Vera Jane Cook, also known to her readers under the pen name Olivia Hardy Ray, is an acclaimed author whose writing spans across several genres including southern and women’s fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction. Some of her most notable works include Dancing Backward in Paradise, The Story of Sassy Sweetwater, Where the Wildflowers Grow, Pleasant Day, Marybeth, Hollister & Jane, and Lies a River Deep. In the realm of paranormal genre, she is recognized for her series featuring Annabel Horton, Lost Witch of Salem and its sequels. Furthermore, Cook has delved into the mystery/science fiction genre with the novel Pharaoh’s Star and its upcoming sequel.

Born in New York City, Cook was raised amid the eccentricities of her southern and glamorous mother, enriching her childhood with a deep love for reading. Her favorite authors, ranging from Nelson DeMille to Anne Rice, have deeply influenced her writing style and narrative voice. Cook’s admiration for literature extends to a vast array of novels including The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and The Kite Runner, among others.

Prior to her success as a writer, Cook spent over a decade in the professional theatre, appearing in television, regional theatre, film, and off-Broadway. Her passion for the arts led her to pursue a degree in Communications from Hunter College, graduating Magna Cum Laude, followed by a Master's in Educational Theatre from New York University. Transitioning from acting to education, Cook dedicated herself to teaching creative writing, drama, and English, further nurturing her passion for storytelling.

Her first novel, Dancing Backward In Paradise, won an Eric Hoffer Award for publishing excellence and an Indie Excellence Award for notable new fiction in 2007. Cook’s commitment to the craft of writing, combined with her diverse experiences in theatre, education, and corporate life, has cemented her reputation as a versatile and talented author whose work continues to captivate and inspire readers around the globe.