Jennifer sold her first book in 1980, and since then has sold more than 70 in the contemporary romance genre. She won her first writing award in 1984 with the RWA Silver Medallion. Later came three coveted RWA Rita's--and other national awards, including Best Series Author, Reviewers Choice, Career Achievement and Lifetime Achievement from Romantic Times. In the summer of 1998 she was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame.

Her background includes work as a teacher, counselor, and personnel manager, and degrees include both English and Psychology from Michigan State University. At Michigan State she was honored with an outstanding women graduate award, based on the work she did for women on campus. Jennifer lives in the country near Benton Harbor, Michigan with her husband--- Lar--- who she says "is one of the true last heroes". They have two children. "We are all hopeless animal lovers" -- their current 'baby' is a rescued puppy named MAGIC, but they've raised orphaned raccoons, homing pigeons, baby squirrels, and no end of stray cats and dogs..... Reading, to Jennifer, is NOT a hobby--- it's a life style! --- but in her spare time she loves history and has restored the 1830's historic log cabin on their property back to the original. Travel, country walks, working with antiques, and family are also loves in her life.