Shannon here: Caryl McAdoo shares a romantic excerpt from her latest Historical Romance, Daughters of the Heart. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Sept 14 – 18 to enter the drawing for a copy. Deadline: Sept 26th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Caryl:
Excerpt DAUGHTERS OF THE HEART – Chapter One:
Her bratty brother busted through the back door. “Rider coming! Pro’lly another suitor for Gwen.” Houston put his finger in his mouth and faked a gag. “Pro’lly another gold digger like all the rest. Why else would someone want her?”
“Samuel Houston Buckmeyer! Watch your mouth, or I’ll hold you down and get Bonnie to give you what for.”
May leaned in close. “Leave him be. He’s just trying to get your goat.”
Well, the spoiled little terror already had, but ignoring him did make sense. He only craved attention. When he wasn’t the center of everyone’s, he acted up something awful. She helped finish pinning the wash, then decided she’d go see the new suitor.
Wow, word surely spread like a late summer grassfire in Red River County.
Clay hadn’t been gone but a few hours.
“Where’s Crockett?” She handed the bag of clothespins to May. If that baby needed tending, she’d see to him. Couldn’t get enough of that little booger. “Need any help with him?”
“No, Lacey Rose and Bart are playing blocks with him in the wash house.”
“Guess I’ll go see this beau, then, before Daddy runs him off.”
“Certainly, you go on. I’ve only got one more load boiling.”
Cecelia winked. “You do know we have folks who will do the laundry.”
“Of course silly, but I like doing your father’s and Crockett’s. And well, to tell the truth, I’m having a bit of trouble with my latest story. I should never have told Houston and Bonnie I’d pen them a children’s book.”
Strolling through the kitchen, Cecelia snagged a gingersnap right under Mammy’s nose then eased on out into the hall. Hmmm. Empty and quiet. Plenty unusual. Her father’s office door closed in the middle of the afternoon? What was that about? She hurried upstairs and tapped on her sister’s door.
“Come in.”
She stuck her head through a narrow opening. “Who’s here?”
“I don’t know. Someone to see Daddy, I guess.”
“Houston said the guy came calling on you.”
“That boy. Daddy needs to tan his hide. He’s all time spreading rumors. Maybe we ought to take things into our own hands and wash his mouth out with lye soap until he stops.”
“Now there’s an idea.” She stepped in and waved the door toward shut but never let go of it. “Come on. Let’s go see who it is.”
“No, I don’t much cotton to that idea. Not up to meeting someone new.”
“Fine, but don’t be asking me any questions.”
Gwen shook her head then waved her off. Cecelia had to smile. She couldn’t help it if she hated keeping news to herself. Mercy, holding stuff in would hurt a body. Everyone knew that.
She eased on downstairs, loafed around the kitchen, keeping out of Mammy’s way and only slipping one more snap until her father’s library door swung open. She took two steps then froze.
Lord above have mercy on her soul! The man’s sky blue eyes met hers. For a heartbeat, she stared into the windows of his soul.
Such an awesome sight! The urge to dive in almost overwhelmed her, but what a good thing she didn’t. If she ever gave in, she may never come out again.
Her father stepped toward her. “Cecelia! Come here, sweetness, this is Elijah Eversole, Jethro and Mary’s partner. He’s going to build me a steam engine for the mill.”
She blinked, and the man looked away. “Good to meet you, sir.” She smiled, but not too big. Hopefully, her father had not seen her make a fool of herself. Him and his stupid no-courting-until-you-were-eighteen rule.
And just that day, she’d promised to abide by it.
Award winning author Caryl McAdoo currently writes four series: the historical Christian ‘Texas Romance’; a contemporary ‘Red River Romance’; The Generations, her Biblical fiction and a mid-grade The King’s Highway. The prolific, bestselling novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her and painting. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty+ years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, she hopes each one will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons, Christian and Benjamen. Learn more and connect:
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About the book – Daughters of the Heart: God’s perfect plan is oft so hard to determine.
In his life, Henry Buckmeyer has never been so beside himself. His little girls are so young, just babies, too young. He hates the whole idea of men coming to take them away and is inclined to shoot every one of them, but praise God for a level-headed, loving wife and step-mother! She helps keep him sane amidst the female chaos. Packed with fun, romance, deception, action, heartbreak and tears, this delightful Christian novel keeps the twists and turns coming.
Gwendolyn, Cecelia, and the youngest, Bonnie, make a pact never to break their father’s heart like their big sister did. Then their determination is sorely tried when suitors show up, and he gets so pigheaded with his rules.
Will Henry survive his daughters coming of age? Will they endure and keep their promises to each other?
From one man asking to court her—who Daddy sends packing—Gwen goes to three! How can she ever decide? Cecelia knows exactly who she wants, but she’s still a year away from Daddy’s acceptable courting age. What if her beau doesn’t know or won’t wait? And Bonnie hates being the baby and wants to be grown-up more than just about anything…except her man. She is for sure and for certain in love.
Will the Buckmeyer home ever be settled and peaceful again? Will any of his daughters find true love…a man he’ll approve and to whom he can give his blessing?
Purchase Link: Amazon
PRE-ORDER Daughters – http://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Heart-Texas-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B012EBN35G
Question for Readers: As a teen, did you ever have a young man show up unexpected that took your breath away?
Come back Sept 21st for Lee Carver!
Nope
Yes, in fact, my future husband showed up totally unexpected on New Year’s Eve at my friend’s house to see me. He totally took my breath away and we were married eight months later.
No, I never experienced that.
My husband came to our school when I was in the 9th grade. He took my breath away and I decided right there I’d marry him. About a year later, he finally noticed me and I learned his personality was as good as his looks. We got married a year after graduation and 31 years later, we’re still having fun.
I have a winner! Debbie Clatterbuck won the drawing. I appreciate Caryl for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by!