Jo-Anne grew up in Brisbane Australia, but is now based in Sydney. She holds an Arts degree with majors in modern languages from the University of Queensland, where she met her future husband Lionel, then training for ministry. Four years later, the family moved to Sydney and then South Australia, eventually returning to Sydney with their three children, Jane, Andrew and Tina.
Jo-Anne worked as a high school teacher, full-time mum, assistant editor, and office secretary, before undertaking further study. After obtaining a theology degree, she worked as part of a local church ministry team, before beginning her writing journey.
Jo-Anne enjoys writing both fiction and non-fiction. In April 2007, her debut novel Heléna was released, followed by its sequel All The Days of My Life in March 2008. Then in July 2009, her third novel Laura, inspired by the life of a friend who is blind, was released, and a fourth, Jenna, in July 2010. Helena’s Legacy, Jo-Anne’s fifth novel, followed in June 2011.
In 2012, Jo-Anne changed publisher and her first non-fiction work, Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey was released in October of that year. Then in 2013, her sixth novel The Inheritance was released.
Jo-Anne’s second non-fiction work, Becoming Me: Finding my true self in God, was released in 2016. Then in 2020, Jo-Anne published her seventh novel, Down by the Water. To buy this or any of her other books, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.
While Jo-Anne is based in Sydney, she is happy to consider travelling elsewhere to speak. Please check out her ideas for speaking topics and current list of speaking engagements on her website.
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
Jo-Anne–
I also have a fascination with Turkey! I am diligently learning the language (some days not so diligently) and plan a return this summer. My family wonders how an American girl from the mountains might have such a connection to people a world away. Beyond their kindness, there must be something else. I can’t wait to find out!
All the best,
Paige
Hi Paige
Thanks for your comment. So interesting to hear you love Turkey! I have a friend who lives in a small town not far from Adana in the south and she and I have travelled to all sorts of places in Turkey, from along many parts of the Mediterranean coast to Black Sea ports to up in the mountains near the Georgian border to Cappadocia to amazing places like Safranbolu and Boazkale, site of ancient Hittite ruins. So I understand your fascination for the land and the people. God bless and watch over you in you travels.