Tonya Sharp Hyche was born and raised in Alabama, but has lived most of her adult life in Texas. Tonya has been married over twenty-one years to her husband Steve and has two boys, Dustin and Dylan. Tonya is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor degree in Secondary Education. Upon graduation, Tonya's husband Steve moved their young family to The Woodlands, Texas. While living in The Woodlands, Tonya taught high school history for over ten years. Currently, Tonya's oldest son Dustin is studying at the University of Alabama and following in the same path in education. In August of 2010, Steve moved Tonya and their youngest son Dylan to Shelly Beach, Queensland Australia. Since moving to a foreign country, Tonya has had the luxury and time to live out one of her dreams and write novels. Swept Away is Tonya's first novel, but a second novel is well on its way. Most of the plot to Swept Away was dreamed up while lying on Shelly's Beach and watching the waves crash to shore. Other ideas were constructed while walking with her Jack Russell, Sally along the coastal trails. Besides writing, Tonya's other hobbies include reading on the beach, walking, deep sea fishing, watching NASCAR and college football and just spending time with family and friends.