Headline Eternal clinches Jackie Ashenden's bookseller romance

Headline Eternal has acquired Book People, a new romantic comedy about a bookseller, by New Zealand-based author Jackie Ashenden. 

Senior commissioning editor Nic Caws acquired world rights from Helen Breitwieser at Cornerstone Literary for the “enemies-to-lovers romance”, with publication in e-book and paperback planned for early 2025. 

It follows a fledgling bookseller who opens a shop and cafe celebrating popular genre fiction across the street from a well-established upscale bookshop, incurring the wrath and disdain of its highbrow owner, until a long-held family secret that connects their pasts comes to light during a literary festival.  

New Zealand-based writer Ashenden, who has published more than 70 books, said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Nic and Headline. She’s such a fantastic editor. This project simply could not be in better hands.” 

Caws said: “Book People is everything I’m obsessed with right now. Cosy, bookish vibes, an irresistibly grumpy romantic hero, and the hopeful, heartfelt truth that books really can make a lot of things a whole lot better.”