The stars at
night are big and bright–Deep in the Heart of Texas! The
West was fought and won in the State of Texas. It has a history
as rich and colorful as any writer's imagination–and as a
result seems to be the perfect setting for many of our favorite
romances.
You ask why so many wonderful books have been set
in Texas? Two reasons–first of all the natural landscape
is amazing and vast. Several major national regions converge in
Texas, creating an unexpected mix of swamps, prairies, mountains,
beaches, forest and desert. It's 267,000 square miles. If numbers
leave you cold: think–Texas is about the same size as France!
Second, Texas has a history that just can't be beat. How
many states belonged to six different countries? (For the curious,
those countries are Spain, France, Mexico, The Republic of
Texas, the Confederate States and the U.S.) And as you can imagine
with a history this rich, many folks wish Texas was still its
own country!
What's The Appeal?
In 1821, shortly after Mexico
gained independence from Spain, the new government allowed Stephen
F. Austin to settle a colony of 300 American families in present day
Central Texas. Later, heroes like Sam Houston, Davy Crockett,
William Travis and Jim Bowie led the Texas Revolution against
Mexico. (Remember the Alamo!) Nor must we forget that Houston
was president of the independent country, the Republic of
Texas! Now, how many states celebrate their own Independence
Day?
Texas' history is based on explorers, adventurers and
heroes with great courage. Famous explorers like Cabeza de
Vaca, Coronado and LaSalle trekked across Texas. Jean Lafitte,
the infamous pirate, once held sway over Galveston. Then there
were those tough Texas Rangers, not to mention the countless cowboys
who drove cattle through the Chisholm Trail.
Today the contrast
between the rugged life on ranches and the glitz of Texas'
oil-wealthy cities has inspired more than one author. It's no
wonder this state has acted as the backdrop to hundreds of romances!
Did you know the name Texas comes from the Hasinai
Indians–"tejas" means friends or allies, and that's what
Texas has become to us all, no matter what state we call home.
-Kate Ryan
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