I was an English major in college at the University of Miami where I read and studied the works of Jane Austen, Kate Chopin, Edith Wharton, and other groundbreaking women writers until I could no longer resist the urge to follow their lead and write stories that break the barriers of our own day. I married my college sweetheart and wrote my first novel, a historical romance, at the age of  26 on a first-generation word processor that I thought was better than chocolate covered pretzels and uninterrupted sleep (which became a distant memory with the birth of my first and only daughter). Several years later, I wrote a Christian historical romance titled The Legacy of Ruby Sanchez, which won second place in the 2006 Genesis Contest sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers and is soon to be published. I also continued to write short stories, one of which, The Perfect Pup, took first place in the American Kennel Club's annual (2006) Short Story Contest. In March 2008, after spending a few years on the road in street outreach and in local soup kitchens ministering to homeless and working poor people, I finished writing Saints in the City. True to its name, it's a provocative, mystical love story that bridges heaven and earth and is my witness to the biblical precept: do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it. You can read reviews, excerpts, and even the first chapter at  www.andieandrews.com. When I'm not at my desk writing, you'll find me one of three places: in the backyard playing with my dogs (an English Setter and a Cav. King Charles Spaniel), assisting homeless people and advocating for their compassionate care, or dancing around the living room to my daughter's soulful music (check it out at www.jillianvalentine.com). It's a small life -- but a wonderful one. :) Oh, and if you're a fellow dog lover, please stroll on over to my "other" website where I've written a series of faith-based meditations on our relationship to our animal companions and our call to love and care for all of God's creatures: www.paws4prayer.com.

Saints in the City is a TRIPLE FINALIST in the 2009 INDIE BOOK AWARDS in the categories of ROMANCE, RELIGIOUS FICTION, and SOCIAL CHANGE.

Nationally recognized as a 2006 FaithWords Finalist by the American Christian Fiction Writers

Winner of the American Kennel Club's 2006 Short Story Contest (The Perfect Pup), first published in the AKC Gazette, May 2006 issue