If you are a fan of mystery and romance novels, you might have come across the name Evanovich more than once. Janet Evanovich is a well-known American writer who has authored a series of best-selling novels featuring Stephanie Plum, a sassy bounty hunter from New Jersey. But did you know that there is another Evanovich in the literary world? Stephanie Evanovich is also an American writer who has published several novels in the genre of contemporary romance and humor. But are they related? And why do they share the same surname and the same first name of their main characters? Here is what we found out.
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The Family Connection
The answer to the question of whether Stephanie Evanovich is related to Janet Evanovich is yes, but not in the way you might think. Stephanie Evanovich is not Janet’s daughter, sister, or niece. She is actually her cousin-in-law. According to Wikipedia, Stephanie Evanovich is married to Peter Evanovich Jr., who is the son of Peter Evanovich Sr., Janet’s husband. They have been married since 1987 and have two children together.
The Name Coincidence
So, how did Stephanie Evanovich end up with the same surname and the same first name of Janet’s famous heroine? Well, it seems that it was partly intentional and partly accidental. According to Book Series In Order, Stephanie Evanovich was born as Stephanie Lippman and used her maiden name as her pen name when she started writing. However, when she decided to switch from writing erotic stories to mainstream romance novels, she also decided to change her pen name to Stephanie Evanovich, using her married name. She said that she did this because she wanted to honor her husband and his family, and also because she liked the sound of it.
However, she did not realize that by doing so, she would also create confusion among readers and fans of Janet Evanovich, who had already established herself as a successful author with her Stephanie Plum series. When Stephanie’s first book came out in 2013, it raised negative attention from many, especially Janet’s fans, who accused her of trying to cash in on Janet’s fame and popularity. Some even thought that she was Janet’s daughter or sister, or that she was writing under a pseudonym.
Stephanie Evanovich denied these allegations and said that she had no intention of misleading anyone or riding on Janet’s coattails. She said that she was unaware of how popular Janet was when she chose her pen name, and that she had never read any of her books before. She also said that she had no control over the marketing or the cover design of her books, which sometimes featured similar fonts and colors as Janet’s books. She said that she was just trying to write her own stories and find her own voice as an author.
The Different Styles
Despite sharing the same surname and the same first name of their main characters, Stephanie Evanovich and Janet Evanovich have very different styles and genres of writing. According to AddALL, Janet Evanovich writes mystery thriller novels with a touch of humor and romance, featuring a strong female protagonist who gets into trouble while chasing criminals. Her books are fast-paced, action-packed, witty, and full of quirky characters and situations.
On the other hand, Stephanie Evanovich writes contemporary romance novels with a touch of humor and drama, featuring a variety of characters who fall in love while overcoming obstacles and challenges. Her books are more focused on the emotional development and growth of the characters, their relationships, and their personal journeys.
The Mutual Respect
Despite the initial controversy and confusion caused by their names, Stephanie Evanovich and Janet Evanovich have expressed mutual respect and admiration for each other as writers and as family members. According to Book Series In Order, they have met several times at family gatherings and events, and have exchanged tips and advice on writing. They have also supported each other’s work by giving blurbs and endorsements for their books.
Stephanie Evanovich has said that she is proud to be part of the Evanovich family, and that she considers Janet as a role model and an inspiration. She has also said that she hopes to someday collaborate with her on a project or a book.
Janet Evanovich has said that she is happy for Stephanie’s success, and that she thinks she is a talented writer with a unique voice. She has also said that she does not mind sharing her surname or her character’s name with her, as long as they both write good books.
Conclusion
So, is Stephanie Evanovich related to Janet Evanovich? Yes, they are cousins-in-law who share the same surname and the same first name of their main characters. But they are also different writers who have their own styles and genres of writing. They have faced some challenges and misunderstandings because of their names, but they have also shown respect and support for each other as family members and as authors. They are both successful and popular in their own right, and they have both contributed to the world of literature with their stories.
