Ashley Hards was declared to be "gifted" at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22. When forced to sit still in class, she finds books and writing to be the most engaging, especially Shakespeare. She received both her BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University where she now teaches writing and continues her research on Shakespeare and ritual. She grew up in Calgary, Canada. Always the adrenaline lover, she enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and opera (hey, it's exciting). She spent many weekends driving across Alberta and hanging out at a ski hill near Pincher Creek where the vision for Riverway developed over many dark, stormy nights. Like Hannah, she enjoys journaling. Unlike Hannah, she has not solved any mysteries (yet). This is her first book.