Kate Furnivall

Sweeping romance. Sumptuous settings. Unforgettable adventure.

About Me

I had the shock of my life when I learned when I was in my forties that I was part Russian. Not a demure all-English rose after all then! It changed my life. Triggered those Russian genes into action. Inspired by my grandmother’s dramatic St Petersburg life-story at the time of the Soviet Revolution and her escape to China, I wrote my first historical novel, The Russian Concubine, which hit the New York Times Bestseller list and was sold in 25 countries.

I was hooked by the thrill of setting powerful emotional stories in dramatic far-off locations. I took to travelling with a vengeance – Russia, China, Malaya, Egypt, Bahamas, Italy, France. All became backdrops for my sweeping tales set in the first half of the 20th century when the world was in turmoil.

 

Research trips were riddled with wonderful adventures and weird discoveries that enrich my books. I delve into dark themes as well as intense love stories, and strip my characters to the bare bones in times of crisis to see what they are made of. My books are full of tension, twists and thrills, atmosphere and romance.

I was raised in Wales, went to London Uni and worked in advertising in London. I now live in blissful Devon with my husband, within walking distance of Agatha Christie’s house for inspiration. I have two adult sons and two Burmese cats who call the shots.

I have written thirteen historical novels. They have been on the Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller lists and been shortlisted for the RNA Historical Novel of the Year Award.