Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves history, romance, and a touch of the paranormal into unforgettable tales—meet Susanna Kearsley! Born in Brantford, Ontario, this New York Times bestselling author has enchanted readers with her ability to transport them across time and place, blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling. From her early days as a museum curator to her award-winning novels, Kearsley’s journey is as captivating as the worlds she creates.
The Making of Susanna Kearsley
Born on January 17, 1966, Susanna Kearsley grew up in a family that cherished books, with her mother’s love for Mary Stewart sparking her own passion for storytelling. She studied politics and international development at university, later working as a museum curator—a role that honed her knack for uncovering forgotten histories. A dare from her sister led to her first novel, Undertow (1993), and when her second book, Mariana, won the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize in 1995, Kearsley traded curating artifacts for crafting stories full-time.
Susanna Kearsley’s Unforgettable Stories
Kearsley’s novels are a masterful blend of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, often featuring dual timelines that intertwine past and present. Her breakout hit, The Winter Sea (2008), follows a novelist uncovering ancestral memories at Slains Castle, weaving a Jacobite rebellion with modern-day romance. The Firebird (2013), which earned the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, explores a psychic art dealer unlocking secrets tied to Russia’s Empress Catherine. Mariana (1994) transports readers to 16th-century England through a time-traveling heroine, while The Rose Garden (2011) blends Cornish history with heartfelt love stories. Known for her poetic prose and “bedrock research,” as praised by Diana Gabaldon, Kearsley’s stories feel both magical and grounded, appealing to fans of authors like Kate Morton.
Writing as Emma Cole, she’s also dabbled in thrillers, with Every Secret Thing (2006) earning a nod for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Arthur Ellis Award. Her ability to craft richly detailed settings—whether Scottish castles or French chateaux—immerses readers in every page, making her a standout in modern gothic fiction.
Why Susanna Kearsley Matters
Susanna Kearsley’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into forgotten voices, blending romance and history with a touch of the supernatural. Her novels, translated into over 25 languages, have built a global fanbase, earning accolades like the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and a loyal following. By restoring real people to the page, as she describes, Kearsley bridges past and present, reminding readers of the timeless power of love and memory. Her influence inspires both readers and writers to explore history’s hidden corners with curiosity and heart.
- Born: January 17, 1966, Brantford, Ontario
- Key Works: The Winter Sea, The Firebird, Mariana, The Rose Garden
- Awards: Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize (1995), RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance (2014)
- Fun Fact: She once worked as a waitress to focus on writing after leaving her curator job.
Ready to lose yourself in a world of history and heart? Snag The Winter Sea and dive into Susanna Kearsley’s spellbinding historical fiction!