Picture a storyteller who weaves heartwarming tales of small-town life, knitting, and second chances—meet Terri DuLong! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, DuLong has captured readers’ hearts with her Cedar Key series, a collection of contemporary romance novels set in the charming coastal town of Cedar Key, Florida. Her stories, rich with quirky characters and emotional depth, invite you to curl up with a cup of tea and lose yourself in tales of resilience and love.
Born in Salem, Massachusetts—known as the Witch City—DuLong’s early life was shaped by her vivid imagination, with imaginary friends who later inspired the vibrant characters in her novels. From a registered nurse to a celebrated author, her journey is as inspiring as the stories she tells, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
The Making of Terri DuLong
Terri DuLong grew up as an only child in Boston, where her love for books and storytelling took root. Married young and raising three children, she faced life’s challenges with determination, eventually divorcing and pursuing higher education to become a legal secretary and later a registered nurse. Her passion for women’s fiction never wavered, and she filled journals and wrote long letters to friends, unknowingly honing her craft. After remarrying and moving to Florida in 1999, DuLong’s life took a pivotal turn when her husband’s retirement led them to Cedar Key in 2004. The island’s tight-knit community and scenic beauty sparked her creative fire, setting the stage for her literary career.
In 2007, DuLong attended the Romance Writers of America Conference, a leap of faith that led to a life-changing moment. She sent a query with three chapters of a women’s fiction novel to Kensington Books, and by February 2008, she secured a two-book contract. Her debut, Spinning Forward, hit shelves in October 2009, marking the start of her rise as a beloved author.
Terri DuLong’s Unforgettable Stories
DuLong’s Cedar Key series, spanning seven books, is the heart of her literary legacy. Set in the picturesque fishing village of Cedar Key, these novels blend contemporary romance with women’s fiction, focusing on characters navigating life’s crossroads. Her debut, Spinning Forward (2009), follows Sydney Webster, a widow rebuilding her life after her husband’s death reveals his gambling debts. The novel’s warmth, wit, and knitting backdrop earned it a spot as a finalist in the 2010 New England Reader’s Choice Bean Pot Awards.
Other standout works include Casting About (2010), which explores stepmotherhood through Monica’s journey, and Sunrise on Cedar Key (2011), where Grace Stone finds new beginnings after a devastating fire. The series’ final novel, Farewell to Cedar Key (2014), wraps up with Josie Sullivan’s story of family and rekindled love, earning praise for its emotional depth. DuLong’s writing, often compared to Debbie Macomber, is marked by richly drawn characters, small-town charm, and themes of forgiveness, community, and resilience, all woven with her love for knitting.
Beyond Cedar Key, DuLong ventured into other series, like the Ormond Beach novels, and penned Lost Souls of the Witches’ Castle, a tale of love and destiny set in a haunted mental facility. Her ability to craft relatable, multigenerational stories keeps readers returning for more.
Why Terri DuLong Matters
Terri DuLong’s impact lies in her ability to transform everyday struggles into uplifting narratives that resonate with readers. Her Cedar Key series captures the essence of small-town America, celebrating the power of community and the courage to start over. Fans praise her for creating characters who feel like friends, with stories that blend heartache and hope. As an avid knitter, DuLong also weaves crafting into her narratives, inspiring readers to pick up needles and yarn while reflecting on life’s deeper threads.
Her journey from nurse to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and persistence can lead to extraordinary outcomes. DuLong’s work continues to shine as a beacon of warmth in contemporary romance, inviting readers to find solace in her cozy, heartfelt world.
- Birthplace: Salem, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Cedar Key series, Lost Souls of the Witches’ Castle
- Notable Recognition: New York Times and USA Today bestseller
Ready to escape to a world of small-town charm and heartfelt stories? Snag Spinning Forward and dive into Terri DuLong’s cozy contemporary romance today!