A resident of Clayton, Ill., Kelly authored 11 books, including the best-selling historical fiction series centered around the Wortham and Hammond families—published by Revell/Baker Publishing Group. Her most recent book, The House on Malcolm Street, was published by Revell in September 2010.

Revell Executive Editor Vicki Crumpton, who had worked with Kelly since her first book, Julia's Hope, was published in 2001, said that the author was "an amazing talent." "More than that, she was an amazing person, loved by family, friends and her fans," she said. "Her unique writing voice will be greatly missed."

Kelly, who home-schooled her two children, served as children's ministry director and youth minister at her family's church. She is survived by her husband, K.J., and daughter, Hosanna.

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