Delia Parr (Mary Lechleidner) is the author of nine historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance, and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book in 1998. She lives in New Jersey, where she is a full-time high school teacher, then spends her summer vacation each year at the beach, writing. An avid kayaker, Mary also walks four miles a day. The mother of three grown children, she now shares her home with her beloved cats.