Avon to publish Spielman's 'beautiful' story of self-discovery

Avon Books is thrilled to have signed a deal for a “beautiful, escapist” commercial fiction book from Lori Nelson Spielman.

Commissioning editor at the HarperCollins imprint, Phoebe Morgan, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to With Love from Aunt Poppy from Sarah Manning on behalf of Jenny Bent at The Bent Agency.

The book will be published by Berkley in the US in early 2020, followed by UK publication by Avon in Spring 2020.

North American rights were previously sold to Claire Zion and Sarah Blumenstock at Berkley, on an exclusive submission from Bent. German rights were sold to Fischer, in a major deal, by Bastian Schlueck on behalf of the UK agent.

Morgan said: “When this manuscript landed on my desk I knew I had something very special. Aunt Poppy is one of the best characters I’ve ever read and I fell head over heels for her story – a beautifully written journey of self-discovery which will make you long to go to Italy.”

She described it as “escapist fiction at its absolute finest”.

Spielman, who lives in Michigan, said: “I'm elated that my new book will be published in the UK, under the guidance of the fabulous Phoebe Morgan and the extraordinary team at Avon. It's such an honor to be welcomed into the Avon family, the publishing home of many of my favorite authors.”

“Lori manages to take us through all the emotions with a story packed full of love, history, family secrets and a gorgeous Italian setting that jumps off the page,” Manning said. “I finished Aunt Poppy’s story with a renewed determination to live life to the fullest and that feeling is one of the many reasons this is an unforgettable read.’

Spielman is a former speech pathologist, guidance counselor, and homebound teacher. Her first novel, The Life List (Bantam Press) has been published in more than 30 countries and optioned by Fox 2000 and Neue Bioskop.