Picture an Irish storyteller who breathes life into forgotten corners of history—meet Hazel Gaynor! With her evocative historical fiction, Gaynor transforms real events into emotional, page-turning tales that linger long after the final chapter. From her debut novel to international bestsellers, she’s carved a niche as a master of reimagining the past with heart and authenticity.
Born in England but now a proud resident of Ireland, Gaynor’s journey to literary stardom is as inspiring as her novels. After a corporate career was upended by redundancy, she turned a personal setback into a creative triumph, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Her stories, rich with human emotion, have captivated readers worldwide, earning her a spot among historical fiction’s brightest stars.
The Making of Hazel Gaynor
Born on May 16, 1971, in Driffield, Yorkshire, Hazel Gaynor grew up with a love for books, nurtured by weekly library visits. After earning a Business Studies degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1993, she worked in professional services, eventually settling in Ireland in 2001 with her husband. The 2008 recession brought redundancy from her job at a law firm, but it also sparked a new chapter. Gaynor began writing, starting with a blog, Hot Cross Mum, which became an e-book. Her passion for history and storytelling soon led to her debut novel, a self-published hit that caught the eye of major publishers.
Hazel Gaynor’s Unforgettable Stories
Gaynor’s novels are a vibrant tapestry of historical events woven with fictional characters who feel achingly real. Her debut, The Girl Who Came Home (2014), blends fact and fiction to explore the Titanic’s impact on Irish emigrants, earning the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award. A Memory of Violets (2015) transports readers to Victorian London, following the lives of flower sellers inspired by real accounts, showcasing her knack for vivid settings. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter (2018), a USA Today bestseller, tells the story of Grace Darling, a real-life heroine, with emotional depth. Her 2023 novel, The Last Lifeboat, dives into WWII’s lesser-known ‘seavacuees,’ earning a 2024 Audie Award for Best Fiction Narrator. Gaynor’s style—meticulously researched yet seamlessly subtle—lets history settle quietly on the page, allowing her characters’ emotions to shine.
Collaborations with Heather Webb, like Last Christmas in Paris and Meet Me in Monaco, add variety, blending romance and history. Her upcoming novel, Before Dorothy (June 2025), promises a fresh take on The Wizard of Oz’s Aunt Em, set during the 1930s Dust Bowl. Gaynor’s ability to uncover overlooked stories, from WWII China to Victorian England, keeps readers hooked.
Why Hazel Gaynor Matters
Hazel Gaynor’s impact lies in her ability to make history accessible and emotionally resonant. Her novels don’t just recount events—they humanize them, giving voice to ordinary people caught in extraordinary times. Translated into 20 languages and published in 27 territories, her work bridges cultures and generations. As co-founder of The Inspiration Project, she fosters creativity in aspiring writers, while her Historia Live events with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature celebrate historical fiction’s power. Gaynor’s late start in writing inspires those who feel time has passed them by, proving passion and persistence can rewrite any story.
- Born: May 16, 1971, Driffield, Yorkshire, England
- Key Works: The Girl Who Came Home, A Memory of Violets, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter, The Last Lifeboat
- Awards: 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year, 2024 Audie Award for Best Fiction Narrator
Snag The Last Lifeboat and dive into Hazel Gaynor’s captivating historical fiction today!