By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos by Matt Johnson
Few authors capture the nuances of love and human connection as vividly as de de Cox, whose romance novels explore deep into the struggles of relationships, and the strength found in vulnerability. The Kentucky native, with her undeniable storytelling prowess, has crafted a literary career that mirrors her own journey—one rich in resilience, devotion, and a deep-rooted faith in the power of love.
Born and raised in Deatsville, Kentucky, de de’s early life was shaped by values instilled by her family, especially her grandmother. Acts 20:35, which underscores the blessings of giving, became a cornerstone of her worldview, influencing not only her personal life but also the themes interwoven in her books. “My grandma never turned anyone away,” de de recalls, describing how her grandmother delivered food and handmade gifts to those in need. “She always reminded me of the 3Cs—kindness, caring, and compassion—and yes, she knew kindness doesn’t begin with a ‘C,’ but she said it would capture my attention—and it did.”
De de’s books echo these foundational principles. Her first bestseller, Stolen Roses quickly climbed charts. This success was soon followed by her first international bestseller, A Bridled Affair, featuring her trusted stylist and creative partner, Scooter Minyard, as the cover model. Scooter, who de de fondly calls “fluffin phenomenal,” plays a pivotal role in her career, handling not only her styling and branding but also helping her bring her creative visions to life. Alongside Scooter, de de’s son and cover model Isaiah Bo Cox and videographer Austin Ozier form her dream team and her love and appreciation for the trio is nothing short of heartwarming.
de de’s novels explore all of life’s twists and turns, often drawing inspiration from her own experiences. From her elopement at dawn with her bestfriend from junior high to high school Scott Cox (now her husband of 40 years) to the challenges of raising a family later in life, her narratives reflect the complexity and beauty of relationships. Three of her books—The Perfect Chrystmas, Stolen Roses, and Just Claus—have been optioned for screenplays, bringing her stories to an even broader audience. “I write what you whisper in the dark,” de de often says, capturing the intimate, unspoken desires that fuel her writing.
Her journey into writing wasn’t immediate. After years of balancing family life, community service, and a career, she rediscovered a manuscript she had written decades earlier. This discovery reignited her passion for storytelling, and by the age of 56, she published her first romance novel. Her writing reflects her belief in love’s evolving nature, a lesson passed down from her grandmother: “There will be days you don’t like him or even love him, but always respect him,” her grandmother had said, a sentiment de de weaves into her tales of happily-ever-afters that require hard work and dedication.
Beyond her literary achievements, de de is deeply committed to her community. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards, co-directed pageants, and championed causes close to her heart, often working to instill public speaking and leadership skills in young volunteers. Through her advocacy, she reminds others of the importance of giving back, living by her National Pagent Director, Dianne Turner’s mantra that “it’s more than just about the crown—it’s about the servant’s heart.”
de de’s life is one of storytelling—both on and off the page. Her books, rich with emotion and grounded in personal truths, continue to captivate readers worldwide, while her dedication to kindness and community leaves an indelible mark. Whether through her novels, her volunteer work, or her family life, de de Cox embodies a love story of her own—a journey of faith and a commitment to leaving the world a little brighter.
As she prepares for the release of her upcoming novel and continues to explore new opportunities, including the possibility of Hallmark adaptations, de de remains steadfast in her mission: to share stories that uplift, inspire, and remind us all of the beauty in life’s whispers. With her signature blend of charm, authenticity, and heartfelt narratives, she invites us to believe in the power of love—and to embrace its complexities with open hearts.