Cathy Kelly is a distinguished Irish novelist and former journalist, known for her work in women's fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, and chick lit. Born in Belfast and raised in Dublin, Kelly began her writing career as a journalist for a national Irish Sunday newspaper, where she worked in news, features, and as an agony aunt and film critic for thirteen years. However, her true passion lay in fiction, and she published her first international bestseller, Woman To Woman, in 1997.
Since then, Kelly has produced numerous bestselling books, gaining international recognition and having her works translated into numerous foreign languages and published worldwide. She has been the recipient of the Romantic Novelists' Association's Romantic Novel of the Year' award for her 2001 book, Someone Like You. Kelly's writing has helped her gain a reputation as one of the most successful Irish female authors since Maeve Binchy. On one occasion, she even outsold both J.K. Rowling and Dan Brown in the United Kingdom.
Kelly's novels consistently top the bestseller lists around the world and are known for their warm storytelling and strong female characters. Her books deal with themes ranging from relationships and marriage to depression and loss, but always with an uplifting message. In addition to her writing, Kelly is also a passionate advocate for children's rights and is an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland, serving as a Global Parent and raising funds and awareness for children orphaned by or living with HIV/AIDs. She currently lives in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, with her husband, twin sons, and three dogs.