Rachel Hawthorne is a successful American author, best known for her young adult romance novels. She also writes historical romances under the name Lorraine Heath. Hawthorne attended the University of Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Little did she know at the time how this degree would aid her in creating well-rounded characters for her future career as an author.
Rachel Hawthorne was born as Lorraine Heath in Hertfordshire, England, to a British mother and an American father who was stationed at Bovingdon with the Royal Air Force. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Angleton, Texas, where they settled. Hawthorne's dual nationality has given her a unique appreciation for both British and Texan cultures, which she often weaves into her stories.
Hawthorne has received numerous accolades for her work, including a RITA award, which is Romance Writers of America's most prestigious award for excellence. She has also been honored with a Holt Medallion award, a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. Additionally, her novels have been recognized with five Texas Gold Awards, the Golden Quill Award, and the Rising Star Award. Hawthorne's novels have been selected by the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs, and have appeared on bestseller lists such as USA Today, Waldenbooks, and the New York Times.
Rachel Hawthorne is a prolific author who has written many books for teenagers, including Caribbean Cruising, Island Girls (and Boys), Love on the Lifts, The Boyfriend League, and Snowed In. She currently resides in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two dogs.