Picture an Oklahoma storyteller who spun over 50 heart-tugging romances, captivating readers worldwide—meet Laura Marie Altom! Hailing from Tulsa, this award-winning author has sold over a million books, crafting tales of love, redemption, and complex characters that linger long after the final page. With a knack for blending passion with emotional depth, Altom’s contemporary romances have earned her a devoted global fanbase.
But her journey to bestseller status wasn’t all smooth sailing. From overcoming rejections to balancing life with her twins and a menagerie of pets, Altom’s story is as inspiring as the novels she writes. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this romance maestro!
The Making of Laura Marie Altom
Born in Grand Haven, Michigan, Laura Marie Altom grew up with a view of bustling marinas before her family relocated to Arkansas’s scenic Hazel Valley. Struggling to fit into rural life, she later found her footing in Springdale, Arkansas, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. It was there she met her college sweetheart, Terry, an interior designer and engineer, whom she married and with whom she raised boy/girl twins. After a brief stint as an interior designer herself, Altom became a stay-at-home mom, where her love for romance novels sparked a new dream: writing her own.
Her writing career began in Colorado, where her husband’s job took the family. Joining the Colorado Romance Writers, Altom found a supportive community that fueled her ambition. Despite multiple rejections, she persisted, completing her first novel by 1993 and selling her debut, Sentenced to Sabrina, to Precious Gems in 1998. That perseverance set the stage for a prolific career that would touch countless hearts.
Laura Marie Altom’s Unforgettable Stories
Laura Marie Altom’s catalog spans over 50 contemporary romance novels, with series like Cowboy SEALs and Shamed standing out for their emotional intensity and vivid characters. Her stories often feature wounded souls—think Navy SEALs grappling with past traumas or heroines escaping abusive relationships—who find healing through love. Altom’s descriptive prose and focus on redemption make her books both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
Take The Cowboy SEAL (2014), a fan favorite from her Operation: Family series. It follows Navy SEAL Cooper Hansen, who returns to his family ranch seeking forgiveness for a tragic accident, only to find love and healing with his brother’s widow. Another gem, Control from the Shamed series, explores Ella Patton’s turbulent journey to escape an abusive marriage, weaving passion and suspense. Altom’s Rogue (2016), part of the SEAL Team: Disavowed series, delivers high-stakes action as a disavowed SEAL fights to protect his loved ones. Her cozy mystery Pageants and Poisons (2023) showcases her versatility, blending humor with intrigue.
Altom’s style shines through her ability to craft multi-dimensional characters, from brooding heroes to resilient heroines, often set against the rugged charm of small-town America or the intensity of military life. Her pacing keeps readers hooked, balancing steamy romance with emotional depth, earning praise like “exceptional” from reviewers for her vivid storytelling.
Why Laura Marie Altom Matters
Laura Marie Altom’s impact on contemporary romance lies in her ability to transform pain into hope. Her novels resonate with readers who see themselves in her characters’ struggles, offering solace and inspiration. With over a million books in print and appearances on bestseller lists, she’s carved a niche in Harlequin’s American Romance and Cherish lines, appealing to fans of authors like Kendall Ryan and Sabrina Paige. Her nomination for the 2005 Reviewers Choice Award underscores her influence in the genre.
Beyond her books, Altom’s journey from rejection to success inspires aspiring writers. Her Tulsa roots and family-centric life ground her stories, making them relatable and authentic. By tackling themes like abuse, grief, and second chances, she’s given romance readers stories that entertain and uplift, proving love can conquer even the darkest pasts.
- Born: Grand Haven, Michigan
- Key Works: The Cowboy SEAL, Control, Rogue, Pageants and Poisons
- Awards: Nominated for 2005 Reviewers Choice Award
- Fun Fact: She runs a flea market booth with her daughter, Hannah!
Ready to fall in love with Laura Marie Altom’s heart-stirring romances? Snag The Cowboy SEAL and dive into her world of passion and redemption!