HarperCollins has signed two more escapist and sweeping romance novels set in Greece by bestselling author Emma Cowell. Rachel Hart, senior commissioning editor at Avon Books, bought world English rights from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency. The novels will be published in May 2026 and May 2027.
The first novel follows Ellen on a journey of self-discovery as she experiences a trip that changes her life forever. Though it causes conflict within her family, she wrestles with her own guilt and the need to live her own life, not for the memory of her husband, her son or daughter, but solely for her. Both books will capture the magic of falling in love under the Mediterranean sun.
Emma Cowell said: ‘I am so thrilled to continue my author journey with the brilliant team at Avon. Their enthusiasm for my writing started with my debut novel and it's hard to believe we are now at book five and six – it still feels like a dream. I can't wait to share more magical corners of Greece with readers featuring emotional, sweeping love stories, female friendship and sisterhood and, of course, heaps of delicious Greek food!’
Rachel Hart said: ‘Every one of Emma's books transports me to the whitewashed streets and crystal-blue waters of Greece. These two further books will capture the magic of falling in love under the Mediterranean sun, and I can’t wait for readers to experience them!’
Kate Burke said: 'I’m delighted to see this fruitful partnership flourishing and for readers to enjoy more sun-drenched, poignant and uplifting novels from Emma!’
Emma’s upcoming novel, UNDER THE LEMON TREE, will be published by Avon in paperback on 8 May 2025. Emma’s novels have sold over 100,000 copies throughout the world and have been published in nine languages.
About Emma Cowell
Emma lives in Cornwall with her husband, Tony. A former actress and BBC presenter, Emma has worked in the fundraising division of children’s palliative care for the last decade. Segueing from being paid to talk for a living into writing was a natural progression, since story telling has been at the heart of her career to date. Outside of work, Emma is a keen angler and held a Cornish record for over 10 years until her crown was toppled. She is yet to get over it but tries to keep calm by practising yoga. Also a keen linguist, Emma has learnt Greek to maintain her love affair with the country where she has set her novels. She is yet to achieve a level of proficiency outside of tavernas and bakeries.
Praise for Emma Cowell and UNDER THE LEMON TREE
‘Emma Cowell is a masterful storyteller of sun-drenched, heartfelt, glorious stories. In UNDER THE LEMON TREE, you will bask in the Grecian sun in a novel of pure escape. Kat navigates the path of grief and as she heals, secrets are revealed that will change the course of her life. Delicious. Luscious. The perfect summer read!’ – Adriana Trigiani, author of THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE
‘I was engrossed, hanging on to every word, and so impressed by UNDER THE LEMON TREE that I will be recommending it to all my friends.’ – Patricia Wilson, author of GREEK ISLAND ESCAPE
‘Absolutely enchanting. I could feel the Greek sun kissing my skin as tenderly as the story warmed my heart.’ – Kate Glanville, author of THE PEACOCK HOUSE
‘UNDER THE LEMON TREE is one of those novels that stayed with me long after I finished reading the last page and its very satisfying conclusion. I’d been taken on a wonderful journey of healing and discovery for the main character, Kat, as she faces life without her beloved twin brother. I loved the way that her professional writing evolved into personal writing that became a healing balm for her grief. A superbly crafted novel with many twists and turns, I couldn’t put it down. With its strong sense of place, I was whisked away to a stunning Greek island, sampling the sunshine, the vibrant colours, the delicious food, family life and culture. All the characters come alive on the page. I particularly liked the way the author explores the bond between twin siblings and loved the references to the Ancient Greek twins, Artemis and Apollo, threaded throughout the book. A beautiful uplifting love story, full of secrets, emotion and hope, set against the backdrop of a gorgeous Greek island.’ – Jan Baynham, author of THE GREEK ISLAND SECRET
‘Beautiful, emotional and uplifting escapism with an exquisitely vivid Greek island setting. Utter bliss… readers will adore this book, I’m sure.’ – Alex Brown, author of BRING ME SUNSHINE
Visit Emma’s website.
