Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of passion and peril, captivating millions with her romance novels—meet Christina Dodd! Since her debut in 1991, Dodd has become a New York Times bestselling author, blending historical romance, suspense, and a touch of humor. Her journey from a determined dreamer to an award-winning novelist is as inspiring as her stories.
Born into a family touched by tragedy, Dodd’s love for books was sparked by her mother’s nightly readings, planting the seeds for a remarkable career. With over 15 million books in print, her novels have been translated into 12 languages, earning her the prestigious RITA Award and a spot as a crossword clue in the Los Angeles Times. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Christina Dodd
Christina Dodd, born July 14, was the youngest of three daughters raised by a single mother after her father’s death before her birth. Her mother, a hardworking housewife turned breadwinner, instilled a love of literature in her children despite financial struggles. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, Dodd attended college, where she met her husband, Scott. She worked as a draftsman, designing sawmills, but her lunch breaks were spent devouring romance novels, rewriting their endings in her mind—a habit that foreshadowed her future. After her daughter’s birth in 1980, Dodd took a leap of faith, quitting her job to write, despite facing rejections for a decade.
Christina Dodd’s Unforgettable Stories
Dodd’s debut, Candle in the Window (1991), won both the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart and RITA Awards, a testament to her raw talent. Set in medieval England, it follows a blind heroine, showcasing Dodd’s knack for crafting resilient, relatable characters. Her second novel, Castles in the Air, weaves historical intrigue with romance, featuring Lady Juliana’s defiant stand against a king’s command. Later, A Well Pleasured Lady (1997) marked her shift to Regency romance, celebrated for its sensuality and humor, earning a spot among Library Journal’s top romances. In 2003, Dodd ventured into contemporary romance with My Favorite Bride, which climbed the New York Times bestseller list for 15 weeks.
Her writing style is a delightful blend of wit, sensuality, and suspense, often drawing from her mother’s strength to create heroines who triumph over adversity. Dodd’s collaborative “plot weekends” with authors like Susan Mallery fuel her creativity, ensuring each story brims with fresh ideas. From the Governess Brides series to the thrilling Virtue Falls, her 140+ works span historical, paranormal, and suspense genres, keeping readers hooked.
Why Christina Dodd Matters
Christina Dodd’s impact on romance literature is undeniable. Her ability to weave humor and heart into richly detailed settings has inspired a generation of readers and writers. Her awards, including the RITA and Golden Heart, highlight her influence, while her books’ translations into 12 languages reflect a global reach. Dodd’s perseverance—turning rejections into bestsellers—resonates with aspiring authors, proving that passion and grit can conquer all. Her recent work, A Daughter of Fair Verona (2024), reimagines Romeo and Juliet’s daughter, showcasing her enduring knack for reinvention.
- Born: July 14
- Key Works: Candle in the Window, A Well Pleasured Lady, My Favorite Bride, A Daughter of Fair Verona
- Awards: RITA Award, Golden Heart Award, Library Journal Top 5 Romances
Grab Candle in the Window and dive into Christina Dodd’s world of romance and resilience—your heart will thank you!