Picture a storyteller who spun tales of romance and mystery from the foothills of the Ozark Mountains—meet Cynthia Hickey! This American author has charmed readers with her cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, and historical romances, selling over a million copies since 2013. With a knack for crafting immersive worlds, Hickey’s stories blend faith, danger, and a dash of love, making her a beloved voice in Christian fiction.
From her childhood days weaving stories to her rise as an Amazon and ECPA best-selling author, Hickey’s journey is one of passion and persistence. Her vivid imagination and dedication to clean, inspirational reads have won hearts worldwide, proving that small-town roots can lead to big literary dreams.
The Making of Cynthia Hickey
Born and raised in the Ozark Mountains, Cynthia Hickey was a natural storyteller, dreaming up tales long before she could write them down. Her love for reading sparked early, fueling her imagination with classics like Gone With the Wind. After years of balancing life as a mother and school detention monitor, she channeled her creativity into writing, publishing her first cozy mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, in 2008. This debut, which won first place in the 2007 Great Expectations contest, marked the start of her prolific career.
With her husband, Hickey also runs Winged Publications, a small press that champions clean and inspirational works by well-known Christian authors. Splitting her time between Arizona and Arkansas, she draws inspiration from her surroundings and her ten grandchildren, who proudly tell everyone, “Nana is a writer!”
Cynthia Hickey’s Unforgettable Stories
Hickey’s bibliography is a treasure trove of over 190 books across 19 series, spanning cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, and historical romance. Her Summer Meadows Mystery series kicks off with Fudge-Laced Felonies, where amateur sleuth Summer Meadows stumbles into crime-solving with charm and wit. The series’ blend of humor and suspense earned it a top spot in Amazon’s Christian mystery rankings.
In romantic suspense, Secrets of Misty Hollow delivers gripping tales of small-town danger and heartfelt romance, while A Pioneer Christmas Collection showcases her historical romance prowess, weaving love stories set against wintry frontiers. Hickey’s style shines through her feisty heroines, faith-driven narratives, and meticulous attention to historical detail, transporting readers to eras like the Great Depression or 1880s America.
Her novella Love’s Turning Page in the Pack Horse Librarians collection highlights her ability to blend history and heart, following a librarian’s quest for literacy and love in 1930s Ozark Mountains. Hickey’s stories resonate with readers for their relatable characters and uplifting themes, making every page a cozy escape.
Why Cynthia Hickey Matters
Cynthia Hickey’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that entertain and inspire. Her clean, faith-based narratives offer readers a safe haven, blending suspense and romance with moral clarity. By teaching at conferences like the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers event, she’s mentored aspiring authors, sharing her expertise on storytelling and publishing.
Through Winged Publications, Hickey has amplified voices in Christian fiction, fostering a community of writers who prioritize wholesome reads. Her million-plus book sales and loyal readership reflect her enduring influence, proving that stories rooted in faith and heart can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
- Key Works: Fudge-Laced Felonies, Secrets of Misty Hollow, A Pioneer Christmas Collection
- Awards: First place, Great Expectations contest (2007) for Fudge-Laced Felonies
- Fun Fact: Hickey collects Gone With the Wind and Elvis memorabilia!
Snag Fudge-Laced Felonies and dive into Cynthia Hickey’s cozy, faith-filled world of mystery and romance!