Picture a storyteller who spun tales of time travel and tender romance from the heart of Oklahoma—meet Barbara Bartholomew! This prolific young adult romance author has enchanted readers for decades with over 60 works, blending mystery, ghostly encounters, and heartfelt love stories. From her roots as a mother seeking a creative spark to her status as a beloved grandmother, Bartholomew’s unique voice resonates with readers young and old.
The Making of Barbara Bartholomew
Born in 1941, Barbara Bartholomew grew up on a cotton farm in western Oklahoma, where pulling cotton convinced her to pursue a college degree. Life as a mother of three brought unexpected challenges—chicken pox and endless childhood illnesses kept her homebound, sparking a freelance writing career. What began with short stories blossomed into a lifelong passion for crafting young adult romance, fueled by her knack for weaving fantasy and emotion.
A former newspaper reporter, Bartholomew brought a journalist’s curiosity to her fiction. Her early sales of short stories paved the way for 20 traditionally published books, and as an independent publisher, she embraced the freedom to write fantasy-infused romances that captivate her imagination. Her Oklahoma roots and family life infuse her stories with warmth and authenticity.
Barbara Bartholomew’s Unforgettable Stories
Bartholomew’s bibliography is a treasure trove of young adult romance, often laced with time travel and supernatural twists. The House Near the River, a standout novella, follows Angie Ward, a woman with an uncontrollable time-travel ability, as she unravels the mystery of her brother’s disappearance. Readers love its poignant romance and surprising plot twists, all delivered in Bartholomew’s clean, engaging style.
The Ghost and Miss Hallam, the first in her Lavender, Texas series, introduces a young man wrongfully imprisoned, weaving a tender love story with ghostly elements. The Timeways Trilogy—The Time Keeper, Child of Tomorrow, and When Dreamers Cease to Dream—explores time-travel adventures with relatable characters and emotional depth, perfect for young readers. Bartholomew’s ability to blend romance with mystery and fantasy sets her apart, creating stories that feel both timeless and fresh.
Her writing style is accessible yet evocative, with flawed, determined characters like Angie and richly imagined settings like Lavender, Texas. Whether it’s a ghostly encounter or a leap through time, Bartholomew’s narratives keep readers hooked with brisk pacing and heartfelt resolutions, making her a staple for fans of clean, uplifting romance.
Why Barbara Bartholomew Matters
Barbara Bartholomew’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate across generations. Her focus on clean romance, free of explicit content, offers a refreshing escape for readers seeking emotional depth without heavy drama. By blending young adult romance with speculative elements, she carved a niche that appeals to both teens and adults, proving that love stories can be thrilling and wholesome.
As an independent author, Bartholomew’s persistence and creative freedom inspire aspiring writers. Her Oklahoma heritage and family-centric narratives add a relatable charm, while her prolific output—over 60 works—showcases her dedication. Though less celebrated than mainstream authors, her loyal readership cherishes her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary, cementing her legacy in young adult literature.
- Born: 1941, Oklahoma
- Key Works: The House Near the River, The Ghost and Miss Hallam, Timeways Trilogy
- Genres: Young Adult Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel
- Award: Rita Award (1984)
Ready to fall in love with a time-traveling romance? Snag The House Near the River and dive into Barbara Bartholomew’s enchanting world!