Kelly was raised by a dad who would read a book, ask her to read it, too, and then insist they discuss it together, igniting her passion for life's big questions. That passion is often reflected in her novels, giving them a depth which leaves readers wanting more and thinking about her stories long after the last lines are read.

Some of Kelly's favorite authors are Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult, Boo Walker, and Kristin Hannah.

Kelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a master's degree in interactive media and communications from Quinnipiac University. She also writes with her son as the combined pen name Christopher Kelly.