Picture a Louisiana storyteller who spun bayou adventures into heartwarming historical romances—meet Winnie Griggs! This award-winning novelist transformed her childhood explorations in Southeast Louisiana into the beloved Texas Grooms series, captivating readers with tales of love, faith, and small-town charm. With a knack for emotional depth and historical authenticity, Griggs has carved a unique space in inspirational romance.
Born and raised in the lush, untamed bayou country, Griggs’s journey from a math-savvy programmer to a celebrated author is as inspiring as her novels. Her stories, rich with hope and heart, reflect her lifelong passion for storytelling and her deep connection to her roots.
The Making of Winnie Griggs
Winnie Griggs grew up in Southeast Louisiana, in an area so overgrown her friends dubbed it the 'back of beyond.' With her siblings, she roamed the bayou, building forts, hunting imaginary pirates, and weaving tales that sparked her creative fire. Armed with a BS in mathematics and a minor in computer science, she carved out a career in IT after college. Yet, her heart belonged to romance novels. In her spare time, she filled notebooks with stories, honing her craft through writing contests, many of which she won or placed in, paving the way for her literary debut.
Griggs’s leap to authorship came in 2000 when she received the call every writer dreams of—her first book sale. That milestone launched a prolific career, blending her analytical mind with a storyteller’s soul. Now living in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, with her husband, Griggs channels her rural roots into narratives that resonate with readers worldwide.
Winnie Griggs’s Unforgettable Stories
Griggs’s Texas Grooms series, set in the fictional town of Turnabout, Texas, is her crowning achievement. Spanning 10 books, this Christian historical romance series explores love and redemption in the late 19th century. Each novel introduces a new couple navigating life’s challenges, infused with faith and small-town warmth. Handpicked Husband (2012), the series opener, follows Regina Nash as she faces a high-stakes choice to secure her nephew’s future, blending humor and heart. The Bride Next Door (2013) delights with a marriage of convenience between a restless wanderer and a hopeful restaurateur.
A Family for Christmas (2013) tugs at heartstrings as an orphan’s care unites two wary souls, while Texas Cinderella (2016) reimagines a classic fairy tale with Cassie Lynn Vickers’s quest for freedom and love. Griggs’s style shines through vivid characters, emotional stakes, and meticulous historical detail, earning her accolades like the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Beyond Texas Grooms, her foray into Amish romance, starting with Her Amish Wedding Quilt (2020), showcases her versatility, blending gentle humor with themes of community and grace.
Her narratives often center on 'Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace,' a mantra that defines her work. Whether it’s a Texas sheriff or an Amish quilter, Griggs’s characters overcome fear and shame through love, making her stories both uplifting and relatable.
Why Winnie Griggs Matters
Winnie Griggs’s impact extends beyond her 30-plus novels. Her inspirational romances offer readers a refuge, blending faith, hope, and history into stories that uplift and educate. Her Texas Grooms series, with its focus on community and second chances, resonates with those seeking clean, heartfelt reads. Griggs’s workshops at conferences like Romance Writers of America inspire aspiring authors, while her leadership in writing organizations fosters a supportive creative community.
Her transition to Amish fiction, hitting the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List, proves her adaptability and enduring appeal. By drawing on her Louisiana heritage, Griggs crafts stories that feel both timeless and deeply personal, cementing her legacy in romance literature.
About Winnie Griggs
- Born in Southeast Louisiana, now resides in Plain Dealing.
- Debut novel: What Matters Most (2001).
- Key series: Texas Grooms (10 books, 2012–2017).
- Awards: Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice, Crystal Globe Award.
- Published over 30 novels, including Amish fiction.
Ready to fall in love with Turnabout, Texas? Snag Handpicked Husband and dive into Winnie Griggs’s heartwarming historical romances today!