HARPERCOLLINS SET TO LAUNCH NEW IMPRINT WITH WENDY ALEC'S CHRONICLES OF BROTHERS

Wendy Alec’s compelling fantasy novels are set to be launch titles for HarperCollins’ new Christian imprint. Harper Inspire will launch in spring 2018, and publish commercial fiction and non-fiction.

The originally self-published series, which has sold nearly three-quarters of a million copies, follows the story of a dark angel’s fall and his efforts to corrupt humanity.. The first four titles in the series – THE FALL OF LUCIFER, MESSIAH: THE FIRST JUDGEMENT, SON OF PERDITION and A PALE HORSE – will be simultaneously released on June 28. The fifth novel END OF DAYS is set to follow in autumn 2018. Fans of the series can anticipate future instalments as Wendy plans to continue the epic fantasy series. Before writing the CHRONICLES OF BROTHERS, Wendy worked in advertising and television production, including launching God TV, a Christian media network, in 1995.

Rose Sandy, affiliate publisher at Harper Inspire, said: “Although we know the Christian market is a huge one, I believe we have the potential to reach an even wider audience.

“Harper Inspire will be a place to find stimulating, motivating reads on contemporary topics for the curious mind. I am thrilled to launch with Wendy’s cinematic and epic CHRONICLES OF BROTHERS SAGA, and can’t wait to see where the road takes us next."

SHEILA O’FLANAGAN’S WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT ON THE BESTSELLER LISTS

WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT by Sheila O’Flanagan has made its mark on the bestseller lists in both the UK and Ireland. Sheila’s compelling new novel is riding high at Number 2 in Ireland for the second week. It dashed straight to Number 2 in Ireland and Number 9 in the UK on its first full week on sale. The book follows the lives of a mother and daughter, Lola and Bey, exploring the lasting significance of the definitive moments in their lives. Heat magazine called it ‘a fabulous tale with refreshingly inspiring heroines’.

WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT was published in paperback in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand by Headline on 22 February, following the success of its hardback and audio release in June 2017. South Africa readers can expect the paperback edition in late March. Lola and Bey’s story will be available in Canada this June.

Lola Fitzpatrick is bright and ambitious but she’s also headstrong and stubborn. When one evening, out of the blue, she has to make a life-changing choice, she decides quickly and rashly. And without a piece of vital information that might have changed everything.

Lola’s daughter Bey has inherited Lola’s determined nature. Yet her impulsive reactions place her in danger, leading her to run away from what she wants most. And then, one night, she’s standing in front of the man she loves, with her own choice to make…

For both Lola and Bey, everything changes in a moment. But their biggest mistakes might also turn out to be their greatest opportunities…

Readers will also be enchanted by Sheila’s next novel THE HIDEAWAY, out 31 May from Headline. Sheila recently signed a new two book deal with Headline, so fans of her work can anticipate two brand new titles in 2019 and 2020 from the Headline Review imprint. 

SHIELD OF LIES, the second novel in Sheila’s exhilarating Young Adult fantasy series, THE CRYSTAL RUN, was published by Hachette Children’s Books in paperback and ebook on March 8. 

Sheila O’Flanagan is the author of twenty-five thought-provoking, gripping and unforgettable Sunday Times and ebook bestsellers, including THE MISSING WIFE which was published in the US in February by Grand Central following its UK success. It became a Sunday Times and Irish Times paperback bestseller in 2017, as well as becoming a No.1 ebook bestseller, and one of Amazon’s Top Ten Bestselling ebooks of the year. Her interlinked short story collection CHRISTMAS WITH YOU reached No. 2 in the Irish bestseller lists in the run up to Christmas. Headline has sold over 7 million copies of Sheila’s books.

Visit Sheila’s website, where you can also join her mailing list.

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Praise for WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT:

‘A fabulous tale with refreshingly inspiring heroines’ — Sarah Hughes, Heat

‘The novel revolves around disasters and triumphs in the characters’ lives and the mother/daughter relationship is particularly well evoked’ — Sunday Express

‘This warm family story of mother and daughter takes us from an Irish farm to a glittering family jewellery business in Dublin, where all that glistens is not gold, and certain people need to learn that there are things in life more valuable than gold and diamonds’ — My Weekly

‘See the aftermath as this family tries to put right their mistakes. You’ll be rooting for them’ — Take A Break

 

HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS FINEST: WHEN MIDNIGHT COMES IS OUT TODAY

Saga readers will lose themselves in the moving new novel by Beryl Matthews, WHEN MIDNIGHT COMES, published in hardback and ebook today by Allison & Busby. A grieving young woman finds solace in the unruly horses on a wealthy estate, but has to prove her worth to keep a position usually held by men. The paperback edition is set to follow in September.

1856. Christine Banner is alone after her father’s death. Determined to make her own way in the world, she stumbles onto an estate in the New Forest where she finds work that she loves. However, when the future looks uncertain, Christine’s skill at handling some of the large and difficult war horses shines through and captures the attention of the son of the estate owner. In the face of grief, sadness and disappointment, Christine’s intelligence and strength will be tested until she finds the place she can truly call home.

Since retiring, Beryl Matthews has pursued her ambition to become an author. Writing prolifically, she has published a novel nearly every year since 2002. Her first novel, THE OPEN DOOR was published by Penguin when she was 71.

Praise for Beryl Matthews:

‘A charming, feel-good story that’s as satisfying as hot cocoa and a warm fire on a cold winter’s day.’ — Booklist

‘An entertaining and well-paced read. Beryl Matthews provides an appealing young heroine and heart-warming tale.’ — The Historical Novel Society

‘A delightful story with the assured touch of a born story teller.  I couldn't put it down.’ — Barbara Erskine

‘Catherine Cookson fans will love this.’ — Woman’s Own

 

HARPER IMPULSE PUBLISH ROXANE DHAND’S SENSATIONAL DEBUT THE PEARLER’S WIFE IN PAPERBACK TODAY

Maisie Porter’s tale lands in the UK as Harper Impulse publish Roxane Dhand’s page-turning debut THE PEARLER’S WIFE in paperback today, following the ebook release on March 18. The historical novel is bound to sink hearts as Maisie, a young woman who has travelled across the ocean for an arranged marriage, finds herself drawn to an alluring British diver on her arrival.

THE PEARLER’S WIFE was published in trade paperback, audio and ebook by Bantam Australia in February. Writing for The Sunday Times Perth, Anna Carew-Reid commented, ‘Dhand’s compelling debut explores racism, homosexuality and social class, with a hefty dose of romance thrown in.’

Rights to the sensational story have also been bought in Italy by Piemme Edizioni and Lithuania by Baltos Lankos.   

A distant land. A dangerous husband. A forbidden love.

The year is 1912. Nineteen-year-old Maisie Porter watches from the deck of the SS Oceanic as England fades from view. Her destination is Buccaneer Bay in Australia’s far north-west. Her fate: marriage to distant cousin Maitland Sinclair, a man she has never met.

When Maisie arrives in her new home, she finds a stifling small town bound by Victorian morals. Shocked at her new husband’s callous behaviour towards her, she is increasingly drawn to William Cooper, a British diver she met on board ship. It soon becomes clear that secrets surround her husband, as turbulent as the waters that crash against the bay. Secrets that somehow link to her own family and secrets that put Cooper and his fellow British divers in great danger

From the drawing rooms of London to the latticed verandas and gambling dens of Buccaneer Bay, THE PEARLER’S WIFE is a sweeping, epic read, inspired by a lost moment in history.

Roxane Dhand was born in Kent and entertained her sisters with imaginative stories from a young age. She studied English and French at London University, and in 1978 she moved to Switzerland, where she began her professional career in public relations. Back in England and many years later on, she taught French in both the maintained and private sectors. Now retired, she is finally able to indulge her passion for storytelling. THE PEARLER'S WIFE is her first novel.

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Praise for THE PEARLER’S WIFE:

‘An assured debut novel ... a sweeping romance set in a little-known corner of Australian history ... a story full of tension, drama and romance’ — Kate Forsyth