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Texas Romance #2

Hearts Stolen

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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 a company of Texas Rangers rides into Bold Eagle’s peace camp. She learns they’ve come for the negotiated exchange of stolen white women, except her name isn’t on their list. Purposing in her heart to escape captivity with her blue eyed, four- year-old that day, she does everything she can to be noticed. Famed Texas Ranger Levi Baylor spots the red headed beauty and agrees to the war chief’s price adding his personal horse and weapon to the Republic 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 allowing even 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. Is it wrong to hope, expect Nightengale to relinquish his wife and son? Will Sassy and Levi find the redemption they seek for their troubled souls?

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2014

225 people are currently reading
574 people want to read

About the author

Caryl McAdoo

97 books660 followers
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!

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5 stars
301 (49%)
4 stars
166 (27%)
3 stars
93 (15%)
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34 (5%)
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14 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
January 12, 2018
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This was an excellent, historical western, with a sprinkle of Christian flavor. The characters were charming and entertaining. The hero and heroine were totally devoted to one another, but legally unable to become husband and wife, that is unless you consider that God can answer prayers. All things worked together the way it was suppose to be, even though there were some sad parts along the way.

I totally enjoy when a book in a series can stand alone; which this one surely can. There was an adequate H.E.A. and it was clean, which tickled me pink. But, there is a hint of more to come if you are interested.
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,169 reviews5,135 followers
January 16, 2015
About this book:

“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 a company of Texas Rangers rides into Bold Eagle’s peace camp. She learns they’ve come for the negotiated exchange of stolen white women, except her name isn’t on their list. Purposing in her heart to escape captivity with her blue eyed, four-year-old that day, she does everything she can to be noticed.
Famed Texas Ranger Levi Baylor spots the red headed beauty and agrees to the war chief’s price adding his personal horse and weapon to the Republic 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 allowing even 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. Is it wrong to hope, expect Nightengale to relinquish his wife and son? Will Sassy and Levi find the redemption they seek for their troubled souls?”



Series: Book #2 in the “Texas Romance” series. {Book #1 I haven’t read but I will be reading #3, “Hope Reborn” soon!}


Spiritual Content- 1 Corinthians 10:13 at the beginning; Many Prayers; Bible reading; Church going & singing; ‘H’s are capital when talking about God; The story of David & Bathsheba is mentioned; The story of Amnon and Tamar; Levi is agnostic but yet says the Bible is true; Wallace asks God to forgive him; Levi knows he’s going to h*ll & talks about it (he eventually asks forgiveness near the end).
*Note: a “waiting at h*ll’s gate”.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘biddy’, a ‘dumb’, three ‘hush’s, eight ‘stupid’s, nine ‘idiot’s; Fist Fighting (semi-detailed); Indians take Sassy in the First chapter (semi-detailed); Indians talks about killing someone & eating their liver; Sassy was beaten when she was with the Indians; A mention of scalping; Arrows & bullets are shot; Blood (barely-above-not-detailed); Killing & lifelessness (barely-above-not-detailed); Dead animals for food (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of drinking & saloons; Wallace gets a hangover; Wanting to shoot someone; a mention of going to the bathroom.


Sexual Content- a ‘harlot’ and a ‘whore’ when talking about Wallace’s mother; a ‘hussy’; Staring & Noticing; Touches (semi-detailed); a man’s bare chest (barely-above-not-detailed); a mention of a harem; a mention of “Aunt Flo”; a mention of spooning someone; Bold Eagle has many wives, Sassy is one of them (another wife gives a tea the morning after she’s called to his teepee; she never got pregnant from him until the other wife withheld the tea); Sassy has to go to his teepee (not-detailed); a girl had to sell herself for a horse (hinted at but cut-off); Laura gets the idea to go to a man’s bedroom so he’ll marry her (it doesn’t happen); a baby is born (not-detailed); Love, falling in love, trying not to fall in love & the emotions.

-Rosaleen “Rose/Sassy” Nightengale
-Levi Baylor
P.O.V. switches between them, Charley, Laura, Wallace, Swift Arrow (once) & Bear Fang (once)
Set in 1844 (Chapter 1 set five years prior)
364 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I’ve never been one for stories about/with Indians. It’s just too harsh for me. Miss Caryl is so nice & kind, I feel so bad leaving such a low review! Sadly, “Hearts Stolen” wasn’t for me but others (who aren’t so sensitive) may like it.


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this review.
Profile Image for Chelle.
15 reviews
October 23, 2014
Sassy is very much the epitome of her nickname. She is extremely sassy, from the opening page of Hearts Stolen, if only she were good at listening to her husband (and her parents) she could have been saved from a lot of heartache. Rosaleen (Sassy) was quick witted and very much a tomboy-not so much a highly skilled wife.

Levi is the stuff of legends (literally :) ...). He is a Texas Ranger at a time whne Texas is still a Republic and is full of Indian attacks, bandits, and a general lack of much law and order. He and Wallace Rusk have been rangering for quite awhile. They are tired of the trail and are headed home as soon as the task at hand is complete. For five years, Levi has been on the lookout for a childhood friend with fiery, red hair...

God answers prayers in his own timing, that much is obvious afterLevi happens into Bold Eagle's camp to finish the peace talks. Sassy cannot believe that her childhood friend Levi is in Bold Eagle's camp! Bold Eagle agrees to Levi's price for Sassy and her son. Levi, Sassy, her son, Wallace Rusk, and other freed captives set out for home. The journey is full of surprises at every turn. Sassy, Charlie, and Levi find themselves drawn to one another! How can God allow this to happen? After they've been through so much already?

This is an absolutely captivating, initial read of McAdoo's work! I regret starting this series with the second book (like I have heard others mention). I'm glad that these books stand alone! This book was graciously provided to me for free by the author Caryl McAdoo, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Check out Caryl's website: http://carylmcadoo.com and her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.....
Profile Image for Holly Michael.
Author 4 books52 followers
September 4, 2014
Get ready for a wild, uplifting, heart-tugging, page-turning ride. Hearts Stolen, a historical Christian Western Adventure Romance grabbed me at the start with Native Americans capturing the heroine, Sassy. Her feisty, fighting spirit will win your heart from page one. Immediately drawn in and mesmerized, I couldn’t set the book down until the end. Actually burnt dinner because I couldn’t cook and read at the same time. Forget eating, I ate this book up. Caryl McAdoo is a master storyteller who weaves in Texas history into a well-crafted plot with unforgettable totally lovable characters. I didn’t think I’d enjoy another book as much as her first Novel, Vow Unbroken, but Hearts Stolen is even better. Read Vow Unbroken for sheer entertainment and meet the characters who reappear in Hearts Stolen (also a stand alone book). Hurry up and get the next book out, Caryl!
467 reviews50 followers
September 8, 2014
Hearts Stolen, By: Caryl Lawrence McAdoo
Caryl has a winner with this book Hearts Stolen.
She makes you feel so many things when reading
this book laughter, tears. You get so caught up
in the story. I didn't want the book to end. This is the
story of Sassy Nightengale. Sassy is at the Bold Eagle's
peace camp. She is hoping to be noticed when Texas Ranger's
ride into the camp. They are coming to try to get back some
of the stolen white women. She is desperate to be noticed
and be taken out of that place. She is drawn towards one
of the Texas Rangers Levi Baylor. She is still married though
and has a son with her husband. Will Sassy's husband want her
back after what has happened? You must read to find out. An
excellent read! 5 stars.
Profile Image for Marguerite Gray.
Author 24 books617 followers
June 29, 2016
I usually do not read westerns, but I loved this book. Now I need to go back and read number one and then all of the rest. What an imagination Caryl has drawing the reader in to history through the trials of her characters. Life was tough, but God was and is still good. Ready to read Vow Unbroken...
Profile Image for Sally.
317 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2014
I laughed, cried, cheered, and flinched with these characters. I hated saying goodbye and hope to read more about them. Hearts Stolen is a historical Christian fiction book, the second in the series. Vow Unbroken is the first, but you don’t need to read it first in order to enjoy Hearts Stolen. But now that I’ve read Hearts Stolen, I have to go back and read Vow Unbroken just because I’m not ready for the story to end. Be ready to start a story you won’t want to finish.

Rosaleen “Sassy” Fogelsong Nightengale’s husband Charles told her not to go visiting her mother. This is in the early 1800s in Texas. She didn’t listen and is kidnapped by Indians. Sassy is a wonderful character. She has smarts, isn’t afraid, and is a very likeable heroine. Her faith in God kept her through her captivity of 5 years, until one day Levi Baylor shows up to rescue her and her child.

Charley Nightengale is Sassy’s son born soon after she is captured by the Indians while she was the third wife to Bold Eagle. He is a fun character. After Levi rescues them and they travel back to Texas, Charley’s dialogues and ways of thinking had me laughing. I’d love to see this as a movie. He’d steal the show.

Levi Baylor is a Texas Ranger. As he and his fellow Ranger Wallace Lusk transport Sassy and the other women back home, it is fun being along for the ride. You feel like you are really there. Levi and Sassy are great characters together and you are rooting for them to get together, but she is still married to Charles. What will happen when he delivers her home? Will Charles still want her after she’d been the wife of an Indian? How will she now fit into society? A fellow captive, Laura, has her baby after they rescue her. Wallace is enraptured. But is that love strong enough when he finally meets Levi’s cousin Rebecca? Will these two end up together, or will his cousin come between them?

What happens with God in the mix? I loved this angle of the story. The hearts of these men are so great, and the love for their women so strong, they’ll go through anything to keep them safe.

All the characters have to learn they have their pasts and none of them are perfect. But with God, peace and love reign no matter what you are going through. Peace like one of Sassy’s Granny’s heavy quilts. Now that’s peace! I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Caryl McAdoo and can’t wait to read more. The dialogue is engaging, the characters are unforgettable, the setting and descriptions move the story along without taking away from the story.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,083 reviews94 followers
October 23, 2014
I was blessed to receive a copy of Hearts Stolen by Caryl McAdoo, book number two in a Texas Romance. It is set in the nineteenth century and follows the fortunes of two Texas Rangers, Levi and Wallace, whose fame for being good law men reached far and wide.
Sassy, the main character, was just fifteen years old when she married Charles. Following a disagreement, instead of staying home, Sassy wanders off to visit her parents. She is confronted by two Comanche Indians. The only sister of five brothers, Sassy is used to fighting, but the two over power her and take her off to their village.
The novel fast forwards five years. Sassy is still being held captive, along with some other white women. She is also mother to four year old Charley, who loves his life as an Indian brave.
Enter the two Texas Rangers, Levi and Wallace who have been sent to bargain for the women's release. Sassy recognises Levi as the brother of her childhood friend Bitty Beck, but will he recognise her?
Levi bargains for all the women, and proceeds to take them, including Sassy and Charley to freedom.
Sassy strikes up a friendship with pregnant sixteen year old Laura, who was stolen from her home twelve months earlier. The two form a bond supporting each other.
Levi recognises Sassy and their friendship is re-instated, but as it moves to the next level, Levi calls Sassy by her real name Rose. The reader is reminded that when a person comes to know God, a new life begins and will be given a new name. The reader recognises that Rose is also moving on in her journey towards God.
Charley worships the ground Levi walks on, and becomes his little 'partner'. The character of Charley is wonderfully drawn, right down to his speaking...Comanche is more familiar to him than English, and this is shown in his speech.
As they journey closer to home, Rose dreads leaving the kind Levi and meeting up with her cruel husband Charles again. She knows that God frowns on divorce, but it doesn't stop her praying for a future without Charles.
The novel is a twofold journey - it is a literal journey and a journey towards total trusting and believing in God. It shows that when one is dependent on God, one feels a peace, even about an uncertain future. It is about walking and trusting God every step of the way.
I really enjoyed Hearts Stolen, both as a western adventure, and as a voyage of self discovery. I will not reveal the ending...so to find out who draws closer to God, and what happens when Rose gets home, you will have to read the book! I am eagerly awaiting the publication of book number three.
Profile Image for Kathryn Svendsen.
468 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2015
Hearts Stolen is the second book in this clean romance series but just because it’s clean romance don’t let that fool you into thinking that there are no difficult love issues.

Sassy relies on God and Levi relies on his integrity when they begin to fall in love even though Sassy is still married to her son’s father. Since she doesn’t believe in divorce, and God hates divorce, the only alternative for her will be to return to her husband and a loveless marriage, leaving a man she doesn’t want to live without and who her son thinks of as a father.

It was good to see the struggle that Sassy went through on her journey from the Comanche camp back to her home. She could have run away with Levi, and I’m sure some people would have. I loved that she stuck to her belief in God and her principles.

The main and supporting characters were all very vibrant and alive. They were very entertaining and realistic. I felt like I was there with them. I especially liked the relationship that Sassy’s son had with Levi. It was very endearing.

This was the kind of love story that was hard to put down. It was more than a love story as there was enough action and adventure to keep the story moving forward

Anyone who enjoys the genre of clean romance will enjoy Hearts Stolen. I highly recommend it. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Profile Image for Anne Campbell.
Author 27 books48 followers
October 1, 2014
Another great book by Caryl McAdoo. There were so many twists and turns that I had no way of figuring out the answers to the riddles--but Caryl presented them so craftily that I had a hard time catching any winks at all until the last page was finished.

Rosaleen Nightengale (better known as Sassy) foolishly gallops her horse across the prairie and gets captured by some Indians. She spends several years as Chief Buffalo Hump's third wife, hated by his first wife. She had been pregnant with Charles Nightengale's son when captured, and little blue-eyed, blond-haired Charley had been claimed by the chief as his own.

Then came the day the two rangers arrived, Levi Baylor and Wallace Rusk, and they bargained for her release, along with a pregnant white teenager and a bitter white woman. They have a long way to go before they reach home, and they aren't even a quarter of the way there before she begins feeling a strong attraction for this tall, dark-haired ranger. She ignores the thoughts--she is married before God to Charles Nightengale.

Levi is similarly stricken but continually tells himself she is a married woman. He wins little Charley's heart and his mother's, but they both know it is no use. She will not set aside her promise to Charles before God.

How in the world can this end happily? Caryl, what are you getting us into?
6 reviews
September 13, 2014
Hearts Stolen by Caryl McAdoo

Hearts Stolen, the second in “A Texas Romance” series, is a wonderful Christian romance about a 15 year old girl, married to a less than perfect man, who is stolen by an Indian tribe. The book tells the story of her captivity, her rescue, and all the complications that both bring about. Well-developed characters and a writing style that brings pictures to your mind of all that is happening, made this book a joy to read. I was impressed by the fact that each character had their own unique story and way of speaking which highly contributed to the realism of the story.

Probably the best part of this book, for me, was the way the main character always returned to her faith in God when dealing with each and every situation in her life. What a joy to read about characters who maintain their faith even through the most difficult of real life situations. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction romance in a western setting.

I will definitely be going back to read the first book in this series, Vow Unbroken.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
January 3, 2015
I love series book and this continues with Levi Baylor, the nephew of Susannah Abbot Baylor Buckmeyer, he is grown and a Texas Ranger. Levi along with his friend, Wallace Rusk, are to make a deal with the Comanche after a treaty had been made for the freedom of white women that were captured and made slaves. In a letter to him from his cousin Rebecca, she had told him about Rosaleen "Sassy" Fogelsong Nightengale going missing and to keep an eye out for her. During the meeting with the Comanche, there he finds Sassy and it cost him his horse and weapon to secure her and her white son's freedom from Bold Eagle. The story has so many emotional moments and kept me captivated. I loved the dialogue between the characters, including Laura who was only 15 and pregnant and also one of the captives released. The adventures along the journey is so well describe that you can visualize it as you are reading the story. Seeing Wallace and Levi finding Christ was a bonus. The end was so sad, but a reality of life. I look forward to reading book three, Hope Reborn. I also hope we will see more about Laura, Wallace and Rebecca.
Profile Image for Louise Hannah-Rose.
24 reviews
November 12, 2014
A story with depth, funny, heart touching, and holds ones interest., November 12, 2014
Such depth she made us feel with all the main characters! I like that many stories were going on at once, yet they all tied together, yet not confusing. .
Such deep emotions that Sassy/Rose experienced, such temptation yet she didn't yield. One could really feel what it was like to be married, then captured and what happened to her.
Meeting someone that could be her soul mate, and the pulls they had toward each other, the emotions, yet wait to see what her husband did when she returned. I read with great anticipation what was she going to find when she finally got home. It was like holding my breath until I was reading about when she saw him walk out on the porch. What was going to happen? Wasn't expecting what happened at all!!!
Laura, she added so much to the story. Such heart she had.
Rose's son, that kid sure was a hoot. For one so young he sure saw a lot. Hope in next book we read more about him as he grows up.
I received this book free, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joyful.
563 reviews
September 11, 2014
A really great book. A captivating story of what is thought to be forbidden love until the very end. I love the miracle ending. All through the many adventures and struggles, Rose always returns and leans to her faith knowing somehow God will bring her through. Trying always to do the right thing although her heart wants something else, it is so exciting to read how God changes them and circumstances to give them their hearts desire. Exciting storyline from beginning to end. The characters come alive as you read and you can feel their emotions. Very well written historical Christian western adventure novel. Makes you want to read more books with these characters to see how their lives are lived out.

I was given a copy to read for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
October 5, 2014
I loved Unbroken Vow, the first book in this series, and I enjoyed this one every bit as much. The author makes you feel like you are actually in the midst of the story with an outstanding cast of characters, especially a enchanting 4 year old boy named Charley It tells a wonderful story of early Texas including the rescue of captives from the Indians, Texas Rangers, outlaws and early settlers and there is plenty of adventure and romance. I wasn't ready for the story to end and I am definitely looking forward to Book 3 in the series. I was furnished a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is another of Caryl's books that I very definitely recommend.
1,170 reviews16 followers
October 10, 2014
When 15 year old Sassy is snatched by two Comanche braves she is carried off and traded to their war chief for ponies. After five years, a Texas Ranger shows up in the camp and she is traded for once again, only this time to freedom! As the Ranger takes Sassy back to her family I felt like I was riding along the trail in a covered wagon with them. As her faith brought her through the last five years in captivity it brings her through the dangers of the trail, renegade Indians, Outlaws and her growing feelings for the handsome Ranger. I was gifted an eBook by the author Caryl McAdoo for my honest opinion and honestly ~ I loved this book. I'm eager to read the next in the series.
413 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2014
For you horse lovers out there, this is the book for you. Sassy, married to Charles, is riding her horse and is overcome by Indians, and the story begins. Levi Baylor, a Texas Ranger, and his partner, Wallace, inadvertently come in contact with Sassy, and the suspense begins and runs throughout the book. There's romance, suspense, cowboys and indians, justice served, and friendships embraced along the trail. I liked the characters, who were very colorful. I liked the plot, which I've never heard before. I liked the ending, which has some unexpected surprises.
Profile Image for Britney.
768 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2014
Caryl McAdoo is an entertaining storyteller! Early Texas history, action and adventure, and forbidden love are just a few of the threads that are woven together to create this compelling story. 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!

Hearts Stolen can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. However, I recommend reading the series in order, beginning with Vow Unbroken.
Profile Image for Susan.
630 reviews31 followers
March 24, 2016
This book captured my interest immediately. It was the second book in the series, but I didn't have any problem following the characters even though I had not read the first one. I loved the way the author added a healthy dose of "Texas lingo" to her dialogue. I was disappointed when I finished the book because I wanted to keep reading about these characters.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
6,162 reviews
October 29, 2014
I thought Hearts Stolen is 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.
Profile Image for Judy Duckworth.
1 review
April 10, 2015
Heart's Stolen

An enjoyable read. I loved this story of innocence and courage. It was very refreshing to watch a love be born and see how the characters dealt with impossible circumstances. I never guessed the ending which I loved.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
493 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2015
Why oh why did I read another Caryl McAdoo book? You would think I would have learned my lesson after the first book I read. Did I enjoy most of the story, yes? But the dropped plot lines drove me crazy, especially since there seems to be no indication of follow-up novels to resolve them. Bleh.
Profile Image for J.
1,552 reviews
September 24, 2020
The historical setting of this book was the main reason I was interested in reading it. That was short lived. The opening scene when Sassy is stolen by the Comanches is the only scene that would be offered to the reader to establish empathy for her character. Five years pass in the blink of an eye. All that is ever mentioned of Sassy’s five years with Comanches are some beatings, toe-pulling, and a special abortive tea.

Sadly, most of the book dealt with an illicit romance—an emotional affair is still an affair—between the two main characters, Sassy (aka Rose) and Levi. Many times Rose would have a conversation with Laura, and then repeat the conversation to Levi. This conversation repeating took place between Wallace and Levi to Rose or Laura, or some mixture of these four characters. Chapter after chapter. It was totally unnecessary filler. And the constant worrying! All the internal dialogue of Rose and Levi was worrying about how to work out a divorce from Charles Sr. so Rose could marry Levi. All the while, they carried on holding hands and being all lovey-dovey. Little Charlie was cute, but him no talk good and after one chapter of that, I skipped his dialogue. His mother spoke well, so it was surprising that he had not learned better. She may have thought she was the disciplinarian, but she would be mistaken. Laura’s command of the King’s English warn’t no better, neither. Tuned her out, too. Along with her internal fretting and jealousy.

Two women who spent years being held captive by Indians (not sure if I would equate them to slaves, as the author did) would suffer more from that emotional trauma—which would have made for more realistic internal dialogue. These two ladies seemed to be able to pick up right where they left off just as soon as the Rangers traded for their freedom. (And how did that give Levi cause to think he owned Rose?) Even little Charlie adapted emotionally super fast to the transition (except for him bad talk).

The ending was rushed. Charles Sr. needed more comeuppance than he got. And only a slight wedding. Cheated out of a wedding scene again!

One positive for me: a brief mention of Henderson, TX. That sweet town is part of my family history. Overall, I was disappointed. I so enjoyed the first book—except for missing the wedding.
Profile Image for Lynn's.
254 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2021
Time Period: 1800’s
Setting: Texas

I was really excited to begin the Texas Romance Series from Carly McAdoo and started with book two, Hearts Stolen. From what I gathered from other reviews, the books could be read as stand alones, so I didn’t worry too much about missing book one. After a childhood of watching Walker Texas Ranger, I was looking forward to reading about some Texas Rangers in CF! Unfortunately, this book had a lot of potential plot wise and all, but left me seriously disappointed.

The main character, Rose, was kidnapped by Comanche Indians when she was 15 years old, still a newlywed, while riding from her husband's home to visit her parents. By chapter two, hero Levi Baylor and his Texas Ranger sidekick, Wallace, had rescued Rose, her son (who was four years old at the time) and a few other women. Most of the book was spent traveling from Austin back to Rose and Levi’s home in Texas.

I hate to write a bad review about a book, especially when it’s a new to me author, but I don’t want to say the book was okay when I really didn’t enjoy it. Everything happened too fast and too easy. For a Texas Ranger story, every bad guy they caught did so without any struggle. There was zero suspense or excitement.

Secondly, I had a hard time connecting with the heroine, Miss Rose. She came across pretty shallow at times, especially for a character who had been through so much. Her four year old son, Charley, wasn’t much better. The author hit the nail on the head with crafting a character for a bad kid though. LOL! It was very annoying to see the four year old keep demanding his mother to give him the gun because he wanted to shoot someone. (I know kids in those days learned to shoot and hunt early, but this kid was not one of them and the attitude grated on my nerves!)

Finally, the thing that lowered a three star review to a two star was this: Rose was convinced the right thing to do would be return to her husband, Charles, to see if he would take her back because she was technically still married to him...but then proceeded to fall in love with Levi before getting there. It wasn’t so much that there was a forbidden fruit that bothered me, but the way it was so poorly presented. There was no remorse for having adulterous thoughts (this coming from a character who claimed to believe in God) and both Levi and Rose had decided that everything would work out the way they wanted in the end, and poof, it did. The whole thing was just so unrealistic.

Conclusion: While I wasn’t impressed with this book, I’m still willing to give the author another try. I was going to give this book three stars, but decided to lower it two because of the “I’m married but in love with someone else and it’s not my fault” point of view from the heroine. I already have a few other books from this series and hope I have better luck with them. At the end of the day, this book just wasn’t my cup of tea and that was disappointing because I thought I would enjoy it a whole lot more.
841 reviews7 followers
April 20, 2021
What Can Happen When You Decide to Disobey Your Husband?

Sassy was a young wife, married to Charles. He told Sassy to stay home but she decided to go riding instead. She stopped at a creek where she always stopped to let her horse get a drink of water. She sat in the grass, while Bliss got a drink of water; she was daydreaming. Sassy heard a sound and saw two Indians. She tried to get away but her horse was not fast enough. Sassy was captured and taken to the Indian village.

This book tells the story of Sassy's life after being captured. Would she ever be released and be able to live a normal life? Read this book to learn about Sassy's life in the Indian village and her eventual chance at release. I enjoyed this book and hope you do also. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
2,132 reviews38 followers
April 24, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this story. Narration was good. This is a beautiful story. All Sassy Nightengale wanted to do that day, was to visit her Mother, before heading back to her husband. She is captured by Comanche braves and traded to the war chief. While in captivity, she has a baby boy, Charles by her husband, but he is raised as a Comanche. One day Texas Rangers come into camp to trade for the white women and children. Sassy knows the one Ranger, Levi Baylor. So she and her son and other women leave with the Rangers. They will be escorted home. It will be a long journey and feelings start to develop between the two. What will happen now, she is a married woman. Follow their long journey, hopefully with God's love it will have a happy ending.
95 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2022
#CARYL MCADOO What happens to the other girl
STOLEN HEARTS
#2In A Texas Romance
Has written another 5 star book.This book is full of Suspense,Faith,Love ,
Trust.Sassy Nightingale got married at 15 to Charles Nightingale.Not long after that she gets kidnapped by Bold Eagle .The great Texas Ranger Levi Baylor and William Rusk is sent to Bold Eagle's camp .To negotiated a exchange of stolen white women.What happens on this journey to be saved and the other girl that was saved along with Charlie Sassy 5 years old.This book will keep you guessng what happens next to each one of them.This is a must read book
Profile Image for Caryl.
1,931 reviews24 followers
January 4, 2021
I was immediately in the story. Sassy Nightengale, an independent young bride, has been snatched by two Comanche warriors.

Texas Ranger Levi Baylor, a dedicated and honorable gentleman, is Sassy's childhood friend. He's declared himself an agnostic.

The journey that Sassy and Levi embark upon is filled with danger and harsh circumstances. The road to forgiveness and restoration is often a long and difficult one. I so enjoyed this epic adventure.

Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, historical novels.

I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Marty Moore.
762 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2021
Exciting, realistic and just a wonderful story.

She was stolen by the Indians when she was 15. He was a Texas Ranger who was a wonder at his job. They were from the same hometown and his sister was her best friend. What were the odds that five years after being stolen, he would be the one to find her?
You know how you get to that part in the book where you just can't stop reading? That's the way it was from page one!
351 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2022
Hearts Stolen

I absolutely love this book! It is so good. The main characters have a great back history and I fell in love with little Charley. He's so cute and so smart. The storyline was so interesting that I just couldn't put the book down and it really goes in depth as to what's happening. I also loved their faith in God. A book that I recommend to anyone, especially if you like historical western romance.
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