Senior commissioning editor Emily Bedford of Canelo Books has acquired WEL rights to two standalone novels by Hannah Treave from Senior agent Kate Burke.
The first of these novels, THE NOTEKEEPER, is a warm and uplifting story set in a hospice in Bath. Zoe, a care nurse, has taken it upon herself to become ‘The Notekeeper’ – writing down the last words of her patients to deliver to their loved ones. She knows just how much comfort last words can bring, having experienced losses of her own. However, her new boss, Ben, isn’t too pleased that Zoe is getting so involved in her patients’ lives. His disapproval dissipates once he too opens up to Zoe, and he realises that facing one’s past is the only way to get closure.
Zoe and Ben start to become closer and on their journey to deliver the last words of their patients, love begins to blossom between them. Some devastating news threaten their new-found happiness though – is Zoe about to have her heart broken all over again?
Emily Bedford says: ‘It’s so rare to come across a story that has the power to utterly break your heart and then piece it all together again, but that is exactly what THE NOTEKEEPER does and I am thrilled to be publishing the novel. Hannah is an incredibly gifted writer, able to bring hope and joy even to the most heart-wrenching of scenes. I was utterly spellbound by Zoe’s journey throughout the story and her experiences are a gentle balm that will leave readers feeling both moved and soothed.’
Hannah Treave says: ‘I am beyond delighted to be published by Canelo and know THE NOTEKEEPER is in the best possible hands with the utterly fabulous Emily Bedford as my editor. Writing THE NOTEKEEPER was a real passion project, with a story that consumed me, which is something Emily understood immediately. I can’t wait to introduce readers to Zoe and Ben and am thrilled to be continuing my publishing journey with Canelo.’
Kate Burke says: ‘Emily’s passion and vision for THE NOTEKEEPER were clear from the start, and I’m delighted to have this deal in place with her and the Canelo team.’
THE NOTEKEEPER will be published in November 2022, in ebook and paperback, with a second standalone novel to follow in 2023.
German rights have already been sold in a multi-publisher auction, Chinese rights pre-empted, and audio rights were won at auction by Bolinda.
Praise for Hannah Treave (writing as Fiona Ford)
‘A wonderful, uplifting story of friendship and courage. Characters that you can't help falling in love with! This new saga series will surely touch the hearts of saga readers everywhere’ — Nancy Revell, author of THE SHIPYARD GIRLS series
‘I loved the warmth of the friendship between Mary and her friends and the wonderful world of Liberty’s. It’s a page turner of a book with twists and turns than make you keep on reading to find out what happens next.’ — Rosie Hendry, author of the EAST END ANGELS series
‘A compelling first novel by Fiona Ford, which I promise you won't be able to put down.’ — Daisy Styles, bestselling author of THE BOMB GIRLS
‘A fabulous debut from an immensely talented author.’ —Annie Groves
‘Ford gets to the heart of what it was like to live through the dangerous war years in this warm, captivating, down-to-earth story which is brimming with engaging characters, adventure, romance and heartbreak.’ — Lancashire Post
About Hannah Treave
Hannah Treave is a freelance journalist with fifteen years’ experience working with women's weekly and monthly magazines. Under the name of Fiona Ford she has written four historical novels (set during WW2), published by Penguin Random House, and three contemporary ones (HQ and Head of Zeus).
Visit Hannah/Fiona’s website and her follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
