Picture a Texan storyteller who whisks you away to a charming English village with tales of love and self-discovery—meet Traci Borum! A writing teacher with a passion for women’s fiction, Borum has enchanted readers with her heartwarming Chilton Crosse series, set in the picturesque Cotswolds. Her vivid prose and relatable characters make every novel feel like a cozy escape to the countryside.
Borum’s love for British culture shines through her work, inspired by her teenage trip to the British Isles and an addiction to Masterpiece Theater. With a corgi by her side and a cup of hot chocolate in hand, she crafts stories that celebrate life’s simple joys and the courage to follow your heart.
The Making of Traci Borum
Born and raised in Texas, Traci Borum discovered her love for writing at age 12, when a seventh-grade creative writing assignment sparked her imagination. Growing up in San Angelo, she was surrounded by books, thanks to her mother, a second-grade teacher, and her voracious reader father. Her early influences included women’s fiction giants like Rosamunde Pilcher and Elin Hilderbrand, whose emotional depth shaped her storytelling. A transformative trip to the British Isles at 17, where she explored the Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s home, planted the seeds for her future novels. Now a creative writing professor at Tyler Junior College, Borum inspires students to find their voice, just as her teachers once did for her.
Traci Borum’s Unforgettable Stories
Borum’s Chilton Crosse series, beginning with Painting the Moon (2014), invites readers to the fictional Cotswold village of Chilton Crosse, where rolling hills and quaint cottages set the stage for heartfelt stories. In Painting the Moon, Noelle Cooke inherits her aunt’s cottage and art gallery, embarking on a journey of love and discovery with her childhood sweetheart, Adam. The novel’s rich imagery and emotional depth earned praise for its vibrant, heartwarming narrative.
The series continues with Finding the Rainbow (2014), where Holly Newbury sacrifices her dreams to raise her sisters, only to find hope through a Jane Austen-inspired film crew. Seeking the Star (2015) weaves a Christmas tale of redemption, as a drifter named Ben confronts his past. Savoring the Seasons (2017) follows baker Julia Bentley, whose romance with a younger man challenges her to embrace love. Borum’s latest, Discovering the Nightingale (2019), explores a rekindled romance between Chelsea Barrett and her first love, Luka. Her style blends cozy romance with themes of family, courage, and self-discovery, all wrapped in a distinctly British charm.
Why Traci Borum Matters
Traci Borum’s novels offer more than escapism; they remind readers to cherish life’s small moments and take bold steps toward happiness. Her Chilton Crosse series has carved a niche in women’s fiction, resonating with readers who crave stories of community and personal growth. As an educator, Borum’s impact extends to her students, many of whom have pursued writing careers, inspired by her encouragement. Her ability to weave British culture into authentic, relatable narratives makes her a unique voice in contemporary fiction.
- Born: Texas, USA
- Key Works: Chilton Crosse series (Painting the Moon, Finding the Rainbow, Seeking the Star, Savoring the Seasons, Discovering the Nightingale)
- Notable: Finalist in the 2018 TopShelf Indie Book Awards for Painting the Moon
Snag Painting the Moon and dive into Traci Borum’s cozy, heartwarming world of Chilton Crosse—your next favorite read awaits!