Jude Deveraux, born as Jude Gilliam on September 20, 1947, is an acclaimed American author renowned for her historical romances. She has written over 40 novels, with many securing positions on The New York Times Best Seller list. Notable works include A Knight in Shining Armor and Remembrance. By 2016, her books had sold over 50 million copies.

Born in Fairdale, Kentucky, Jude grew up in a large extended family as the elder sister to four brothers. She pursued a degree in Art from Murray State University. In 1967, she married and adopted the last name White, though the marriage ended in divorce four years later.

Jude transitioned from a 5th-grade teaching career to writing in 1976, publishing her first book, The Enchanted Land, in 1977 under the pseudonym Jude Deveraux. Her career has been marked by the success of series like the Velvet series, highlighting the captivating lives of the Montgomery family.

Jude appeared as herself in the 1987 romance novelist documentary Where the Heart Roams.