Texas Tears

Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga #3

by Caryl McAdoo

Behold how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity.

In Book 10 of the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection Two, just as Mexico and the United States both wanted the Republic of Texas, best friends Charity and Arlene want the same man! Which will the Texicans choose? Who will the man?

Will Eberhart de Vechhi, the object of the young ladies’ desires, follow his heart or his mother’s advice? And what of the interloper from New Orleans who knows exactly whom he loves? Can a Christian find happiness with a non-believer?

Only the Lord knows the future, but He does give the desires of the heart to those who delight in Him. TEXAS TEARS is also Book Three in McAdoo's Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series

All TITLESTHANKSGIVING BOOKS & BLESSINGS COLLECTION2018 Collection OneBook 1: GONE TO TEXAS By Caryl McAdooBook 2: GATEWAY TO THE WEST By Susette WilliamsBook 3: TRAIL TO CLEAR CREEK By Kit MorganBook 4: HEART AND HOME By P. CreedenBook 5: NO TURNING BACK By Lynette SowellBook 6: DAUGHTER OF DEFIANCE By Heather BlantonBook 7: UNMISTAKABLY YOURS By Kristin HoltBook 8: ESTHER’S TEMPTATION By Lena Nelson Dooley2019 Collection TwoBook 9 : THANKFUL FOR THE COWBOY By Mary ConnealyBook 10 : TEXAS TEARS By Caryl McAdooBook 11 : SPRING OF THANKSGIVING By Liz TolsmaBook 12 : THESE GREAT GIFTS By Allison Pittman2020 Collection ThreeBook 13 : A PINK LADY THANKSGIVING By Donna SchlachterBook 14 MAGNOLIA'S MEASURE By Kimberly GristBook 15 : TEXAS TROUBLES By Caryl McAdoo Book 16 : CAROLINA HOMECOMING By Heather Blanton2021 Collection FourBook 17 : TEXAS TIMBERS By Caryl McAdoo2022 Collection FiveBook 18 : By Karen GammonsBook 19 : By Amy WalshBook 20 : TEXAS WILDFLOWERS By Caryl McAdooBook 21 : By Linda Shenton Matchett

Caryl's CROSS TIMBERS ROMANCE FAMILY SAGA seriesBook 1: GONE TO TEXASBook 2: TEXAS MY TEXASBook 3: TEXAS TEARSBook 4: LEAVING TEXASBook 5: TEXAS TROUBLESBook 6: TEXAS TRAILSBook 7: TEXAS TIMBERSBook 8: TEXAS WILDFLOWERS

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2019

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

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

two couples find love

This story was so good! i've been where Arlene was, dating someone who is not a Christian. That is not a good place to be. I love how she prayed and believed that God would bring him to Himself and to her. SometimesGod doesn't give us what we think we want, but instead, something so much better. Well done!

[kathi Driskell · Rating 4 out of 5]

more complex

This one was hard to get into and stay in the young girls suddenly grown and more on romance than their way of life. Still some in every chapter referencing back to their way of life

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll find everything to love about this story. In Texas Tears we meet Landry and Arlene, their friends, and family. This book has friendships, family, faith and of course love. I really enjoyed Arlene and Landry's story and can't wait to read more in the Cross Timbers family saga books.

[Julene Lapinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Another good book in the series. So far book 2 is my favorite, but they're all worth reading. Excited for the next one.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the great adventure in Texas where we meet characters who are written with compassion, depth and realistically. I had no trouble picturing myself back in the late 1840's. It was a time when Texas was fighting for independence and the towns were waiting to see what the vote would be. I loved the history in this story and how accurate it is. It is easy to recognize landmarks and towns because of the detailed description. You could sense the tension among the townspeople as they anxiously hoped for good news. Oh how exciting it would be to be among the people and experience such an historical event that changed lives and helped Texas become an important part in our country's heritage.

Charity O'Neal and Arlene Van Zandt are two young ladies who make the story intriguing and fun to read. Charity is sassy and quite prideful at times. Arlene is humble and has a dream to be an author. They are very close and always do things together. What a shame they let a man come between them. It was fun to read how these two women were smitten with the same man. I wonder who Hart will pick to be his wife? I am amazed that Hart was willing to let his mother decide who he should marry. Really? Hart please follow your heart and don't let your mother influence you.

I can't forget to mention a very important character. Landry is a man who is compassionate and has set his eyes on a certain young woman. He is hardworking and a joy to be around. He has set his eyes on someone who is struggling with their feelings. He questions if God is real and his doubts could push the woman he loves away. Reading how a character doubts God's existence is powerful and I loved the journey the character took to finding out how much they were loved by God. I love watching someone come to Christ and seeing their big smile as they feel His presence. It gives me chills as I remember the day I gave my life to Christ.

What I really enjoyed about this story was the wonderful biblical stories the author uses to illustrate how Jesus sees people. One of my favorite stories is about the woman who everyone was ready to throw stones at. Jesus told them, "Ye without sin cast the first stone." Oh I rejoice every time because we all have sinned. It is not our place to judge and the author reminds us of that with a beautiful woman from the Bible.

Some of the sayings the authors uses such as, "Seeing you this morning is like iced water on a hot day, with sugar and lemon....and a hint of mint, " is brilliant writing and fits perfectly in this time period. I will not divulge who ends up with who because it would spoil the entire story. I will say once again the author has written a story that is filled with wonderful references to scripture and helps me grow closer in my walk with God. The author illustrates about being unequally yoked, pride, jealousy and unconditional love.

Thank you for a story that spans the history pages as it highlights Texas. The characters are easy to relate to and along the way readers get a glimpse of God's love.. One of the best lines in the book says, " Sitting in a church doesn't mean a person has a relationship with God." That one statement has such power and I like how the author demonstrated how that statement will show the real character in people of this story. Tears are shed throughout the story and hearts are healed. Let the tears fall as you read a story that touches your soul and reaffirms the undeniable love that God has for us.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts on Texas Tears:
First, Caryl McAdoo is a wonderful author. I have enjoyed all of her writings that I have been able to read. Definitely check her out and start a binge session soon.

Second, I have found that all of her books work best when read within their series. This really does give you a better feel for the characters and more back story so you don’t find yourself asking fifty questions without answers.

Third, I broke my own rule in second and didn’t read the books that come before this one when I read this book. Texas Tears is book three in a series and I can say that I now really have to go back and read the first two but they will be a bit anti-climatic because I know things that happen in book three that tell me what will happen in books one and two. But I have to know!

The characters are superb! I love getting to know them and feel that I would love to sit down and have a good chat with them. Charity and Arlene are both sweet and great girls in their own way but I can’t help but root for one over the other when it comes to winning the man.

I love the good solid biblical base and faith that is interwoven into all of Caryl McAdoo’s books. It definitely sets a good basis for a great story.

When I read good books I like to rate them on whether I would let my teenage daughter read them or not. Most of Caryl McAdoo’s works are ones that I wouldn’t hesitate to give to my teenager. This one is one of those that I wouldn’t mind letting a teenager read.

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.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas Tears is the second book in the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Series featuring multiple authors. It is written by award winning, best selling author Caryl McAdoo. In this Christian Historical Western Romance, she again delivers a page turning novel.

In this story we meet Charity and Arlene, best friends. They both are interested in “Hart” Eberhart. Hart has an interfering mother. She tries to sway him in his decision about the girls. They begin the book a bit immature and bratty, but they are still sweet. There is also Landry from Louisiana as well as a cast of parents.

All of the characters are unique, well rounded, and realistic. Author McAdoo has a way of bringing her people to life on the pages. They become friends. I wanted to have a chat with the girls and their parents. Even Hart was someone with whom I wanted to have a conversation.

There are lovely inspirational messages in this novel. That is one of my favorite things about McAdoo’s writing. She writes to bring glory to God and to inspire her readers. Messages of trusting the future to God, forgiveness, redemption, respecting parents, living in unity and peace, and being unequally yoked are just a few packed into this delightful Christian sweet romance.

It did take me a few pages to get invested in this story. If you find that you start reading it and aren’t quite interested, please keep reading. It turns into a fascinating story that you will not want to put down.

I highly recommend this book. It is appropriate for teenagers and adults. Everyone will enjoy it and glean inspiration from the messages it holds. Caryl McAdoo is an exceptionally gifted writer, and this book is another great labor of love. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but this is my honest opinion.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure why, but when I started this story it didn’t really draw me in. I kept reading because I always tell my students to read 10% of a book before giving up on it. By the time I read my 10% I was hooked. Texas Tears is a clean romance with characters who start out a bit like immature brats. Arlene is the girl to love - sweet, kind, and compassionate. Charity is a beauty but also a flirt who has some growing up to do. Hart is a good looking Christian young man but he is swayed by his mother which makes him a bit of a wimp when it comes to his love life. Landry is a charmer, but not a Christian. Who will end up with whom and what will have to happen to make those marriages happen. Caryl McAdoo has taken Biblical principles and inserted them in to this historical fiction romance. Some of the parents in this story exhibit Biblical wisdom which helps guide the decisions of the young adults. McAdoo includes a Gospel message aimed at her characters - redemption is a strong theme in the story. It is not until the end of the book that you discover for sure why this title is part of the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection One but astute readers will probably guess before that.
I would not hesitate to add Texas Tears to my K-12 Christian school library. It would be appropriate for middle school and up.
I want to thank Celebrate Lit for the complimentary e-copy of Texas Tears. This is my honest review.

[Donna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I think you should know:
Texas Tears is the third book in the Cross Timbers Romances Family Saga. It is also the first in Thanksgiving Books and Blessing Collection. While this book can be read without reading the prior books the story does reveal things that have happened in the prior books. The book is set in the Republic of Texas in 1845 as Texas is voting on staying an independent nation or joining the United States.

What I enjoyed about this book:
Seventeen year olds Arlene and Charity has been raised as best friends, almost family, however when a handsome young man rides into town and both are smitten with him all bets are off. Caryl McAdoo, the author does a great job of portraying the emotions of teenage girls. The book and the interactions in the book were very realistic, and while I can’t say many things without giving away parts of the book I found myself rooting for some of the characters’ growth and maturity I also wanted more for one character. McAdoo has once again written a great book in a series that I can’t wait to finish, but leaves me longing for more when it is done.

Who will enjoy this book ( just to name a few):
Fans of Historical Fiction
Fans of Western Fiction
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Romance

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caryl McAdoo has become one of my favorite authors EVER! I have read several of her books and each one has it's own set of surprises and twists and Texas Tears did not disappoint.

I have to say right away, that I had to reread the First Chapter a couple of times before I really got it. I then dove right into the book and it was full speed ahead with reading it. I really enjoyed the characters of this book. Charity and Arlene are 2 friends who are vying to win the heart of the same man, Eberhart, "Hart" for short. Continue reading as the story gets really interesting when Landry enters the picture and now there are 2 girls and 2 guys. Some of the characters are a little immature and may not be ready for relationships. With Wisdom from parents, the characters grow! Who will get who? Will there be friendships or Romance? Grab a copy of this book to find out what happens!

I LOVE how Caryl McAdoo incorporates Biblical faith in her stories. She is a GREAT writer and all her books show just how great she is! I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end! Texas Tears is Book 3 in the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga and Collection 2 in the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings. FANTASTIC BOOK!! A must read!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Texas Tears" by Caryl McAdoo is a wonderful book about characters from her other books. I believed that even if readers haven't read her other books featuring these characters, this book would still be an enjoyable read. It is a story of love at first sight and there is even rivalry between two friends who have been friends forever. This story shows things never stay the sam, but that sometimes it is for the better, if changes come.

The Bible says "We are to honor our parents but does it says it, our mother should get to choose who we married. That is what Hart has to decide. Will he choose Charity or Arlene or neither one.
I enjoyed reading about Arlene's novel in process. But the book ended with me wondering if it gets published. Maybe that question will get answered in a future book.

This book really has the reader wondering who ends up with whom , till the very end.

Once again, Carly McAdoo lets her readers know our God is a God who forgives and He does give the desires of the heart to those who delight in Him.

I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are mine own.

[Karen Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caryl McAdoo is such a sweet lady and talented author. Her smile reflects the love of Christ. I love her motto

"Praying my story gives God the glory"

I love that and I am a fan of her books. In "Texas Tears" it begins will 2 young ladies and 1 young man. Yeah, not a good combination since both young ladies want that one man. Shortly though, in walks another young man and he has his heart set on one of the young ladies. My, my, my, do you feel a storm coming? Who will win the charming Eberhart? Will Landry get the girl who he knows is the only one for him? Within these thars hills, trouble brews until it blows up. But will it be for the good of both young ladies? Or will it ruin a life long friendship? A story that keeps your head turning left to right as if you were at a tennis game watching each of the players go back and forth.

A book worth reading filled with family, friends, pouting, friendship that becomes rocky, faith, paths and love.

Blessings,

Karen

Rating: 5*

I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas Tears is Book One of the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection Two and also Book Three in McAdoo's Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series. Best friends, Charity and Arlene, both want the same man, Eberhart de Vechhi, just as Mexico and the United States both wanted the Republic of Texas. Will the Texans choose statehood? Who will Hart choose? Being the the object of both the young ladies’ desires, will he follow his heart or his mother’s advice? And what of the Laundry from New Orleans? He knows exactly who he loves, but he’s a non-believer. Can a Christian find happiness with a non-believer? I loved the theme of only the Lord knows the future, but He does give the desires of the heart to those who delight in Him. All through the book is the thought of how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity. I loved Arlene’s faith in the Lord knowing the future and her respect of her parents. I was gifted this book, but the review is my opinion only.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Texas Tears visits an interesting point in Texas history where they decide whether they want to become a formal state or not, and I found that backdrop to be really interesting. Charity and Arlene are both unique and endearing in their own way- they just happen to have their sights on the same man who has issues of his own between his own heart and his mother's advice. Throughout the entire story a thread of faith that God knows the future and we can rest in him because He has his best planned for us is really inspiring. The way our characters speak give us that old world charm, but is still understandable. I feel like each character grows a lot through the story. Overall, I recommend this one for the history fiction reader, or those looking for a slow-blossoming romance that has a prominent thread of faith.


I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! The rivalry between Charity and Arlene, who were closer than sisters, over a man was hard on both of them. I really don’t know how to tell what I liked about this story without giving something away. I did like the way all the characters grew and matured over the course of events, and how God was able to work in all their lives. It was a wonderful story and I would recommend this book.
I received a PDF copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas tears

Texas is just getting ready to be voted in to be a state. This is in 1845. There was a lot involved for Texas to become a state. I loved reading all about it.

Most of the book was Charity and Arlene who were best friends competing for a husband. They really had quite a time. At first they were fighting over one man but then another came along. This was such a fun story. I recommend reading this book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! Texas Tears' plot has different turns and twists until I think okay, then it changes again. I was enthralled through the whole book. The characters are unusual, but that's one thing that makes this book fascinating. Author Caryl McAdoo's writing of Texas Tears gave me an enjoyable read and makes me want to read more of her books.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable story with great character development. While there is quite a bit of historical information about the Statehood of Texas, it is presented in a way that is very interesting. I really liked the way God was a part of this story and how he worked in the lives of the characters. I really liked this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to the remaining stories in this series.

[Sara Jane Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlene and Charity are both waiting for their one true love to walk into town someday. Enter Eberhart. There are lots of laughs as these gals compete for his affection and it's interesting to see how both of them handle the drama that unfolds. It isn't long before Eberhart's mother and Arlene's prayer for another suitor begin to shake things up. This is a fun journey as two young women learn about life and love in Texas during 1845.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Triangle

I enjoyed this romance with its love triangle as Arlene found herself being wooed by one man while convinced she was in love with another. Her cousin, also in love, added to the turmoil. Then there was a large group of friends and family which added to the mix, either for or against one romance or the other. Great characters and a folksy writing style added to the joy of reading this story. And, yes, there were tears. A great Christian romance.

[Emily Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caryl McAdoo has a way of bringing a family drama to life in an interesting and entertaining way.

While this story had a bit of a slow start. I loved getting to see the characters grow and mature throughout the story. The love triangle was well done. The realistic effects on the characters as their relationships grew and changed throughout drew me into the sweet little slice of Texas.

I highly recommend this sweet romance and I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed this series from the beginning. Caryl McAdoo has a real feel for realistic characters and plots. Young love is tough and especially when you have to choose between two young men and the possibility of hurting your best friend. I loved this book and look forward to the next one

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful family drama!
 Best friends fall in love with the same man. A lot of tears fall as we follow their dreams and goals. I enjoyed how they developed their story writing and how it affected their relationships. Interesting family drama. . loved it! 
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caryl McAdoo has become one of my favorite authors recently. She writes a story with believable characters, interesting storylines, and wonderful settings. With living in Texas currently, I appreciate these storylines.



I found Charity and Arlene to be interesting characters who carried out a believable plot. So if you enjoy historical fiction check out this book for yourself.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity & Eberhart / Arlene & Landry

This is a well written story and the plot and characters were well thought out too. The story is about a clan of family and friends and the tale of their entertained lives. You will enjoy reading it.

[Kathy Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Timbers Romance Book 3

Can’t wait to continue the story! Caryl McAdoo takes you on great journeys with these books. I promise you won’t be able to put it down!