After graduating from Wellesley College with a political science degree, she published her first novel at age twenty-one. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world.

Lisa writes for St. Martins Press and is represented by her agent Mel Berger, of the William Morris agency.

1985: Lisa was named Miss Massachusetts in the Miss America competition. Among the challenges she faced: wearing a banner with such a long state name, when she is only 5'2. Because of the rule that contestants had to tuck the excess length of banner into their swimsuits, she became known as "Miss Massachu."

At the competition in Atlantic city, Lisa's talent was singing an original composition, which won her a "talented nonfinalist" award. And to her delight, she got to keep the big sparkly crown, which sits on her bookshelf and now attracts keen interest from her daughter.

1985 to 1998 was a period which Lisa's family tactfully refers to as "the dry spell" regarding romance awards. She did, however, get married and receive the award of having the most wonderful little boy in the world.

1998: Lisa's novel "Stranger In My Arms" was given the Waldenbooks Award for greatest sales growth.

1999: "Someone To Watch Over Me" was a Rita finalist at the Romance Writers of America convention.

2002: Lisa's novel "Suddenly You" was a Rita finalist and Lisa won the Rita award for her Christmas anthology novella featured in the Dorchester publication "Wish List."

Also in 2002: Lisa's novel "Lady Sophia's Lover" was given the award for Best Sensuous Historical Romance from Romantic Times magazine. "Lady Sophia's Lover" was given a starred review in Publishers Weekly, as was "When Strangers Marry."

2003: Lisa's novel "Worth Any Price" was awarded a starred review from Publishers Weekly.  "Worth Any Price" and "Where's My Hero" were listed in the Amazon Editor's Top Ten Picks for Best Romance of 2003!

Lisa with Madeline Hunter, winner for best long
historical for her beautiful
novel 'Stealing Heaven'

2004: "Worth Any Price" won the RITA award for best Short Historical!

Also in 2004, "Secrets of a Summer Night" (Nov 2004) received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly!

2006:  "It Happened One Autumn" (Oct 05) is a finalist in the Short Historical Category of the RITA Awards.