Melissa Ann Palmer discovered author Judy Blume in fourth grade and immediately saw herself in the pages of Blubber. It was the moment she realized stories could mirror our own lives back to us. She has been writing ever since, crafting tales where she explored the messy, complicated parts of being human.

By day, Melissa is a clinical social worker, doing her small part to enrich lives. By night (and weekends, and any spare moment), she writes novels that do the same, offering hope and understanding to those who need it most. She believes stories help us learn about ourselves because sometimes it's easier to see truth in someone else's journey.

Melissa lives in a small log cabin in the woods of Connecticut with her handy husband and two opinionated dogs: Otis, an elderly pug who makes his royal status known to all, and Owen, a Boston Terrier and certified mama's boy who provides comfort whenever the characters in her head make her cry.

She loves coffee, polka dots, taking naps, and anything sweet. Cheesecake is her weakness. Melissa believes stories have the power to heal, and that every woman is stronger than she realizes.

Melissa loves connecting with readers on Instagram @melissaannpalmer.author