Picture an American storyteller who spins tales of love, loss, and family with the charm of a Delaware sunset—meet Colleen Faulkner! A prolific romance novelist with a knack for tugging at heartstrings, Faulkner has penned over a hundred novels under various pseudonyms, earning accolades like Delaware’s Diamond Award for Literary Excellence. Her emotionally rich stories, often set against the backdrop of the East Coast, resonate with readers worldwide.
As the daughter of bestselling author Judith E. French, Colleen grew up surrounded by stories, her Southern Delaware roots shaping her vivid narratives. From historical romances to contemporary dramas, her work captures the messy, beautiful complexities of human relationships with a hopeful, redemptive glow.
The Making of Colleen Faulkner
Born and raised in Southern Delaware, Colleen Faulkner was steeped in a legacy of storytelling. Her mother, Judith E. French, a celebrated author, filled their home with books and creativity, inspiring Colleen’s love for writing. By 23, she sold her first novel, launching a career that would span decades and genres. Married to her high school sweetheart, she balances writing with running her family’s 350-year-old farm, a nod to her deep Delaware roots.
Faulkner’s travels across Europe and Asia added layers to her storytelling, infusing her work with a global perspective. Her early career under pen names like Hunter Morgan and V.K. Forrest allowed her to explore suspense and paranormal romance, but it was her heartfelt family dramas that truly defined her voice.
Colleen Faulkner’s Unforgettable Stories
Faulkner’s bibliography is a treasure trove of emotional depth and versatility. Her novel Just Like Other Daughters (2013) marked her bold entry into general fiction, telling the story of a mother navigating her daughter’s Down syndrome with grace and grit. Readers lauded its tender exploration of unconditional love.
As Close As Sisters (2014) weaves a gripping tale of four friends confronting a dark secret from their past, showcasing Faulkner’s ability to blend suspense with sisterhood. Finding Georgina (2018) tackles adoption and identity, set against a richly drawn Southern backdrop, while Julia’s Daughters (2015) dives into grief and healing after a family tragedy. Her style—marked by nuanced characters, evocative settings, and hopeful resolutions—makes every story feel like a warm embrace.
Writing under pseudonyms, Faulkner has also ventured into cozy mysteries and historical romances, proving her range. Her East Coast settings, often inspired by Delaware’s beaches and small towns, ground her stories in a sense of place that feels both universal and intimate.
Why Colleen Faulkner Matters
Colleen Faulkner’s impact lies in her ability to make readers feel seen. Her stories tackle tough topics—grief, disability, secrets—with a compassion that resonates across cultures, as evidenced by translations into Chinese, French, and Italian. In romance and women’s fiction, she’s a beacon of emotional authenticity, crafting characters who face life’s challenges with courage and hope.
Her Diamond Award win in 1999 cemented her as a Delaware literary gem, and her global readership reflects her universal appeal. By weaving her heritage and travels into her work, Faulkner bridges local and global, inviting readers to find beauty in life’s imperfections.
- Born: Southern Delaware
- Key Works: Just Like Other Daughters, As Close As Sisters, Finding Georgina, Julia’s Daughters
- Awards: Delaware Diamond Award for Literary Excellence (1999)
- Fun Fact: Runs a 350-year-old family farm when not writing
Ready to dive into a world of heart and hope? Grab Just Like Other Daughters and let Colleen Faulkner’s storytelling sweep you away!