I am a New Zealand author of ten genealogy-inspired historical fiction novels, holding a Master of Arts with First Class Honours in English and Education. With decades of genealogical research behind me, I have transformed family mysteries and immigrant stories into award-winning family sagas — including a Gold Medal winner for Women’s Historical Fiction 2022. I am currently writing a memoir of a genealogist turned author.
Like the characters in my books, I have a passion for family history and a love of old photos, antiques, and treasures from the past.
After researching the history of the time and place, and realising the hardships many people suffered, I knew I wanted to write their stories. Tales of love and loss, and of triumph over adversity. You couldn’t make up some of the life-stories I’ve uncovered.
My novels could be about your ancestors. While the names will change, the history of the place they came from remains the same. I wanted to write stories that brought the past alive for the reader as much as myself. Do you have a story to tell?
Many of my characters have been fictionalised but their story is no less faithful to the time. I particularly enjoy writing intergenerational sagas, inspired by early immigrant stories to New Zealand, linked by journals, letters, photographs, and heirlooms.
I’m an avid reader of historical novels, family sagas and contemporary women’s stories and love to travel. I especially enjoy caravanning around New Zealand with my husband (who is my biggest fan) and spending time with my family.
I’m happy to answer your questions.
I invite you to journey alongside the immigrants as they cross the oceans for a better life, or follow their descendants as they uncover the long lost secrets of bygone days.