JULIE GARWOOD

Author Julie Garwood has written numerous New York Times bestsellers, including some of our favorite romantic suspense books and historical romance novels, but did you know that until the age of 11, she could barely read? A tonsillectomy when she was very young set her back in school, and she had trouble catching up. Fortunately-for her and for us-she was eventually tutored by a caring nun who not only taught her how to read, but to love the written word. Today, of course, she is one of America's favorite authors, and legions of fans know that Julie Garwood books perfectly blend passion, action, and humor, whether it be her historical romance novels (Ransom, Shadow Music) or her contemporary romantic suspense books (Fire and Ice, Sizzle). Celebrated for the quirkiness of their heroines, their unerring sense of authenticity, and their heart-hammering suspense, Julie Garwood books have been hailed as "...gripping escapism of the tallest order" by Kirkus Reviews, not only appearing regularly on the New York Times bestseller list, but also earning the adoration of countless fans the world over. Aside from her New York Times bestsellers, one of our favorite things about author Julie Garwood is that she's never forgotten her roots-in her spare time, she devotes her efforts to promoting literacy, helping to cultivate in the next generation the same love for books and learning that was instilled in her by a compassionate nun all those years ago.