Danielle Kartes is an author, recipe maven, and entrepreneur living near Seattle, Washington with her husband Michael, a photographer, and their two sweet boys.  

Together, the Karteses run their boutique food, lifestyle, and commercial photography business, Rustic Joyful Food. Rustic Joyful Food promotes loving your life right where you are, no matter where you are, and creating beautiful, delicious food that’s fuss-free with whatever you have available to you. Danielle and Michael are also the principles of the Rustic Joyful Literary group, the agency arm of Rustic Joyful Food devoted to the representation of authors in the food and children’s books spaces. 

Danielle’s newest ventures, in the wine and spirits realm, include the creation of Florescence Grapefruit & Pomelo Vodka and a series of wine varietals under her label French for Water. 

Danielle is driven by her love for Jesus, her family, and happy accidents in the kitchen. She has written and published four cookbooks, seven children’s books, and one devotional memoir. Danielle appears often on national television and is a regular culinary contributor to The Kelly Clarkson Show. 

Brooke O’Neill’s passion for art began as a young child living in the city and suburbs of Chicago. She has illustrated several children’s books, including The 13 Days of Swiftness: A Christmas Celebration for Fans. When she’s not drawing, you can find her spending time with family, playing the ukulele, and trying new recipes.