Mary Balogh, born Mary Jenkins on March 24, 1944, is a Welsh-Canadian author who writes historical romance novels. She grew up in Swansea, Wales. In 1967, she moved to Canada to begin a teaching career. She married a local coroner and later moved to Kipling, Saskatchewan, where she became a school principal. Her first novel was published in 1985. Her historical fiction stories are set during the Regency era (1811–1820) or the broader Georgian era (1714–1830).
Biography
Mary Jenkins was born and grew up in Swansea, Wales. Her mother was Mildred Double, a housewife, and her father was Arthur Jenkins, a sign painter and artist. In 1967, after finishing college, she moved to Canada to work as a teacher for two years. There, she met and married Robert Balogh, a coroner and ambulance driver. The couple settled in Kipling, a small town in Saskatchewan. Mary taught high school English for many years and later became a school principal. She has three children and five grandchildren.
As an adult, Balogh learned about Regency romance novels written by Georgette Heyer. Most of her books are set in Regency or Georgian England or Wales. Although her stories take place in the past, her female characters are not always wealthy or respected women. Some are courtesans, born out of wedlock, or women who have faced social disgrace. These characters often experience strong emotions, and their stories frequently include a romantic or physical relationship before they recognize their love for each other.
Balogh began writing in 1983. She wrote her first novel, A Masked Deception, while taking care of her family at home. The book was accepted by Signet and published in 1985. That same year, she won the Romantic Times Award for best new Regency author. She has written over 60 novels and more than 30 novellas. Her work has received praise from critics.
Reception
Balogh has received many awards, such as the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Regency Short Stories in 1993. Balogh has also been listed on The New York Times Best Seller list.