Archive for September 25th, 2009

HarperCollins has taken its partnership with Cecelia Ahern to a new level by signing its biggest deal with the author yet—a three-book deal, costing the publisher “seven figures”.

Publishing director Lynne Drew bought UK and Commonwealth rights via agent Marianne Gunn O’Connor. The first book in the deal will be published in autumn 2011, with the subsequent two due out in consecutive years. All three are untitled as yet. Drew said the new trio of titles would retain Ahern’s “magical quality”. She added: “We always try to innovate and push the boundaries. We feel quite passionate about Cecelia.”

Ahern has previously either signed just single or two-book deals. Drew said: “It makes sense for us, and for her, because of the level of commitment. She is such an important author for our list and we want to plan ahead for the next three to five years for her.”

That is absolutely fabulous news. At least three more books from Cecelia as well as her new one, The Book of Tomorrow, which will be out in 6 days time. Cecelia is also due to give birth to her first child in December 2009!

Source: The Bookseller

Fancy winning a copy of Abby McDonald’s great book The Popularity Rules?

We had an email from the author herself telling us she’s running a competition on Facebook to win one of two copies of the book. All you have to do is become a fan, then leave a comment and you’ll be entered into the draw to win a book!

All you have to do is go here to enter: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Popularity-Rules/271078845018

Good luck!

Sally Marshall is single for the first time in 10 years as she’s just split up with her partner Nico. So in a bid to get herself back on the market, Sally decides to set up a dating profile on popular French dating site rendez-vous.

However being a single mum to her four-year-old daughter Lila means Sally feels she limited to the men she may be able to meet. She doesn’t have to worry too much though and ends up going on a succession of dates…

Can she find true love again?

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Emily, Sandie and Grazia are back! The Secret Shopping angels are still shopping, but this time they’ve got the Christmas season to contend with. Emily is happily living with Will and her son Freddie in their shop, but with the recession times are tough and Emily isn’t sure the shop can survive, never mind her relationship with Will.

Sandie is now running her own Secret Shopping business and living with boyfriend Tom but there’s something nagging Sandie in the back of her mind and soon that something is about to become crystal clear.

Finally, widow Grazia has decided its time to move on with her life and to get herself a man but is convinced her age is holding her back. With the season of goodwill and joy upon them, will the 3 women get their happy endings?

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Gemma Burgess is another author whose book has been picked up by the brilliant AVON publishers, and it’s due out on Christmas Eve! It was previously called The Dating Sabbatical but has had a name change to The Dating Detox. It has a brilliant bold cover and a great synopsis to match:

“If you can’t date anyone nice, don’t date anyone at all. Dating is a dangerous sport. So after her sixth successive failed relationship, romantically-challenged 20-something Sass decides she’s had enough. The Dating Sabbatical is born.

No men, no break-ups, no problem. The result? Her life - up till now joyfully/traumatically occupied with the Holy Trinity of dates, clothes and vodka - suddenly goes from bumpy to smooth. Chastity rocks. No wonder nuns are always singing. Everything seems to fall at her feet. Especially men. Will Sass break the rules before the three-month Dating Sabbatical is up?

Why does fate keep throwing her in the path of the irritatingly amusing Jake? Will she ever roll the dice and play again? Or is a love-free life too good to risk losing?”