Picture an American storyteller who whisks readers to medieval Italy with a flick of her pen—meet Lisa Tawn Bergren! This best-selling, award-winning author has penned over 60 books, selling more than 4.5 million copies worldwide. Known for her captivating blend of historical fiction, romance, and adventure, Bergren’s stories, like the beloved River of Time series, have earned her a global fanbase. With a knack for crafting immersive worlds and heartfelt characters, she’s a literary force who balances writing with family life and creative ventures alongside her artist husband.
From young adult time-travel epics to heartwarming children’s tales, Bergren’s versatile storytelling resonates across generations. Let’s dive into her journey, from her early days to her lasting impact on readers everywhere.
The Making of Lisa Tawn Bergren
Born in Kalispell, Montana, on March 28, and raised in Southern California, Lisa Tawn Bergren dreamed of being everything from an astronaut to one of the Three Musketeers. Her love for stories led her to a career in publishing, starting as an editor at WaterBrook Press/Random House in Colorado Springs. After four years, she went freelance, honing her craft while falling in love with Colorado’s vibrant landscape. This eclectic background shaped her ability to weave diverse genres, from historical romance to supernatural suspense, into her work.
Bergren’s writing career kicked off with her debut novel, Romantic Notions, in 1993. Inspired by her travels to places like Italy and Egypt, she began crafting stories that transport readers to richly detailed settings. Her daughters’ enthusiasm for the Twilight series sparked her pivot to young adult fiction, leading to the creation of her iconic River of Time series.
Lisa Tawn Bergren’s Unforgettable Stories
Bergren’s bibliography is a treasure trove of genres, but her historical fiction and young adult series stand out. The River of Time series, starting with Waterfall (2011), follows the Betarrini sisters as they time-travel to 14th-century Italy, battling foes and finding love amid medieval intrigue. Fans praise its “diabolical plot genius” and “swoon-worthy” romance, making it a cornerstone of her legacy.
Her Grand Tour series (Glamorous Illusions, Grave Consequences, Glittering Promises) takes readers on a luxurious journey through early 20th-century Europe, blending faith, romance, and self-discovery. For younger readers, the God Gave Us series, like God Gave Us You, offers tender tales of faith and family, with nearly 2.5 million copies sold. Recently, her Sugar Baron’s Daughters trilogy (Keturah, Verity, Selah) explores the lives of three sisters in the 18th-century West Indies, showcasing her knack for strong female leads.
Bergren’s style is immersive, blending meticulous historical research with emotional depth. Her characters grapple with faith, courage, and love, reflecting her Christian worldview in a way that feels natural and relatable. Whether it’s a knight’s valor or a child’s curiosity, her stories invite readers to explore life’s big questions.
Why Lisa Tawn Bergren Matters
Lisa Tawn Bergren’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that inspire and entertain across generations. Her young adult series have ignited a love for reading in reluctant teens, while her children’s books nurture faith in young hearts. Her Christian perspective, woven subtly into her narratives, encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys. With over 60 books and a dedicated “River of Time Tribe” fan group on Goodreads, Bergren has built a community of readers who cherish her adventurous spirit.
Beyond writing, Bergren’s life as a “mompreneur” and collaborator with her husband, Tim, a sculptor and musician, showcases her multifaceted talents. Her commitment to balancing creativity, family, and faith makes her a relatable and inspiring figure in contemporary literature.
- Birth Date: March 28, born in Kalispell, Montana
- Key Works: River of Time, Grand Tour, God Gave Us series
- Awards: Multiple best-seller lists, including ECPA best-seller status
- Fun Fact: She travels to her story settings, like Italy, for research!
Snag Waterfall and dive into Lisa Tawn Bergren’s thrilling world of time-travel and romance! Her stories are your ticket to adventure, faith, and unforgettable characters.