Hannah Whitall Smith wrote The Christians Secret of a Happy Life in 1875 originally as an article for her husbands inspirational magazine. The book subsequently became a worldwide best-seller that has influenced generations.

Hannah Whitall Smith was the spiritual mentor of many, including Catherine Marshall. Born into a Quaker family in Philadelphia in 1832, she grew up tirelessly investigating the religious life. She and her husband, Robert Pearsall Smith, emigrated to England where they became one of America's most famous expatriate families. Their lay ministry was known as the Higher Life Movement.

Marguerite Gavin grew up on the Chesapeake Bay. She holds an M.F.A. in acting and a B.F.A. in theater. An actress working in theater and audiobook narration, she is also artistic director of a youth theater program. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband and son.