Anita Hale Shreve (October 7, 1946 – March 29, 2018) was an American writer, renowned for her novels. Shreve began her writing career while working as a high school teacher. Her literary debut was marked by the story Past the Island, Drifting, published in 1975, which was honored with an O. Henry Prize the following year. Shreve's novels have captivated millions of readers worldwide.

Apart from her teaching career, Shreve spent three years as a journalist in Kenya. She also taught Creative Writing at Amherst College. In 1999, her novel The Pilot's Wife was selected by Oprah Winfrey for her book club, significantly boosting Shreve's recognition. Her novels The Weight of Water and Resistance were adapted into films, and The Pilot's Wife was turned into a CBS movie of the week. Sadly, Shreve passed away on March 29, 2018, at her home in Newfields, New Hampshire, due to cancer.