Jo: Prairie Roses Collection, Book 23

by Caryl McAdoo

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path!

An evil tragedy upends Jo's young life. Sickness propels the young lady and her grandfather from the thick, moisture-laden air of the Mississippi to drier desert land at the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Her lifelong beau professes his love from the banks of the muddy river, but Papa is her whole life, and she's determined to keep him alive. Along the way, suitors and adventures are aplenty. How is a stubborn girl who always knows what's best supposed to choose when the one she likes best is constantly rubbing her the wrong way? Could things be any more difficult? Has she made a huge mistake?

Audible Audio

Published August 31, 2022

About the author

Born 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!

Reviews

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caryl McAdoo is one of my ultimate favorite authors. I am always ready to read her new books as they are released. Jo is Book 23 of the Prairie Roses Collection, a collection of standalone novels by Various authors.

Jo has been raised by her grandfather since she was 6yrs old. Her Papa means so much to her and she will do anything for him. Jo and other family members decided to travel the Santa Fe Trail via wagon train. The climate in Mississippi is making Papa very sick and Jo hopes by moving to a drier climate that Papa's health would greatly improve. Keegan comes along to help care for Papa and any other help that is needed along the way. Keegan and Jo have a good relationship. Jo has many men approach her during the Wagon Train travels, but she always turns them down. Jo is stubborn and her first priority is her Papa. She does want love and she knows who is best for her, but her stubbornness seems to be winning. Will the Wagon Train make it to a drier climate and help Papa get better? Will there be a romantic connection between Jo and Keegan?

WOW, another GREAT book by Caryl McAdoo. Jo is such a LOVING and Caring girl, who wants what is best for her Grandfather. Keegan is a wonderful and charming man. He also knows how to "rile up" Jo and rub her the wrong way. I really enjoyed watching Jo and Keegan as they both help Jo's Papa along the Trail. Jo's stubbornness can sometimes be good quality, but it seems to be working against her, especially with Keegan. The 2 of them constantly butt heads, but I LOVE how great of a couple they make. I LOVED this book from beginning to end! FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolene, or Jo for short, is a young woman who has already been through much tragedy in her life. From the very first pages her young life is altered so much, that when her grandfather starts having a hard time breathing, she is desperate to save him and keep him with her longer. The only way according to the doctor, is to move from Memphis to the desert in Santa Fe. If that is the only way, that is what they will do. However, it does take some convincing and before you know it, she has new family that is coming along with her grandfather, uncle, and herself.

Their trek will not be easy. The wagon trains never were. Jo will grow up during those months loving and mourning too often. Much too often that she loses herself at times. Will she let the past and present sadness stop her from her future happiness? Or will she love the one she was meant to be with no matter how much time they have?

I enjoyed watching Jo, a little spitfire, navigate her life between beaus and her family. She grew much in a short time, and I was most desperate to see her get her happily ever after, especially after all she had experienced. This was a good story about trusting in the Lord in all circumstances, especially believing in His goodness.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo is written by the mega talented Caryl McAdoo. This book is part of the Prairie Roses Series. I have not read the whole series, but you can read them all as stand alones. Since joining the Celebrate Lit team as a blogger, I have read several of Caryl's books. She writes across multiple genres and a variety of topics. However, one thing remains. God will shine through in every story.

Jo is a story that will take you on an adventure. The author always writes her scences so that you can visualize yourself standing there watching it all unfold. Jolene "Jo" and her grandfather make the move from Mississippi to desert land at the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Her grandfather needs to have drier clean ar. The author puts in so much detail that you don't think about when you are reading such as looking for clean water. This is something that I remember from playing the old computer game, Oregon Trail. I was constantly dying of Dysentery.

Keegan comes along to help Jo's grandfather. Jo and Keegan have a fun relationship to watch build upon. He is a charmer and knew how to get Jo going. This book is a must read.

The characters are well written, the story line intriguing. I always love reading this author so much.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s safe to say I like this author. She’s written a ton of books, I mean a ton, really, a lot of books. The unique thing is she will tell you that she writes her books with her husband and it’s a joint venture but only one name could go on the cover and that was hers.

And before I get into the book make sure you check out her offering on Kindle Vella. I loved it so much! In fact, I’m waiting for more because I need to know more about those characters.

Okay.

Now, for the book Jo.

This is a safe romance for you or your daughters to read. It takes you back into the world of covered wagons and is a fun piece of historical fiction.

What happens when you think your life should go one way and instead it goes another? When tragedy hits where do you turn? Who do you trust?

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo is part of the multi author series, Prairie Roses Collection and one of Caryl McAdoo’s several contributions to it. It was fun going back in time with the characters. I adored Jolene and Keegan's story. It was full of faith, love and inspiration that tugged on my heart at times. I enjoyed watching Jo grow throughout and wanted to keep reading to see how it would end for her. I thought it was a great, beautiful and wonderful tale to read.

I am giving Jo four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical and heartwarming fiction. I would love to read the other books from the Prairie Roses Collection. This one is definitely worth a read.

I received a paperback copy of Jo from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this the final book in this year's Prairie Rose Collection, the author has penned a sweet and heartwarming story full of faith, family, immaturity, stubbornness, tragedy, and romance. This is Jolene ("Jo") and Keegan's story, and the character development is outstanding. Jo, along with extended family, travel the Santa Fe Trail via wagon train with the hope the drier climate will be good for her grandfather's health. Jo and Keegan are attracted to each other, but at times their personalities clash and when a tragedy occurs problems rear their ugly head. Will the couple be able to resolve their differences and find a HEA? Be sure and read this outstanding story to find out; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo

This is another wonderful book in the Prairie Roses Collection. This is Jolene and Keegan's story. This is a well written, faith filled story of love, not just between a man and woman. But, also love of family and God. The characters are all likable, from sassy Jolene and hardworking Keegan, to the rest of Jolene's extended family that made the trip to Santa Fe together. But, when tragedy strikes, it causes problems between Jolene and Keegan. If their relationship survives this, they might get the HEA that they both deserve. A wonderful book that I recommend and that you don't want to miss.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always absolutely love this author’s work and this one was no exception. While it is part of a series, it read just fine as a stand alone. I think the characters the author has here are the biggest draw for me in the story. They are just really great.

Jo has a big heart and I loved watching her character work through problems in life. Keegan was a hard worker and good guy. The story is well written and it is a short read but has so much in it. Completely enjoyed it.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Miriam Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jo” by Caryl McAdoo, in the Prairie Roses Collection, is an inspiring, faith-filled story of love of God and family, with its varied cast of characters, horrific tragedies and cheery celebrations. A heartwarming story full of faith, family, tragedy, and love, the character development is outstanding, along with the historical aspect. I highly recommend this truly awesome and deeply emotional book, with sterling family values, to all sincere readers who love to read heartwarming stories to celebrate life and love.

[sheila jo gravely · Rating 5 out of 5]

True devotion

I really enjoyed reading Jo’s story, and Jo is also my middle name!! Jo’s story has so much tragedy in such a short time. Loss is a powerful emotion. She definitely meets her match when she meets Keegan! He is everything she needs and nothing she thinks she needs. Jo’s faith is tested time after time when she loses another, she loses hope. Romance ends with a proposal and her finding her soulmate in Keegan! Loved the story and the plot was exciting and sad. Great story and series!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Caryl McAdoo. I usually love Mrs. McAdoo’s stories, and this one had me hooked from the beginning. I really liked Jo. Even though she was a bit spoiled and stubborn, she loved her family and wanted to do what was right for them. Keegan was a great character, also. I thought this was a great book and recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

young lady who loves her grandfather so much that she pushes them to move west — where the air is dry!!
They leave. And it is a long hard trip. Others join them which makes life interesting. And then the worst happens - a friend who joined them died!!! And she feels it is all her fault!!! Seriously this book is amazing!! You will not want to put it down!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Cris Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised by Love

Jo loves Papa dearly and takes her family on a life-changing journey to save his life. In her short life, Jo has seen her share of death. She's not about to lose Papa so soon.
On the way to Santa Fe, Jo is confounded by a handsome Scotsman who infuriates her. It must be love!
But beware! Loving Jo could be deadly. Just ask her. How does Keegan convince Jo otherwise? By prayer and Bible study.
Find out why Jo feels as she does and how Keegan wins her love.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Jo" by Caryl McAdoo was a fun fast read! It is filled with love and heartaches and a few laughs. I laughed a few times when Jo and Keegan was playing ( actually talking) their questions game. This is a story of how true love doesn't give up even when it seems impossible.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this story; I could not put it down. There are some fun elements to this story with going on a wagon train to Santa Fe and building a home that fits what is needed for the area. I enjoyed the story line and how the author describes things. Great historical romance with characters that ask for God's guidance and do the best they can. Worth a read.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is no way you are any such thing, my darling girl! You are beloved and so dear to God! And your Papa and me. Uncle Abe and Aunt Meryl love you, too. Everyone does! You are not cursed! You are blessed! Very blessed!” This book is well written and describes just how hard it was on the wagon trail. There’s hardships, love, encouragement and a message of faith

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Wagon Train Story

Enjoyed this story with its varied cast of characters, including a heroine who was an immature young woman with a big heart trying to find her way with family. Ups and downs, tragedies and celebrations. A fun read.