Open a door into the world of Rabb Truitt:
Two wounded hearts. One fragile hope. A love that dares to take root.
Blooming Grove, Texas, 1896
Deputy Rabb Truitt has sworn to protect Blooming Grove. But when a clerical error sets a criminal free, Rabb blames himself. He should’ve admitted he can’t read, and now he must resign. If he failed the town once, he could fail it again.
A recent survivor of a devastating fire, Sallie Parker refuses to let Rabb give up the job he loves. She helps him make sense of letters on the page, and as his knowledge grows, so do their feelings for each other.
When a series of mysterious events surround Sallie’s school, Rabb fears a connection to cattle rustlers he’s pursuing. Each day without arrest, the demands for mob justice increase. Rabb races to protect the town and the woman he loves. But is he too late?
My friend, Teresa Wells, added to her Truitts of Texas series with Seeds of Hope, published in July. She writes stories threaded with hope and redemption. She loves meeting people, touring old homes, and studying the Bible. She lives with her husband of 45 years outside of Dallas, Texas. Her debut novel, What Brings Us Joy (Scrivenings Press, 2025), is a double winner for the 2026 Holt Medallion Award.
What are you working on right now?
I’m writing the third book in The Truitts of Texas series, which focuses on Thomas and Lucy Truitt’s venture into ministry in an oil town fifteen miles away. Not a big deal in today’s world—I travel around fifteen miles every Tuesday morning to attend Bible Study Fellowship. But in 1897, that distance was a much bigger deal, taking several hours by horse or wagon on rutted roads. In other words, they won’t be seeing their loved ones very often.
What genre would you like to consider in the future that is different from what you write now?
Actually, there are a couple I’ve thought about. The first is romantic suspense. I love the kind of story that keeps you on your toes, wondering if your hero and heroine are going to be safe and knowing there’s a good chance they won’t. The other genre is dual timeline (historical and contemporary stories that connect the two periods in a significant way). This genre seems a little tricky to do, but I’m willing to try!
What book or book series have you recently enjoyed reading?
I can’t pick just one! So I’ll give you several I’ve loved recently: The Lumber Baron’s Wife, by Lynn Austin; The French Kitchen, by Kristy Cambron; and These Empty Places, by Sarah Loudin Thomas. As for series, I love the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon. It’s based on the NW coast in the charming little town of Hope Harbor, where everybody cares about each other and newcomers are always welcomed. I’ve read most of the books, and I’m content to re-read them while I’m waiting for the newest release.
How do you relax and recharge when you step away from writing?
I love playing games like Nertz and Chicken Foot! I’d love to learn Mahjong. I also enjoy being with people I love, talking and laughing. And of course, I love reading!
What is one thing we’d never guess about you?
I almost failed second grade. Elementary school was pretty tough for me because I had ADD. But at that time, only the kids who were hyperactive were put on medication. That wasn’t me! I was shy and wanted to follow the rules, so my attention deficit disorder looked more like immaturity than a disorder. I remember never feeling on top of things, trying to focus amidst chaos and distractions. Most of all, I remember my teachers chiding me for not paying attention. It’s no wonder I hated school! (sidenote: I NEVER wanted to be a teacher because of my bad experiences. When I ended up graduating college with an elementary education degree, I promised myself I’d be the kind of teacher I so badly needed.) When I was diagnosed with ADD as an adult, my world changed for the better! With a little knowledge and medication, I was able to manage my time and tasks. I have no doubt that without the diagnosis and treatment, I would never have been able to publish a book.
What’s your superpower?
I’m someone who keeps an eye on the sky, so I can enter any building, whether it’s a restaurant, conference center, or a friend’s house, and within minutes I’ve figured out the safest spot to take shelter if there’s a tornado. Ha! I know, so weird, right? That gives away both my enneagram number (6) and where I live (aka, in tornado alley)!
Discuss your favorite way to vacation.
I love the Tennessee/North Carolina mountains, and I adore the Emerald Coast, which is a 100-mile stretch of beach in Northwest Florida. I think the most important part of a vacation is a breathtaking view. I’m so inspired by beautiful nature settings. I love to relax, have amazing food that someone else cooks(!), and visit historical places off the beaten path.
What’s one thing you’d like to do or accomplish in the next few years?
I’d love to write at least ten more books and try another genre, like romantic suspense or contemporary women’s fiction. We’ll see!
What is your best advice for other writers?
This is such a great question. My answer: keep learning. Learn the craft of fiction writing by reading craft books, attend conferences, and join organizations like American Christian Fiction Writers and take classes they offer. Most of all, write! Don’t give up. Publishing is a long, drawn-out process. Write while you’re waiting for the next step in the process.
Learn more about Teresa Wells at:
Website: www.teresawells.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/teresawellswriter
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