The journey has been long, and tricky to navigate at times - emotionally draining even. But, at the end of the day, I'm lucky enough to be able to say, "I'm a published author!" If you're a fan of contemporary romantic fiction, you might want to give my books a try.

If you head over to the "Purchase Marianne's Books" area of this site, I can help you out with that effort. There you will find links to purchase my current, and back-list titles via Amazon.com! 

My career began at Kensington Publishing, then Wild Rose Press released what will likely be my last secular novel, With This Kiss. This book is very dear to my heart, because, in a way, it memorializes the life of my grandmother, Rachel Alfano. She was a feisty, loving Italian. Back in the day, folks came to her deli in East Rutherford "from the City" to get her pepperoni, or purchase her hand-made sausage and pastas. It was a time and place that is precious to me - and what better place to set a romance?

Now, I'm called to write 'Faith-affirming fiction' (TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction, is something that both as a reader, and writer, I feel called upon by God to enjoy and create.

I was lucky enough to win a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing that led to the publication of my Christian inspy debut, Hearts Crossing. This humble, heart-felt novella went on to become a series.

The Woodland Series, from White Rose Publishing, is a look inside the life and loves of characters you'll come to know in Hearts Crossing and its sequel, Hearts Surrender.  Yes, it's a series, but each book stands alone as a fully developed, fully satisfying story. I'm incredibly excited about this series! 

Next, I'm working on a book called Devotion, a look at the beauty, grace, love and, yes, sometimes pain, that accompany a Christian marriage. I'm also working on a 'next release' with White Rose Publishing entitled Homeport that's a stand alone book featuring one of my favorite places in the world - Northern Michigan.

How it all began? Wow. That's easy. It was July 22, 1996. I'll never, ever forget that day! My husband and I were headed to northern Michigan (Hey, I told you it was a favorite spot of mine!) to visit my parents. Just as we were heading out the door, the phone rang. It was my agent calling to tell me Kensington Publishing had agreed to purchase my book Friends and Lovers as part of an innovative and wonderful collaboration with Wal-Mart. These series romances were immensely popular, offered at a price that couldn't be beat, and Kensington's Precious Gem imprint launched the careers of many talented authors.

By the way, the picture at the top of this page? It's from our trip to northern Michigan that Friday night. Yep. A rainbow! Is that an awesome omen or what??

Less than a month later came my second celebration when Right Hand Man was also contracted by Kensington for their Precious Gem line. Soon after came my third release with Kensington, Hannah's Heart. Legendary editor Kate Duffy, then Hilary Sares, an incredible editor as well, took custody of my 'babies' and made them shine. I'll forever owe them my gratitude - as well as my now retired agent Kelly St. Clair - for all they did to kick-start my career in writing.

Now that you know my writing credentials, what else can I share? How about the first question I always ask people? Who's your favorite writer? My list is actually quite long, but there are five who rise to the top of the pile: Karen Kingsbury, Stephenie Meyer, Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, and Ruth Ryan Langan.

Karen: No one can compare. I've never read anything else quite like the novels she presents. They're what I love to read, and they're the exact kind of book I love to write! She's anointed, and I feel blessed by each book of hers that I've read. I can pay no author a higher compliment.

Stephenie: Her Twilight series is, for me, incredible. She manages to make the unbelievable something I could completely relate to; her ability to send emotion from the written word straight into my heart is nothing short of masterful. I'm in awe of her talent.

Nora: Nora is a story-teller par excellence. I'm amazed by her ability to connect her characters to one another, and finish that circle to include connecting to her readers as well. She's funny, she's touching, she creates incredible plots, and is just plain and simple, a benchmark to me as a writer.

Elizabeth: If you have never read the book "Tell Me No Lies," then run, don't walk to the bookstore and get it. For nearly a decade (until the Twilight series) it has been my standard for 'best book.' The plot, the engaging emotions, the quality of writing are just stellar.

Ruth: I'm a contemporary romance writer and fan. Ruth, a Detroit Michigan based mega-talent, has written both contemporaries and historicals - but I have to give her kudos for being one of the few authors I read who draws me into the historical romance genre. Her characters always sparkle and connect with me - and here's an added perk about Ruth - she's a treasure, and a real gem of a lady!