Trials, Romance, and Faith on the Oregon Trail

antique photo of wagon train
A western silhouette of a couple dancing together

Journey of Honor
Journey Series Book 1

Dance under the stars and moon. Ford rivers. Climb mountains. Trade with Native Americans. Heal the sick. Bury the dead. Live with indescribable fatigue, fall in love, celebrate at the end of the trail…

two gold rings on paper

Wedding at Journey’s End
Journey Series Book 1.5

Following several months of clearing land, building homes, and fencing forces Rebecca Pierce and Zachary Miller to postpone their wedding. February, and the promise of spring, becomes the perfect timing for the wedding the new community has been anticipating.

old schoolhouse painting

Journey of  Hope
Journey Series Book 2  

James and Elizabeth Miller and their daughters Katie, Hazel, Helen, and Ruth finish their trek tired, dirty, and grief stricken.  

Wildflowers along a trail
Wildflowers along a trail, at Tom McCall Nature Preserve, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon.

Journey of Healing
Journey Series Book 3 

Aaron Smith was twelve years old when he crossed the country with his parents. He learned to have hope and honor despite the tragedies and uncertainties in the early years of his life. Now, he had to learn how to be a man.     

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Why Open Rood?

Open Rood sounds strange, but several years ago my husband and I thought it would be interesting to name any business we started The Open Rood. Why? Because my husband is named Frank Cross; Frank=Open (honest) Cross=Rood (an ancient name for cross). It’s merely a play on words. 

From the Blog:

  • Merry Christmas

    Merry Christmas

    2022 I feel like I’m skidding in at the last bell with this post. I do wish you all the best blessings of this special season and holiday. Many of us consider the birth of Jesus Christ as the best gift of all, including me. I am a Christian and never fail to feel greatly…

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  • TEA SET FOR AN ANGEL

    TEA SET FOR AN ANGEL

    Early on a chilly December morning in south Louisiana. I stopped at Wal-Mart before heading to town …

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  • WRITING UPDATE

    WRITING UPDATE

    Good evening, I just wanted to send along an update about what’s going on in my writing world. JOURNEY OF HONOR has been finished. It’s been through several back and forth with the first editor and now is in the capable hands of the second editor. I have my fingers crossed and prayers lifted for…

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