Love Finds You in Groom, Texas (37 page)

Janice lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

www.janicehannathompson.com

www.freelancewritingcourses.com

Author’s Note

Those of us who live in Texas are mighty proud of our state. Our praises are often as exaggerated as her size…and there’s no greater place to brag about than the Texas Panhandle. As a child, I visited a cowboy museum in Amarillo, Texas, which is nestled in the heart of the Panhandle not far from Groom. When I grew up, I longed to visit that region once again.

I got my wish in 1990, when our family vacationed at Palo Duro Canyon. I’d never seen anything as breathtaking. The colors of the canyon walls caught me off guard. After all, I’d lived in Texas for most of my life and didn’t know such a place existed. My daughters were all in elementary school at the time. I remember pulling our car up to the edge of a low spot at the Red River. The girls got out of the car and walked through the river in their bare feet. I still have the photo…and, yes, the water looks red against that hard, red clay.

I can honestly say that
Love Finds You in Groom, Texas,
has been my favorite historical romance novel to write. I hope readers enjoy both the whimsy and the moments of depth. I also hope they see my passion for sharing the tale of a God who interrupts our ordinary lives to give us extraordinary opportunities—both to love and be loved.

I would be remiss not to thank those who helped with this story: Rachel Meisel, my awesome editor at Summerside; Chip MacGregor, the wonderful agent who champions my work; Connie Troyer, my delightful copyeditor; Jay O’Brien, who responded to my questions about ranching in the Panhandle; and my wonderful critique partners, Martha Rogers and Janetta Messmer. May God richly bless you all!

Want a peek into local American life—past and present?
The
Love Finds You
™ series published by Summerside Press
features real towns and combines travel, romance,
and faith in one irresistible package!

The novels in the series—uniquely titled after American towns with romantic or intriguing names—inspire romance and fun. Each fictional story draws on the compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Summerside Press plans to publish at least one novel set in each of the fifty states. Be sure to catch them all!

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OMING
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