Cooper to pen two new novels for Headline

Headline Review has acquired two more novels from women's fiction writer Emma Cooper, author of The Songs of Us (Headline).

Fiction publishing director Jennifer Doyle acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for the two new books - entitled The Last Time I Saw You and The Day My Life Began - in a deal struck with Amanda Preston at LBA.

Due to publish in e-book in July 2019 with a paperback following in September, Headline says The Last Time I Saw You centres on Sophie and Samuel, two people who meet and know they are meant to be. But fate has other ideas, and after a wonderful week together they are forced apart and their lives will never be the same again.

Following in 2020, The Day My Life Began features happily married couple Jennifer and Edward, the latter of which "has a home a Next catalogue would be proud of". The plot takes off when Jennifer's sister suddenly dies and she realises she hasn’t really been living at all.

Hailing Cooper "a unique talent", Doyle said she was thrilled to have two more novels to look forward to. "She is the author who can make me laugh and cry (and cry again) like no other and these two novels do that in spades. Emma doesn’t shy away from the big emotional subjects and yet always brings to life the small things that make us human with brilliant humour. I’m thrilled to have her on the list," she said.

Cooper added: "The team’s hard work and passion for The Songs of Us helped to create a novel, which I’m thrilled to say, has touched the hearts of many readers. It’s incredibly exciting to be able to take the next step of my career with these talented people behind me; I know we will have lots of fun along the way."