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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )