Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta’s experiences convince her that only the strong survive.

Hildie, Marta’s oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love - but the challenges of life conspire against her vow.

Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.

The Mark of the Lion trilogy contains the award-winning titles A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, and As Sure As the Dawn. The Scarlet Thread earned her a third RWA Rita award and a July, 1997, qualification for the RWA Hall of Fame. The Atonement Child was released in 1997 and remained #1 on the CBA best-seller list for four months. That year Francine also released her "redeemed" version of Redeeming Love and it remains on the CBA best-seller list.

The Lineage of Grace series is Francine's most recent professional success. This critically acclaimed series traces the women in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Its books Unveiled - Tamar, Unashamed - Rahab, Unshaken - Ruth, Unsppoken - Bathsheba (released in July, 2001) and Unafraid - Mary (to be released in October 2001) are the latest triumph of Francine using her writing to draw closer to the Lord. She hopes that through her work, she might worship and praise Jesus for all He does in her life and through her life.

Francine and her husband Rick live in Northern California and enjoy the time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their two grandchildren.