Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina. She holds a master's degree in personnel services from Clemson University and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America. Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest. She's retired and spends her spare time collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, reading, and playing with her grandchildren.