Bernardine was born in London but spent most of her childhood with her travelling ex-pat parents in Singapore and Nigeria before settling in Essex, where she still lives.
Her diverse and very varied working life, which has given her such an insight into the situations of her characters, has included careers as an Air Hostess, a Swimming Instructor and a Social Worker as well a Teacher of English in a women's prison.
She has been a freelance writer for many years initially writing whatever was wanted by whoever before eventually specialising in travel features for popular magazines and newspapers. This gave her the opportunity to combine her two favourite activities; writing and travelling!