Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (1939-2007) was a pioneering American romance novelist renowned for reshaping the genre with her sweeping, detailed storytelling and passionate characters. Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Woodiwiss published her first novel, "The Flame and the Flower," in 1972, which became an instant success and marked the advent of modern historical romance. Her works, characterized by meticulous historical settings and intricate plots, include classics such as "The Wolf and the Dove" and "Ashes in the Wind." Over her career, Woodiwiss sold over 36 million copies worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire contemporary romance authors.