Shauna Niequist was born in Barrington, Illinois. She studied English and French literature at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. She is an author and a blogger. Her books include Bread and Wine, Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are, and Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living.