Be it known, your sins will find you out, but God’s mercy endureth forever!Can a wife find the grace to forgive when her husband’s withheld the truth? Travis Buckmeyer has a secret son, and the morning’s come to tell his sweet wife. He hates breaking Emma Lee’s heart. She promised him one ten years ago but hasn’t been blessed to carry a baby to term. Every miscarriage made the telling harder, but … harder, but now his clock’s run out. He’s going for his son, praying he won’t lose her.
Cody knows whom his mother claims his father is, but he’s only interested in getting sprung from reform school then boosting enough from the do-gooder to bust out on his own.
Can Travis find redemption, Emma Lee forgiveness, or Cody the love he’s been longing for?
more
Starting with page 1, Ms. McAdoo once again showed what a great story teller she is. I loved the story of Travis, Emma Lee, and Cody. I love how Emma Lee and Travis accepted Cody into their family and how he changed under their love and acceptance. This book was a story filled with forgiveness, healing, and love. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a PDF copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to give a positive review.
This is the first book of Caryl McAdoo’s that I had the privilege of reading. I realize that this book is the latest installment of a family saga but it could be read as a stand-alone. If I had read the previous books, I would have had better insight into the family dynamics, the personalities within the families and probably Travis and Emma Lee’s relationship but the author provided enough details in this book that I did not feel lost in the story.
The story takes place in southern Texas in 1950. Travis is a farmer who breeds cows and horses and Emma Lee is his artist wife of 10 years still hoping and praying to expand their family. Travis discovers that his 12-yo son, from one night with a waitress during his traveling, needs his help and the couple set out to do what is good and right. Travis and Emma Lee are wonderful characters, full of flaws and faults, who are not afraid to admit their weaknesses and say they’re sorry. They both embody what a true Christian should look like – full of love, forgiveness, faith and prayer. Cody, Travis’ son, starts out being a punk but the story chronicles God’s hand on him and how He changes Cody one day at a time.
The story is well-constructed and full of hope and second-chances. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the book as much as I had hoped. The historical setting of 1950s didn’t pique my interest and I had a difficult time following the language and lingo of southern Texas in the 1950s. Third person point-of-view in which the book is written switched quite a bit, which confused me and impeded my flow of reading. I did appreciate the sweet love and romance between Travis and Emma Lee. I also appreciated the sense of family and bond that the couple created for Cody. The visions and words from the Lord given to Travis, Emma Lee, and Cody (among others) were great reminders that God is very much alive and ready to move in our lives when we’re willing.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Every time I read a book from this author, I fall in love with her writing style more. She has the ability to take readers to the depths of hope, love and forgiveness and breathe life into each emotion. I love her references to Texas cities since I’m a Texas gal. The vivid descriptions are so picturesque that I can close my eyes and see the scenes clearly. The characters in this book are varied and each one plays a vital part to an emotionally charged story.
It’s easy to fall in love with Travis and Emma Lee. They are both kind hearted and willing to reach out and help others. What would you do if you found out your spouse had kept a secret from you? Emma Lee seems to handle the situation with such grace. I wish I could be more like her. When Cody comes to live with them, I cried. The poor child had endured such a terrible childhood. It’s understandable that he would be on guard with his feelings. Living with a mother who is less than pure puts a big hole in his heart. Emma Lee has the ability to love this child with ease.
Winnie for me was someone I really had to reach deep to like. Then as I read more of her story, I found myself wanting to root for her. Winnie is selfish at times and has no sense of what a mother should be. I wanted to hate her , but I remember a person who wanted a second chance and cried out for God for help. I was lost in the world in my twenties and needed to be rescued. Just like Winnie, I wanted to feel love. This story tells of how surrender and unconditional love can change lives. I’m thankful for authors who write stories that are relatable and don’t sugar coat anything. Don’t miss this gripping story of redemption, acceptance and forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
A sweet story of redemption, and finding your way in the world, a young boy in reformed school, and he is picked up by the father he doesn’t know.
Daily young Cody seems to planning his get away, and the young wife Emma Lee goes about setting her heart right. Wait until you see how things unfold, and with God all things are possible, but this is amazing, and don’t think I could be this forgiving.
A story of following God’s will from beginning to end, young love, and rebirth, compassion for those less fortunate, and practicing what you preach.
With a bit of action going on about the ranch, we are constantly on the move, and our Travis is willing to share what he knows or feels God told him.
Come and enjoy a feel-good story, not without its problems, but one that will linger with you.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.