Picture a storyteller who traded baseball scorecards for tales of wartime courage—meet Kristin Harmel! Born in 1979, this New York Times bestselling author weaves historical fiction with heart, blending romance, resilience, and meticulously researched history. Her novels, translated into over 30 languages, transport readers to World War II France, where ordinary people become extraordinary heroes.
With a knack for uncovering forgotten stories, Harmel’s work resonates globally, earning her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. Whether you’re a history buff or a hopeless romantic, her books are a ticket to a world where love and bravery shine through the darkest times.
The Making of Kristin Harmel
Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Kristin Harmel spent her childhood hopping between Massachusetts, Ohio, and Florida. At 16, she kicked off her writing career as a sports reporter for the St. Petersburg Times, covering baseball and hockey with teenage gusto. A journalism degree from the University of Florida, paired with a minor in Spanish, fueled her passion for storytelling. After stints in Paris and Los Angeles, she settled in Orlando, where she lives with her husband and son.
Harmel’s early career was a whirlwind of celebrity interviews and features for PEOPLE magazine, where she worked for over a decade. Her favorite beat? The “Heroes Among Us” column, spotlighting everyday people doing extraordinary things—a theme that would later define her novels. Her time in Paris, scribbling her first novel in her 20s, sparked a lifelong love affair with France that permeates her work.
Kristin Harmel’s Unforgettable Stories
Harmel’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending meticulous research with emotional depth. Her breakout hit, The Sweetness of Forgetting (2012), follows a Cape Cod baker uncovering her grandmother’s Holocaust-era secrets in Paris. This “beautifully complex” (Woman’s Day) tale marked her rise as an international bestseller.
The Book of Lost Names (2020) is a fan favorite, inspired by real-life forgers in the French Resistance. It tells the story of Eva, a young woman forging documents to save Jewish children, preserving their identities in a coded book. The Paris Daughter (2023) explores the bond between two mothers in wartime Paris, torn apart by an Allied bomb. Her upcoming 2025 release, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, dives into the world of jewel thieves aiding the Resistance, promising more of Harmel’s signature suspense and heart.
Her style? Think vivid historical settings, strong female leads, and a touch of romance that never overshadows the grit. Harmel’s knack for weaving real stories—like those of Resistance fighters or Holocaust survivors—into fiction makes her books both educational and deeply moving.
Why Kristin Harmel Matters
Kristin Harmel’s impact lies in her ability to humanize history. Her novels shine a light on unsung heroes, from forgers to vineyard owners, who resisted oppression in World War II. Fans praise her for crafting stories that linger, with quotes like “We’re defined by who we are in our hearts” (The Book of Lost Names) sparking reflection. Her work has inspired readers to explore their own family histories, with some even tracing ancestors via Ancestry.com after reading her books.
Beyond her novels, Harmel’s openness about her 2022 breast cancer diagnosis has touched lives. By sharing her journey, she encouraged countless women to get mammograms, saving lives through her platform. As co-founder of the “Friends & Fiction” podcast, she fosters community among readers and writers, cementing her legacy as a storyteller who uplifts and inspires.
- Born: May 4, 1979, Newton, Massachusetts
- Key Works: The Book of Lost Names, The Paris Daughter, The Sweetness of Forgetting
- Fun Fact: She appeared as an extra in the 2003 American Idol movie while interviewing Kelly Clarkson!
Snag The Book of Lost Names and dive into Kristin Harmel’s world of courage, love, and history—you won’t put it down!