Nikki Allen shortlisted for The Book Party’s UK Book Blogger Awards 2025

Nikki Allen has been shortlisted for The Book Party’s UK Book Blogger Awards in the Blogger’s Author category. The Blogger’s Author award celebrates authors that value the importance of the book community and go out of their way to be connected to readers. Nikki made it to the longlist of forty authors after being nominated by members of the book community who then voted her onto the shortlist of eight. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges and announced online on 17th November 2025.

On the shortlist alongside Nikki Allen are TM Logan, Helena M Craggs, Helen Aitchison, G. D. Wright, Tara Lyons, S. J. Gathercole and Rebecca Ryan.

Nikki Allen is the author of THE HIDEAWAY, a twisty destination thriller published by Pan Macmillan in July 2025. When five strangers are chosen for an all-expenses-paid stay at an exclusive retreat, they leap at the chance to rest and get away from it all in the heart of the lush Costa Rican rainforest. Their famous host is nowhere to be seen when they arrive. Confused, but eager to immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, they head into the wilderness in search of a rejuvenating waterfall. But a sudden disaster plunges them into a desperate fight for survival. Lost under the dense canopies with darkness closing in, they soon realise they cannot trust the beauty of their surroundings – or each other…

Nikki is currently writing her second thriller which Pan Macmillan will publish in 2026.

About Nikki Allen

Nikki Allen wrote her first book aged five – sadly, THE ADVENTURES OF SILLY SUSIE SAUSAGE didn’t get picked up for publication – and has been writing ever since. After studying languages at UCL, she decided the best way to write for a living was to become a local news journalist and copywriter. But in her thirties, the call of creative writing got too loud to ignore and she tried her hand at a novel.

Nikki is also a qualified therapist, and her endless fascination with people and their stories inspires much of her writing. She was born in Holland, grew up the only Jewish kid in her Worcestershire village, and now lives in North London with her husband, two young children and a rather overweight cat called Tiny.

Praise for THE HIDEAWAY

‘Fast-paced and imbued with a palpable sense of danger, THE HIDEAWAY is the kind of taut destination thriller you can read in just a few sittings.’ – Culturefly, 24 Books to Add to Your Summer 2025 Reading List

‘A brilliant, twisty thriller that makes you want to shout warnings out aloud to the characters! I was gripped’ – Peter James

‘An absolutely flawless debut from an incredible survival thriller writer. The prose is taut without being plain and wonderfully descriptive without becoming purple. Paced flawlessly from start to the barn burner of a finale, I gobbled this up in two days and can still hear the hum of insects and feel the heat of a tropical summer on my skin. An absolute must-read for your summer. Nikki Allen is one to watch’ – Sarah Goodwin, author of THE YACHT

‘THE HIDEAWAY is THE thriller debut of the summer! With an atmospheric setting that will immediately transport you to the Costa Rican rainforest and a dubious cast of characters, THE HIDEAWAY has all the hallmarks for a perfect destination-based, locked room mystery. Filled with tense twists and turns, it will keep you guessing – and distrusting everyone – until the very end. With THE HIDEAWAY, Nikki Allen cements herself as a thriller author to watch, and I can’t wait to see what she does next!’ – Sara Ochs

‘Dangers and secrets lurk in the shadows in this unputdownable destination thriller set in lush Costa Rican rainforest. An immersive, escapist tale of a tropical paradise that turns into a nightmare’ – Alison Reynolds, author of THE NEAR DAPHNE EXPERIENCE

‘With shades of THE WHITE LOTUS, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR and Agatha Christie’s AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, this Costa Rican-set thriller is an accomplished white-knuckle ride from start to finish.’ – Kate Riordan, author of THE HEATWAVE and SUMMER FEVER

‘Really enjoyed this twisty debut from Nikki Allen, and definitely the closest I’ll get to a Costa Rican jungle, especially after the visceral way Nikki brilliantly brought it to life: the heat, the crawling insects, the danger!’ – Amanda Reynolds, author of CLOSE TO ME

‘Nikki Allen has delivered a captivating, immersive and brilliant read - the perfect destination thriller to lose yourself in this summer.’ – Natasha Boydell, author of THE MISSING HUSBAND and THE FORTUNE TELLER

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Luca Veste returns to Avon with exciting four-book deal

Credit: Ean Flanders Photography

Avon has acquired four novels to launch a new Liverpool-based crime series by Luca Veste. The first two titles, LIAR LIAR and TELL TALE, are scheduled for publication in Spring 2026 and early 2027, respectively. Helen Huthwaite, Publisher at Avon,  acquired World English language rights from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency.

The multi-book deal marks Veste’s return to Avon, eleven years after the publisher released his first series featuring DI Murphy and DS Rossi. Most recently published by Hodder, LIAR LIAR sees Luca returning to his home town of Liverpool and features a disgraced detective who finds himself caught in the middle of a criminal investigation, racing against time to clear his name with his life on the line.

Helen Huthwaite said: ‘To say that I am delighted to bring Luca home to Avon is something of an understatement. I am ecstatic to see him return and couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of publishing his brilliant new Liverpool-based series. As a proud northerner myself, returning to Luca’s familiar northwest stomping ground will be an absolute joy - albeit one that’s peppered with plenty of bodies along the way! I know that we have an incredible opportunity to put Luca on the TBR pile of every crime reader in the country, with the potential for his new series to take him all the way to the top - where he rightly belongs!’

Luca Veste added: ‘I couldn't be happier to be returning to Avon - going back home, where it all began - to work with the incredible Helen Huthwaite and the amazing Avon team. To be given the opportunity to start a brand-new series, set in my beloved Liverpool, is one I couldn’t turn down. I'm absolutely thrilled and can'‘ wait for the first book to be in readers’ hands.’

Kate Burke commented: ‘I’m delighted to see Luca return to where it all started with the lovely Avon team! This is such an exciting new series and new chapter in his publishing.’

About Luca Veste
Luca Veste is a writer of Italian and Liverpudlian heritage. He is the author of eight novels, including the Murphy & Rossi series, and standalones THE BONE KEEPER and YOU NEVER SAID GOODBYE. He is the co-organiser of the Locked Up Festival, which raised over £25,000 for the Trussell Trust, co-host of the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast, and the bass player in the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He studied psychology and criminology at the University of Liverpool. He lives in Merseyside and is married with two daughters.

 Praise for Luca Veste
‘A writer who just gets better and better.’ – Mark Billingham

‘Re-energises the shop-worn police procedural format.’ – Financial Times,

‘A writer who has been favourably compared to Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay... and rightly so….’ – Belfast Telegraph

‘Luca Veste is leading the new wave in British crime fiction, using mystery novels to explore social issues, armed with heart, insight, and anger.’ – Jay Stringer

‘Luca Veste has talent for exposing the ugliness of the criminal mind... For readers in search of disturbing and dark, you have come to the right place.’ – Crime Review

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THE MEMORY OF US by Dani Atkins and FELICITY’S WAR by Jean Fullerton shortlisted for the RNA’s 2025 Romantic Novel Awards

THE MEMORY OF US by Dani Atkins and FELICITY’S WAR by Jean Fullerton have been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s 2025 Romantic Novel Awards – the former made The Romantic Thriller Award shortlist, while the latter was shortlisted for The Romantic Saga Award.

The RNA’s Romantic Novel of the Year Awards are presented annually, recognising and celebrating the very best in romantic fiction.  This year’s winners will be announced during the RNA’s Romantic Novel of the Year Awards ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City on 19th May.

Seána Talbot, the RNA chair, says: ‘This year’s shortlist is a tremendous testament to romantic fiction’s diversity and strength. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding books and this exciting mix of new and established writers. They make a vital contribution to this popular, much-loved genre.’

Sharon Ibbotson, the RNA Awards Coordinator, says: ‘Our reader-judges have once again chosen wonderful love stories as this year’s favourites, and their authors deserve their praise. Congratulations to all our finalists and thanks once again to our reader-judges – these awards wouldn’t happen without them.’

In THE MEMORY OF US (Head of Zeus) an accident leaves Amelia with memories of a love story that never existed. Lexi and Nick recreate them in the hopes of triggering the truth – but soon they start to fall for one another…

FELICITY’S WAR (Corvus) follows the recently heartbroken Fliss in wartime London. On a journalistic assignment she crosses paths with Detective Inspector Timothy Wallace – a man who shares her passion for truth and justice, though not her political beliefs. Despite their differences, an instant spark ignites between them. Can their blossoming romance endure the perils ahead?

Dani is already a recipient of three RNA Romantic Novel Awards, with THIS LOVE winning the Goldsboro Romantic Book of the Year Award 2018 and the Epic Novel of the Year Award 2018, A SKY FULL OF STARS winning the Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2022 and SIX DAYS winning the Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award in 2023.

Dani’s most recent novel, ALWAYS YOU AND ME, was published by Amazon Publishing earlier this month, and Jean’s next novel, THE EAST END GIRLS, is the start of an exciting new series with Bookouture and will be published in June.

Photo credit: Hannah Couzens

About Dani Atkins

Dani Atkins was born in London, and grew up in Cockfosters, Hertfordshire. She now lives in a 350-year-old cottage with her husband, one Siamese cat and a very soppy Border Collie.

Dani has been writing for fun all her life but, following the 2013 publication of her novel FRACTURED (Head of Zeus), she has made writing her full-time career. FRACTURED has since been published in sixteen languages and has sold more than half a million copies since first publication in the UK.

Praise for THE MEMORY OF US

‘A love story to get lost in – a beautifully written, gripping and moving novel about the lengths we will go to for the people who mean the most to us. Lexi and Nick's story felt timeless and unique all at once, and I was utterly captivated, from start to finish.’ – Holly Miller

‘Gripping, devastating and romantic – this book has it all. A tale of mystery, intrigue, despair and hope – but above all, of love.’ – Gillian Harvey

‘Wow. Atkins really understands her craft. This book has everything, heartache, passion and twists galore. She’s one of my favourite writers. Always delivers.’ – Jenny O’Brien

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 About Jean Fullerton

Jean was born and bred in the overcrowded streets surrounding London Docks where her family have lived since 1825. Being born within the sound of Bow Bells, she’s a true cockney who grew up in what was then the working-class dockland community in Wapping and Stepney, East London. All her published books are set in the streets and alleyways she roamed as a child.

Jean worked for 30 years as a community nurse in East London, starting as a staff nurse and finishing as a university lecturer in Health Studies at London South Bank University.

Praise for Jean Fullerton

‘The queen of East End sagas’ – Elaine Everest

‘Warmth, humour and characters readers care about are Fullerton’s hallmarks.’ – Peterborough Evening Telegraph

‘A brilliant author who is not afraid of the truth’ – Geoffrey Harfield, Historical Novels Society

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Avon acquire two more romance novels from Emma Cowell

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

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A MOTHER’S PROMISE, the true story of Renee Salt’s survival of the Holocaust, is a Sunday Times bestseller

A MOTHER’S PROMISE, the true story of Renee Salt’s survival of the Holocaust, written with Kate Thompson, is a Sunday Times bestseller, jumping straight to Number 6 in the hardback bestseller list.

A MOTHER’S PROMISE is published by Seven Dials (Orion) in the United Kingdom with US and Canadian editions set to be published on March 4th by Alcove Press and Simon & Schuster Canada.

Renee’s powerful story was featured in BBC documentary ‘What Happened at Auschwitz’ in January 2025 and Renee has appeared on Sky News, ITV’s Lorraine and in Prima magazine. She also met the Prime Minister Kier Starmer at Number 10 Downing Street at a reception for Holocaust survivors.

From invasion to liberation, September 1939 to April 1945, as Renee was marched from ghetto to camp, there was one constant. One hand that clutched hers – her mother’s. Every day for nearly six years, mother and daughter were bound together in hell. From Auschwitz-Birkenau to Bergen-Belsen, they were a powerful source of solace and hope for one another.

The strength of Sala’s love gave them both something fragile yet beautiful to cling to in an ugly, depraved world. It was her mother who hid Renee, lied to the SS, went right when she was directed left – whose small actions had life-saving consequences. Now, for Renee, the need to share has finally overcome the desire to forget.

Praise for A MOTHER’S PROMISE

‘A powerful testament to a mother’s love during unbelievable hardship… Renee’s story of resilience and survival is powerful, poignant, and deeply important. A must-read.’ – Elizabeth Bellak, co-author of RENIA’S DIARY

‘A privilege to read. It is a deeply moving memoir, beautifully written and researched. What a fascinating, heartbreaking story… How heartening to see the strength of family love and resilience threading through the narrative. I was engrossed from the opening… Renee’s own words are brilliantly supported by Kate’s in depth exploration of context and her well-crafted storytelling. In addition to the evocation of Renee’s past life, the narrative is fascinating from a textile history point of view, highlighting Nazi policies of plunder and exploitation… I valued the way in which she was able to share her memories, despite her deep reservoirs of pain and loss… As a dress historian I was also impressed by Renee’s sense of re-humanisation when given a wool skirt to replace the awful garments doled out at Auschwitz. I was elated when she described the profound joy of saving money from her post-war sewing work in order to treat herself to a shop-bought dress.’ – Lucy Adlington, author of THE DRESSMAKERS OF AUSCHWITZ

‘This is a most extraordinary memoir, distinctive for its detailed recollection and its fearlessness in recording the truth of what happened.  Such accounts stand against violence and tyranny for all time.’ – Rachel Hore

‘A moving portrayal of one young woman's heroic life story... Renee’s journey is one of hope through the ashes of the past.’ – Heather Dune Macadam, author of 999: THE EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG WOMEN OF THE FIRST TRANSPORT TO AUSCHWITZ

‘An unforgettable story about the power of love, a story that reminds us how important hope is, a story that proves to us that human beings are remarkable and endlessly inspiring.’ – Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of THE PARIS ORPHAN

‘A powerful account of a young girl’s incredible resilience in the face of the unthinkable horror of the Holocaust, Renee Salt’s memoir is needed now more than ever. A riveting read.’ – Julia Kelly, bestselling author of THE LOST ENGLISH GIRL

‘This is a book that will stay with me for a long time... A beautiful account, so movingly told.’ – Anna Stuart, author of THE MIDWIFE OF AUSCHWITZ

‘Renee Salt and Kate Thompson come together in powerful unity in a way that is both deeply moving and unforgettable. This is a story the world needs to know.’ – Madeline Martin, author of THE BOOKLOVER’S LIBRARY

‘Quite simply the most important book you will read this year. It will stay with me for a very long time.’ – Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of THE LAST LIFEBOAT

 About Kate Thompson

Kate is an award-winning journalist, ghostwriter and novelist. She spent five years’ working on national newspapers such as the Daily Express and Daily Mail, and also on all the major national woman’s magazine titles. Her debut novel, SECRETS OF THE SINGER GIRLS, was a Sunday Times bestseller in 2015, with first week sales of over 10,000. Kate’s first non-fiction book, THE STEPNEY DOORSTEP SOCIETY, was published by Penguin in February 2019 and reached number one in the history categories on Amazon.

THE LITTLE WARTIME BOOK CLUB, a standalone historical novel, was published in Spring 2024.

About Renee Salt

Reene was born Rywka Ruchla Berkowitz in Zdunska-Vola, Poland, in 1929 and is a Holocaust survivor. Renee and her mother survived both Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. After the Holocaust, Renee returned to her hometown to try and find any surviving members of her family. She moved in with an aunt in Paris where Renee then met her husband, Charles, a British soldier who had helped liberate Bergen-Belsen. They married in 1949 and had two children. Renee lives in northwest London and has five grandchildren. She regularly speaks in schools about her experiences during the Holocaust.