Headline Review swoops for HOW TO FIND A LOST LOVE by Norie Clarke

We are hugely excited to announce that Headline Review has snapped up HOW TO FIND A LOST LOVE by Norie Clarke. Publisher Sherise Hobbs acquired the rights  from Blake Friedmann’s Vice Head of Books Juliet Pickering, and the novel will be published in January 2024.

HOW TO FIND A LOST LOVE celebrates the joy of finding unexpected friendship in a story which also pays tribute to the lost art of writing a love letter.

When newly single Jess responds to an advert for a lodger, she meets Joan, living alone in her seventies in a Notting Hill house full of memories. When Jess learns Joan has a long-lost love, with whom she used to exchange letters via the Lonely Hearts column, Jess decides to search for him, little realising that in Joan’s story lies her own unexpected new beginning.

Sherise Hobbs said: ‘HOW TO FIND A LOST LOVE is as life-affirming as it is romantic. The two lead characters challenge each other to make a switch – Jess will come off-line and start writing letters if Joan will brave going on-line; a leap which changes both their lives in the most remarkable of ways. We can’t wait for readers to discover it next year.’

Norie Clarke said: ‘I’m thrilled and amazed to be working with Sherise and the stellar team at Headline Publishing. I hope readers will grow to love Jess and Joan in HOW TO FIND A LOST LOVE as much as I loved creating them.’

Juliet Pickering said: ‘Jess and Joan work build a compelling, moving and beautiful friendship together, and create a story that’s unforgettable. I loved Norie’s tender writing from the outset and can’t wait for readers to relish it too.’

 

About Norie Clarke

Norie Clarke lives in a beautiful village by the sea with her husband, son and dogs. When not writing, Norie can be found in her studio at the bottom of her garden playing the piano and trying, not very well, to draw.

Headline to publish two more novels from bestselling author Sheila O’Flanagan

Credit: Bill Waters

Headline Publishing Group will publish two more novels from multi-million-copy-selling author Sheila O’Flanagan. Executive Publisher Marion Donaldson acquired World English Language rights in THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE and one untitled novel from Isobel Dixon of Blake Friedmann.

Sheila O’ Flanagan is the author of an extraordinary 30 bestselling books - all published by Hachette/Headline - most recently the No. 1 Irish Times bestseller WHAT EDEN DID NEXT and the Sunday Times bestseller THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL. Headline has sold nearly 9 million Sheila O’ Flanagan books, and Sheila’s work is available in over 20 languages. She is published in the US by Hachette’s Mobius division.

THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE, slated for publication in April 2023, is Sheila’s first historical novel. Inspired by the true story of Sheila’s grandmother, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE is set in Dublin during the Irish War of Independence, in the years following the First World War. It is a dramatic, powerful and authentic novel about love, rebellion and families torn apart by war, with the young, working-class Winifred at its heart. The second title in the new contract will be a contemporary novel in the tradition of WHAT EDEN DID NEXT, and is set for 2024.

Sheila O’ Flanagan said: ‘I’m very excited to know that I will be publishing two more novels with Headline, my publishers for most of my writing life. It’s a tribute to their thoughtful work with all my books that my career has been longer than I ever imagined. I’m particularly pleased that THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE, a deeply personal book inspired by stories my grandmother told me of her own life during turbulent times, will be published next year. I hope readers will enjoy the journey into the past with me.’

Isobel Dixon said: ‘In an already celebratory and bestselling year for Sheila O’Flanagan this new deal is another landmark cause for celebration – the promise of another contemporary novel to delight O’Flanagan fans around the world, but with Sheila also breaking fresh ground with her first historical novel, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE, starring a spirited heroine based on her own family history. Sheila is a marvel and the long-term relationship with Marion Donaldson and Headline a rare and exemplary publishing collaboration. We look forward to this further journey.’

Marion Donaldson said: ‘I’m so delighted that we have two new Sheila O’Flanagan novels to look forward to. Earlier this year we hosted a celebration in Dublin of 30 Sheila O’Flanagan bestsellers, something only a handful of authors are in a position to do. It’s an honour as well as a pleasure to publish Sheila’s brilliantly crafted and thought-provoking books, and it’s no surprise that Sheila’s first historical novel is every bit as polished, engaging and memorable as her contemporary novels have been. I can’t wait to bring THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE to the market next year.’

About Sheila O’Flanagan
Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist, with more than 9 million copies sold. Most of her novels have been immediate and long-lasting No. 1s in Ireland, UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers and Kindle Bestsellers, and she is published in more than twenty languages around the world. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award. Headline have acquired two new books from Sheila, a historical novel to be published in 2023 and a contemporary novel out in 2024.  

Praise for Sheila O’Flanagan
‘One of my favourite authors’ – Marian Keyes

'Exploring family relationships is what this bestselling author does so well’– Choice

‘One of our best-known, best-loved and most prolific women's fiction authors’ – Irish Independent

‘Brilliantly written and with plot twists popping out like prosecco corks.’ — Woman & Home

‘O’Flanagan weaves an inspiring tale of strength, love and self-discovery’ – Sunday Express

Visit Sheila's website. 

Follow Sheila on Twitter. 

Like Sheila on Facebook. 

 

THREE NEW ANN GRANGER BOOKS TO HEADLINE

As Headline and Blake Friedmann celebrate Ann Granger and her thirty years of publishing with Headline, we are delighted to announce that a new three-book deal for UK and British Commonwealth rights (including Canada) has been clinched. Headline Executive Editor Clare Foss has acquired two new novels and a collection of short stories from Ann Granger’s agent, Isobel Dixon.

 Drawing together stories which have appeared in magazines and anthologies over Ann Granger’s entire writing career, the collection, MYSTERY IN THE MAKING, will be published in hardback on 9 December 2021. The first novel, DEADLY COMPANY, will mark a return to the ever-popular Mitchell and Markby series and will be published in July 2022. The second novel, to be published in July 2023, will continue Granger’s Victorian mystery series, featuring Scotland Yard’s Inspector Ben Ross and his wife Lizzie. These much-loved characters featured in the most recent series addition, THE TRUTH-SEEKER’S WIFE, which was published in summer 2021. The paperback is due to be released on 9 December 2021, the same day as MYSTERY IN THE MAKING comes out in hardback – a fantastic Christmas package for Granger fans!

 Clare Foss said: ‘It is a privilege to publish one of the nation’s best-loved and most well-respected crime writers. Over the last thirty years, hundreds of thousands of Ann’s fans have followed the fortunes of Mitchell and Markby, Fran Varady, Campbell and Carter, and Ben and Lizzie Ross.’ 

 Ann Granger said: ‘To think that I have been writing crime fiction for 30 years seems astonishing to me. The time has passed so quickly. I have been very fortunate to have had wonderful backing in my writing career. I have been a client of a first-class agency in Blake Friedmann; and this has provided a constant support for which I am very grateful.

 I have also had the good fortune, over the years, to have had three wonderful editors at Headline: Anne Williams, Marion Donaldson and Clare Foss. They’ve always been there for me with advice and encouragement. I could not have been luckier. My most constant supporter, my late husband John Hulme, is sadly no longer here to share this 30th anniversary of writing. Even when he knew himself to have little time left, he urged me to keep writing. So, I shall continue to do so for as long as it’s possible.’

 Isobel Dixon said: ‘It’s an absolute honour and joy to represent Ann Granger, having worked for two decades with her long-time agent Carole Blake. Some of my first deals at Blake Friedmann were selling Ann’s wonderful short stories and crime fiction serials – crafty 3- and 5-parters delivered for magazines with clockwork precision – and I loved talking with so many translating publishers about her beloved Mitchell and Markby and Fran Varady books then too.

 It’s been glorious to see the full scope of the work unfold, with Headline also now publishing the Victorian crime series, and Campbell and Carter picking up from Mitchell and Markby in crime-solving in the Cotswolds. With the short story collection signposting Ann’s remarkable thirty years with Headline, we’re thrilled to still be in full swing with the new three-book deal, and looking forward to the road ahead. Ann is a dream author for an agent, for her publishers and her readers – here’s to many more stories.’

 Headline has sold well over a million copies of Ann Granger’s novels and all four of her series continue to sell strongly. Her work is published in 10 languages, and she has had particular success in Germany, with millions of copies sold, in addition to more than 30 appearances in the Top 5 on the German bestseller lists.

 Praise for Ann Granger

‘Granger’s deft touch raises her above the competition and her finely drawn characters are affecting and believable…Something quite special.’ — Crime Time

 ‘Anyone who enjoys crime stories featuring credible characters in action in a recognizable real world…will lap up the work of Ann Granger.’ — Oxford Mail

 'Well-plotted… realistically portrayed, mature characters whose motivations for solving the crimes are nearly as interesting as the crimes themselves. To be savoured by connoisseurs of characterisation.' — Publishers Weekly

 ‘Granger writes in the best tradition of Agatha Christie and classic crime stories’ — Woman Space

 About the author

Ann Granger is a bestselling British crime author. Born in Portsmouth, England, she went on to study at the University of London. She has written over thirty murder mysteries, including the Mitchell & Markby Mysteries, the Fran Varady Mysteries, the Victorian Inspector Ben Ross and Lizzie Martin Mysteries and the Campbell and Carter Mysteries. Her books are set in Britain, and feature female detectives, murderous twists and characters full of humour and colour.  She has been published in the UK by Headline for more than 30 years and her German publisher Lübbe has sold millions of copies of her work.

 

Visit Ann’s website.

 

Follow Ann on Twitter.

PRAISE AND CHART SUCCESS FOR THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL BY SHEILA O’FLANAGAN

Three Weddings and Proposal HB Hodder Final Cover.jpg

Sheila O’Flanagan’s new novel THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL (Headline) jumped straight to Number Two in the Irish Times Bestseller list in its first three days of sale last weekend, and holds that slot after the first full week of sales. The audio edition, read by Aoife McMahon, is also available from Headline.

Head to Sheila’s Facebook page to watch all the wonderful Facebook Lives she’s been hosting, including talking about THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL and her most recent paperback, THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY. In her next video (7pm on Friday 4th June), Sheila will chatting with Aoife McMahon about the audio editions of Sheila’s books.

Authors and readers have responded with praise:

 ‘Reading a Sheila O'Flanagan novel always feels like sitting down for a cup of tea with a friend — she writes with such warmth and empathy.’ — Beth O’Leary, author of THE FLATSHARE

‘THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL is an involving, thought-provoking novel and a masterclass in storytelling. I was drawn in from page 1.’ — Sue Moorcroft

 

Delphine is at a wedding when the shocking news comes. Suddenly her life changes for ever.

Delphine has worked hard for her success, and she knows she's got everything she wants. But not everyone agrees. Her opinionated family aren't convinced that living alone with no plans to 'settle down' could possibly make her truly happy, and no one appreciates it when she drops everything, day or night, whenever her boss Conrad calls. Yet Delphine wouldn't change a thing. And when Conrad makes her a surprise offer, it's clear that her hard work is going to pay off.

A few short days later, Delphine's life is unrecognisable. The man who once broke her heart has suddenly reappeared, and a shocking tragedy turns her world on its head.

Delphine must rethink everything that matters to her, and to those around her, and decide, once and for all, if love, family and a little compromise should come before career, security and independence...and if she's prepared to make that choice.

Sheila’s most recent paperback, THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY, had double chart success after it flew to Number Five in the Irish Times bestseller list in March, and Number Seven in the Sunday Times bestseller lists.

About the author

Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist, with more than 9 million copies sold. Numerous novels have been immediate and long-lasting No 1s in Ireland and, UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers, and she is published in more than 20 languages around the world. Her books have been Number 1 bestsellers in Sweden. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award.

More praise for THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL

‘Ideal for the lazy days of summer.’  — What to listen to, read and watch this summer, Irish Examiner

‘With nearly 30 best-sellers, she knows what her readers want . . . A perfect deckchair delight.’ —Peterborough Today

‘A brilliant read from one of our favourite authors.’ – New Must-Reads, Bella Magazine

‘This book had me jumping this way and that, trying to decide which characters could be trusted . . . and then changing my mind. A highly enjoyable read.’ — Imogen Clark

‘As a lover of all things Irish, how is it possible that I hadn’t discovered Sheila O’Flanagan’s books before THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL? Thanks to this wonderful story of a woman’s journey of self-discovery, I can’t wait to read more by this very talented author.’ — #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods

‘Shelia O’Flanagan delivers the perfect summer escape with THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL. Engrossing, entertaining, and emotional—and featuring a protagonist you can’t help but root for—this one will keep you turning the pages.’ - Farrah Rochon, USA Today Bestselling author of THE BOYFRIEND

‘Great characters and many twists and turns make this page turner thoroughly enjoyable.  A great read!’ — Katie Fforde

Praise for Sheila O’Flanagan

‘'O'Flanagan doesn't skirt the pain of heartache but embraces it along with the humour (and imperfect judgment) that give her characters their aching credibility... Despite some dark themes, the book's overall tone is light and hopeful.' - Irish Independent on HER HUSBAND’S MISTAKE

‘O'Flanagan is one of our best-known, best-loved and most prolific women's fiction authors’ – Irish Independent

‘One of my favourite authors’ – Marian Keyes

‘O'Flanagan's writing is crisp and concise and her plotting deft’ – Belfast Telegraph

'One of our best storytellers' – Irish Mail on Sunday

Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on Twitter.