Kimberly Jo Smith

Kimberly Jo Smith was born in Maryville, Tennessee, on August 7, 1962. A mountain girl throughout, Kimberly grew up listening to many stories of her Appalachian ancestors who left their beloved Ireland, Scotland, and England to brave the mighty seas for new land and opportunities in America. These stories fueled an already vivid imagination, prompting her to begin writing at a young age. As she traveled throughout the United States, she encountered vast terrains and varying cultures, manifesting an even greater desire to write within her. A lover of history, poetry, and children's literature, Kimberly has produced works covering a range of topics to suit all ages, although her favorite area of writing is historical fiction and romance.

Kimberly is currently writing a historical fiction/romance series called American Dream. The first volume, Shadows of the Ancient Wood was released in May of 2016. The series focus is on the McCarter family; twin brothers and their tight-knit kin from Scotland who, through the whim of fate, find themselves on unexpected paths that lead to the Revolutionary War.

Along with historical fiction, Kimberly also embraces her paternal ancestry, writing about the lives of her 2nd great-grandparents, Joseph and Emma Smith. Rising Hills and Sinking Valleys, and A Martyr's Path are two non-fiction works that convey her ancestors' remarkable and turbulent lives while examining their ability to find joy in the midst of darkness.

Adding poetry and music to her talents, Kimberly also has produced a CD with her son Bryan Davis called The Journey, and a collection of poetry called Divergent Paths.

Kimberly earned a B.S. in English with an emphasis in writing from Drury University in Springfield, MO. She is also a photographer and historical researcher. She currently resides in Nauvoo, Illinois.