As a military brat, Mara's nomadic lifestyle allowed her to travel to a variety of wonderful places, although sometimes she wished for a real home. While attending the University of Hawaii, she did what she swore she'd never do-fall in love with a military man. But the dashing young officer swept her off her feet when he sold his surfboards to buy her an engagement ring! Still on the go, this time with babies in tow, Mara's husband left the military and they settled in a small Texas town with no mall, no movie theaters and cows for neighbors. One fateful day, Mara found herself singing the jingle to Sesame Street. Afraid her brain was atrophying, she decided to resurrect an interest in writing fiction. Having read romance novels since high school, often by sneaking them in textbooks, Mara decided to try her hand at the genre. While struggling to write a really awful romance novel, the course of her life changed again. Her daughter was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive childhood cancer. Mara put aside the novel to concentrate on her daughter. But she read romance even more avidly than before, because romance novels brought her comfort, made her laugh and never left her feeling depressed. Romance novels made her journey easier. In the years that followed, Mara read, wrote and realized that "happily-ever-after" as her daughter went into remission and recovered. Mara is happy to report she is still at home in that small Texas town with her children, husband and assorted pets. She loves to swim and sails frequently in the Virgin Islands. She's an active member of the American Cancer Society and a long time member of the Romance Writers of America. Getting published is yet another incredible journey and Mara is glad to share with her readers. Please email her at mara@horstmanandco.com or write to her at 110 West Live Oak, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624.
