Tracy Groot is a part-time writer, a full-time mom, and co-owner of JP’s Coffee and Espresso Bar, in Holland, Michigan.

She loves reading, writing, backpacking, family time, Thai food, scandalous amounts of coffee and equally scandalous amounts of sweets, and Great Britain. Her predominately male family consists of her husband, Jack, her three sons, Evan, Grayson, and Riley, and a manipulative Jack Russell named Murphy.

Tracy enjoys movies, chess, knitting, and chocolate. Actually, sweets of any kind. In fact, put her down for groceries in general. She is an enthusiastic supporter of nothing in particular, and would consider joining up if the agenda were to stamp out all other agendas. She is a hardened Detroit Lions fan, remembers where she was the day Barry Sanders left the team, and thanks to efforts of multiple reconciliation teams, is finally on speaking terms with Matt Millen for firing Steve Mariucci. Ambassadors from both Republics (the Republic of Tracy and the Republic of Matt) are relieved. “It was touch and go for a while,” said one diplomat in a hurried press conference, “but both parties have reached amicable resolution.” When questioned about the rumor of season tickets at the 50-yard line, both ambassadors declined comment.

Her heroes include Raoul Wallenberg, Rich Mullins, Corrie Ten Boom, and her late father-in-law, Jacob Groot.

Some of her favorite writers are Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck, Patrick O’Brian, J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, Rick Bragg…in fact, don’t get her started, you’ll be here all week.

She’d like to see someone make a great film about Raoul Wallenberg, and would seriously consider writing the screenplay…and maybe write herself in for a bit part, too. (She’s probably too old to play the love interest. Unless Raoul is played by, like, Gerard Butler or Clive Owen or Jim Caviezel. Then she wouldn’t be too old, no matter what her age. But then her husband probably wouldn’t let her be in it.)

Her character flaws include procrastination and getting angry when beaten at chess. (She hears John Huss, one of the forerunners of the Great Reformation, had the same problem.)

Before she dies she’d like to visit Australia.

Her favorite stand-up comic is Brian Regan.

She is allergic to kiwifruit.