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01-Flower Mound Taekwondo Students Pose with Medal

Sept. 30, 2025

Flower Mound Taekwondo Students Win Big at National Tournament

Flower Mound, TX – The Taekwondo America National Tournament took place Sept. 26-27  in Dallas, TX, where 30 Flower Mound Taekwondo students competed and won medals in four individual competitions (board-breaking, forms, point-break sparring, and continuous sparring) and one synchronized forms team competition.

“Our students put in the work, and it showed,” said Bill Mischke, Owner and Chief Instructor at Flower Mound Taekwondo. “The effort and dedication they brought to their training truly paid off.”

The 2025 Sept. National Tournament featured 41 Taekwondo America Schools from 9 different states. Competitors ranged in age from 4 - 50+.

In addition to individual competitions, the National Tournament also hosted the Synchronized Forms Team Competition. During this event student groups of 2-3 present a 60-90 second long performance, created and choreographed by the team members. Flower Mound Taekwondo Team “The Rodeo Divas” took second place in their division.

“I am so proud of all of our students,” said Mischke, “and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.”

xx

About Flower Mound Taekwondo: Established in 2004, Flower Mound Taekwondo is a member of Taekwondo America. They offer taekwondo classes for students ages 4 through adult and Krav Maga classes for adults age 16+. Additional information is available at WinWithKarate.com or by calling (972) 355-0844.

About Bill Mischke: Bill Mischke has been teaching self-defense for over 20 years. He is a seventh-degree black belt in taekwondo and a Master Instructor. In addition, he is an Expert Level Two Instructor of krav maga and a Certified Instructor of ICS Tactical Handgun, ICS Tactical Rifle, Active Shooter Response, and Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement through the Krav Maga Association. Established in 2004, Mischke is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Flower Mound Taekwondo & Krav Maga in Flower Mound, Texas.

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01-Flower Mound Taekwondo Students Pose with Medal

Sept. 30, 2025

Flower Mound Taekwondo Students Win Big at National Tournament

Flower Mound, TX – The Taekwondo America National Tournament took place Sept. 26-27  in Dallas, TX, where 30 Flower Mound Taekwondo students competed and won medals in four individual competitions (board-breaking, forms, point-break sparring, and continuous sparring) and one synchronized forms team competition.

“Our students put in the work, and it showed,” said Bill Mischke, Owner and Chief Instructor at Flower Mound Taekwondo. “The effort and dedication they brought to their training truly paid off.”

The 2025 Sept. National Tournament featured 41 Taekwondo America Schools from 9 different states. Competitors ranged in age from 4 - 50+.

In addition to individual competitions, the National Tournament also hosted the Synchronized Forms Team Competition. During this event student groups of 2-3 present a 60-90 second long performance, created and choreographed by the team members. Flower Mound Taekwondo Team “The Rodeo Divas” took second place in their division.

“I am so proud of all of our students,” said Mischke, “and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.”

xx

About Flower Mound Taekwondo: Established in 2004, Flower Mound Taekwondo is a member of Taekwondo America. They offer taekwondo classes for students ages 4 through adult and Krav Maga classes for adults age 16+. Additional information is available at WinWithKarate.com or by calling (972) 355-0844.

About Bill Mischke: Bill Mischke has been teaching self-defense for over 20 years. He is a seventh-degree black belt in taekwondo and a Master Instructor. In addition, he is an Expert Level Two Instructor of krav maga and a Certified Instructor of ICS Tactical Handgun, ICS Tactical Rifle, Active Shooter Response, and Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement through the Krav Maga Association. Established in 2004, Mischke is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Flower Mound Taekwondo & Krav Maga in Flower Mound, Texas.

Kathy Beazley
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Image courtesy of Texas Woman's University

Calling all ghosts, ghouls, and goblins: Texas Woman’s University is conjuring up a spooktacular lineup of Halloween festivities this October as part of 31 Days of Denton Halloween — with family-friendly events open to the community.

From candy-filled fun to record-breaking thrills, TWU is set to deliver an unforgettable Halloween season. At the heart of it all is the university’s annual Boo at the U, followed by a show-stopping attempt to make history with the Texas Thriller Takeover.

Boo at the U

  • When: Thursday, Oct. 16, 6–8 p.m.

  • Where: Hubbard Hall Lawn / TWU Gardens, 303 Administration Dr, Denton (located on the southwest corner of North Bell Avenue and Administration Drive)

The annual Boo at the U festival has been a staple of community engagement for the university for decades, and provides a safe, family-friendly, trick-or-treating setting for area residents. More than 3,000 people join the annual free event, making it a Denton favorite for families.The event includes:

  • Trick-or-treating stations with TWU students, faculty and staff

  • Inflatables, rides, axe throwing, petting zoo and Halloween arts and crafts

  • Costume contests for kids, teens, students, staff, faculty, alumni and groups

  • Food trucks and “Build-A-Boo Buddy” stuffed toys for purchase

  • Admission is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to donate items to support Minerva’s Market Food Pantry. 

Texas Thriller Takeover - One night. One dance. One record to break. 

  • When: Thursday, Oct. 16, immediately after Boo at the U (approx. 8 p.m.)

  • Where: Pioneer Circle outside Margo Jones Performance Hall, 1100 Oakland St., Denton

As the sun sets on Boo at the U, the night heats up with TWU’s Texas Thriller Takeover — an attempt to break the Texas record for the largest “Thriller” dance. The goal: top Austin’s 2008 record of 881 zombie dancers. 

  • Schedule:

    • 8 p.m. — Registration and wristband pickup (required for count)

    • 8:15 p.m. — Dance instruction

    • 8:30 p.m. — Record-breaking attempt

All ages are welcome, costumes are encouraged, and participants will receive a commemorative wristband. There is no need to register…just show up!  

The event also celebrates TWU’s new musical theatre program and its first production, Zombie Prom.

Additional Halloween Happenings at TWU

Zombie Prom, a Musical Comedy

  • When: Oct. 30–31 at 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

  • Where: Margo Jones Performance Hall, 1100 Oakland St, Denton, TX

  • Tickets: $10 general | $5 students/seniors | Free for children under 12

  • Details: A campy, rock-and-roll musical about teenage love, glowing zombies, and the ultimate prom night showdown. Critics call it “fun for the whole nuclear family.” The production launches TWU’s new Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre program, led by Julio Agustin Matos, Jr., TWU’s Artistic Manager of Musical Theatre and Broadway veteran. 

TWU Walking Ghost Tours

  • When: Oct. 27–31, 8–9 p.m. nightly

  • Where: Meet at the Blagg-Huey Library fountain, 307 Administration Dr, Denton

  • Details: Curious about TWU’s haunting tales of specters, phantoms, and things that go bump in the night? You will not want to miss this opportunity to walk the campus at dusk for tales of true love lost, unidentified sightings, wandering apparitions and missing persons. Guided by TWU archivist Kimberly Johnson, guests explore legends of Old Main’s moaning voices, the Little Chapel’s hooded lady, and Guinn Hall’s restless spirit of Dr. John. Free, PG-13 tours run nightly with no reservation required.

For more information about TWU’s Halloween festivities, visit:https://events.twu.edu

ABOUT 31 DAYS OF DENTON HALLOWEEN

During its 89th session, the Texas Legislature officially designated Denton as the Halloween Capital of Texas. In its inaugural year, Denton Halloween drew more than 660,000 visitors to 200+ events, downtown activations and spine-tingling experiences.

Every October, the month-long celebration transforms Denton into a Halloween wonderland with festivals, live music, haunted history, family fun and frights for the bold.

ABOUT TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation for excellence in nursing, health care, education, business, and the arts and sciences. Learn more attwu.edu.

 

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Washed Up With the Tide

Seffi Wardwell Mystery, #2

by

Rebecca M. Douglass

 

Seffi Wardwell is compelled to investigate when she finds the body of a local fisherman washed up on the beach by her new home.

 

Washed Up With the Tide is the second book in author Rebecca M. Douglass’s cozy Seffi Wardwell Mystery series, and in this adventure, Seffi, once again, discovers a body. This time, it is local fisherman Bob Hughes, a man with a slew of possible enemies, washed up on the beach near her home. With the engaging senior sleuth deciding she’s going to make Smelt Point her forever home, Seffi’s interest in finding out who did Bob in is necessary in safeguarding her new hometown. 

With the days getting shorter and shorter and the weather continuing to hold, Seffi’s early walk on the beach is an important habit for maintaining her progress toward regaining her vitality. Her tragic discovery is disturbing and engages her in finding out what happened to the man. As she grows stronger, Seffi also nurtures her new friendships in the small Maine village, building routines and gaining distance and perspective from her life before. She’s shared her past with some, but now Miah is keeping his own. 

The body is found early in this book, once again, by Seffi, so she is compelled to start asking questions right away. I enjoyed her involvement, of course, and the story kept me absorbed even after having just finished the previous book. However, readers new to the series shouldn’t have trouble reading and enjoying this book as a standalone novel. I want to mention that the descriptions of the village, coast, and nature reserve as Fall gets fully underway were a definite added treat. 

I highly recommend WASHED UP WITH THE TIDE to cozy mystery fans, especially those who would enjoy a Maine setting or LGBT representation.

 I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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Texas Woman's University Jen Hatmaker, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster speaker and advocate photo: Leo Gonzalez/TWU

Award-winning journalist and ABC 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts and Jen Hatmaker, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster speaker and advocate, were the featured speakers for "Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit" on Sept. 19 at the Denton Convention Center. Hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University (JNIWL), the summit was a one-day conference uniting women in the fields of public administration, elected office, and government—as well as women who aspire to public roles—through informative sessions, inspirational speakers and networking opportunities.

The opening welcome included remarks by Jane Nelson, former Texas Secretary of State; Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth; and Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D. Led by leaders in their fields, the breakout sessions featured panels on advocacy, strategic partnerships, politics, executive presence and leadership.

Maureen Zappala, speaker, author and High Altitude Strategies founder, was the opening session speaker discussing imposter syndrome.

Deborah Roberts:

The keynote conversation with Roberts was moderated by Sara Madsen Miller, a JNIWL advisory board member and COO and co-owner of 1820 Productions, an award-winning Dallas-based video production company.

Roberts, one of seven daughters, shared the following advice with the audience:

  • “Believe in your purpose.”
  • “Nothing will work unless you do.” (Maya Angelou)
  • Barbara Walters gave Roberts this advice: “Sometimes you have to outlast your detractors.”
  • When Roberts failed at her first live shot, her boss sent her back out to do another live shot that evening. She remarked, “Failure can be a powerful teacher if you’re willing to stay in the game.”
  • “Be self-assured. Know your story. Don’t doubt who you are.”

Jen Hatmaker:

Hatmaker, whose new Awake: A Memoir, just published, shared her advice and perspective:

  • “I’m grateful for the way you serve the state and the community. Give me a room full of women in leadership all the live long day.”
  • “No matter how bad it is, you have to invite people into your story—the ones who love you. It’s far more courageous to ask people for help.”

Another highlight of the day included Shannon Mantaro, Texas Woman’s University’s executive director and chief officer of the JNIWL, presenting the JNIWL Distinguished Public Service Award to The Honorable Myra Crownover, a retired Texas House of Representatives member (2000-2016) who formerly represented District 64, which includes Denton County.

ABOUT THE JANE NELSON INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service. Its three specialized centers—Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development, Center for Women Entrepreneurs and Center for Women in Government—ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to excel in public service. Find out more at twu.edu/lead, or connect with JNIWL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

ABOUT TWU

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $160 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. In 2026, the university will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its founding. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

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Texas Woman's University Jen Hatmaker, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster speaker and advocate photo: Leo Gonzalez/TWU

Award-winning journalist and ABC 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts and Jen Hatmaker, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster speaker and advocate, were the featured speakers for "Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit" on Sept. 19 at the Denton Convention Center. Hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University (JNIWL), the summit was a one-day conference uniting women in the fields of public administration, elected office, and government—as well as women who aspire to public roles—through informative sessions, inspirational speakers and networking opportunities.

The opening welcome included remarks by Jane Nelson, former Texas Secretary of State; Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth; and Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D. Led by leaders in their fields, the breakout sessions featured panels on advocacy, strategic partnerships, politics, executive presence and leadership.

Maureen Zappala, speaker, author and High Altitude Strategies founder, was the opening session speaker discussing imposter syndrome.

Deborah Roberts:

The keynote conversation with Roberts was moderated by Sara Madsen Miller, a JNIWL advisory board member and COO and co-owner of 1820 Productions, an award-winning Dallas-based video production company.

Roberts, one of seven daughters, shared the following advice with the audience:

  • “Believe in your purpose.”
  • “Nothing will work unless you do.” (Maya Angelou)
  • Barbara Walters gave Roberts this advice: “Sometimes you have to outlast your detractors.”
  • When Roberts failed at her first live shot, her boss sent her back out to do another live shot that evening. She remarked, “Failure can be a powerful teacher if you’re willing to stay in the game.”
  • “Be self-assured. Know your story. Don’t doubt who you are.”

Jen Hatmaker:

Hatmaker, whose new Awake: A Memoir, just published, shared her advice and perspective:

  • “I’m grateful for the way you serve the state and the community. Give me a room full of women in leadership all the live long day.”
  • “No matter how bad it is, you have to invite people into your story—the ones who love you. It’s far more courageous to ask people for help.”

Another highlight of the day included Shannon Mantaro, Texas Woman’s University’s executive director and chief officer of the JNIWL, presenting the JNIWL Distinguished Public Service Award to The Honorable Myra Crownover, a retired Texas House of Representatives member (2000-2016) who formerly represented District 64, which includes Denton County.

ABOUT THE JANE NELSON INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service. Its three specialized centers—Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development, Center for Women Entrepreneurs and Center for Women in Government—ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to excel in public service. Find out more at twu.edu/lead, or connect with JNIWL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

ABOUT TWU

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $160 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. In 2026, the university will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its founding. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

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Texas Woman's University Jen Hatmaker, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster speaker and advocate photo: Leo Gonzalez/TWU

Award-winning journalist and ABC 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts and Jen Hatmaker, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster speaker and advocate, were the featured speakers for "Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit" on Sept. 19 at the Denton Convention Center. Hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University (JNIWL), the summit was a one-day conference uniting women in the fields of public administration, elected office, and government—as well as women who aspire to public roles—through informative sessions, inspirational speakers and networking opportunities.

The opening welcome included remarks by Jane Nelson, former Texas Secretary of State; Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth; and Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D. Led by leaders in their fields, the breakout sessions featured panels on advocacy, strategic partnerships, politics, executive presence and leadership.

Maureen Zappala, speaker, author and High Altitude Strategies founder, was the opening session speaker discussing imposter syndrome.

Deborah Roberts:

The keynote conversation with Roberts was moderated by Sara Madsen Miller, a JNIWL advisory board member and COO and co-owner of 1820 Productions, an award-winning Dallas-based video production company.

Roberts, one of seven daughters, shared the following advice with the audience:

  • “Believe in your purpose.”
  • “Nothing will work unless you do.” (Maya Angelou)
  • Barbara Walters gave Roberts this advice: “Sometimes you have to outlast your detractors.”
  • When Roberts failed at her first live shot, her boss sent her back out to do another live shot that evening. She remarked, “Failure can be a powerful teacher if you’re willing to stay in the game.”
  • “Be self-assured. Know your story. Don’t doubt who you are.”

Jen Hatmaker:

Hatmaker, whose new Awake: A Memoir, just published, shared her advice and perspective:

  • “I’m grateful for the way you serve the state and the community. Give me a room full of women in leadership all the live long day.”
  • “No matter how bad it is, you have to invite people into your story—the ones who love you. It’s far more courageous to ask people for help.”

Another highlight of the day included Shannon Mantaro, Texas Woman’s University’s executive director and chief officer of the JNIWL, presenting the JNIWL Distinguished Public Service Award to The Honorable Myra Crownover, a retired Texas House of Representatives member (2000-2016) who formerly represented District 64, which includes Denton County.

ABOUT THE JANE NELSON INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service. Its three specialized centers—Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development, Center for Women Entrepreneurs and Center for Women in Government—ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to excel in public service. Find out more at twu.edu/lead, or connect with JNIWL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

ABOUT TWU

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $160 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. In 2026, the university will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its founding. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

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Dead West

Endings, #3

by

Linda L. Richards

 

A great addition to the ENDINGS series!

 

Dead West is the third novel in veteran author Linda L. Richards’s female killer-for-hire series, Endings, and the stories just keep getting better. In this latest addition, our nameless assassin accepts a difficult assignment to take out a rancher whose Arizona property and wild horse sanctuary abut a national forest. You’d think a less populated environment would make her planning and execution easier, but in reality, a stranger showing up in the middle of nowhere USA attracts a whole lot of unwanted attention, and that’s never good for business. 

The main character in this series never reveals her true name, but for the purpose of moving about society, she currently goes by the purchased identity of Katherine Eveline Ragsdill. Except for her dog, she leads a solitary life, both by necessity and choice, out of the sight of the curious, still grieving the loss of her son and husband. However, she’s starting to re-examine her choices and question her life and actions. While scouting out the location and situation of her current mark, for some inexplicable reason that even she can’t put in words, she allows herself to get to know her intended target, and she likes what she sees – a lot. 

The author tells the tale from our woman’s point of view, and her voice is honest and appealing, with bits of humor lightening what is a sober narrative. Richards’s writing style is smooth and compelling, making for effortless reading, and the pages flew by quickly. The story is that well-paced. The book takes the assassin from a tropical island to the desert to cosmopolitan cities, but no matter where the story leads, the author quickly makes the reader feel like they are on location with the characters. The plot is based on a twist in the assassin’s actions, which is not the last one to happen. I was guessing up until the very end. 

Although this is the third book in the series, it can genuinely be read and enjoyed as a standalone. However, do yourself a favor and read the first two. I recommend DEAD WEST to readers of crime fiction and mysteries. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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Integrity Urgent Care Clinic Opens in Keller, Texas

Keller’s newest urgent care clinic offers less cost, less wait and quality care at a fraction of the cost of a typical ER visit
 
KELLER, Texas (Sept. 29, 2025) – Integrity Urgent Care, a Texas-based family of urgent care clinics dedicated to enhancing communities through convenient, lower-cost and high-quality care, opened its newest clinic in Keller, Texas, serving families across Keller, North Fort Worth, Roanoke and surrounding communities. Located at 12652 Timberland Drive near the Timberland Crossing shopping area, the clinic offers convenient access for patients throughout Northeast Tarrant County.
 
Integrity Urgent Care in Keller increases access to urgent and virtual primary care — providing fast, affordable treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries. Services include pediatric urgent care, x-rays, lab testing, electrocardiograms (EKGs), sports medicine and STI screening and treatment. The clinic also provides on-site testing with same-day results and treatment for common respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, strep, RSV and flu. Patients can walk in any day of the week or check in online for added convenience.
 
Local employers can benefit from drug screening, physicals, immunizations, testing and worker’s compensation services.
 
“Our company was founded with the desire to increase access to affordable, exceptional care,” said David Pyle, CEO of Xpress Wellness. “As development expands in the Keller-North Fort Worth corridor, access to urgent and primary care is increasingly vital for local families and businesses. With extended evening and weekend hours, we’re here when and where the community needs us most.” 
 
The Keller urgent care location accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, TriCare and TriWest, while offering competitive, transparent self-pay options for uninsured patients.
 
"Our team is ready to serve the Keller community with the same high level of care and compassion that has earned our patients' trust across Texas," said Tony Hill, Chief Medical Officer of Xpress Wellness.
 
Integrity Urgent Care in Keller is open seven days a week – Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit IntegrityUC.com/Keller or call 817-380-3720. 
 
About Integrity Urgent Care
Integrity Urgent Care, a subsidiary of Xpress Wellness, is a family of Texas-based clinics offering urgent care, along with occupational, behavioral, sexual and virtual primary care services. With a mission of serving underserved communities, Integrity Urgent Care offers less cost, less wait and greater care to residents and businesses for common illnesses, minor injuries, on-site x-rays, lab work, occupational medicine, and more — all at a fraction of the cost of a typical ER visit.
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Sweet Comfort

Comfort and Joy, #1

by

Kimberly Fish

 

The story teased me in with the promise of chocolate, but I stayed for the relationships.

 

Sweet Comfort is the first book in author Kimberly Fish’s spin-off series, Comfort and Joy, and I can’t think of a more descriptive or appropriate moniker for the series. While I was initially attracted to the book because of the promise of gourmet chocolate, it was the characters’ relationships that pulled me deep into the story. This is one of the best buildups of the community of characters for a series that I think I’ve ever encountered.

After retiring from a career in banking, Gloria Bachman sets her sights (and her future) on opening a gourmet chocolate shop on her hometown’s busy main drag, and despite naysayers, it looks like her dream is coming together. Disgraced CEO Mason Lassiter comes to Comfort to lick his wounds and recharge. But when his plans take a turn, he discovers his new neighbor, Gloria, may have answers he needs – if they can come to trust each other enough to collaborate. 

The main character Gloria Bachman is a woman of a certain age and well-regarded in her adopted hometown of Comfort, Texas. She’s suffered some hard knocks in her life and career, but she’s a survivor. To her chagrin, perhaps, her younger women friends have seemed to have placed her on a pedestal, and she certainly doesn’t view herself in that light. They hold her in high esteem and aspire to emulate her take-charge and take-no-prisoners demeanor that got her to where she ended up: a bank president. I liked seeing her opening this new chapter in her life and trying something entirely different with her friend and business partner, Kali. Then it was also good to see an older woman exhibiting realistic attitudes toward a possible romantic partner and relationship. 

Besides the second chance storyline, there is the chocolate business to drool over. And while I enjoyed every virtual morsel, I also liked all the details about renovating the old building slated to house the new shop. I appreciate all the research the author must have done before putting pen to paper. There is even a mention of the traffic snafu caused by the crane that was needed for some of the work! True to life. And there was still so much more that had me turning pages: the mysterious death of the estranged wife of the successful Dallas businessman, the murder of a local contractor, and of course, learning everyone in Comfort’s business. As always, it was fun to have a fictional story set in the very real town of Comfort, Texas. 

The author’s writing style is easy to read yet compelling. I was immediately drawn into Gloria Bachman’s life and soon felt like I knew her and her many friends and acquaintances. The dialogue sparkled, with some real laugh-out-loud moments and situations that were puredee entertainment. 

Although this is the first book in this series, there are hints that certain characters or couples have backstories featured in the author’s previous works. However, I didn’t need to have read those to become immediately invested in this current tale. The bonus is that there is backstory gold just waiting to be discovered. 

I recommend SWEET COMFORT to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, later-in-life and second-chance romances, cozy mysteries, chocolate themes, stories set in Texas, especially the Hill Country, and fans of the author’s previous novels. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.