Vow Unbroken

In McAdoo's inspirational novel, widow Susannah Baylor, with a young daughter and teenage nephew in her care, raises cotton on a small farm in northwest Texas left her by her husband. When a local buyer reneges on his offer to purchase her crop, she finds herself with only one option: cart her cotton to Jefferson herself. Convinced she cannot make the journey alone, Sue employs Henry Buckmeyer to accompany her and the children. The town gossips have labeled him a ne'er-do-well, but, with all other potential hands already four days out on the cotton train, Susannah is forced to take a chance on him. Facing the elements and other dangers, the foursome starts out with the common goal of getting their goods to market. That joint purpose must be strong enough to overcome differing opinions on God and religion, as well as conflicts of personality. With an intriguing plot line and well-developed characters, McAdoo, who's written nonfiction and children's fiction, delivers an engaging read for her first adult historical romance. Agent: Mary Sue Seymour, Seymour Agency. (Mar.)