Santa Montefiore joins S&S

Santa Montefiore has joined Simon and Schuster from Hodder in a new two-book deal. Publishing director Suzanne Baboneau acquired the rights for two novels from Sheila Crowley of Curtis Brown literary agents.

The first book will be published in August 2011 and has a working title of The Artist in Residence. The book is set in Italy and Cornwall and tells the story of an artist who is burdened with an indefinable sorrow. Details of the second title are yet to be confirmed.

Baboneau said: "It is a huge pleasure to have Santa join our list. Santa is already published by Trish Todd at Touchstone in the US, so we are delighted to be bringing her into the complete S&S family. I love the warmth and intricacy of Santa’s writing, the beauty of her settings, her instinctive touch depicting characters of all ages. Santa has a natural rapport with her audience and, with her ready smile, big heart and passion for writing, she has the potential to reach even more readers."

Montefiore said: "I am delighted to be moving to Simon & Schuster UK and to be working with Suzanne and her wonderful team. We had a special empathy when we met and I know my stories will be in such good hands there."

Montefiore is the author of 10 novels, including The French Gardener (Hodder) and most recently, The Italian Matchmaker (Hodder).