SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS by Sheila O’Flanagan is an immediate Irish bestseller

SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS, Sheila O’Flanagan’s latest contemporary novel, is an immediate Irish bestseller, hitting the No.3 spot after only three days of sales and retaining the position into this week!

This is the latest in a long line of bestsellers for Sheila – her previous contemporary novel, THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR, was an Irish No.1 bestseller and spent a total of thirteen weeks in the Top Ten. Sheila O’Flanagan’s first historical novel, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE, was also a No. 1 bestseller in Ireland.

SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS, following three women’s stories across Ireland, Italy and France, was published on 26th March in both the UK and Ireland by Headline Books, and is already delighting readers. It was one of the Irish Times’ ‘Best Fiction of 2026 to Look Forward to’ picks.

Ailie, Sybil and Rua can take care of themselves. But when they form an unexpected friendship, they discover new perspectives on old problems.

Ailie is recently widowed, and struggling. At least she can cut ties with her toxic Italian in-laws. Except her teenage daughter is joining them in Trieste. Should Ailie follow, and confront the family who can’t forgive her?

Sybil has learned to be happy alone. But her younger sister, Tansy, thinks Sybil needs to find a man before it’s too late. And she has the perfect candidate. Can Sybil cope with Tansy interfering – again?

Twice Rua has faced the worst, and twice she’s started over. All that matters now is protecting her daughter. Yet she’s kept the full story from her. Is it time to trust Brontë with the truth?

In other bestselling book news, Sheila O’Flanagan’s story ‘Diving for Pearls’ drew particular review praise when published in BANSHEE: Mythological Irish Women Retold, a collection of stories written by renowned Irish writers and edited by agency client Ailbhe Malone. BANSHEE went straight to No.6 in the Irish bestseller list and No.1 in Hardback fiction following its publication by John Murray in February. Sheila’s ‘Diving for Pearls’ was also one of the five stories from the collection broadcast on BBC Radio 4 this month – you can listen here.

About Sheila O’Flanagan

Photo credit: Evan Doherty

Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling author, 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 widely published around the world. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award and was shortlisted for the 2024 Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year Award. Sheila was an Ambassador in Bookselling Ireland’s Irish Book Week campaign in 2025.

Praise for SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS

‘A poignant, heartwarming read of women supporting and empowering each other through difficult times. Another engrossing Sheila O’Flanagan bestseller that will entertain and delight her fans’ – Patricia Scanlan

‘A warm, sensitive story about the power of female friendship, finding hope amidst the toughest times and the joy of second chances.’ – Lucie Diamond

‘Powerful and tender, a beautiful story that will make your heart cheer.’ – Milly Johnson

‘A great read, a trio of effortlessly interwoven storylines peopled with authentic and likeable characters, and a testament to the resilience of female friendship.  Readers are in safe hands with Sheila O’Flanagan.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘I’ve read every single one of Sheila’s books since the first one. Her stories are always beautiful and thoughtfully written, each one a heart-warming page-turner. This one is no exception.’ – Carole Matthews

Visit Sheila’s website

 Follow Sheila on BlueSky and Instagram

Headline secure new two-book deal with bestselling author Sheila O’Flanagan

Photo credit: Evan Doherty

Headline Publishing Group has just announced a new two-book deal with multi-million-copy-selling author Sheila O’Flanagan. Executive Publisher Marion Donaldson acquired World English Language rights to SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS and one untitled contemporary novel from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency.

Sheila O’Flanagan is the author of an extraordinary 32 bestselling books (all published by Headline), most recently the No. 1 Irish Times bestseller THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR. Headline has sold over 9 million Sheila O’Flanagan books, and Sheila’s work is available in more than 20 languages. She is published in the US by Hachette’s Mobius division.

SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS, scheduled for publication in March 2026, is a superb new contemporary novel. Set in Ireland, Italy, and France, the story follows three women, all at a pivotal moment in their lives. They’re brought together by chance through an incident on a Dublin street where they form a supportive intergenerational friendship. In her unique, insightful, life-affirming way, Sheila weaves their stories together, creating the perfect mix of light and shade for her audience.

Marion Donaldson said: ‘I’m thrilled that we have two new Sheila O’Flanagan novels to look forward to. Sheila and I have worked together for over two decades, and it’s been truly remarkable to watch her sustain the high quality of her wonderful books with each new outing. SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS is one of the most involving, thought-provoking, beautifully written and entertaining novels Sheila has written to date, and I’m very proud to be continuing as her editor with this new contract.’

Sheila O’Flanagan said: ‘I'm delighted that my next two novels will be published by Headline, whose enthusiasm and support for my books has brought them to so many readers over the past twenty-five years.’

Isobel Dixon said: ‘It’s a joy to ink another deal with Marion Donaldson for two glorious new books by Sheila O’Flanagan, continuing a long and happy relationship with the great team at Headline. SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS features an intriguing trio of women sharing their stories and finding their own strength and path, in ways that will delight Sheila’s fans and reach even more readers around the world. We look forward to more bestseller success ahead.’

About Sheila O’Flanagan

Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist. Most of her novels have been immediate and long-lasting No. 1s in Ireland, as well as UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers and Kindle Bestsellers. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award and was also shortlisted for the Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year Award.

In October 2025, Sheila was one of the author Ambassadors in Bookselling Ireland’s Irish Book Weeks campaign, encouraging people to visit bookshops across Ireland. This reflects Sheila’s long-term commitment to promoting literacy, and her novels’ focus on women’s empowerment aligns with the campaign's goals.

Praise for Sheila O’Flanagan

‘One of my favourite authors’ – Marian Keyes

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

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

‘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

‘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

‘Sheila writes with such verve and positivity and emotional intelligence.’ – Veronica Henry

‘To me, what is worthy of canonisation, though, is Sheila’s ability to illustrate the complexities of female friendship… part of the reason Sheila transcends boundaries and expectations so successfully is because she writes with courage… I think we all need a Sheila O’Flanagan in our lives. She’s the woman Woolf wanted us to be. She is Judith Shakespeare. She is Mary Carmichael. She is the anonymous woman. In a world still quick to dismiss certain stories, especially the quiet ones, Sheila O’Flanagan is a fierce reminder of their strength.’ – Azmina Sohail, Write On! Magazine

Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on BlueSky and Instagram.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR paperback hits the Top 10 in Ireland and Top 20 in the UK

We’re delighted that the paperback edition of THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan is Number 6 in the Irish bestseller charts and Number 13 in the UK mass market paperback bestseller charts after the first full week on sale. Published by Headline on March 13th, the paperback success follows a Number 1 bestselling trade paperback edition which remained in the Irish Top 10 for fourteen weeks.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR is a compelling and thought-provoking story about two strong women, one complicated man, and the secrets and dreams that draw them together – with explosive consequences… 

Veronica Henry described it as ‘a glitzy, glamorous rollercoaster of a romance – hugely entertaining escapism and so satisfying. Sheila O’Flanagan at her sparkling best’, while in the Sunday Times Vicki Notaro called it ‘compelling in its intricacy’, adding that ‘the main characters, Izzy and Ariel, will get under your skin.’

Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn’t after her fiancé broke her heart. She’s not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?

In Ireland, Charles’s ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She’s in constant contact with Charles. They’re very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She’s an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she’s sure she only has to say, and they’ll pick up where they left off.

No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out...

Last year, Sheila was shortlisted for the 2024 Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year Award at the An Post Irish Book Awards. She is currently writing her next novel.

Photo credit: Evan Doherty

 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.

 Praise for THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR

An Irish Times ‘Fiction to look out for in 2024’ pick

A Belfast Telegraph ‘Here’s everything to get excited about in 2024’ pic

An i newspaper ‘Best new books to read in May 2024’ pick

An Irish Examiner ‘Summer reads: 20 great fiction books to bring on your holiday’ pick

‘I'm in the middle of this and it's scorchio!! Sheila O’Flanagan knocks it out of the sun lounger.’ – Veronica Henry

‘Once again, Sheila O'Flanagan delivers a riveting story, strong characters, great settings and a satisfying dose of romantic adventure, while managing all the while to fly the flag for independent women.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘What a fascinating book, set in the world of publishing. I loved it!’ – Sue Moorcroft

‘A brilliant story’ – Bella Magazine

‘O’Flanagan fans will be entranced.’ – Anne Cunningham, The Connaught Telegraph

‘This slow-burn from Sheila O’Flanagan follows heartbroken Izzy, on holiday in the Caribbean, independent Ariel and the man that connects and frustrates them both: Charles. Another satisfying contemporary novel from the author of THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL and THE MISSING WIFE.’ – My Weekly, ‘The Best New Books’

‘Fell in love with this book and characters’ – 5-star reader review

‘Another fabulous Sheila O’Flanagan book!’ – 5-star reader review

‘This book flowed really well and the characters were so relatable.’ – 5-star reader review

‘This lived up to my expectations!’ – 5-star reader review

‘Definitely didn’t want to put this book down’ – 5-star reader review

A SHEmazing ‘30 best small but mighty stocking stuffers for women’ pick

 Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.

Headline acquires two new Ann Granger novels

Headline Books has signed two new novels by beloved crime writer Ann Granger. Editor Clare Foss acquired World English Language volume rights from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency.

The first, DEATH ON THE PROWL, which was published on  5th  December, is the eighth Cotswold village mystery featuring detective duo Campbell and Carter, and the second novel will be the next instalment in Ann’s Victorian crime series, featuring Scotland Yard’s Inspector Ben Ross and his wife Lizzie. The latter is set to be published in December 2025.

Having been published by Headline for nearly thirty-five years, Ann is one of their longest-standing crime writers and they have sold well over a million copies of her novels. Headline are also releasing ebook editions of the Mitchell and Markby series and Fran Varady series for the first time in the USA.

Ann Granger says ‘I am very fortunate to have been a client of a first-class agency in Blake Friedmann for so many years, and I’m delighted that my long and happy association with Headline will continue.’

Clare Foss says: ‘We are absolutely delighted to continue our long and happy association with one of our best-loved crime writers. As well as seeing both these series flourish, we are delighted to be releasing the ebooks of Ann’s ever-popular Mitchell and Markby series and Fran Varady series for the first time in the USA with exciting brand-new covers designed to appeal to the digital market.’

Isobel Dixon said: ‘I’m thrilled that, as we head towards Ann’s 35th year being published by Headline, we have a new two-book deal. Ann is a marvel, and a joy to work with, and I know her fans will be as delighted as we are that there are more books to come – and now American readers can also catch up with her other beloved characters – Fran Varady, and Mitchell and Markby.’

About Ann Granger

Ann Granger lives near Oxford. Over decades she has created a wonderful range of series characters, all featuring insightful characterisation and satisfying plotting. Ann 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. Published in 10 languages, her German editions have sold millions of copies and have made more than 30 appearances in the Top 5 bestseller lists.

Praise for Ann Granger

‘Deft plotting, elegant descriptive prose, delicate comic touch, endearing eccentric characters.’ –Publishers Weekly

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

‘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

‘Classic… a good feel for understated humour, a nice ear for dialogue.’ – The Times

Another Irish No.1 bestseller for Sheila O’Flanagan

We are delighted that THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan is No.1 in the Irish Original Fiction bestseller chart! Another chart-topper to add to an impressive list – most recently, Sheila’s two previous two novels, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE and WHAT EDEN DID NEXT, were both Irish No.1 bestsellers, with the latter spending a total of nine weeks in the Top Ten.

Published by Headline in the UK and Ireland on 9th May 2024, THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR follows an unlikely trio – Izzy, Charles and Ariel – whose coming together has some unexpected consequences…

Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn’t after her fiancé broke her heart. She’s not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?

In Ireland, Charles’s ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She’s in constant contact with Charles. They’re very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She’s an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she’s sure she only has to say, and they’ll pick up where they left off.

No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out...

Sheila will be a headline guest at this year’s (already sold-out) Prima Rooftop Book Event in July alongside Kristen Perrin, Laura Kay and Blake Friedmann’s own Norie Clarke. Books Editor Nina Pottell will host the event.

You can listen to Sheila talk about THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR on Ireland AM here.

Photo credit: Bill Waters

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.

 Praise for THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR

An Irish Times ‘Fiction to look out for in 2024’ pick

A Belfast Telegraph ‘Here’s everything to get excited about in 2024’ pick

An i newspaper ‘Best new books to read in May 2024’ pick

‘A glitzy, glamorous rollercoaster of a romance – hugely entertaining escapism and so satisfying. Sheila O’Flanagan at her sparkling best’ – Veronica Henry

‘Once again, Sheila O’Flanagan delivers a riveting story, strong characters, great settings and a satisfying dose of romantic adventure, while managing all the while to fly the flag for independent women.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘What a fascinating book, set in the world of publishing. I loved it!’ – Sue Moorcroft

‘Compelling in its intricacy, and the main characters, Izzy and Ariel, will get under your skin.’ – Vicki Notaro, The Sunday Times

Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.