LUBBOCK, Texas — A small West Texas town is gaining national attention after the release of a new Netflix series based on a popular romance novel, and the real-life Ransom Canyon book club is excited to watch.

The show, titled Ransom Canyon, is inspired by the novel of the same name written by Texas Tech graduate and Amarillo native Jodi Thomas. Though the series was filmed in New Mexico, the story draws heavily from the real town east of Lubbock.

“It’s loosely based on Ransom Canyon,” said resident and book club member Debra Swanson. “Especially being from Lubbock in this area, living here, it was exciting to read something that was about our local history.”

The fictional plot focuses on three ranching families navigating generational land disputes and complicated romances. For many in the region, the story feels familiar.

But surprisingly, several members of the Ransom Canyon book club had never heard of the novel before the Netflix show was announced.

“Last month, because we knew the Netflix show was coming out, we said, ‘Why don’t we go ahead and make this the book for this month?’” said Ashli DeLavan, another Ransom Canyon resident.

Now, with the book finished and the series streaming, some locals are eager to see how the on-screen version holds up, even if it wasn’t filmed in Texas.

“It talks about Lubbock and how it’s a little bit of a drive. You know, if you have to go to the doctor or anything like that, it mentions that. And then it mentions Texas Tech a few times too,” said DeLavan.

As excitement builds, there’s also a sense of nervousness for the popularity it could bring.

“I know. I think some people are a little scared because this is like our little hidden secret,” said Swanson.

Either way, residents say they’re proud to see their community getting attention.

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