Essie Summers

Essie Summers, born Ethel Snelson Summers, was a prolific New Zealand romance novelist known as the 'Queen of Romance,' authoring over 50 novels that sold more than 19 million copies in 105 countries and 25 languages. Her stories focused on romance, family life, adventure, and humour, with her debut novel New Zealand Inheritance published in 1957. She began her writing career with poetry and columns before achieving international success, and was honoured for boosting New Zealand tourism through her works.