UNITED STATES AUTHOR · FICTION · LARGE TYPE
LaVyrle Spencer
Also known as: LaVyrle Spencer (pseud.)
LaVyrle was born on July 17, 1943 in Browerville, Minnesota, USA, where she grew up. Married her high school sweetheart Dan Spencer, shortly after her graduation, a decision she calls the wisest choice of her life. They had two daughters, Amy and Beth (d. 1990). LaVyrle worked as a teacher's aide at Osseo Junior High School, when in her thirties, she read Kathleen Woodiwiss's novel "The Flame and Flower", which gave her the idea to become a novelist. She decided to try transferring to paper a recurring dream she was having about a story based on her grandmother's lifestyle on a Minnesota farm. Her story became her first manuscript, "The Fulfillment", and she sent it to Kathleen Woodiwiss. The bestselling author read the novel and promptly mailed it to her own editor at Avon. The editor purchased the novel, which was published in 1979. She was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1988. She wrote 23 sweet historical and contemporany novels. Published around the world, her works had included 12 New York Times Bestsellers, and have been won four RITA Awards, three Golden Medallion Awards and a Minnesota Book Award. LaVyrle said: "the trademark of my books is mending relationships, showing people how to mend relationships." LaVyrle is a founding member of the Midwest Fiction Writers (MFW), chapter 24 of the Romance Writers of America. Four of LaVyrle's novels were produced as television movies: The Fulfillment in 1989 (She and her husband appear as extras in the film), Morning Glory in 1993, Home Song in 1996 and Family Blessings in 1999. LaVyrle and her husband are grandparents. Her husband is a retired estimator for a general contractor, and she also decided to retire from writing in 1997 after an 18-year career. They live in a Victorian house in her native Minnesota, where she enjoyes gardening, cooking, playing bass guitar and electric piano, and photography.
Cyril Case was making the daily run from St. Cloud to Cass Lake, sitting up high on his box seat in engine number two-eighty-two.
— from Then Came Heaven, 1997
Most acclaimed
Then Came Heaven
1997
Can love survive a shattering loss? Browerville, Minnesota, 1950: Life is just about perfect for Eddie Olczak. A man of unshakable faith, he derives intense pleasure from the life he's built. He cherishes his wife, Krystyna, their daughters, Anne and Lucy, and his job as handyman for St. Joseph's, the Catholic church that is the cornerstone of Browerville life. But when a tragic accident cuts Krystyna's life short, Eddie is sure his heart is broken forever. The love she lavished on her family, the way she combed the girls' hair, the way she greeted Eddie at the end of the day-all the precious gifts she gave are gone. The town rallies to provide support, but there is one member of the community who is unable to express what Krystyna's loss has meant to her. Sister Regina, the girls' teacher at St. Joseph's, has always felt a special affinity for the Olczaks. But her vows prevent her from becoming too close--even in their time of need. Sister Regina has always tried to reaffirm her commitment when the strict rules of the sisterhood chafe at her. But with time, as she and Eddie grow to know each other better--and find a connection that goes beyond their shared love of Krystyna and the girls--she faces a difficult challenge. And both of them must summon the courage to look within their own hearts and make their own choices ...
Sweet Memories
1984
SWEET MEMORIES... of tender breathless passion, of a bond betrayed by lack of trust, of a love too long denied.... Like a haunting melody that recalls a special moment, Sweet Memories will stir your senses and touch your heart. It is the poignant tale of Theresa Brubaker and Brian Scanlon, separated by Brian's air force officer training, but united in spirit by their burning unique love. Alone and unsure, Theresa decides on a traumatizing surgical operation that proves devastating for both her and Brian-a proud sensitive man whose feelings of betrayal run deep. Through the tears and pain Theresa emerges from her cocoon of inhibitions a beautiful butterfly, ready to soar on the wings of her love for Brian. A special love. A special man. A special book.
Forgiving
1991
There's a place in every heart for forgiving.... SARAH She came to Deadwood, a rough and tumble western town, with an ambitious dream of starting a newspaper. But her journey had another purpose--to find her sister and mend the family tie that was severed years ago, when Addie left home with a hardened heart--and without an explanation. NOAH The thought of this headstrong woman turning his town upside down riled Marshal Campbell to no end. But there was something about Sarah that the lawman found irresistible. Inside, he longed to treat her like a lady. But outside, he'd keep up his ornery image--and give her a rocky welcome to town... Two strong-willed souls, Sarah and Noah would discover the timeless beauty of love--when the heart learns to take back the past and start again...