Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of love, laughter, and adorable puppies, all with a guaranteed happy ending—meet Lucy Gilmore! Writing under her own name and the pen name Tamara Berry, this Spokane-based author has captured hearts with her uplifting contemporary romance, cozy mysteries, and literary fiction. From service dogs stealing the show to book clubs mending broken souls, Gilmore’s stories are a delightful escape into optimism and connection.
With a knack for crafting complex characters and emotionally rich narratives, Lucy has become a fan favorite for readers seeking humor, heart, and a touch of whimsy. Her ability to blend genres while keeping things lighthearted makes her work stand out in today’s literary landscape.
The Making of Lucy Gilmore
Born and raised in the United States, Lucy Gilmore’s love for storytelling bloomed during her time at Eastern Washington University, where she earned a degree in English literature. While she studied the classics, her heart gravitated toward stories of love and murder—genres she found far more thrilling than academic papers. This passion led her to a writing career that began in 2012 under the name Tamara Morgan, focusing on romance before expanding into cozy mysteries and women’s fiction. Living in Spokane, Washington, with her family and two Akitas, Lucy draws inspiration from her surroundings and her love for animals and happy endings.
Lucy Gilmore’s Unforgettable Stories
Lucy Gilmore’s bibliography sparkles with variety, from the heartwarming Forever Home series to standalone novels that tug at the heartstrings. Her debut, Puppy Love (2019), kicks off the Forever Home series with a charming tale of service dogs and unexpected romance at Puppy Promise, a training school run by the Vasquez sisters. The sequels, Puppy Christmas (2019) and Puppy Kisses (2020), continue the feel-good vibe with quirky characters and swoon-worthy moments.
Standalone novels like The Lonely Hearts Book Club (2023) showcase Lucy’s knack for blending humor and heartache. This Barnes & Noble Fiction Pick of the Month follows librarian Sloane Parker, who forms an unlikely book club with a curmudgeonly patron, creating a found-family narrative that resonates deeply. Similarly, The Library of Borrowed Hearts (2024) weaves a dual-timeline story of love and mystery, earning praise for its cozy, bookish charm. Under her pen name Tamara Berry, Lucy delivers cozy mysteries like Buried in a Good Book, which won the inaugural Lilian Jackson Braun Award at the 2023 Edgars for its witty take on the genre.
Lucy’s writing style is light, funny, and uplifting, with a focus on themes like community, second chances, and the transformative power of love—whether romantic, familial, or furry. Her stories often feature small-town settings and relatable characters, making them perfect for readers craving an emotional yet optimistic read.
Why Lucy Gilmore Matters
Lucy Gilmore’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that feel like a warm hug. Her books resonate with readers who seek joy and connection, offering an antidote to life’s challenges through humor and heart. By blending romance, mystery, and literary fiction, she appeals to a wide audience, while her focus on themes like found family and personal growth inspires readers to find hope in their own lives. Her 2023 awards and critical acclaim, including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, cement her as a rising star in contemporary fiction.
- Pen Name: Tamara Berry (for cozy mysteries)
- Key Works: Forever Home series, The Lonely Hearts Book Club, The Library of Borrowed Hearts
- Awards: Lilian Jackson Braun Award (2023) for Buried in a Good Book
- Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Ready to fall in love with Lucy Gilmore’s heartwarming world? Snag The Lonely Hearts Book Club or Puppy Love and dive into her uplifting blend of romance and whimsy!