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I know the plans I have for you, plans for good, not evil.

Cruel is the illusion of love. Robbed of her true love by his mean-spirited mother, Charity is given no choice but to leave Texas and follow her Prince Charming to the Golden State. Instantly attracted to her, Morgan agrees to help the young beauty on her journey, but where all other ladies paled after first blush, his initial fascination only deepens with every turn of the wagon’s wheels. Though obvious to all those around the two—how perfect Morgan and Charity were for each other—will the hard-headed, strong-willed daughter of Liberty O’Neal Harrell ever realize it?

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2020

341 people are currently reading
126 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
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52 (23%)
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14 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
630 reviews31 followers
January 13, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down. I think this may be one of my favorite books by this author. I loved Charity’s story. She was convinced she knew God’s plan for her life and set off to make it happen. I really liked the interaction between Charity and Morgan throughout the book. I loved the way that it becomes apparent that even though Charity thought she knew God’s plan for her life, God had other plans. I also liked the strong theme of forgiveness and reconciliation.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,381 reviews35 followers
February 12, 2020
Our plans are not always God’s plans! Charity is traveling by wagon train from Texas to San Francisco to marry the man of her dreams - she thinks. Autumn, her baby sister, has a dream about Charity’s future husband and it certainly doesn’t match what Charity sees as her future. Who will turn out to be right?

A lovely detailed story of what traveling by wagon train must have been like. While the scenery and interaction with fellow travelers might make it an interesting experience, the dust, sleeping on the ground and cooking over a fire makes me very grateful for our current modes of travel. Hiring Morgan Lowell as a trail helper made the trip somewhat easier for Charity and her friend Arletta. A fascinating man, Morgan has spent a number of years traveling around the country but always nursing a grudge against those left at home.

Life throws a curve ball at Charity and Morgan isn’t interested in forgiving the past. Will their faith bring them through disappointment and hate? Dreams do come true, perhaps not the way you expect but God always has the best plan for each of us.

I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were not solicited.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,649 reviews15 followers
February 22, 2020
Leaving Texas

Charity Is leaving Texas going on stagecoach. I loved the adventures along the trails. Also loved the young love of Charity and the one she loves. Also there is Morgan who is writing a book. Will he be able to get the book published? I also loved the inspirational part of the book and the closeness of the family. This was fun book to read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,648 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2020
I loved this book! It is well written and holds your attention. The author makes the story come to life with her words. I could see the scenery and feel all of the emotions. If you like historical fiction romance, you will love this book.I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
1,164 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2020
LOVE this book about Charity and Morgan!! I'd like to meet Morgan myself! I love that he fell for her first, and went along with her ideas just so he could spend time with her. When Charity finally came to her senses, Morgan was there waiting. Love the Caryl had faith throughout, and that Charity helped Morgan with his, then realized she needed to do exactly what she was telling him to do!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,085 reviews136 followers
February 15, 2020
The author delivers another wonderful story that takes readers to a time when wagon trains were the most common way of traveling. I loved reading about the land from Texas to California. It is hard to imagine riding for months in a wagon. I didn’t realize that most wagons were pulled by oxen. In western movies I always remember the wagon trains with horses. The author has a vast knowledge about this time period which enhances the story.
Charity is a smart young woman who is ready to travel to California to find her fiancé. After not hearing from him in several years, she still believes he is waiting for her to join him. Oh Charity I do wish you weren’t so naive. She is such a fun character to get to know. Her faith is strong and with God’s help she will set across country to find her fiancé. I wonder what will happen if she does find him? After not hearing from him, I would think she would figure out that his feelings have changed for her. One of the best qualities Charity has is her pure heart.
Morgan at first seemed a little distant as he decided to help Charity travel across country. The author paints a picture of him as a strong man who has a past that keeps him guarded and secrets about his life. His story was very interesting and as he gets to know Charity he comes to trust her. Their conversations about God are realistic and sincere. Along the trails they run into Native Americans . I especially liked this part of the story because I am part Comanche. The author describes them perfectly as fearless and ruthless.
The story made me feel like I was watching a western on the big screen. A wagon train that sees tragedy, hardship and pulls together to help each other out. The time spent around the campfire was intriguing as I learned about the meals that were cooked and how they were prepared. It was tough on the trails and by evening it was time to eat and go right to sleep. The relationship between Charity and Morgan is a slow, gradual meaningful beginning of a true friendship. I was cheering them on hoping they would realize that they were meant to be together. It’s funny how Charity was so sure of her future as she first started out on her journey. God has a plan for us and that lesson was eloquently displayed in this story. Once again I am honored to read a book by this gifted and humble author. Thank you for writing stories rich in faith, unconditional love and forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Stephanie Norton.
174 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2020
If you are looking for a heartwarming and blast from the past story than “Leaving Texas” is your book. We are taken into Charity’s journal traveling from Texas to San Francisco in hopes of marrying the man of her dreams. Her sister Autumn doesn’t like her dream man. Caryl McAdoo created a detailed story of what traveling by wagon train was like. She did her research because I see the scenery and feel the struggles of the characters. Morgan Lowell, helped make the trip easier for Charity and her friend Arletta. We learn Morgan has spent many years traveling around country. He was leery wanting to help Charity travel from Texas to California. They spent time getting to each other and both of them started trusting each other. They run into some Native Americans on their way.
Charity truly believes her fiancé is waiting for her even though it has been several years not hearing from him. She is a smart young woman but also naïve. She is in denial or has his feelings changed? Or does he truly love her and something happened? I guess you are going to have to read the book to find out. Or will she realize Morgan is the guy for her?
I truly could see this as a Hallmark series. I highly recommend this book. It has just the right about of love, faith, the past, history and life story. The main message I received from reading this book is things don’t always go as plan but God does have a plan for us and he is always with us bringing amazing people in your life.

Check out my blog for more book reviews and giveaways called Stephanie's Life of Determination

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Donna C.
492 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2020
What I think you should know:
Leaving Texas is the fourth book in the Cross Timbers Romances Family Saga by Caryl McAdoo. It is a historical fiction novel set in the west during 1841. While this book can be read without reading the prior books the story does reveal things that have happened in the prior books and I HIGHLY recommend reading Texas Tears as Charity’s story relies heavily on what happened in it. Over four years have passed and Charity has grown tired of her life being on hold while she waits on Hart to come back for her, so she sets West to begin her life with him.

What I loved about this book:
I have been excitedly awaiting Charity’s story since reading Texas Tears. McAdoo has a wonderful gift for bringing her stories to life and this in no exceptions. Charity has waited over four years to be reunited with Hart and she isn’t going to let a grueling journey get in her way. I love the strength and passion that she exhibits when she is determined. I enjoyed reading about her journey and felt like I was in the story with her, I could imagine all of the people she met and the experiences of a lifetime. I enjoyed getting to know Morgan and the other members of the wagon party. I hesitate to say more as I don’t want to give any spoilers, however I LOVED this book and it was worth the wait. It left me cheering and looking forward to the next part of the story.

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
February 20, 2020
My Thoughts on Leaving Texas:
Amazing read! I love this series and am so glad I got to review this book as well. So fun! You’ll find yourself feeling like you’re a part of the story and so sad when it ends.

All of her books draw you in and hold you captive. You become one with the story and just can’t set it down. Must read one more chapter until all the chapters are gone!

In this book, we have Charity who believes that the only man she loved or will ever love has gone off without her due to his mother. While this would stop the normal woman this will not stop her! Because this is the only man she can possibly ever love off she goes after him! Now you’re probably shaking your head, I was! But she really does travel off to find him.

But with her travels a young man to keep her safe. A young man who just happens to find her attractive. When the sparks fly between the two can Charity give up on her one true love for the love right under her nose?

Highly recommend this book! Have a great read, but even better if you read the whole series!

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.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,562 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2020
What can I say about "Leaving Texas" by Caryl McAdoo except this is another book that doesn't disappoint. It is filled with all the surprises and faith elements that are in all her other books. This is the fourth book in this series and I have followed this family through both series and still want to read more about this family. It started 13 books ago with "Vow Unbroken" in the "Texas Romance" series and even though it has broken into a new series "Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga" it is still about the same family. And I am happy to say that each book is fresh and not like some series where there are some many books that the info is repeated so often you want to put the book down because you feel like you have already read the book.

This book is a book about forgiveness and reconciliation and discovering that want we want and believe is true isn't always the truth or the best for us.
Profile Image for Marty Moore.
762 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2020
Leaving Texas

I found the account of the wagon train that went from Texas to California, fascinating. It was so accurate. Leaving everything you knew since birth has to be hard, but to leave, a single female, well, that was almost unheard of.
Following her heart Charity wanted to go to her beloved who moved to San Francisco. Her friend Arlene offered to hired a man to join them on the trip. Once Charity settles on a deal, she finds that he was a great asset.
Mr. Lowell turned out to be a blessing on the long hard trip across the country.
Once they make it to California, there is a twist. I'm not going to give away the story. I'll let it unravel for the reader.
I'm already wishing the second book in the series was ready to read!
Great characters and storyline!
1,027 reviews11 followers
January 21, 2020
This is a sweet heart warming story that reveals that sometimes what we think we want not always turns out to be what we thought it would. Charity is sure that her boyfriend is waiting for her in California and leaves Texas on a wagon train only to be disappointed and disillusioned when she arrives in California. Morgan has hired on to help Charity's group during their travels, and it becomes obvious to everyone but Charity and Morgan that they are perfect for each other but will they ever discover it for themselves? This is really an excellent story with great characters. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
4,589 reviews31 followers
January 19, 2020
I have followed this series from the beginning. Being a native Texan it has been a fun read and this book continues that saga. Having already meet all the characters except Morgan, I knew Charity was not going to find what she was expecting in California. Caryl McAdoo characters are well developed and story line keeps you engaged. I found myself pulling for Morgan as soon as he came on the scene. This book would be interesting as a stand alone but it is much better if you have read the series and understand the other members of the family. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Chastity Ray.
168 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2020
I really enjoyed Leaving Texas! It will hook you from the first page and you won't be able to put it down until you finish it. Ms. McAdoo has a way of writing that resonates with her readers in a special way, almost like she wrote the book especially for you. I have enjoyed every book I've read that she has written, if you've never had the opportunity to read one of her books I hope you give Leaving Texas a try. You won't regret it!



*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own,
46 reviews
December 17, 2021
Christian values

I liked that the book supported Christian values. The two main characters both struggled with forgiveness towards others that had hurt them. They both realized how much God had forgiven them. They also knew from scripture that God wants us to love others, including our enemies. They both realized that God's plan is always better than our plans. Those truths still apply to us today. The author did a good job of reminding the reader of what's important. I would recommend this book.
51 reviews
January 14, 2020
This is a book of surprises--both good and bad.
Charity O'Neal didn't know when to give up on a boyfriend who moved away from TX to CA. So she traveled with a wagon train to CA to see him. She was lucky a good man hired on to help her with the wagon train duties. The story is a good lesson that people are not always what they seem. After forgiveness and truth being revealed several people's lives had amazing changes.
1,170 reviews16 followers
February 21, 2020
I enjoyed riding along from Texas to California in the covered wagon. Wonderful visits around the campfire and loved how they all became family. Adventure, faith and strength made the journey bearable. Suspense in the wondering of how the romance would play out. Enjoyed the continuing family saga!
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Darla Damron.
386 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2021
This was a good story and easy to read. I enjoyed the story of Charity more when she was frugal and had to make do. I always say I want to hear the happy every after part of the story and this book showed that. Although it wasn't as exciting as watching her find her way in the first part. Still enjoyable but not as adventurous.
1,288 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2021
Fun reading this time period. Makes me so thankful to be born now. Couldn't have been a lot of fun to be on the wagon trail in the hot heat eating dust as you walk along and always on the lookout for Indians. Morgan and Charity's romance was a storybook full of big dreams where you end up rich and in love. Fun Christian book if you're interested in this time period and romance.
304 reviews
August 4, 2020
Love covers a multitude of sins

This is a great story of adventure, love and forgiveness. The characters are not perfect but they trust. A story of two people brought together by God and falling in love. Great read. Big D
85 reviews
November 3, 2020
Great read!

I love the cast of characters and I’m looking forward to reading some of the other books in the series! Although I started with this one, the author gave enough history that I wasn’t ever confused. It is a standalone and definitely worth reading!
392 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2022
Christian historical novel

This book was so connect table the characters were easy to follow.
This book was clean and no sexual content. They honored the Lord mostly except the alcohol I take. I recommend the Author
271 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2022
Beautiful book

It is a really good read and I loved the characters. They were well chosen and very strong people and lovable. Lots of action and interesting pieces and some precious talk about God and our need for Him. A very enjoyable and entertaining book.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
January 18, 2020
What a Journey

A journey that began with a four-year romance and a child's dream intertwine to create a sweet, faith building story. Loved the characters and plot on this one.
5 reviews
July 7, 2020
Stayed up all night.

Loved the plot, characters, & Christian influence on their lives. The story is sweeping, covering 3 coasts. From a wagon train, Texas to California to NY.
519 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2020
Leaving Texas

Leaving Texas is a great story full of love and romance as well as a lot of history of the old wagon trains. The characters are unforgettable. Loved it!
Profile Image for LUAYNE.
1,953 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2020
Great read. Was longer than necessary but still a good read.
11 reviews
August 10, 2020
Loved this story

Just a beautiful love story with a bit of mystery. I loved it and plan to read many more of Caryl McAdoo books.
Profile Image for Karen Hadley.
540 reviews18 followers
July 23, 2021
An absolute delight!

What an awesome read! I loved the characters of Morgan and Charity. Their adventures made me feel like I was right along with them. Must Read!
98 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2021
Love this entire series. Authors really have the gift of story telling
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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