Gabriel signs two-book deal with Embla

Embla Books, the digital-first commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has signed Marius Gabriel for two new “poignant, moving and masterfully written” historical novels set during the Second World War.

Editorial director Cara Chimirri acquired world English language rights to the two as-yet-untitled novels from Bill Goodall at Bill Goodall Literary Agency. The provisional publication date for the first is 30th July 2024 and for the second, 25th February 2025.

In the novels, Gabriel will explore untold true stories from the war in new locations, the publisher said, adding: “These stories will chart the long shadow cast by the conflict and the enduring legacy left behind by tremendous acts of courage of individuals during some of the war’s darkest days.”

Gabriel is the author of a number of historical novels, including The Girls In The Attic, The Ocean Liner and The Parisians. His novel set in wartime Paris, The Designer (Lake Union Publishing), won the Romantic Novelists Association Prize for Historical Romance in 2018.

Chimirri said: “I have been a huge admirer of Marius’s stunning historical novels for a long time. It is truly a career highlight to have the chance to work with him on these amazing new books and to welcome him to the list at Embla. Marius gives his readers the most unforgettable characters and gripping plots, all grounded in the most meticulous research and a unique insight into what our past can teach us about our place in the world today. I cannot wait for readers to discover these extraordinary stories.”

Gabriel said: “I’m delighted to be working with Cara Chimirri and Emilie Marneur at this exciting moment in Embla’s development – only their second year in the digital publishing market, and already a resounding success. Looking forward greatly to the future together.”

Goodall added: “Having only recently been reunited with Marius as his agent, I’m overjoyed that Embla will be publishing what promise to be two more wonderful works from a true master of the historical novel.”