Hachette Ireland scoops up 'healing' debut from 2210 Patisserie founder

Hachette Books Ireland has signed Sweet Therapy: The Joy of Baking by 2210 Patisserie founder Una Leonard, for publication on 22nd September.

Ciara Doorley, publishing director, acquired world rights for Sweet Therapy direct from the author. 

Leonard is the owner of the Mullingar-based 2210 Patisserie, which launched in 2015 and has since garnered more than 50,000 followers on Instagram. Behind the outward success story, however, has been Leonard’s struggle from depression to rediscovering the small joys in life – an experience she shares in the book.

The publisher synopsis reads: “At the age of 18, just as she started her culinary arts degree, she fell into a deep depression. Returning home to heal, she began baking and found that creating recipes, mixing and folding to whip up cakes and treats for family and friends helped her to find glimpses of light in the darkness. 

“A few years later, she channelled that love and passion for baking into her business. Now in Sweet Therapy, Una shares her personal journey along with recipes for the bakes, cakes and treats that have seen 2210 Patisserie become the destination it is today.”

Featuring 80 recipes including her famous brownies, blondies, dotie bars (her own personal invention), cookies and cake trays, along with gluten free treats and her Mam’s family bakes, Hachette Ireland describes Sweet Therapy as full of “delicious treats to make at home, a reminder of the good things in life, and a celebration of how the mindful act of creating food for the people you love and for yourself can help you find healing.”

Doorley said: “Una Leonard is one of a kind. Her infectious enthusiasm and love for what she does shines through in her baking and creations, the way she runs her business and in her attitude to life. It’s a joy and honour to be publishing her first book.”

Leonard commented: “I can’t believe I’m now getting to create my own book and am able to share my story and recipes with people. Maybe there’s someone out there my book can help."