A Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo
Howard Books (2014)
Loved this story! Fresh strong voice from Caryl McAdoo, who, herself has personality aplenty like her heroine Susannah "Sue" Baylor. The feisty widow, mother of a nine year old girl, and custodial aunt to a teen boy, is one of the most memorable characters I've encountered in some time! Sparks fly as soon as she meets with "supposed" ne'er do well Henry Buckmeyer, who turns out to be a perfect match for her strong-willed character.
I especially loved Blue Dog, who was a true hero. Our own labrador retriever was named Blue Dog because his fur was so black it looked blue. Sue's daughter, Rebecca, is personality plus, too. And Levi, her nephew, is also a well-developed character. Caryl had the dialogue down pat. This entire crew perfectly fits the well plotted and nicely paced story.
Bibliotherapy elements: Widowhood, single parenting, serving as a parent to a child who isn't your own, dealing with teenagers, learning to trust again, hard-headedness (in this case Sue Baylor had no idea what she was getting into and Caryl does a great job of showing how Henry saves her from herself!)
The writing has a sparse feel to it. I don't mind that, in fact I sometimes write similarly. There's a Louis L'Amour and All-American feel to Caryl's writing. It's hard to find stories that are for women yet have this clean feel to them, and are rustic. Beautiful romance, one of the nicest I've seen in a while. I'm expecting this book to make it onto my best of 2014 list.
***Thanks To Howard Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy
of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.***
Giveaway: We're giving away two copies of this stellar book this week!
Thanks for reviewing this book! It sounds like one I'll enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteYes, you would Cynthia! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteHello, Cynthia :) Carrie's review made me cry. Hers was one of the first ones that came in right after VOW debuted in March, and it overwhelmed me with joy that she liked it so much! Blessings to you!
DeleteGreat review, CARRIE! This sounds like a wonderful read!
ReplyDeleteTY Diana!
DeleteI am in total agreement, Diana! And so humbled by all the wonderful things Carrie said about VOW UNBROKEN! Blessings!
DeleteGreat job reviewing Carrie Sounds like a great book
ReplyDeleteGod bless you
Chris G
It is stellar, Chris!
DeleteThanks for commenting, Chris. I hope you enjoy VOW UNBROKEN as much as Carrie did! Blessings to you!
DeleteI've had my eye on this book and plan to read it. Thank you for the good review. I like it when the characters stand out in personality from every other Christian fiction book. Now you have me curious about this writing style! :)
ReplyDeleteSylvia, Yes--a really distinct voice and unique story line!
DeleteHi Sylvia :) At prayer group just yesterday I was talking to a friend about a just finished novella and she said that when I talked about the characters, she felt like they were real and wanted to meet them. I told her they ARE real to me. tee hee hee I hope all VOW UNBROKEN readers not only enjoy the story but draw closer to the Lord for having read it. My guest blog here at OWG about not worrying is something brought out in the book. God has revealed to my heroine Susannah the same thing He has to me, that worrying is a waste ;) Blessings and thanks for your comment!
DeleteCarrie, great review.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds wonderful. I have not read any of Caryl's books.
Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Blessings,Tina
You'll love this book, Tina!
DeleteHello, Tina! VOW UNBROKEN is my first novel from a major house and my first historical Christian romance. It is now my favorite genre so there will be others :) Not only do I love writing a book where I can openly glorify God, but I love all the Christian readers and authors it's introduced me to like Carrie and all the OWG ladies :) Blessings from Texas!
DeleteThis book looks beautiful and sounds like a fun one too read.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win it. oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
This was a wonderful read, Danie! Hope you get to read it!
DeleteHey, Danie :) I couldn't help but gasp when I first saw the cover from VOW UNBROKEN. I think it's beautiful, too! I hope you get to read it, too! Blessings!
DeleteCarrie, this book sounds like a good one. I enjoyed your review.
ReplyDeleteBlessings...
TY, Kay! I think you'd enjoy Caryl's stellar new book!
DeleteHey, Kay! I enjoyed Carrie's review, too! What author wouldn't get chill bumps reading a review like that? I am so blessed that God gave me such a good story to wrte and the gift to put it on paper so that His other children can enjoy it that much! Blessings!
DeleteCaryl, I am praying that your book will wing its way to those God wants to read it. I'm sure He has many readers in mind.
DeleteLove the sound of these characters, CARRIE!! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteCaryl has a really cool voice and her characters leap off the pages Noela! TY!
DeleteHello, Noela :) This author is so grateful that VOW UNBROKEN characters made such an awesome impression on Carrie and other readers, too. When God gives me a new song, I'm often a little hesitant to call it mine, and I'd be the same about the stories I write, except that He told me once, "Caryl, they are a GIFT. I gave them to you because I love you. They ARE yours." Still, His good gifts often overwhelm me. Blessings!
DeleteHello my dear Carrie. Such a great review. Caryl seems to be such a wonderful lady. Another one I would love to meet in person. All of you are such great encouragers., my OWG girls I love you all. Caryl, your book sounds like such a great storyline and I do really want to read it. I am glad that Henry surprised her when he turned out to be such a good person, unlike his reputation seemed to show. A good surprise and shows we don't always know a person until we spend time with them. I am sure hoping to be a winner of one of your books. Thanks to you both for this give-away. Maxie
ReplyDeletemac262(at)me(dot)com
Maxie, I hope you are having a wonderful day! TY for your kind words. Caryl lives in Texas. I wonder if she'll be having any book signings near you? You are very welcome and we always love to see you here! Hugs!!!
DeleteOh, so your a Texan, too, Maxie? I'm way up in the NE corner, about an hour from Texarkana, though I spent 55 years in the DFW Metroplex - Irving to be exact :) Let me know what area you're from and I'd love to get in touch with you if I head your direction. Sure am in agreement regarding these awesome OWG ladies! Hope you enjoy reading VOW UNBROKEN as much as Carrie did! Blessings!
DeleteCARRIE I thought I had posted my comment already,sorry to be late. Thanks for this great review, I always enjoy when you give us your thoughts on a book! You are always very insightful! I can't wait to read Caryl's next book! :-)
ReplyDelete