Meet Maryann
A Passion for Writing & Inspirational Content Creation
Author and Screenwriter
Maryann pens award-winning fiction and non-fiction books and writes and produces critically acclaimed projects for film & television that entertain, inspire, educate, and uplift with themes that revolve around faith, family, hope, healing, forgiveness, timeless friendships, enduring romances, and the wonderous mysteries of life.
As a bestselling author, Maryann writes fiction and nonfiction. Find out more about Maryann’s books here. Click here for Maryann’s Amazon Author Page.
Producer and Content Creator
A member of the Producers Guild of America and the Writers Guild West, Maryann has produced and written projects for Showtime, SyFy, USA Networks, Lifetime, TMC, and the foreign theatrical market. Maryann is celebrated for co-producing/writing the teleplay for Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine (based on the novel by James Michael Pratt) starring Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Upon its premiere, the film won CBS-TV the night in ratings, with over 15 million viewers tuning in. It also received the MovieGuide® Faith and Freedom Award for inspiring American values and ideals.
Print & TV Food & Lifestyle Journalist, Chef, and TV Personality
As a print and television food & lifestyle journalist, recipe developer, and chef, Maryann is the creator and TV Host of the Telly-Award-winning Simply Delicious Living television series, cookbooks, and podcasts. The series is broadcast on PBS-TV station KVCR in Southern California, DirecTV, Dish Network, and to a global audience on YouTube and Maryann’s Simply Delicious Living Online Magazine at www.SimplyDeliciousLiving.com.
The Mary Garden, with its roots in the Middle Ages, has a rich historical significance. It originated in popularity in monasteries and convents, serving as a place of spiritual reflection and connection. The Mary Garden is a sacred space, adorned with various beautiful flowers, herbs, and foliage. It serves as a special place of spiritual reflection and a profound connection with the Blessed Virgin Mary. This connection, appointed to humanity by Jesus on the cross, is a source of spiritual upliftment, reminding us that we should also think of Mary as our mother, too.Over time, the garden’s popularity grew, extending its sacred beauty to public and private spaces, enriching our lives with its profound history. Find out More.
Simply Delicious Living — TV Show, Podcasts, Online Magazine
Maryann's Books
Fiction — Lavender Hill Cove Novels
Expect the unexpected when the sister team of Ella and Julie
team up to solve crimes in the Lavender Hill Cove cozy mystery series...
The Lavender Hill Cove series can be read in or out of order as stand-alone books.
Once Upon a Cove Christmas
Once Upon a Cove Christmas is the second book in the Lavender Hill Cover series. Books in this series can be read in or out of order as stand-alone books.
“Once Upon a Cove Christmas is an engaging read that wraps the reader in the textures, aromas, and cozy beauty of Christmas in a small town on Long Island, New York’s North Fork. This second novel in the Lavender Hill Cove series follows a grieving widow who finds solace in faith, family and community while encountering mystery and romance—and maybe even a Christmas miracle. A holiday ‘must read!’”
~Kristina Van Kirk, President, Palm Springs Writers Guild and Screenwriter, Persephone, Stay Where You Are and Nobody Gets Hurt, The Box
“Maryann Ridini Spencer weaves a Christmas holiday tale of love, rivalry, human errors, and reconciliation set against the backdrop of the small village of Lavender Hill Cove. Romantic competitors, juvenile offenders, and village leaders come together to rise above their flaws, awakening to a deeper understanding of the essence of Christmas in their community. There is a message in her words to be cherished by her readers.”
~Father Gregory Elder, Ph.D., Pastor, Sacred Heart Church, Palm Desert, CA
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONCE UPON A COVE CHRISTMAS, A LAVENDER HILL COVE NOVEL
Lavender Hill Cove
Lavender Hill Cove
Lavender Hill Cove is the first book in the Lavender Hill Cover series. Books in this series can be read in or out of order as stand-alone books.
“Set in beautiful North Fork, NY, by the Peconic Bay, Lavender Hill Cove uniquely combines mystery, romance, and crime solving with engaging characters, stunning settings, and twists and turns that will keep readers captivated from start to finish.”
-Sherry Halperin, Author, (Rescue Me, He’s Wearing a Moose Hat, Just Call Me Lady, Mistress Molly), Television/Film Producer
“Author Maryann Ridini Spencer weaves an inspiring story of how hope and faith can turn tragedy into triumph. It’s a beautiful and moving tale of how the perseverance of the human heart combined with the love of family and friends can help heal and lead to unthinkably beautiful things!”
-Lori Raupe, #1 International Best-Selling Author (Create Butterfly Moments: Become the Person You Were Meant to Be, Write Your Book Now! Everything You Need to Know!: A 90 Day Plan to Write, Publish, Launch Your Short Read Book), Authors’ Coach, and Motivational Speaker
Fiction — Kate Grace Novels
From Hawaii's beautiful shores, the Kate Grace Novels revolve around
family, friendship, mystery, romance, and a touch of heavenly magic...
The Kate Grace series can be read in or out of order as stand-alone books.
Lady in the Window (Book 1)
“Maryann Ridini Spencer lends her talented pen to a sweeping tale that is sure to involve the heart.”
–Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times best-selling author
“Lady in the Window is an inspiring and inspirational story; a perfect remedy for the stresses we all experience, and as soothing as an ocean sunset. Maryann Ridini Spencer writes beautifully with great insight into the human heart. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time.”
–Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times best-selling author
The Paradise Table (Book 2)
“Maryann Spencer magically weaves together the breathtaking beauty and spirituality of Kauai, miracles, and the power of faith and love into an intriguing quest for the truth. The Paradise Table is not just another mystery—it is a heartwarming validation of self-trust, friendship, love, and healing.”
—Kathy Strong, award-winning travel author and columnist for USA Today/Gannett Newspapers and founder of PSWishYouWereHereTravel.com
Secrets of Grace Manor (Book 3)
“Maryann Ridini Spencer’s Secrets of Grace Manor takes you on Kate Grace’s continuing mystical journey inside the spiritual Aloha life. Filled with mystery, love, intrigue, hope, and faith, it taps into social and racial issues that still pervade our society. The visual swath of Ms. Spencer’s pen makes you feel like you’re right there with Kate throughout her journey. It’s a magical read!”
—Elliot Slutzky, President of Distribution, Open Road Films, Los Angeles
Under the Tropical Skies (Book 4)
“After Kate suffers a profound loss, she travels to the beautiful coastal town of Taormina, Italy, to meet her cousin, Rosa, for the first time. Together they uncover family secrets, and through a series of synchronistic events, Kate finds compassion and forgiveness. Under the Tropical Skies is a powerful page-turner that will keep you up all night. Once again, award-winning novelist Maryann Ridini Spencer has a winner.”
—Catherine Makino, Award-Winning multimedia journalist, Thomson Reuters, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Los Angeles Times, Voice of America Radio
Maryann's Nonfiction Books
Maryann's Cookbooks & Inspirational Works
Simply Delicious Living with Maryann — Entrees Cookbook
Over 40 easy-to-make, delicious recipes made with fresh and natural ingredients that will make your taste buds jump for joy!
Are you a busy working professional, student, or an active Mom or Dad? Would you like to enjoy tasty meals that taste gourmet, but are oh so easy to make? The “Simply Delicious Living with Maryann—Entrées” cookbook by Maryann Ridini Spencer, Award-Winning Simply Delicious Living TV Host, Food & Lifestyle Journalist, and Author features over 40 easy-to-make, delicious recipes made with fresh and natural ingredients that will make your taste buds jump for joy! Watch the award-winning Simply Delicious Living TV series and visit the online magazine and blog, Simply Delicious Living.
Features Bible quotes, inspiring verses, and stunning photography of exquisite country skies and rural landscapes — a perfect way to start and end your day!
Photography by Kate Grace Stevens (aka author Maryann Ridini Spencer serving as K.G. Stevens), the protagonist in the Kate Grace Novels.
Contemplative Bible verses and quotes accompanied by color photos of stunning country landscapes. K.G. Stevens Photography. Perfect tabletop book for personal use or a thoughtful gift. Start your morning and end your day reading and reflecting on famous Bible quotes and verses from the Old and New Testament that inspire and uplift set alongside exquisite photography of country landscapes — oceans, mountains, gardens, and inspiring vistas.
A percentage of profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity to feed and shelter those in need and to special needs children and adults.
The Mary Garden, a sacred space, is not just a collection of beautiful flowers, herbs, and foliage. It is a place of deep spiritual significance, a sanctuary for reflection and a profound connection with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Mary Garden features contemplative poetry and stunning photography of flowers, beachscapes, and landscapes inspired by the Hawaiian Islands.
TV Series, Podcasts & Movies
Maryann's Award-Winning TV Series, Podcasts & Movies
PODCASTS
Movies
Simply Delicious Living Online Magazine
Recent Articles from Simply Delicious Living Online Magazine
Citrus and Mango Shrimp Salad
Several weeks ago, I had a writer’s meeting at my house with a well-known journalist and author, Kathy Strong. Kathy just came out with a new book, The ’57 Chevy, and I wanted to celebrate her accomplishment and serve a […]
Eat Your Veggies Coloring Book for Kids!
I’m excited to announce a book I put together (keeping with the Simply Delicious Living brand!). It’s a children’s coloring book for ages 1-5 entitled EAT YOUR VEGGIES! It teaches kids about vegetables, where they come from, and how they […]
Once Upon a Cove Christmas wins 2025 American Legacy Book Award
Maryann Ridini Spencer’s novel, Once Upon a Cove Christmas, a mystery and a heartwarming tale of love, faith, and family, set in a small coastal town, has won the 2025 American Legacy Book Award for Holiday Fiction and received a […]
Roasted Sweet Potato & Veggie Salad
After a busy day spent writing at my desk, I like to create simple, healthy and delicious recipes for dinner. The inspiration for this delectable salad was leftovers with the key crunchy ingredients being leftover sweet potatoes that I roasted […]
My TOP 5 Reads
What are my TOP 5 favorite fiction reads to date and WHY? I’ve been an avid reader and a professional writer my entire life—from writing for newspapers, magazines, and television to developing, producing, and writing award-winning projects for TV and […]
SIMPLY DELICIOUS LIVING SPOTLIGHT: Palm Desert Food & Wine 2025
The Palm Desert Food & Wine 2025 took place March 20-23, 2025 at the picturesque Gardens on El Paseo, attending the Palm Desert Food & Wine 2025 event presented by Agua Caliente Casinos. On Saturday, March 22, Simply Delicious Living’s […]