HQ takes two more from Dickinson

HQ has landed two more novels from six-time Sunday Times bestselling author Miranda Dickinson.

Publishing director Manpreet Grewal acquired world English rights from Hannah Ferguson at Hardman & Swainson for The Start of Something and one other novel.

The Start of Something will be published in paperback, e-book and audio in September 2021. It is billed as “an epic and modern love story about two lonely people connecting after life has knocked them down one too many times”.

The synopsis explains: “Lachlan Wallace is recovering after a car accident cut short his army career. With two months left of physiotherapy to endure, he’s stuck at home, trying to plan his next move. Bored out of his skull, he’s taken to gazing out of the window when he notices a vase of flowers on the windowsill of the apartment opposite his. Drawn to their hope and colour, he decides to reach out and sticks a message in his window... Beth Gwynne is a stranger in a new city. Bringing up her son Noah by herself, she has slowly rebuilt her life, working in a local garden centre, but loneliness is one obstacle she has yet to overcome. And then one Sunday morning, she sees a message stuck in the window of the apartment building next door: What are those flowers called? And so begins a story of two people reaching out, daring to trust a stranger.”

Dickinson said: “I am thrilled to be continuing my publishing journey with HQ. I’ve found a fantastic home with Manpreet and the team and I’m excited by the plans they have for my twelfth and thirteenth novels. I can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”

Grewal added: “When you sit down with a Miranda Dickinson novel, you know you’re in for a treat. Her novels are always full of heart, emotional depth and relatable characters, and yet she’s surpassed all expectations with The Start of Something. It’s a beautiful and moving love story, but also tackles themes of loneliness, recovering from trauma and finding strength through local communities. It’s very special. Miranda’s at the top of her game and I’m excited to see what’s next for her.”

Ferguson commented: ‘I’m delighted Miranda will be publishing two new books with Manpreet and HQ. Under the HQ umbrella Miranda has written two of her best books to date and it’s exciting to see what the future holds.”