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Showing posts with label Caryl McAdoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caryl McAdoo. Show all posts

01 May 2016

Caryl McAdoo -- "Fluffy be Gone"


Fluffy be Gone  
By Caryl McAdoo

No Fluffy isn’t my cat or pet bunny. It’s what I’ve been since in my teens with a few brief respites. Praise the Lord that my sweetheart said he prefers fluffy. I weighed one hundred sixty pounds at sixteen when we met and gained twenty by the time we married two years later. All my life—up to a point about thirty years ago—I’ve fought this fluffy stuff.
Back in the 80s, in my thirties, I gave up the fight.  Got with my Father and made some changes, wanting to accept me and like me just the way He made me. I can’t imagine why I ever thought I could improve on His creation and plan for His daughter.
I quit cutting, curling, and coloring my hair. No more make-up for me either—ever. I also told Him I was done dieting. That I would be obedient and if Holy Spirit said, “Don’t eat that” I wouldn’t. And so, we rocked along happy together. He continued to bless me. My hair grew longer which my husband loved.
For a while, several years, I did alright. We got the grandsugar boys (took in four in 2002, ages 6, 4, 3, and newborn) and inherited twelve quarter horses. Both additions put more exercise into my life. But then, when we got all the little fellers in school and I started sitting at the computer all day writing…my weight went up.
And up and up.
One time that I spoke with Abba about it, I said, “But I hardly eat anything fattening. This isn’t fair.”
Holy Spirit came back at me. I love God’s sense of humor. He asked, “But what do you drink?” Huh? My sweet tea? So I fasted that summer, nothing but water and lost a little more.
Then in July of last year, my brother-in-law visited and had lost fifteen or twenty pounds. He shared a high protein/low carb/no sugar weight loss program with Ron and I and offered to help us get started if we’d commit. It was about a thousand a month for both of us. But we committed and got started, believing God was in it.
The weight literally fell off. And we were eating so much more healthy. To hike the results, I started drinking Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) water too…no more sugar sweetened tea…I use stevia. Four cups of vegetables a day (plus some) eight ounces of protein plus other protein in shakes, bars, and even pancakes!

Thanks to Walden Farms’ sugarfree syrup and other products, I’ve never felt deprived, and certainly not starved. As of this date, I’m seventy pounds lighter, and I know that I’ll never ever weigh two hundred and fifty-seven pounds again. It’s helped so much with pains and energy and stamina.
As in all things I do, I give God the glory…for bringing the high protein/low carb/no sugar model into our lives, then showing us a less expensive way to keep going using the same protocol. He has led me every step of the way, and told me what not to put in my mouth. I turn sixty-six in less than a month and still plan to lose about thirty more pounds—at least.
It has been a lifelong issue, and with God’s help, I have been able to overcome it. He’s strengthened me on days I was weak and encouraged me to keep going when I’d get stuck on plateaus…I’m on one now, but still committed. I have no doubt that I’ll reach my goal of losing one hundred pounds.
And my most precious prince of a husband lost over fifty pounds, too—much more healthy on our hearts and everything. Extra weight can be so detrimental to our wellbeing. I would never ever want to make anyone feel bad about extra weight. I rejoice when friends post they’ve lost weight, and am thankful to God for helping me join their ranks!  

Giveaway: I'm giving away a paperback copy of Sins of the Mothers, one of Caryl's many wonderful books.     



16 January 2015

Caryl McAdoo--2014 OWG "The Angel's Heart" Award Recipient

Overcoming With God's 2014 Angels' Heart Award Recipient - Caryl McAdoo
Last year we began our first ever "The Angel's Heart" award, which was won by Julie Lessman. She received a custom made plaque from Nashville artist, Beverly Mayes. We began with our first set of rules for recipients, which we are refining as we go, but the main thing the winner has to have done is to have ministered to our readers and to the bloggers. That earns them an initial "You Take the Cake" award for responding to our readers and to bloggers. This past year has been a very difficult one for the OWG bloggers and we take our ministry to our readers very seriously--but we also need to be ministered to by others. The OWG staff voted and our final decision was that Caryl McAdoo had not only come by regularly to encourage our readers but also us. And she's a stellar writer.
Caryl will receive our custom-made 2014 plaque from Beverly Mayes which will also bear the inscription of "The Angel's Heart Award, 2014 from Overcoming With God blog". 

CONGRATS to CARYL!!!


BIO:

Caryl McAdoo and her husband Ron—high school sweethearts—live with four grandsons in the woods south of Clarksville, the county seat of Red River County in Northeast Texas. She enjoys four-wheeling over the 916-acre McAdoo Ranch, horseback riding, and singing the new songs God gives her. For every blessing in her life, including ten children (counting in-loves) and fourteen grandsugars, Caryl credits her relationship with the Lord, and her heart’s desire is to glorify Him.


CFP: Caryl has a SLEW of books out in 2014, including my personal favorite for 2014, Vow Unbroken.  She has two sequels to the novel now available as well as other books.

06 January 2015

Carrie's Favorite Christian Fiction Reads for 2014






At the Edge of a Dark Forest
OWG Bibliotherapy Book of the Year


While Love Stirs




A Match of Wits by Jen Turano



The books are listed in no particular order but I do have a favorite novel for 2014 and that story is by Caryl McAdoo and the reason is because she's one of the few authors whose "voice" seems so very similar to my own and I really enjoyed the story and characters in Vow Unbroken. All of these novels, however, are STELLAR!!! Several, too, were strong contenders for bibliotherapy book of the year! Elizabeth Camden's and Elizabeth Byler Younts's, in particular! I haven't yet reviewed Elizabeth's on the OWG blog but hope to remedy that omission soon.


 
There were SO many WONDERFUL novellas and short stories out in 2014 and I reviewed quite a few. I didn't feel I could do them justice by pulling out individual stories but I may come back later and do a recap of my fave collections for 2014 because I loved a whole bunch of them, especially the Christmas ones! I have included one novella because it is my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year - Connie Almony's Beauty and the Beast story about PTSD and addiction as well as recovery and rehab for a wounded vet. Beautifully done and a DEBUT book!!!

I'll also be announcing the Angels' Heart winner for 2014. Last year that honor went to Julie Lessman, which disqualifies her for the next five years.  We have three nominees right now from the OWG bloggers and will be deciding soon.

Why no audiobook category? In 2014 I had surgery on my heel. I had a torn Achilles tendon and other issues that had to be repaired. I listened to some audiobooks but I also ended up reading a great many with my eyes instead of listening. Love my Kindle!!!  One audiobook I suggest you avoid is the one for Tamera Alexander's LOVELY novel A Beauty so Rare because the narrator is so poor she ruins the beautiful story. Wonderful book so just read it on your Kindle or ereader and set the font size to large. I have several audiobooks I haven't reviewed on the blog yet that I may add to the post for the novella collections. In general, though, I felt it wasn't a great year for audiobooks for Christian historical romance, which is what I primarily read (because that's what I also write.) But there were some very good ones and I'll get to those in a later post!

Question: What were some of YOUR faves for 2014?

09 September 2014

Caryl McAdoo's Hearts Stolen - Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Hearts Stolen by Caryl McAdoo

Spunky 15-year-old newlywed, "Sassy" Nightengale,  finds herself stolen by Comanche Indians and forced to become the wife of the chief. But her friend's brother, a Texas Ranger, has never given up looking for the young woman. When the US government makes a treaty, five years later, returning captives to their homes, she and her young son are taken back, facing immense dangers as they journey home.

Levi Baylor has won himself a reputation bigger than life and is a wonderful hero in this story. Very nice secondary romance between his sidekick and another young woman who'd been adducted.

Although it is problematic to think of a married woman falling in love with another man, Caryl does a great job of addressing the reasons why and provides a satisfying resolution to the problem. I knew she would, wondered how she did it, and she delivered a great HEA (happily ever after!) for the couple.

We're reintroduced to some stellar characters from the first book in this series, published by Howard Books in 2014.


SPOILER ALERT!!!  Stop here if you don't like spoilers!

I was disappointed by the death of a very special character. My advice: When you are finished reading about the nice ending for the hero and heroine, stop reading. Then before you read Caryl's next book, read that section! However, I'm pretty much a big wimp when it comes to things like this because I get so attached to special characters.

Caryl McAdoo's first book "A Vow Unbroken" in the series is on my Best of 2014 list! If you haven't already read it, I suggest you pick this novel up first before you read book two because it will help you understand the previous storyline. I do think this could be read as a standalone but it would be best to read them in order.


Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of either of the books in this series this week! Leave a comment.

07 September 2014

Fear Not by Caryl McAdoo


Author Caryl McAdoo

Fear Not
       by Caryl McAdoo  

“Fear not, YOUR NAME, I am your shield and your exceeding great reward!" Genesis 15:1
Iniquity of the fathers are visited upon their children up to the fourth generation. I’d suppose that works for mothers, too. I came by being abnormally afraid legally according to scripture. Mama lived in so much fear, so I grew up thinking—being taught by example—that being scared was perfectly normal.

            As a teen, some man in our neighborhood came to our house at night. My bedroom was on the front, and I’d awake to our dog growling and see him silhouetted against my curtained windows. As a young wife, my fireman husband worked twenty-four shifts at the station, I woke up alone one night to someone at my window again. I called my neighbor who came and checked, but no one was there. However, tracks were the next morning.

            In that same house, when Ron went to the firehouse, I would get my firstborn, a pillow, blanket, and butcher knife and sleep the night in the little space under our big desk where your knees go. Though my experiences might explain why, and people lean toward giving me a by for being afraid, fear is still a sin.

            Fear is the opposite of faith. When fear operates in our life, it usually comes in the form of a lie. We run with all the lies flooding our brains and making our hearts beat faster. It’s a slap in the face to God. Fear says, “You aren’t big enough, Lord.” It says, “Nothing can save you.” And “You’re going to die.” Or “Your child doesn’t love you.”
But God’s Word says He did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)

So, the world’s biggest scaredy cat got delivered from fear when God revealed that I could trust Him. Completely, totally, and without reservation. He caused me to know that He constantly watches over me, and that nothing touches me without His permission. His love for me is so great! He has good plans for me! He’ll never leave me or forsake me—all His promises in His Living Word are mine! He put them there for me, for my benefit.

I can live in peace without fear.

Life changed for me that day, and I really didn’t have any fear issues for a long while—other than in a ladies’ Bible study where I semi got into it with the teacher who was saying ‘some’ fear is healthy. I contended, “No. All fear is of the devil. It insults God, and we should not accept any of it. We should deny it and fully reject it.”

In my prayer group, I said one day when fear came up, “I’m not afraid of anything.” I wasn’t trying to be a braggart, only put forth Truth, make a good confession (God creates the fruit of your lips. Isaiah 57:19 and Hebrews 13:15) One lady said, “You have to be afraid of something.” I answered, “No ma’am. I do not, and I will not. God did not give me a Spirit of fear but power, love and a strong mind.”

CFP: Thank you Caryl for this encouraging guest post!
Hearts Stolen by Caryl McAdoo

BIO: With eleven titles released by five publishers, Caryl McAdoo now enjoys being a ‘Simon & Schuster’ author with her historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN set in 1832 Texas. Now she’s thrilled to offer book two debuting THIS month HEARTS STOLEN set in 1844 and featuring Levi (the teen in VOW) as its hero Texas Ranger. The novelist also edits, paints, and writes new songs. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the Dallas / Ft. Worth Metroplex to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and fourteen grandchildren life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. She hopes that her books will minister His love, mercy, and grace to all their readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.

SOCIAL Links

FACEBOOK

Giveaway: A copy of Caryl’s new novel, Hearts Stolen, to one of our commenters.

              

        


08 May 2014

Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels



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.***

You may purchase this wonderful book at AmazonBarnes and Noble and BAM.

Giveaway: We're giving away two copies of this stellar book this week!

06 May 2014

Teresa Mathews Reviews Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo

Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo
Howard Books March 4, 2014
Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews
5 Stars*****

Caryl McAdoo has penned a beautifully flowing story that introduces us to Susannah Abbot Baylor, a young spirited widow. Susannah is mother to her beautiful, precocious, nine year old daughter Rebecca and her orphaned nephew, Levi. Susannah has taken care of the children since that fateful day nearly ten years ago when both her husband and his brother were killed in a logging accident. Now it seems like this may be the year she fails to make ends meet and she could lose the land that is her children's inheritance.

When Susannah goes to sell her cotton crop to a local man he reneges on the price he promised her, so in anger Susannah decides to take her cotton to market herself. When Sue's friend tries to talk her out of going, she agrees to ask a local man, Henry Buckmeyer to go along as her paid worker. Susannah is sure he won't agree to go because it's rumored he is a lazy mama's boy!

When the beautiful Baylor widow shows up at his place, astride a horse in trousers Henry is a little shocked; especially when she half-heartedly asks him to accompany her on a trip along the Jefferson Trace to take her cotton to market. Thinking it will be a good opportunity to sell his furs and seeds too, Henry agrees to go with her. Besides it will be a good opportunity to get to know the woman he has been thinking about for years. He has heard a few rumors about her too and how every man that has come calling leaves when they learn of her vow and what it will require on their part. 

Even though she doesn't want to admit it right away Susannah comes to the conclusion it was a good decision to ask Henry to come along on this trip. She can't wait to get back home and set those old ladies in the community straight that judged him as a ne'er-do-well. Henry literally becomes a lifesaver on more than one occasion and if Sue isn't careful this handsome man just might turn out to be more than a hired hand!

Caryl McAdoo has certainly written a wonderful tale that will find it's way into your heart. You couldn't ask for more endearing characters; Henry, a man with a past that could have made him into a monster but instead it made him a sensitive man with a heart of gold and Susannah, a strong beautiful woman that has fought hard to provide a living for her family without the help of a husband. Caryl's sweet storytelling made me feel like I was enjoying this adventure up close and personal and by the time I had finished I felt like part of this precious family! Thanks Caryl for a truly satisfying read!

***Thanks To Howard Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy 
of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.***

You may purchase this great book at AmazonBarnes and Noble and BAM.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away two copies of Caryl's book this week! Like Caryl's Amazon Page to enter, just add "A" to your comment to let me know you have liked the page. 

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