Sheri Reynolds is an American author and university professor known for her richly drawn characters and exploration of themes centered around family, identity, and the rural South. Born in rural South Carolina in 1967, Reynolds' writing often echoes the landscape and cultural milieu of her upbringing. She gained notable recognition with her novel "The Rapture of Canaan," which was an Oprah's Book Club selection in 1997. Her novels often delve into the complexities of human relationships, spirituality, and the search for personal meaning. Besides "The Rapture of Canaan," some of her other works include "Bitterroot Landing," "A Gracious Plenty," and "The Homespun Wisdom of Myrtle T. Cribb." Reynolds has been praised for her lyrical prose and the emotional depth of her stories. She teaches creative writing and literature and has been affiliated with institutions such as Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.