Frances was born in the Wairarapa, New Zealand, in 1948--a post-war baby-boomer. She was raised in Northland. Her varied careers have included bun-running, journalism, radio presentation and tour leading.

Her dad always said she was of Spanish descent--something about the Spanish Armada sinking off the Cornwall coast, sailors who swam ashore, and the rest (as they say) is history!

She has lived in the USA, and has travelled to Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, to name a few.

Her heart races every time she hears a Latin beat. This love of all things South American drove her to learn Spanish, dance the rumba and the samba, sample pisco sours and devour Latin American history.

This reflective look at Frances' journey through life contains hearty helpings of humour. This book will not fail to inspire readers to Kia Kaha--stay strong in adversity--and laugh the socks off the many absurdities of life.

Frances has four children and nine grandchildren, and lives in Auckland, New Zealand.