Picture a storyteller who weaves romance with a touch of Celtic magic—meet Barbara Longley! This American author has enchanted readers with her heartfelt contemporary romances and fantastical tales, earning a spot on the Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll of Bestselling Authors. From her Minnesota home, Longley crafts stories that blend love, resilience, and a dash of the mystical, captivating fans worldwide.
Born in Maryland, Longley’s childhood was a whirlwind of moves across states like Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Minnesota. Stories became her refuge, sparking a lifelong passion for narrative. With a summa cum laude Bachelor’s in Education/Human Relations and a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Minnesota, she taught for 21 years before embracing writing full-time in 2015.
The Making of Barbara Longley
Growing up, Longley’s frequent relocations taught her to find solace in storytelling, a skill that later defined her novels. After decades as an educator, the dissolution of her teaching district pushed her to pursue writing professionally. Her background in education shaped her ability to create relatable, empathetic characters, while her love for myth and metaphysics infused her work with a unique flair. Longley’s transition from classroom to keyboard was seamless, fueled by her knack for crafting stories that resonate on a deeply human level.
Barbara Longley’s Unforgettable Stories
Longley’s bibliography spans contemporary romance, Celtic fantasy, and historical romance, with 17 books across four series. Her debut, Heart of the Druid Laird (2011), is a standalone paranormal romance blending Celtic mythology with passionate love. The Perfect, Indiana series, starting with Far from Perfect (2012), explores small-town life and emotional healing, following characters like Noah Langford, a veteran rebuilding his life. The Loch Moigh series, beginning with True to the Highlander (2014), dives into time-travel romance, with tales like Sky Elizabeth’s journey through a medieval portal. Her MacCarthy Sisters series, including Tangled in Time (2017), mixes fae magic with modern love stories.
Longley’s style is marked by vivid characters who grow into their strength, often overcoming personal trauma. Her romances balance emotional depth with escapist fun, appealing to readers who crave both heart and adventure. Whether it’s a soldier finding love in A Change of Heart or a fae-touched heroine navigating time in The Highlander’s Vow, Longley’s stories deliver “happily-ever-afters” with a mythical twist.
Why Barbara Longley Matters
Barbara Longley’s impact lies in her ability to craft universal stories of love and resilience. Her books, which have garnered awards like the Maggie and Holt Medallion, offer readers an escape while tackling real-world themes like loss and recovery. With over a million readers, her Diamond Award reflects her broad appeal. Longley’s genre-jumping—contemporary to Celtic fantasy—has inspired aspiring authors to blend romance with bold, imaginative elements, leaving a lasting mark on the genre.
- Born: Maryland, USA
- Key Works: Heart of the Druid Laird, Far from Perfect, True to the Highlander, Tangled in Time
- Awards: Maggie, Holt Medallion, National Readers’ Choice, Diamond Award (2015)
- Fun Fact: Longley lives with a dog named Sophie, aka “Stinky Dog.”
Snag Far from Perfect and dive into Barbara Longley’s heartwarming romance today!