Kate Furnivall is a British historical novelist, best known for her debut novel, The Russian Concubine. Raised in Penarth, a small seaside town in Wales, she was influenced by her mother's experiences in Russia, China, and India. Her mother taught her that the world is volatile but the true values lie within one's head and heart. These themes are explored in her writing.

Kate attended London University where she studied English and pursued a career in publishing. She contributed to a series of books on the canals of Britain before moving into advertising, where she met her future husband, Norman. Her extensive travels provided her with insights into different cultures, which became invaluable for her writing.