Picture a Michigan storyteller who spun small-town charm into heartwarming romance novels—meet Cynthia Ellingsen! With a knack for blending mystery, love, and cozy settings, this Amazon Charts bestselling author has captured readers’ hearts. From her childhood obsession with soap operas to crafting the beloved Starlight Cove series, Ellingsen’s journey is as captivating as her stories.
Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Ellingsen’s love for Lake Michigan’s haunting beauty and quaint lakeshore towns shaped her storytelling. Her novels, filled with quirky locals and heartfelt connections, invite readers to escape into worlds where love and secrets intertwine.
The Making of Cynthia Ellingsen
Raised in Michigan, Cynthia Ellingsen’s early life was steeped in books and daytime dramas. Her parents, unimpressed with her soap opera fixation, nudged her toward new passions. A purple, grape-scented pen from her father sparked her love for writing, letting her craft characters as vibrant as those on TV. After honing her skills at Interlochen Arts Academy, she chased dreams in Chicago and Los Angeles, waiting tables while writing screenplays. A serendipitous screenplay sale and the swift acceptance of her debut novel, The Whole Package, marked her rise as a novelist.
Cynthia Ellingsen’s Unforgettable Stories
Ellingsen’s novels are a delightful mix of contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and light mystery, often set in the fictional Starlight Cove, inspired by her Michigan roots. Her Starlight Cove series, starting with The Lighthouse Keeper (2017), follows Dawn Conners as she restores a lighthouse and unravels family secrets, all while navigating romance with nautical researcher Kip Whittaker. Readers praise its summery, small-town vibe and cozy-mystery charm.
The Lost Letters of Aisling (2024), a standalone novel, transports readers to post-WWII Ireland, where Rainey uncovers her grandmother’s hidden past through letters. Its dual-timeline narrative and lush Irish setting have earned raves for their emotional depth. Other notable works include The Winemaker’s Secret (2019), a tale of vineyard secrets, and The Choice I Made (2021), a heartfelt story of love and betrayal. Ellingsen’s style—warm, character-driven, and laced with humor—makes her books perfect for cozy reading escapes.
Why Cynthia Ellingsen Matters
Cynthia Ellingsen’s impact lies in her ability to craft relatable characters and settings that feel like home. Her stories resonate with fans of women’s fiction and romance, offering hope, humor, and heart. Translated into multiple languages and available on audio, her Starlight Cove series has built a global following. By drawing on her Michigan heritage, Ellingsen celebrates the charm of small-town life, inspiring readers to find magic in their own communities.
Now living in Lexington, Kentucky, with her family and two sassy Siamese cats, Ellingsen continues to write stories that blend love, mystery, and second chances. Her eleventh novel, The Cut of the Moon, released in September 2025, promises more of her signature warmth.
- Born: Battle Creek, Michigan
- Key Works: The Lighthouse Keeper, The Lost Letters of Aisling, The Winemaker’s Secret
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, Cozy Mystery
- Fun Fact: Ellingsen once waited tables in Los Angeles while chasing her writing dreams!
Snag The Lighthouse Keeper or The Lost Letters of Aisling and dive into Cynthia Ellingsen’s heartwarming world of romance and mystery!