MY REVIEW:
To my surprise I learned that “Vow Unbroken” was Caryl McAdoo’s first novel after I finished reading it. I found it to be very well-written with a plot and characters that held my attention until the very end. I am a lover of historical fiction, especially novels that take place west of the Mississippi so “Vow Unbroken” was of special interest to me.
I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the characters as well as being privy to some of Susannah and Henry’s inner thoughts. Little Becky was so precocious that she practically stole the show. I also enjoyed witnessing Levi’s maturation during the course of their grueling journey. One thing that really stuck out to me was Susannah’s acknowledgement that although Henry had apparently not accepted Christ, his actions were more Christ-like than her own. I thought that Susannah’s portrayal as a Christian who was aware of her shortcomings made her an even more genuine and likeable character.
“Vow Unbroken” was chock full of enough action, danger, romance, and humor to satisfy most readers. The historical background, including speech patterns appear to have been well researched and seemed to be authentic. The spiritual thread was strong and realistic but unobtrusive. I look forward to more books by this author, hopefully in the near future.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A spunky young widow hires a farmhand with a bad reputation to help her get her cotton to Jefferson to meet the wagon train, and sparks fly—but can she love a man who doesn’t love the Lord?
Susannah Abbot Baylor reluctantly hires Henry Buckmeyer to help her along the Jefferson Trace, the hard stretch of land between her Texas farm and the cotton market, where she is determined to get a fair price for her crop. It’s been a rough year, and she’s in danger of losing the land her husband left to her and the children, but she’ll need help getting both of her wagons to Jefferson safely. She knows Henry’s reputation as a layabout and is prepared for his insolence, but she is not expecting his irresistible good looks or his gentle manner. Soon they are entwined in a romantic relationship that only gets more complicated when Susannah learns that Henry doesn’t know God the way she does. Dangers arise on the road—but none as difficult as the trial her heart is going through.
Will Susannah and Henry’s love overcome their differences? And will she get her crop safely to the cotton market with enough money to save the farm? In this heartening and adventurous tale, a young woman’s fortitude, faith, and heart are put to the ultimate test
Read an excerpt from Vow Unbroken HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caryl McAdoo lives in Red River County, Texas, where she brags the nearest soda pop or gasoline is almost ten miles from home. In the country setting of the Texas piney woods, she enjoys four wheeling over the 916-acre McAdoo Ranch, horseback riding, and caring for donkeys, dairy goats, chickens, and a plethora of dogs and cats. Caryl credits her relationship with the Lord for every good blessing in her life, including ten children (counting “in-loves”) and fourteen grandsugars. Her heart’s desire is to bring Him glory.
Read a conversation with Caryl about Vow Unbroken HERE.
