A Trip to the Panhandle by Guest Janice Thompson

Many years ago, when my children were still young, we went on a trip to the Texas Panhandle. Our destination? Palo Duro Canyon, one of the most breathtaking places in the state.

We planned to camp over night and to see the musical, “Texas,” which is set against the backdrop of the canyon. We arrived according to schedule, had a chuck-wagon-style BBQ dinner, then watched the musical. Perfection! Then we headed to our campsite. How were we to know a huge storm was headed into the area? We spent the whole night huddled in a tent, praying we wouldn’t be washed down-river!

Though our tent sprang a leak, we survived. Somehow the kids managed to sleep through it all. We awoke the following morning to a brilliant sunny sky and continued our tour of the park, then headed out of the canyon and across the panhandle to our next destination. . .Colorado.

Many years have passed since that fun-filled trip, but I never forgot the amazing and scenic things I witnessed in that part of the state. I’d grown up in Texas, but never seen such beautiful colors or landscape. Little did I know this experience would give me the foundation for a story, but that’s exactly what happened. When I decided to set a novel in the panhandle, I settled on the town of Groom, not far from the very canyon where we once ate BBQ and watched a fantastic musical about the history of the state I love so much. And much like the adventure we faced in our family tent that night, my story is filled with excitement, as well.

Groom, Texas, is located just east of Amarillo, in the heart of the panhandle. There, against the backdrop of ranch lands and canyons, you can find tumbleweeds, open plains, and some of the finest cattle in the country. The town has a rich history and provides the perfect backdrop for a historical romance. And though I had visited the area, I’d not been to the town of Groom, so a great deal of Internet research was in order! My goodness, did I learn a lot!

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Groom was once known for its ranches. In fact, Colonel B. B. Groom owned one of the largest ranches in the area. These days, Groom is known for something else—the tallest cross in the world. The cross, which is nineteen stories high, can be seen from twenty miles away. Of course, it was built long after the action in this book takes place. Because I couldn’t use the cross in my story, I opted to allude to it. The heroine, Anne, wears a cross necklace at all times. The Lord uses it to bring healing to her heart and draw her to Him. In the same way, the cross in modern-day Groom offers hope and healing to all who pass by.

Groom, Texas, is not a fairy-tale place. It is very real. And while it may not be known for its single fellas, it is known as a place where people can find healing and hope for their lives. I pray that my story, Last Groom in Town, reflects the spirit of the people in that fine town. I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase a town from my wonderful state. . .Texas!

Janice Thompson 

http://janiceathompson.com/

Award-winning author Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what she’s cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

Shh...Mum's the Word til Monday

Howdy y'all! Crystal Barnes here and have I got a scoop for you. A brand new collection of stories by some wonderful, best-selling authors is coming your way. Lone Star Love officially releases on Monday. Five stories for only $0.99! To celebrate, Janice Thompson, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Vickie McDonough, Marcia Gruver, and myself will be kicking off the release with a week-long party on Facebook. We'd love to have you join us. It's a come-n-go party with great giveaways each day.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1611589815825326/

So what's to be quiet about?
Well, we're having a soft launch of the 5-book set this weekend! :) You can snag a copy before anyone else. :) Did I mention it was only $0.99?

  Want a sneak peek at the first story? I thought you might. :) Here goes...

Lone Star Love

Signed, Sealed, & Delighted

by Crystal L Barnes

“Young man, this is normally when you say ‘I do.’” Joseph Matthews shifted his focus from Sarah Asher to the silver-haired preacher who stood grinning at him. Swallowing, Joe resisted the urge to tug at his collar. He’d sealed his fate with those two words weeks ago just before digging her father’s grave, but today they threatened to crawl back down his throat and strangle him.
    Allen Asher’s bloody but relieved face flashed through Joe’s mind. Shaking away the searing image, he wiped sweat from his forehead. That stampede had changed everything. That, and Allen’s dying wish. His mentor knew Joe had no luck with women. Why had he made such an outlandish request? Why did marrying Allen’s daughter have to be the only way to get the ranch he’d promised Joe, the ranch he’d put years of blood and sweat into?
     “Son?” The old preacher shifted and placed a weathered hand on his Bible.
     Twin lines formed between Sarah’s dark brows.
     “Uh, sorry.” Joe rubbed at the tension building in his neck. “I do.”
     With a tilt of her head, Sarah eyed him, then turned her attention to the preacher, who was posing the same question to her.
     Joe let his gaze slide the length of his soon-to-be wife. Maybe marrying Sarah might not be so bad. After all, she was a mighty handsome woman. Even bathed in trail dust. And wearing a Stetson. A smile tugged at his lips. Did she realize she still wore her hat? Doubtful. What female in her right mind got married in a cowboy hat? Then again, who would confuse Sarah for most women? If her raven locks didn’t set her apart, her mouth would the minute she opened it.
     “I…” Deep green eyes wide with uncertainty sought his, then shifted back toward the preacher. “Excuse us a moment, Reverend?”
     “Uh, of course.”
     Joe looked at the minister in stunned astonishment a split second before Sarah grabbed his arm and tugged him down the aisle of the small, stuffy church to within a foot of the exit.
     “What’s the matter?” The words hissed through his lips. “I thought this is what we’d agreed upon?”
     Sarah peeked at the preacher, then answered in the same hushed volume. “There are a few things I need to make sure of first.”
     “You couldn’t have mentioned that a day ago? Or maybe even an hour? The preacher’s waiting.”

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