Encounters

Stephanie Bond is an American writer and educator known for her insightful and emotionally resonant novels. Born in New York City, she grew up in a family that fostered a love of books and storytelling. After graduating from Yale University and earning an MFA from the University of Virginia, Bond embarked on her writing career. Her debut novel, *The Woman in the Moonlight* (2017), explored themes of love, loss, and redemption during the American Civil War. It received critical acclaim and earned her the Georgia Author of the Year Award for Debut Novel. Bond's subsequent works, including *Lily Among Thorns* (2020) and *A Distant Home* (2023), have further established her as a gifted storyteller with a knack for historical fiction. Her novels have been praised for their nuanced characters, evocative writing, and ability to transport readers into the past.