My Christian upbringing fostered a deep interest in the stories of women in the Bible, particularly those who have been misunderstood and neglected. I found that most of these women are only mentioned briefly and cryptically, which surprised me. Clearly, there was more to their stories, and to uncover what it was, I dedicated myself to studying the scholarship on these enigmatic figures. 

Using my degree in Philosophy of Religion, with an emphasis in the Bible as Literature, I uncovered a wealth of information. I discovered that most ancient women wielded far more authority and agency than history records.

Another enduring interest of mine is creative writing, which led me to earn a certificate from the University of Washington. I also attended many writers’ conferences around the world and lectured on the subject of women in the Bible. I wrote poetry, short stories, and a young adult novel, with some of my work published in regional literary magazines. I am a member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and California Writers Club.

When I converted to Judaism and became a mother, my interest in biblical women remained strong. I noticed that Jewish religious schools focus almost exclusively on the men in the Bible, so I started writing weekly introductions to the women’s stories for my children and as a curriculum for schools. 

For a fresh Hanukkah tale, I wrote a children’s story about Judith, the courageous biblical woman who saved the Jewish people. As I explored the Book of Judith, I realized its complexity—both in character and plot—stretched far beyond the reach of a picture book. Judith’s story deserved a closer look, which sparked my passion for writing historical novels for adults. After writing Judith the Wise, I continued my exploration of overlooked biblical women by writing Junia: The Forgotten Apostle, an exploration of the only woman identified as an apostle in the New Testament.

Judith and Junia are just two stars in a constellation of extraordinary women whose stories illuminate the Hebrew Bible and Jewish and early Christian texts. Bringing fresh perspective to these influential (and forgotten) narratives, I challenge traditional interpretations and add new layers of meaning and relevance to the biblical stories that have shaped so much of our culture.

By sharing their stories and journeys of self-discovery and empowerment, I hope to enlighten my readers.