Allison & Busby swoons for two-book deal from Hawkins

Allison & Busby has scooped two-books, including debut novel A Concert for Christmas, from Helen Hawkins.

Publishing director Susie Dunlop acquired world English rights from Saskia Leach at Kate Nash Literary Agency. A Concert for Christmas will be published autumn 2023 with A Friendly Rivalry following in summer 2024.

Dunlop commented: "I have been on the search for a new romance author for some time and I have found the perfect person – Helen Hawkins. Her heartwarming stories appeal to a wide audience and I look forward to seeing her success in the ever-growing contemporary romance genre. I couldn’t be more delighted to have Helen join our established romance list."

"Helen’s gorgeous writing immersed me straight away in the Christmassy Cotswolds – the perfect place to spend the festive season," Leach added.

Hawkins said: "I am happy that A Concert for Christmas has found a home with Allison & Busby. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Sophie as she gets to grips with organising Cranswell’s Christmas choir in a bid to avoid dealing with her own romantic problems. Being able to call myself an author has been a dream for as long as I can remember, and I’m so excited that it’s finally coming true,"