NEWS: Hope and Life Press Presents Marie Ann Dean

Hope and Life Press are proud to present Marie Ann Dean, another of our latest authors, with The Jeweller's Polish, a Catholic historical fiction novel and the first fiction book to be published by our press. The Jeweller's Polish will be released in paperback and ebook editions in early 2016.

Marie Ann Dean is an American writer and poet with a particular interest in Catholic contemplative spiritualities in the Latin Rite tradition. A teacher by profession and former Montessori homeschooler, Dean helped set up various classical education schools and Montessori homeschools across the United States (US). She also lectured on English Literature at the University of Notre Dame (US), and on both Theology and Literature at Bristol University, United Kingdom (UK). As a practicing Catholic and pastoral counselor, Dean was lecturer to diocesan teachers in the US and Canada, also teaching catechesis and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes as RCIA director. She was additionally a lay chaplain with the Westminster Diocese, United Kingdom (UK).

Dean has a Bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy/Theology from Marycrest College, and a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Notre Dame. She was also Downside Scholar Fellow in Theology at Bristol University. Dean holds a Master Teacher's Certificate from the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS), and Kaplan instructor certification. An international Catholic blogger since 2007, Dean writes regularly on matters of the Catholic faith and spirituality at Etheldreda's Place and The Courtyard. She is also twice winner and Grand Prize-winner of the Mississippi Valley Poetry Contest with her poems. Dean enjoys painting in watercolors, acrylics, and oils.