Joyce DiPastena illuminates the Middle Ages for modern readers through timeless, heartfelt historical romance. However many changes a few centuries may bring, she believes that stories of love can unite people across time. Joyce is a two-time Whitney Award finalist. The Historical Novel Society rated her romantic historical novel, The Lady and the Minstrel, as “highly recommended,” while the same title won a Swoony Award for Excellence in Clean Secular Romance. 

​​​​​​​ Joyce grew up in southern Arizona and can easily withstand summer temperatures of 115 degrees, as long as she’s sitting in a restaurant, movie theater, or under a ceiling fan—inside an air-conditioned building. She can be bribed with chocolate chip cookies and enjoys attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival every year. She holds a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages, from the University of Arizona. Joyce currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with her black cats, Nyxie and Calypso, who bring her good luck every day. Visit her at joycedipastena.com.