Picture a storyteller weaving tales of faith, love, and courage from a cozy New Jersey town—meet Dr. MaryAnn Diorio! This award-winning author crafts fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, all infused with a Biblical worldview that uplifts and inspires. With a Ph.D. in French and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction, MaryAnn’s stories blend emotional depth, suspense, and hope, captivating readers worldwide.
From historical romances to heartwarming children’s books, her work resonates with drama and faith. Whether you’re drawn to the forbidden love in In Black and White or the tender lessons of Who Is Jesus?, MaryAnn’s storytelling invites you into worlds where truth and transformation reign.
The Making of MaryAnn Diorio
Born in Pennsylvania and raised in New Jersey, MaryAnn Diorio’s journey to authorship was anything but ordinary. Initially a professor of Romance languages, she felt a divine calling to write at age 30. Embracing this nudge, she traded lecture halls for storytelling, founding Daystar Communications in 1984 to share her faith-driven narratives. Her academic prowess—holding degrees in French, Italian, and writing—shaped her disciplined yet creative approach, while her deep Christian faith became the heartbeat of her work.
Married for over 50 years to Dominic, a retired ER physician, MaryAnn draws inspiration from her family life, including her two daughters and six grandchildren. Her New Jersey roots ground her stories in relatable settings, from the shores of Cape May to the bustling streets of Milan.
MaryAnn Diorio’s Unforgettable Stories
MaryAnn’s bibliography is a treasure trove of diverse works, each reflecting her mission to entertain, inspire, and transform. Her novel In Black and White (2019), a historical romance set in 1950s America, explores a forbidden love between a white woman and a Black man, earning the First-Place Christian Indie Award for Historical Fiction. Its poignant themes of racial injustice and faith resonate deeply.
For younger readers, Who Is Jesus? (2014), a Mom’s Choice Award winner, introduces children to Christ’s love through simple, heartfelt prose. Her Penelope Pumpernickel series, including Dynamic Detective (2021), delights middle-graders with humorous mysteries that teach biblical values. Meanwhile, Miracle in Milan (2021), a romantic suspense, follows a female auditor grappling with love and betrayal, showcasing MaryAnn’s knack for weaving intrigue with spiritual depth.
Her writing style is emotive and accessible, blending vivid settings—like 19th-century Sicily in The Italian Chronicles—with universal themes of forgiveness, redemption, and purpose. Grounded in Scriptural truth, her stories offer hope without preaching, earning her a loyal readership.
Why MaryAnn Diorio Matters
MaryAnn Diorio’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that bridge generations and genres while staying true to her faith. Her books, from picture books to novels, encourage readers to confront life’s challenges with courage and trust in God. As a fiction writing coach and former adjunct professor at Regent University, she empowers aspiring authors to tell transformative stories.
Her awards, including the Silver Medal Illumination Book Award for A Christmas Homecoming, reflect her literary excellence, but her true legacy is her heart for ministry. Through her blog, podcast, and MaryAnn Diorio Ministries, she spreads messages of truth and freedom, touching lives beyond the page.
- Born: Pennsylvania, raised in New Jersey
- Key Works: In Black and White, Who Is Jesus?, Miracle in Milan, The Italian Chronicles
- Awards: First-Place Christian Indie Award, Mom’s Choice Award, Silver Medal Illumination Book Award
- Fun Fact: MaryAnn is fluent in French and Italian!
Snag In Black and White or Who Is Jesus? and dive into MaryAnn Diorio’s inspiring world of faith-filled storytelling!