Picture a California storyteller who weaves history and heart into unforgettable tales—meet Susan Meissner! A USA Today bestselling author, Meissner has enchanted readers with over a million books sold worldwide, blending historical fiction with timeless questions about love, loss, and resilience. From San Diego’s sunny shores to the pages of her poignant novels, her stories resonate with emotional depth and meticulous research, making her a book club favorite.
Born in 1961, Meissner’s journey from community journalist to celebrated novelist is a testament to perseverance and passion. With translations in 18 languages, her works like The Nature of Fragile Things and A Fall of Marigolds invite readers to explore the human spirit across centuries.
The Making of Susan Meissner
Raised in San Diego, Susan Meissner grew up with a pen in hand, crafting stories and poems by age eight, thanks to an encouraging second-grade teacher. Her love for storytelling blossomed in high school, where a supportive teacher read her essay aloud as a model of excellence. After graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University, she dove into journalism, eventually becoming the managing editor of a Minnesota weekly newspaper. In 2002, the loss of her grandfather sparked a bold move: she left her editor role to pursue her dream of writing novels, debuting with Why the Sky Is Blue in 2004.
Meissner’s time in England, Germany, and Minnesota enriched her perspective, infusing her stories with a global sensibility. Her journalism background honed her knack for research, which she now pours into crafting historically rich narratives that feel vividly alive.
Susan Meissner’s Unforgettable Stories
Meissner’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending meticulous detail with emotional resonance. Her breakout, A Fall of Marigolds (2014), intertwines the lives of two women—one on Ellis Island in 1911, the other in post-9/11 Manhattan—connected by a scarf and shared grief. Named to Booklist’s Top Ten Women’s Fiction, it showcases her gift for linking past and present.
The Nature of Fragile Things (2021) dives into the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, following a mail-order bride unraveling her husband’s secrets amidst chaos. It earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly for its gripping pace and vivid setting. The Last Year of the War (2019), a Real Simple best book, explores a German-American girl’s internment in Texas during WWII, highlighting Meissner’s knack for unearthing lesser-known histories. Only the Beautiful (2023) tackles eugenics through the lens of a synesthetic teenager in 1930s California, blending heartbreak with hope.
Her style is immersive, with richly drawn characters facing moral dilemmas against historical backdrops. Meissner’s themes—resilience, identity, and the ripple effects of choices—resonate universally, earning her starred reviews and awards like the Christy and Carol Awards.
Why Susan Meissner Matters
Susan Meissner’s impact lies in her ability to make history feel personal. Her novels don’t just recount events; they explore how ordinary people navigate extraordinary times, offering readers a lens on their own lives. Book clubs adore her for sparking deep discussions, while her workshops and talks inspire aspiring writers. By volunteering with Words Alive, a San Diego nonprofit, she fosters literacy among at-risk youth, extending her storytelling ethos to the next generation.
With over 27 novels and two children’s books, Meissner’s legacy is one of connection, bridging eras and emotions. Her work reminds us that history isn’t just in textbooks—it’s in the choices we make and the stories we share.
About Susan Meissner
- Born: January 9, 1961, in San Diego, California
- Key Works: A Fall of Marigolds, The Nature of Fragile Things, Only the Beautiful
- Awards: Christy Award, Carol Award, RITA finalist
- Fun Fact: She’s a writing workshop leader and lives with her yellow Lab in the Pacific Northwest!
Snag A Fall of Marigolds and dive into Susan Meissner’s captivating historical fiction today!