Robin Van Auken is a writer, and by profession an archaeologist. She is the owner of Hands on Heritage, a company that specializes in storytelling. She also is an instructor at Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, where she teaches archaeology and communications. Many of her novels incorporate her passion for travel, sailing, history and archaeology. Most of her characters hail from Eaton, an imaginary locale in Pennsylvania she invented, but not all: some stories feature exciting and exotic cities the heroes (and their lovers) visit during the course of their romantic journey. Sloane and her husband enjoy traveling to the U.K. and Europe, and spend much of their time abroad in ruins, castles, cathedrals and museums. She particularly enjoys exploring old churches (including the crypts with mummies), musty libraries and authentic pubs. In the U.S., the Sloanes bounce along the East Coast, traveling from New York to Florida to visit family and friends. The couple enjoys camping, hiking and kayaking, and always includes a geocache hunt and a trip to the local ice cream parlor.