Mary Ruth Reed credits home-schooling in the early grades for her love of reading and her interest in writing poems, articles and fiction. As well as teaching an appreciation of outdoor activities to their five children, her parents encouraged creativity and imagination. Since 1992 Ruth has lived on the old family property at Larder Lake in Northern Ontario. Her cat, Pumpkin, kept her company while she worked on Viking Princess. Unanswered questions about the history of our country inspired adventures for Edith and her companions.