Judy Duarte

Judy Duarte, an inspirational and romance author, hails from Southern California and has always known that she was meant to be a writer. However, it was not until life threw her a curveball more than two decades ago that she decided to pursue her dreams. With four children to support, Duarte returned to school, graduating from UC Irvine around the same time her oldest kids hit their teenage years. She then found a new sense of purpose and drive, and another dream emerged - to put her stories on paper.

Duarte's journey to becoming a published author was not an easy one. Although she had always been a storyteller, she had to learn how to translate the scenes in her head into words on the page. She joined Romance Writers of America and met her critique partners Crystal Green and Sheri WhiteFeather, who encouraged her every step of the way. Duarte's determination paid off when she became a double RWA Golden Heart finalist in 2001, and in 2002, her first book, COWBOY COURAGE, was published by Silhouette Special Edition. Since then, she has published seventeen books and is contracted to write three more.

Duarte's stories have touched the hearts of readers around the world, earning her a devoted fan base and critical acclaim. Her tales of redemption, second chances, and true love resonate with readers who have experienced similar challenges in their own lives. In 2005, she won the prestigious Reader's Choice Award for THE RICH MAN'S SON, an honor that she describes as "thrilling beyond measure." Despite the success she has achieved, Duarte remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to write stories that inspire and uplift her readers, creating happily-ever-after endings that leave them feeling hopeful and fulfilled.