Picture a storyteller weaving tales of suspense, romance, and history from a cozy Massachusetts home—meet Shari J. Ryan! A USA Today bestselling author, Shari captivates readers with her vivid imagination, crafting immersive worlds in World War II historical fiction, psychological thrillers, and romance. Her stories, packed with emotional depth and gripping twists, have earned her a devoted following and a spot among contemporary fiction’s brightest voices.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari’s work carries a personal resonance, blending heartfelt storytelling with meticulously researched historical detail. From her debut in romance to her poignant historical novels, she’s a writer who transforms pain and hope into unforgettable narratives.
The Making of Shari J. Ryan
Born and raised in the Boston area, Shari J. Ryan’s creative spark ignited early. Journaling from age nine, she found writing to be her sanctuary for navigating life’s stresses. After earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Johnson & Wales University, Shari kicked off her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer. But it wasn’t until 2012, after the birth of her second son, that she discovered her true calling: crafting novels. Her first foray into fiction, the romantic suspense Schasm series, set the stage for a prolific career that’s spanned over 35 novels.
Shari J. Ryan’s Unforgettable Stories
Shari’s bibliography is a treasure trove of diverse genres, but her World War II historical fiction stands out for its emotional heft and historical accuracy. The Bookseller of Dachau follows Matilda, a young woman hiding her Jewish sweetheart in Nazi-occupied Germany, blending heart-wrenching romance with the stark realities of the Holocaust. Similarly, The Nurse Behind the Gates explores a nurse’s moral dilemmas in a concentration camp, showcasing Shari’s knack for humanizing history’s darkest moments.
Beyond historical fiction, Shari’s psychological thrillers like The Perfect Nanny deliver jaw-dropping twists, while her romance novels, such as the Schasm series, weave love with suspense. Her writing style—described as “poetic genius” by fans—marries vivid imagery with raw emotion, making each book a page-turner. Whether she’s exploring the resilience of Jewish women or the complexities of human relationships, Shari’s stories resonate with readers across 12 languages.
Her commitment to authenticity shines through in her research, often inspired by her grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s Holocaust survival stories. This personal connection infuses her work with a profound sense of purpose, ensuring the legacies of those lost are never forgotten.
Why Shari J. Ryan Matters
Shari J. Ryan’s impact extends beyond her bestseller status. By centering Jewish experiences in her historical fiction, she keeps the Holocaust’s lessons alive, reminding readers of the resilience of the human spirit. Her ability to pivot between genres—romance, thriller, historical—has broadened her appeal, earning her two Rone Awards and top rankings on Amazon and Barnes & Noble charts. Fans praise her for making history accessible and emotionally compelling, with one 94-year-old reader noting her work felt like “hearing [the Holocaust] for the first time.”
In a world where stories shape empathy, Shari’s novels bridge past and present, encouraging readers to reflect on love, loss, and survival. Her growing influence in historical fiction marks her as a vital voice in preserving memory through storytelling.
- Born: Central Massachusetts
- Key Works: The Bookseller of Dachau, The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Perfect Nanny, Schasm series
- Awards: Two Rone Awards
- Fun Fact: Shari’s novels are translated into 12 languages!
Ready to lose yourself in a gripping tale? Snag The Bookseller of Dachau and dive into Shari J. Ryan’s unforgettable world of history and heart!