Heart of the West

**Susan Wiggs** Susan Wiggs is an American author best known for her contemporary romance and women's fiction novels. Born in 1958, she began writing in her late thirties. Wiggs gained recognition with her "Lakeshore Chronicles" series, which explores the lives of residents in the fictional lakeside town of Willow Creek, Washington. Her other notable works include the "Bella Vista Chronicles," "The Chesapeake Diaries," and stand-alone novels such as "The Beekeeper's Ball" and "The House We Grew Up In." Wiggs has won numerous awards, including the RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance Novel for "The Winter Lodge" (2001) and "The Next Best Thing" (2005). Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold over 40 million copies worldwide. Wiggs' novels have received critical acclaim for their emotional depth, relatable characters, and heartwarming storylines. They have been praised for their ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the power of resilience and hope.