Texas Trails

Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga #6

by Caryl McAdoo

The steps of a righteous man are guided by the Lord.
Rife with adventure, this rights-of-passage story comes to life as Enoch Lowell and his best friend Gus strike out to Kansas with their herd of beeves, hoping to make a profit and cut the apron strings. What they find on the prairie changes their lives forever. Promises made, promises kept, but nowhere is it written there can’t be a happy ending for all. A true Texas tale to warm your heart!

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2021

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

[Joy]

I always enjoy read a new book from Caryl McAdoo and this is a sweet interesting one to read. Enoch and Gus go on a cattle drive, thinking this was it. This is their time to shine and strike out on their own. But they were surprised at what they really found. And it changed their lives.

I really enjoyed Gus and Enoch and their journey on their cattle drive. There’s a lot to do on those drives, a lot to learn. I’ve read several book involving these drives and I never get tired of them because they are all unique in their own way. With these two guys, they meet up with Calli, Vi and the sweet and adorablelittle Bella. The ladies had been attack and Gus and Enoch want to help them. But spending so much time together they started feeling the attraction. And can they fall in love and still do the things their parents expect of them? They sure have a lot of decisions to make. I love these characters and enjoyed this journey so much. And I really appreciate how McAdoo weaves the Christian life into the lives of her characters, making them seem so realistic. This book is set in the mid 1800’s, so if you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this one. Texas Trails gets Five Stars from me!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Deana Dick]

It is always a blessing to read one of the author’s books. This one is especially good and I adored the main characters. I was transported back to the late 1860s were we meet Enoch and Gus. After a little maneuvering they find themselves on a cattle drive. It was fun to ride along with them as they traveled across the country to sell and trade cattle and horses. They proved themselves as capable and trustworthy men on the trails.

God always has a plan for our lives and in this story we see how two young men face their future. Out on the trails they discover two young women and a child. Their story is heartbreaking and I loved how the men took them in. What a wonderful journey they had as they got to know Calli, Vi and sweet little Bella. The author weaves faith throughout the story as she shares how one of the young women was angry with God. I know I have asked God why someone had to die and felt angry that He allowed it. As we find out in the story there is always a reason why something happens. We don’t understand it at the time because we are hurt, but God is right there to comfort us.

I loved the sweet romance in the story and how it was Godly. Enoch and Gus are honorable and treat the women with respect. I especially liked the part when a mother is struggling with accepting her son growing up and wanting to be on his own. I remember when my oldest son got married, I was a little upset. I felt like I was being left behind and our relationship wouldn’t be important to him anymore. What I learned was that I needed to trust God, let my son go and allow him to find happiness.

The story allowed me to go on a trail ride spend time with loving families p, experience their ups and downs and as always grow closer to God . I love reading books that fill me with hope while showing me how to forgive and love unconditionally.

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

[Nyla Kay]

Texas Trails by gifted author Caryl McAdoo is a Christian historical western romance. McAdoo proves again why she is an award winning author with this sixth offering in the Cross Timbers Family Saga Series. It is a beautiful story that will take you to Texas and Kansas at the end of the 1860’s.

This is the story of best friends Enoch and Gus as they take a herd of cattle from Texas to Kansas. They encountered resistance from their parents but made promises for when they returned. While on the trail, they run across two young women with a baby. These ladies have survived an attack, so the boys decide to take them along on the drive to protect them. As they get to know each other, they begin to fall in love. Their love grows and they decide to get married. When they return to Texas to marry, Enoch's parents want him to honor his promise to go to back to school. What will he do?

McAdoo has included a beautiful message of faith into her story. She has woven a sweet romance within this historically accurate tale. I learn so much from her books. The author is extremely knowledgeable about Texas history. Her characters are relatable and realistic. The storyline is fun and includes timeless life lessons as well as spiritual elements. Her style is easy to read and understand. Pick up this page turner and step back in time to 1800’s Texas.

I highly recommend this lovely book. It is easy to become invested in and a very fun read. Even if you haven’t read the other books feel free to get this one. You will be provided with back story and able to easily follow along. I gladly rated this book a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

[Randi Sampson]

Texas Trails is the sixth book in Caryl McAdoo's Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga. Personally, this was the first book in the series that I had read. While I think it worked fine as a standalone, I'm certain I would have appreciated the story all that much more had I read the previous books in the series first a both heroes and their families were previously introduced in some of those books.

In this story, we follow Enoch Lowell and his best friend Gus as they head out to Kansas on a cattle drive. With overprotective parents, they want to prove that they are grown enough to make it on their own. What follows is a great coming of age adventure that was quite enjoyable to read. First and foremost, I love seeing these universal stories that in many ways are so relatable, not matter when and where the actual story takes place... and that transition from childhood to independent adulthood? What could be more universal than that? Beyond that, this is truly a great cowboy story... I'm not sure there is anything more cowboy than an early cattle drive. While I've read other western that mention cattle drives and perhaps even take us on a brief part of that journey, I've personally never read one in which that was really as primary as it is in this one.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that fans of western romances are sure to enjoy. I look forward to reading more books in this series and from the author in the future.

**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Kendra Neal]

Caryl McAdoo is such a wonderful author, I am always excited to
read one of her books. Texas Trails is Book 6 in the Cross Timbers
Romance Family Saga. I have not read all the books in the series,
but I have read 2 other books from this series.

Texas Trails takes up back to 1869 in Texas. Enoch Lowell and his
best friend Gus are ready to embark into the world and make a
living for themselves as Cattle Herders. Their parents are not ready
to "let them fly", saying they are too young. Enoch and Gus are
determined young men though. Their journey is one that has ups and
downs. Along their journey, they meet Calli, Vi and sweet little Bella.
The women and the little girl had been attacked and Enoch and Gus
know they need to help them. The more time Enoch, Gus and the ladies
spend time together, they begin to fall in love. Enoch has promised his
parents he would eventually go to school, but he wants to marry. Will
Enoch keep his promise to his parents or will he marry? Will his parents
be able to accept Enoch's decision for his life?

Caryl McAdoo really has a GREAT book here. I really appreciate the
Faith driven Historical Fiction theme here. I really see a lot of the
"leaving and cleaving" as the Bible tells us to do in our life. Enoch
wants to be an adult, yet his parents are not wanting to let "Him Fly
the Nest". Enoch is a man of respect as noted when he and Gus help
care for Calli, Vi and little Bella. I was so engrossed in the book, that I
finished it in one sitting. FANTASTIC BOOK! Highly recommended!

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama]

Texas Trails is the sixth book in the Cross Timber Family Saga and although as you already know I am a stickler for reading a series in order I actually followed this one pretty well. Perhaps because I had encountered one of the characters in another of Ms. McAdoo's books. However that being said I did add the previous one to my Kindle Unlimited list as I found them all there! I'll have plenty to keep me busy this summer!

I loved getting to know the characters of Enoch and Gus as they go on their cattle drive adventure. They definitely go through a journey of their own as they deal with different struggles and become men in the process. Goodness I love Charity because I am like her. I tend to be a mother hen and seeing my boys grow up and become more and more independent is a hard thing for a mama to deal with. Its a very bitter sweet situation so I know how she felt.

I really enjoyed this story and absolutely love how Ms. McAdoo interweaves the element of faith throughout her writing and in a very moving way.

If you are looking for a new series to start I definitely recommend this one! So make sure you grab your copies and settle in to enjoy this family.

I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Connie Hill]

Texas Trails By: Caryl McAdoo is a Christian Historical Romance. This book is also book 6 of the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series. I have not read the whole series - but the author does a good job recapping characters. One of the things that I love about this author is how she brings back characters from earlier books.

In this story, we follow Enoch Lowell (Introduced in Quincy and Priscilla) and his best friend Gus as they head out to Kansas on a cattle drive. Both have overprotective parents and feel the need to prove themselves. Enoch is supposed to go to school - but his father allows him to go on the drive with the promise of returning to school when they return. While they are on the drive, the encounter two ladies and a baby. They have survived an attack so they decide to take them along with the drive. Along the way they fall in love and want to get married. However, when they return to Texas to do so - Enoch's parents want him to honor his promise.

As always, the author has woven a wonderful faith element into the story. She has woven a lovely romance within this historically accurate. I love how knowledgeable the author is about Texas and its history. As always, well written characters, fun storyline and an enjoyable read.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program - all thoughts are my own.

[Erin]

What a fun read. I love this author and have read most of her books. This one is no different than the rest in that it gives you a great character and then takes them on a small adventure. There might be a hint of danger or suspense but more than likely there is also romance.

Here we see some parents who can’t quite let go. Behind the scenes, they’re still trying to help out and keep their child safe, but they’re also allowing him to fly on his own per se. A cattle drive is definitely not Harvard after all!

This is the sixth book in a series. While I fully say read this series in order you can still enjoy this book even if you don’t. It’s a sweet little romance book where two guys go on a cattle drive and run across two women with a baby who have survived an attack.

When the boys pick up the boys and determine to take them along, love starts to bloom. But can they keep their commitments and have the love and marriage they want? Will they end up disappointing people? You’re going to have to read it to figure it all out.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through 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]

Texas Trails by Caryl McAdoo is book book six in the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga. Wile being part of a series, this book is also a great stand alone story. Enoch and his friend Gus are on a cattle dive when they come across two young ladies and a baby that survived an attack on their family. The men take the girls along on the cattle drive to keep them safe and their hearts quickly turn to marriage. But when they get home, Enoch’s mother holds him to his promise to attend school in the fall.

I really enjoyed reading this story. I enjoyed reading of what life was in the 1800’s with the cattle drives. But the part I enjoyed the most was how the Lowell family kept their faith and devotion to the family while building a very prosperous business. I enjoyed how the parents compromised to work towards the best for their children as well as how they made sure the children worked when they could afford to have people do the work for them. I especially enjoyed reading of the dress shop Enoch’s girlfriend created with his mother. This is a good clean romance story that carries a Christian theme throughout the story.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this story. This is my honest review.

[Amy]

Mothers and sons, sons and mothers, a beautiful but at times a bittersweet relationship. Especially as the sons grown to be young men. That transition can prove rife with aggravation, worry, and sometimes bad feelings. Author McAdoo touches on this topic with two mothers and their sons, and the women their sons love. What a conundrum.

This story touched my heart and the author really wrote her heart out in this one. She gives us the perfect balance in showing the mothers and the sons point of views. The mothers having a hard time letting go and the sons wanting to move on, yet still honor their parents. And of course the young ladies who want to begin their lives, but must remember they may have sons one day who will grow up as well.

This topic is near and dear to me right now and it was a story that while I read it for review, helped me in my personal walk. To know that this is normal and that I am not alone. I enjoyed this continuing family story and the adventures of the cattle run these young people had. A great western.

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.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Donna C]

What I think you should know:
Texas Trails by Caryl McAdoo is the sixth book in the Cross Timbers Romance Saga. It is a historical fiction that starts in 1869 Texas. It can be read as a standalone, however I highly recommend that you read the prior books in the series so that you can enjoy all aspects of the story.

What I think about this book:
I love reading McAdoo’s saga, it feels like dropping in on old friends and this book was a wonderful addition. I loved seeing Enoch and Gus mature and develop as the book progressed. It is hard to think of a 17 year old being old enough to strike out on their own so I understood Charity wanting to protect her son, but didn’t necessarily agree with all of the decisions that Morgan and Charity made. McAdoo once again led us on a wonderful adventure. Calli, Vi and Bella quickly won my heart and I appreciate how McAdoo used Calli's story to explain how God uses Tragedy for His Good. This book once again left me gratified , but equally excited for the next installment!

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

[Ashley Dawn]

This is a really good coming of age book. I love these kind of books and the setting for this one was great. This is book 6 in the series, but I haven't read them all and followed along just fine to enjoy the story. Enoch and Gus have parents that are overly overprotective. The two set off on an adventure to prove that they can handle themselves and to get some much needed space.

I really enjoyed the cattle drive aspect of the story and it really made me feel that I was there. Things happen when they are on their own that changes their perspectives and introduces some new characters (that I really enjoyed meeting). The problem is, their parents didn't go along on the cattle drive and still expect certain things when they return. I think this was a really well written book that I will be keeping.

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.

Click here to get your copy!

[Patti Pierce]

Every time I read a book by Caryl McAdoo, I know interesting characters, and plotlines abound. This book lives up to those expectations. Enoch and his friend Gus set out on cattle run as young men but prove their maturity through the journey. But Enoch’s father provides unseen guidance in their journey.

In the meantime, Callie, her daughter, and Callie’s sister Viola experience untold heartbreak on the prairie. I love how Caryl McAdoo weaves the idea of coming to truly know God into this story. The bonds of family and friendship create a dynamic and rich collection of stories that bring together the separate books into one fantastic collection. I recommend reading these books to appreciate them.

The initiative, drive, and determination these four individuals show captured my imagination. So if you enjoy historical fiction with a Christian focus, check out this book and the rest of the series for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy]

Texas Trails is the sixth installment from Caryl McAdoo’s Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga. I have had the pleasure of reading the previous books and this one does not disappoint. Even though this is part of a saga, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. This one is probably my favorite of the saga to date. It was so so good. I loved getting to know Enoch and Gus. It was great going on this adventure with them. The story beautifully gives the element of faith that I found to be moving.

Texas Trails will be getting a very well deserved five stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and inspiring historical fiction. As always, I look forward to reading more by Caryl McAdoo.

I received a copy of Texas Trails from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Sunnie]

This was book 6 of a series, and although I haven't read the earlier books, it was totally good as a stand-alone book. The story is about a young man wanting to make his own way in the World and going against the plan of a strong-willed mother. As he organizes a cattle drive, it becomes a little more than expected as they continue their journey.
It's a story of overcoming a painful experience and finding love and happiness. This is a very good, clean and sweet western romance that will leave you smiling and wanting to read more books just like this one.

I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.

[Jan Tomalis]

Enoch and his friend Gus are preparing for cattle drive to Kansas, hoping to turn a profit and to show that they are men. Enoch was supposed to be going to college in Boston, but his father gave him permission to do the cattle drive. He promised his mother he would go to college when he returned. Along the way they meet Callie, Vi and Bella who join their drive. On their return to Texas they want to marry but his strong willed mother insists that he keep his promise. This is a wonderful page turning story that is sweet and clean. I loved it and the interesting characters I got to know!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Susan]

Mrs. McAdoo showed, again, what a great storyteller she is. I loved following Enoch and Gus on their cattle drive adventure and afterward. They deal with the struggles of becoming men and still being seen as boys in the eyes of their parents. I also loved the characters of Calli, Vi, and little Bella. I could understand Calli’s struggles of blaming God for the bad things that happened. I really liked the way things were resolved at the end. It showed that keeping your word works out better in the long run. I would recommend this book.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to write a positive review.

[Holly Bleggi]

I thought this was a cute coming of age story. I liked how the young men decided to go off on there own to prove to themselves and their parents that they were men and could do things for themselves. I also liked how close the family and community were to each other and that everyone was looking out for each other. The only thing that was a little hard for me was trying to keep track of whose point of view I was reading at a time since it jumped around to multiple people. But overall a fun western story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Debbie]

"Texas Trails" by Caryl McAdoo is another great book by this wonderful author. Her characters are "real life". This is the sixth book in this series and I have read every one and have enjoyed them one.

This is a story of love at first sight. I think a reader would enjoy each novel as a standalone but each book does mention characters from previous books.

If you like learning a little about cattle drives then I recommend "Texas Trails" by Caryl McAdoo.

I was given a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Shonda]

I absolutely loved the characters! A excellent story that had my emotions going crazy. This is a fun story with a cattle drive but yet the luxury of money to buy your dreams. A sweet clean romance that had me wrapped in dreamy state of mind. So much to love about this story!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Erralee Hendrian]

This series is so great since you get to keep reading about characters from all the other stories in the series and meet new one too. Enoch and Gus get to go on their cattle drive never expecting anything but money in the end as well as adventure. They get that and more. This is a very fun read that really should be read with the other books in the series to get the most from this story.

[Debbie Moody]

Definitely a Page Turner

True love conquers all even scheming parents. If you like books with multiple characters voices, no one does that better than Caryl McAdoo. Characters that face real life situations with bigger than life personalities are what you find between the pages of this book and every book in this series.

[Javaladybuggmail.com]

Such a sweet down to earth story

From the beginning of the story you can fall in love with the characters. Especially the two sisters. There's a set of overprotective parents in this book. That you kind of want to dislike but in the end you really can't bring yourself to dislike them. It takes talent to make unlikable people likeable and Caryl McAdoo has that talent

[Joan]

It began with a cattle drive

These characters are well written and interesting. I became emotionally invested in them. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Enoch and Viola. And I sure think ‘Dus was great! I liked getting to know these families.

[kathi Driskell]

another interesting Christian book

I very much like the way Gods plan of salvation was presented in this book. Seems as the characters age so they grow in inspiration and influence of the Word.
Good Story

[Ann]

What a wonderful book! This is a sweet inspirational romance that will keep you turning the pages. I loved everything about this book.

[Linda Powell]

Great book.

This was a great book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Read it as soon as you can.

[Karen Hadley]

Awesome

A great book! I could hardly stop reading it! It is definitely a page turner!
You will not only read this book but the whole series!

[Julene Lapinski]

Cute book

This was not my favorite book in the series but is still worth reading. It has a cute story line.

[Barb Beechy]

I have read all of the books in this series and I have loved following the family's as they went across country. What a life to live and try to raise a family.. building a new home and not sure if it's a safe place.. but love wins in the end.. read all of this series, you will love them.