Picture a storyteller who spun a tale of orphans and wild horses under Montana’s Big Sky—meet Dianna Rostad! This USA Today bestselling historical fiction novelist captured hearts with her debut, You Belong Here Now, a vivid journey through 1925 Montana. With roots in the Pacific Northwest and a knack for unearthing forgotten histories, Rostad crafts stories that pulse with authenticity and hope.
Born and raised in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Rostad’s writing reflects her deep connection to the land and its stories. Her family’s Montana ranching heritage and her own travels to historical sites fuel her narratives, making her a fresh, powerful voice in historical fiction.
The Making of Dianna Rostad
Dianna Rostad’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. Growing up surrounded by the tales of her Montana rancher forebears, she developed a love for stories early on. After raising three children, she dove into writing with fervor, completing Southern Methodist University’s Writer’s Path program in 2009. Her experience working with youthful offenders in 1990s Los Angeles also shaped her empathy for the underdog, a theme that shines in her work. Rostad’s passion for research led her to explore archives, museums, and oral histories, ensuring her novels breathe truth.
Dianna Rostad’s Unforgettable Stories
Rostad’s debut, You Belong Here Now, published in 2021, is a heart-wrenching tale of three orphans—Charles, Patrick, and Opal—who escape an Orphan Train to find belonging on a Montana ranch. Set against the stark beauty of Bull Mountain, the novel blends gritty realism with hope, earning praise as a 2022 WILLA Literary Award Finalist. Critics lauded its vivid prose, with William Kent Krueger calling it “a novel as straightforward and powerful as the characters who populate it.”
Her upcoming novel, A Giant in the Mountains, set in 1933 Western North Carolina, promises another immersive historical saga. Rostad’s style is marked by lush descriptions and deep emotional resonance, often exploring themes of family, resilience, and redemption. She weaves her family’s oral histories—like her grandfather’s Montana songs—into her work, grounding her stories in authenticity. Her meticulous research into 1920s Hell’s Kitchen and Cheyenne culture adds layers of depth, making her novels both educational and moving.
Rostad’s ability to paint landscapes as characters, from Montana’s windswept plains to its wild mustangs, sets her apart. Her narratives balance suspense and tenderness, appealing to readers of This Tender Land and The Orphan Train. Each story is a journey, inviting readers to root for broken spirits finding restoration.
Why Dianna Rostad Matters
Dianna Rostad’s impact lies in her ability to resurrect forgotten histories, like the Orphan Train era, and give voice to the marginalized. Her debut novel has resonated with book clubs, sparking discussions about family and belonging. By blending her family’s Montana legacy with rigorous research, she offers readers a window into the American spirit—gritty, hopeful, and enduring. Her work reminds us that even in the darkest places, beauty and healing can emerge.
As a relatively new voice, Rostad’s growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next releases. Her commitment to “big-hearted” fiction ensures her stories connect with wide audiences, making historical fiction feel immediate and universal.
- Born: Pacific Northwest
- Key Work: You Belong Here Now (2021)
- Awards: 2022 WILLA Literary Award Finalist, Reading the West Debut Fiction Shortlist
- Fun Fact: Rostad’s butterfly garden inspires her love for nature, reflected in her vivid landscapes.
Snag You Belong Here Now and dive into Dianna Rostad’s soul-stirring historical fiction! Let her Montana skies and resilient characters sweep you away.