her husband. Callan was the perfect answer, but he balked at the husband part. This was a great story, as is usual for Mrs. McAdoo. I loved that the dogs had conversations with each other and gave their point of view.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to write a review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to write a review.
February 23, 2025
I loved this book. It is told from two different points of view. Human and critter. Absolutely one of the best stories I've had the pleasure to read!
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Reading books with ReadEra
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March 17, 2025
This was a very interesting story! I really couldn't put it down. Wonderful writing!
July 13, 2025
good book
This was a good book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was a good book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
August 17, 2025
The book started at chapter 4. I couldn't get it to let me go to the first of the book.
April 9, 2026
I enjoyed reading Emma and Callen's story
June 23, 2025
**Mail-Order Shepherd: Healing Husbands**
by Caryl McAdoo
This charming and uplifting book is a delightful love story that beautifully intertwines the lives of Callen and Emma. The addition of their talking dog companions and quirky goats brings a unique and heartwarming twist to the narrative. The characters are so relatable and well-developed that they genuinely feel like family, making you root for their happiness with each turn of the page.
What stands out in this story is the profound connection between Callen and Emma, deeply rooted in their faith. They rely on God’s guidance, demonstrating a powerful example of spiritual strength.
The suspenseful moments involving lions add an exhilarating tension that kept me eagerly flipping through the chapters, unable to put it down.
This book is a refreshing reminder of God's sovereignty and love, showcasing clean, wholesome storytelling infused with valuable teachings. It inspires readers to realize that faith and trust in God truly shape our lives.
by Caryl McAdoo
This charming and uplifting book is a delightful love story that beautifully intertwines the lives of Callen and Emma. The addition of their talking dog companions and quirky goats brings a unique and heartwarming twist to the narrative. The characters are so relatable and well-developed that they genuinely feel like family, making you root for their happiness with each turn of the page.
What stands out in this story is the profound connection between Callen and Emma, deeply rooted in their faith. They rely on God’s guidance, demonstrating a powerful example of spiritual strength.
The suspenseful moments involving lions add an exhilarating tension that kept me eagerly flipping through the chapters, unable to put it down.
This book is a refreshing reminder of God's sovereignty and love, showcasing clean, wholesome storytelling infused with valuable teachings. It inspires readers to realize that faith and trust in God truly shape our lives.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews