Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned the tranquil beauty of Ontario’s Muskokas into a vibrant stage for family drama—meet Deloris Packard! A former hospitality maven, Packard swapped restaurant menus for manuscripts, crafting the captivating Cedar Grove Resort Trilogy. Her stories of sisterhood and inheritance have hooked readers who crave heartfelt, relatable tales with a side of scenic charm.
Born in the small town of Harcourt, Ontario, Packard’s journey from a hobby farm to literary success is as inspiring as her novels. Her knack for weaving authentic characters and emotional stakes has made her a rising star in contemporary fiction. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this Muskoka maestro!
The Making of Deloris Packard
Growing up as the youngest of eight children on a hobby farm in Harcourt, Ontario, Deloris Packard was surrounded by family dynamics that would later fuel her storytelling. Nestled near Algonquin Provincial Park, her childhood was steeped in rural rhythms and community ties. As a teenager, she worked summers at lodges in the Haliburton Highlands, sparking a lifelong passion for hospitality. After earning a diploma in Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Management from Canadore College in North Bay, Packard built a diverse career, working across Alberta, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and Ontario. With her husband, she ran The Corner Café, a cozy restaurant just miles from her family home, honing her knack for connecting with people—a skill that shines in her writing.
Deloris Packard’s Unforgettable Stories
Packard’s debut, The Inheritance of the Cedar Grove Resort, introduces the Cedar Grove Resort Trilogy, a gripping saga set in Ontario’s Muskoka cottage country. The story follows Debbie Delanie and her sisters, who inherit their family’s resort after their mother’s death. As reluctant business partners, their sisterly bond is tested by conflicting visions, exploring themes of loyalty and legacy. The sequel, The Sale of the Cedar Grove Resort, ramps up the stakes as Debbie fights to save the resort—and her sisters—from a potential sale. A third, yet-to-be-titled novel completes the trilogy, tying up the sisters’ emotional journey.
Packard’s writing style is warm and immersive, blending vivid Muskoka landscapes with raw, relatable family tensions. Her hospitality background lends authenticity to the resort setting, while her large-family upbringing infuses her characters with nuanced dynamics. Fans of contemporary fiction love her ability to balance emotional depth with page-turning drama, making her trilogy a must-read for those who enjoy authors like Elin Hilderbrand or Kristin Hannah.
Why Deloris Packard Matters
Deloris Packard’s impact lies in her ability to transform everyday family struggles into universal stories of resilience and connection. By setting her trilogy in the Muskokas, she’s put a spotlight on Ontario’s cottage country as a literary backdrop, inviting readers to explore its charm through her lens. Her focus on sisterhood resonates with those navigating complex family ties, offering a heartfelt take on love and loss. As a self-published author, Packard’s determination to share her stories inspires aspiring writers, proving that authentic voices can shine, even in a crowded market.
- Born: Harcourt, Ontario
- Key Works: The Inheritance of the Cedar Grove Resort, The Sale of the Cedar Grove Resort
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Snag The Inheritance of the Cedar Grove Resort and dive into Deloris Packard’s heartwarming world of family, Muskoka magic, and sisterly bonds!