Julie Garwood

Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Julie Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life I learned that self-expression had to be forceful, imaginative and quick," says Ms. Garwood.

Ms. Garwood began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publication of two young adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, Gentle Warrior, was published by Pocket Books in 1985 -- there have been 19 novels since then. Her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and Publishers Weekly. The popularity of her books expands with each new publication, and she is now read and enjoyed in many languages around the world.

Julie Garwood writes "...gripping escapism of the tallest order" (Kirkus Reviews). Whether the setting be medieval Scotland, Regency England, frontier Montana, or contemporary America, her themes are consistent: family, loyalty and honor. USA Today says, "...it's those timely subjects set against a timeless background that attract so many modern readers."

Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, Kansas and is currently working on her next novel. When her schedule allows time away from family and career, she devotes her efforts to promoting literacy, and especially enjoys sharing her love of reading with student groups.