Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a retired correctional officer and parole officer who writes contemporary romance. I'm partial to law-abiding yet atypical heroes who rise above perceived limitations. In other words, no biker dudes or trust fund babies in my novels. I love kayaking, boating, and biking when I'm not hunched over the laptop straining my neck. As a Canadian, I'm crazy about hockey, poutine, and apologizing. I live in rural Alberta with my husband and our crazy Yorkie. My love of dogs ensures every story I write includes a furry friend.


I wrote

Beyond Circumstances

By Gloria Joynt-Lang,

Book cover of Beyond Circumstances

What is my book about?

Zak Tifour loathes violence. Two years ago, it destroyed him. It's one thing to witness death, yet another to be…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Beard Science

Gloria Joynt-Lang Why did I love this book?

I have read all the Winston Brother novels this author wrote, but Beard Science is my favorite. Cletus is an oddball hillbilly who meets his match in Jennifer Sylvester. Thanks to Reid's compelling storytelling, this bearded self-professed weirdo is my favorite romantic character. As a fan of hilarious romance novels with atypical heroes, this book was up my alley. And because Cletus is part of a new series, I didn't have to say goodbye to the character for some time.

By Penny Reid,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Beard Science as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

*Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for Best Romance *
*Amazon Top 10 Romances of 2016*
*AAR Top 10 Romances of All Time*

From the NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, & USA TODAY bestselling series.

Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer…


Book cover of Britt-Marie Was Here

Gloria Joynt-Lang Why did I love this book?

Every novel that Fredrik Backman writes is amazing, and this is no exception. This heartwarming story bursts with quirky characters, including Britt-Marie, a neurodiverse older lady who is on her own after years of marriage. Admittedly, I was put off by Britt-Marie's direct and often rude mannerisms, but soon I grew to care about her, and by the end of the book, I absolutely adored her. Backman has had more successful novels, such as a Man called Ove and Beartown, but seeing a mature woman as the focal point was great. 

By Fredrik Backman,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Britt-Marie Was Here as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, and Anxious People captivates readers with this “warm and satisfying” (People) story “about a woman rediscovering herself after a personal crisis…fans of Backman will find another winner in these pages” (Publishers Weekly).

Britt-Marie can’t stand mess. A disorganized cutlery drawer ranks high on her list of unforgivable sins. She is not one to judge others—no matter how ill-mannered, unkempt, or morally suspect they might be. It’s just that sometimes people interpret her helpful suggestions as criticisms, which is certainly not…


Book cover of Fighting Silence

Gloria Joynt-Lang Why did I love this book?

This novel featuring a guy going deaf came out in 2015, and it is so fantastic that I reread it this year. Being a boxing fan, I love that Till is a fighter inside the ring and Eliza a fighter in life. Nothing has ever come easy for these pair, who met as neglected, poverty-stricken teenagers. Their tale is filled with unparalleled depth as they transition from friends to lovers and ultimately form a family with Till's younger siblings. This is one of the purest and most raw emotional reads I have had the pleasure of reading. 

By Aly Martinez,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fighting Silence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sound is an abstract concept for most people. We spend our lives blocking out the static in order to focus on what we believe is important. But what if, when the clarity fades into silence, it's the obscure background noise that you would give anything to hold on to?

I've always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn't have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I…


Book cover of Me Before You

Gloria Joynt-Lang Why did I love this book?

I love this novel for being an intelligent non-typical love story. Warning: Will and Louisa's story will not only make you burst with laughter but also make you ugly cry. This was the funny, bittersweet romance story I longed to read. Louisa Clark is the type of woman I'd love to be friends with, and the fact that there are two more novels with this character makes the emotional investment worth it. By the way, the movie adaptation does the novel justice. 

By Jojo Moyes,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Me Before You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE MAJOR FILM AND THE NEW YORK TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLING NOVEL THAT IS LOVED AROUND THE WORLD, ME BEFORE YOU . . .

Will needed Lou as much as she needed him, but will her love be enough to save his life?

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun teashop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps…


Book cover of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Gloria Joynt-Lang Why did I love this book?

This novel contains an amazingly realistic portrayal of a neurodiverse character. The profound loneliness and trauma revealed are hard to read, but I'm so glad I did. Equally hilarious and sad, the story left me more conscientious of how I view and treat others. Add this to your reading list if you love a novel that strains your brain and pumps your heart. 

By Gail Honeyman,

Why should I read it?

28 authors picked Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

"Beautifully written and incredibly funny, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is about the importance of friendship and human connection. I fell in love with Eleanor, an eccentric and regimented loner whose life beautifully unfolds after a chance encounter with a stranger; I think you will fall in love, too!" -Reese Witherspoon

No one's ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine.

Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she's thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of…


Explore my book 😀

Beyond Circumstances

By Gloria Joynt-Lang,

Book cover of Beyond Circumstances

What is my book about?

Zak Tifour loathes violence. Two years ago, it destroyed him. It's one thing to witness death, yet another to be responsible for the carnage. To survive, he hides in a small town, but when an attractive doctor veers off the road, his self-imposed exile is threatened.

Lexie Draden knows sacrifice. She has dedicated her life to medicine. But no matter how skillful she is, it's impossible to save everyone. As a surgeon, she accepts this brutal truth—until it becomes personal. Relocating is tough, but when she stumbles into the arms of a stranger, life takes a turn for the better. The only downside, the man's past may be worse than hers. True heroism is not what you think.

Book cover of Beard Science
Book cover of Britt-Marie Was Here
Book cover of Fighting Silence

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Book cover of Edge of the Known World

Sheri T. Joseph Author Of Edge of the Known World

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Why am I passionate about this?

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Sheri's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

Edge of the Known World is a near-future love and adventure story about a brilliant young refugee caught in era when genetic screening tests like 23AndMe make it impossible to hide a secret identity. The novel is distributed by Simon & Schuster. It is a USA Today Bestseller and 2024 American Fiction Awards Winner in multiple categories, including Best New Fiction, Political Thriller, and Science Fiction: General.

Alexandra is a gifted student, adoring daughter, and exuberant prankster. She is also hiding in the open. After a blissful childhood, Alex learned she’s an illegal refugee from a brutal regime, smuggled into…

By Sheri T. Joseph,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Edge of the Known World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fans of Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake will be swept away by this riveting speculative fiction adventure and love story about family, genetic privacy, and the onrushing future of surveillance technology.

2024 American Fiction Awards Winner in multiple categories, including Best New Fiction, Political Thriller, and Science Fiction

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