Author Belinda Jones dies aged 56 after 'short but courageous' battle with cancer

Bestselling author Belinda Jones, also known as Molly James, has died after a "short but courageous" battle with cancer at the age of 56. Jones passed away on 1st December, "leaving a strong legacy of much-beloved, bestselling books behind her", an announcement from her publisher read.

Jones, originally from Tunbridge Wells, had a career in journalism before going on to write 14 "spectacularly escapist romcoms" and two travel memoirs. She also wrote two further novels, under the pen name Molly James, where she explored romcoms with a magical twist.

She travelled regularly for work, either as a journalist or when researching her next novel, before finally settling in Coronado, California. Her final book will be published by Quercus in April 2025 – a reissue of her previously self-published time-travel novel The Hotel Where We Met, the majority of which takes place in Coronado.

Emma Capron, editorial director of Quercus Fiction, said: "It has been my great honour to be Belinda’s publisher these past five years. I was a fan long before I became her editor and she lived up to every expectation. Belinda was a kind-hearted and warm individual, who brightened every room she walked into. I hope we can all take comfort in having that warmth reflected back to us by way of her incredible legacy. Her books will stay with me for life. Belinda, you will be sorely missed."