Joni Okun graduated magna cum laude from Washington University, then earned her J.D. degree from Saint Louis University School of Law. She served as a law clerk to a federal judge, and worked as an international litigator and a business and employment lawyer. 

A member of the Historical Novel Society, Ms. Okun is passionate about writing and reading historical fiction. She lives in Orlando with her husband and two exceptionally destructive silky terriers.