Bio: I've been writing romances since the early 80s when I was a stay-at-home mom to three daughters. It wasn't until the mid-90s that I became serious about the business of writing. I sold my first book, The Lily and the Falcon, to Kensington in 1999. Other books I've published are Foreign Exchange, a romantic suspense set in Italy and the U.S. in 1970. It covered everything from a soccer-playing hero to the mafia, a CIA heroine, the FBI, Red Brigades Terrorists, and so much more. And in 2006 Rebel Heart, a historical western romance, was released. It was a 2007 Aspen Gold Finalist. I am partial to writing medieval romances set in Italy. I was born and raised Italian and know the culture well. The Lily and the Falcon was the first book of a four-book series set in 15th century Italy, which I hope will find a home soon. I am currently a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Romance Writer's of America, RWA National, and PAN (Published Authors Network), along with many other online writing chapters. My house is always full of laughter, especially when my grandchildren visit. I live in Southern California with my husband (my very own knight in shining armor) and three Rat Terriers. Although my husband is Czech, we are both active in the Order Sons of Italy in America . They have made him an honorary Italian. For more information about me and my books, please visit my website www.jcortipetska.com. Or email me at info@jcortipetska.com.