Loretta is a former Spanish teacher and the author of a picture book (Tangle-Knot– June,2023), four young adult novels: The Shrouding Woman, In Search of Mockingbird, In a Heartbeat, and Unforgettable and three adult novels: Stars Over Clear Lake, The French Winemaker’s Daughter and The Jilted Countess.

Her books have been awarded many accolades, including Teen’s Top Ten Finalist, ALA and IRA Notables, New York Library List of Books for the Teen Age, Midwest Bookseller’s Choice Honor Award, Midwest Connection’s Pick, BBCB Choice, NEMBA (North Eastern Minnesota Book Award) finalist, Rebecca Caudill Nominee, Charlotte Award Nominee and 2025 Minnesota Book Award Finalist.

Loretta received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University and lives with her husband and children in Lakeville, Minnesota. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s usually playing tennis.