Beryl Matthews is the beloved and bestselling author of The Winter Child (previously The Open Door), The Orphan of Farthing Street (previously One Step at a Time), Her Mother's Daughter (previously A Time of Peace) and The Spitfire Sweetheart (previously Wings of the Morning).

She grew up in a family of avid readers and writes from experience. Amongst other jobs, she has worked at an aircraft factory and as a credit controller.

Beryl published her first book at the age of 71 after joining a writers' group and has since written over twenty novels. Her hobbies include travelling, swimming and golf, but writing is her first and foremost joy.