Meet author Betty Woods

Jen – Hi Betty, welcome to my blog! Tell me a little about yourself.

Betty – I’ve been telling stories almost since I can remember. For summer entertainment, my friends and I put on shows in our garage with skits and songs for the other neighborhood kids. I wrote the skits. I wrote my first book in fourth grade about my dog from her point of view about her life with our family. Thanks to my mom, I still have that book with its construction paper cover. So my family and longtime friends weren’t surprised when I started writing novels.  

My husband and I, along with a spoiled Chihuahua, live in Texas. I’ve loved history since I was a kid. I’m glad my husband enjoys history too. Taking RV trips to tour historical sites is one of our favorite things to do. If the kids, grandkids, or great-grands can be part of our adventure, that’s even better. I was once mistaken for the tour guide at a historical site while answering questions for my grandkids. Since I write mostly historical romance, I love to tour old houses or other restored places. I can also get lost for hours on the internet doing research. Another thing I consider fun. Yes, I’m a bona fide history nerd.  

Books by Betty Woods

Jen – I love history too! I’m sure you’ve had lots of great trips. Tell me about what you’ve written.

Betty – I’ve written one Western historical romance series.  My Trails of the Heart series is set in 1860s Texas.  The first book, Love’s Twisting Trail, is loosely based on a true story I found from a Texas trail driver. He had no idea one quiet, hard-working cowboy he hired was a woman disguised as a young man. Until she chose to tell him the truth. My very active imagination turned that episode into a romance on a cattle trail with my heroine, Charlotte Grimes, disguised as a teen boy. The other two books continue the Grimes family saga.  

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Can a pampered Southern belle give up a life of luxury to follow her heart? 

Eugenia Hampton wants to be loved for who she is, not what she has. Her parents intend to see her married and cared for, but she’s determined not to be a mere parlor decoration to show off some man’s achievements. She wants a love match or no match. 

Paul Stuart is tired of clashing with people over his abolitionist views—especially with his father who is the overseer for Eugenia’s father. Paul is saving money to move from Tennessee and buy a farm in Illinois where he can live in peace with people of like-minded ideas. 

Paul rescues Eugenia after her horse throws her. They form a secret, forbidden friendship based on their common family problems. Neither of them expects their relationship to grow into love. But when Eugenia’s father selects a non-Christian man for her husband, she must choose between her known and comfortable life of luxury or a lifetime of love with Paul, where little else will be certain.

Betty Woods’ new series

My new series is set outside of 1830’s Murfreesboro, TN. Book four is set in the 1850’s since it’s the story of the children of the characters in the first book. Treasure and Trouble, book one in my Troubles of the Heart series, was released in May. I fell in love with this beautiful area of Tennessee on vacation several years ago and had to use it for my books. Plus, book four will be loosely based on a story I wrote in high school. I still have those handwritten stories saved in old notebooks. 

I have one contemporary romance, A Mother for His Son. It’s set in a make-believe Texas Hill Country town. I have ideas for two more books to turn into a series if the publisher would like to do a series. I hope to get back to writing those books soon. 

A few more questions for Betty!

Jen – Why do you write?

Betty – I write heartwarming stories with a Southern accent. I want to encourage readers not to give up when life is hard. When you feel as if you’re stumbling by faith instead of walking by faith, God is always by your side. Psalm 37:23 and 24 are some of my favorite verses. Especially verse 24, “though he stumble, he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” 

Jen – I love that verse. It’s so powerful. Where can we find you and your books?

Betty – My books are available on Amazon. Also online at Walmart and Barnes and Noble. Find me on Facebook at Betty Woods Author, on X @Betty WoodsWrite. Check out my website bettywoodsbooks.com.  

Jen – Thanks for joining me on my blog! I look forward to reading your books!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)