Avon snaps up ‘heart-warming’ new novel by romance writer Mirren 

Avon Books has acquired The Unretirement, a new book by Penny Mirren, the pseudonym for author Samantha Pennington.

Rachel Hart, commissioning editor, acquired world rights from Kate Nash at Kate Nash Literary Agency, with publication scheduled for May 2024.

Described as a “heart-warming and empowering up-lit novel”, The Unretirement is the story of Maggie, “a recently widowed 65-year-old woman who comes out of retirement to pursue her lifelong dream of being a chef and help save her beloved but failing local restaurant”.

Known for her work writing uplifting fiction and romantic comedies, Mirren was selected for the inaugural Kate Nash Literary Agency Mentorship programme in 2020 and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association.

Mirren said: “Rachel’s enthusiasm for the story has been infectious and I can’t wait to see The Unretirement, and the indomitable Maggie, make their way out into the world.”

Hart said: “The Unretirement celebrates life’s second chances and the joy of pursuing dreams at any age. I am very happy to be working with Samantha, who writes with buckets of heart, humour and warmth.”