Jan Karon, who lives in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, was an award-winning advertising executive before following her dream of writing books. She is the author of five Mitford novels. At Home in Mitford and Out of Canaan appeared on the New York Times and other bestseller lists. At Home in Mitford was named am ABBY Honor Book by the American Booksellers Association in 1996, 1997, and 1998.