Aria takes two from debut author Olivia Lara

Head of Zeus imprint Aria Fiction has snared a "sweepingly romantic" debut by Olivia Lara in a two-book deal.

Commissioning editor Rhea Kurien acquired world English language rights to Someday in Paris and a second novel from Hannah Sheppard at D H H Literary Agency. The first book will be published in May 2020.

“Someday in Paris follows two people who are destined to fall in love again and again, but cannot find a way to be together,” the synopsis states. “Beginning in 1950s France and spanning decades, it is about dreams, missed opportunities and 'the kind of love that survives time, distance... even death.”

Kurien said: “I was completely hooked from the very first line of this cinematic, old school romance, which I raced through with equal parts hope and despair all the way to the end. This is a will they, won't they love story for hopeless romantics, and I cannot wait for readers to discover Olivia.”

Lara added: “I am thrilled to have found such a wonderful home for my books. Rhea and her team’s energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for Someday in Paris blew me away and I am proud to be published by Aria.”