Julie Garwood

Julie Elizabeth Garwood ( Murphy; December 26, 1944 – June 8, 2023) was an American writer of over twenty-seven romance novels in both the historical and suspense subgenres. Over thirty-five million copies of her books are in print, and she had at least 24 New York Times Bestsellers. She also wrote a novel for young adults called A Girl Named Summer.

Garwood's novel For the Roses was adapted for the television feature Rose Hill. and was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, the sixth of seven children in a large Irish family. She was the daughter of Felicita “Flip” Murphy, née Kennedy and Thomas Murphy

While studying to be a registered nurse, Garwood took a Russian history course and became intrigued by history, choosing to pursue a double major in history and nursing. A professor, impressed by the quality of her essays, convinced Garwood to write. The result was a children's book, A Girl Named Summer, and her first historical novel, Gentle Warrior.