IRENE BRAND is a lifelong resident of West Virginia, where she lives with her husband, Rod. Irene's first inspirational romance was published in 1984, and since that time she has had multiple books published. She is the author of four non-fiction books, various devotional materials, and her writings have appeared in numerous historical, religious, and general magazines. Irene became a Christian at the age of eleven and continues to be actively involved in her local church. Before retiring in 1989 to devote full time to freelance writing, Irene taught for 23 years in secondary public schools. Many of her books have been inspired while traveling to 49 of the United States and 24 foreign countries.