Gayle Larson Schuck is a North Dakota native. She is a graduate of Bismarck State College and the University of Mary. After 28 years in public relations and development, she retired from the Bismarck Library Foundation to pursue writing full time. Since then, she has published three books: By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek and Amber's Choice are part of the Prairie Pastors Series, and Secrets of the Dark Closet is a historical novel. Gayle enjoys leading Bible studies, working in her garden and adventures with her family.