A.C. Hilderbrand grew up in the Bay Area of California in the 1980s and 90s, which is something she is eternally grateful for. Every day she was surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, beaches, and snow-covered mountains—with a big city just minutes away. From an outside perspective, her childhood was full of good memories; she lived in a nice house with a manicured yard and a dad and stepmom who worked hard to provide everything needed financially, but if you looked closer, the ugly truth would be staring back from behind the beautiful façade. At the age of fifteen, she endured an exhaustive custody battle, which resulted in her moving to Texas with her mom. By the age of seventeen, she left home in hopes of a better life to attend college, where she met her first husband and muse for her first book, "The Cardinal." Today, she is happily married to her wonderful husband and has raised her three kids to be incredible humans, along with her three amazing stepchildren, whom she adores. Life in Texas has given her so much, even though her heart still yearns to return to the Golden State one day. Though her life hasn't been easy and has truly just been downright messy, she wouldn't change a thing. It made her who she is today—a strong, determined, stubborn, kind, and deeply empathetic person. She is a flawed human being, striving to possess the faith of the greats in Hebrews chapter 11. Each day she feels blessed to be alive and to be able to find joy in the life she now lives.