Howell is descended from some of the original American colonists, with her maternal ancestors settling in Massachusetts in the 1630s. While on a trip to England, Howell met her husband, aeronautical engineer Stephen, and they have been married for over thirty years. They have two sons, Samuel and Keir, three grandchildren, and five cats.

Howell was a housewife and stay-at-home mother before beginning to write. She published her first novel in 1988 and is an active member of the Romance Writers of America. Howell is a very prolific author, averaging one book per month. Howell has twice been awarded the Golden Leaf Award, has been a Romance Writers of America RITA Award Finalist, and has won several awards from the Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine.

Howell enjoys history, reading, crochet, piano, and gardening.

Highland Brides

• His Bonnie Bride (1988)
• Promised Passion (Highland Wedding) (1988)
• Reckless (1993) (writing as Anna Jennet)

Murray Family

• Highland Destiny (1998)
• Highland Honor (1999)
• Highland Promise (1999)
• Highland Vow (2000)
• Highland Knight (2001)
• Highland Bride (2002)
• Highland Angel (2003)
• Highland Barbarian (2006)
• Highland Savage (2007)
• Highland Wolf (2008)
• Highland Sinner (2008)
• Highland Protector (2010)

MacEnroys

• Highland Groom (2003)
• Highland Warrior (2004)

Camerons

• Highland Conqueror (2005)
• Highland Champion (2005)
• Highland Lover (2006)

Wherlocke Series

• If He's Wicked (2009)
• If He's Sinful (2009)
• If He's Wild (2010)

Stand alone novels

• A Taste of Fire (1988) (writing as Sarah Dustin)
• Compromised Hearts (1989)
• Elfking's Lady (Highland Captive) (1990)
• Stolen Ecstasy (1991)
• Conqueror's Kiss (1991)
• Beauty and the Beast (1992)
• Silver Flame (1992)
• Wild Conquest (1993)
• Kentucky Bride (1994)
• Only for You (1995)
• Fire (Highland Fire) (1995) (writing as Anna Jennet)
• My Lady Captor (1996) (writing as Anna Jennet)
• My Valiant Knight (1996)
• Unconquered (1996)
• Wild Roses (1997)
• A Stockingful of Joy (1999)
• Highland Hearts (2002)

Omnibus

• Baby Dreams (1996) (with Barbara Benedict, Phoebe Conn, Carol Finch, Jo Goodman and Jane Kidder)
• A Joyous Season (1996) (with Olga Bicos, Jennifer Blake and Fern Michaels)
• Scottish Magic: Four Spellbinding Tales of Magic And Timeless Love (1997) (with Mandalyn Kaye, Elizabeth Ann Michaels and Stobie Piel)
• Castle Magic (1999) (with Colleen Faulkner, Judith E French)
• Magically Delicious (2002) (with Jo Goodman and Linda Madl)
• His Immortal Embrace (2003) (with Sara Blayne, Kate Huntington and Lynsay Sands)
• The Eternal Highlander (2004) (with Lynsay Sands)
• Highland Vampire (2005) (with Adrienne Basso and Debbie Raleigh)
• My Immortal Highlander (2006) (with Lynsay Sands)
• Highland Thirst (2007) (with Lynsay Sands)