Heatherington moves from HarperCollins to Century with two new books 

Century has acquired two new novels by Emma Heatherington, the author of 13 books including The Promise and Secrets in the Snow (HarperCollins).

Editorial director of fiction Katie Loughnane acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Sarah Hornsley at PFD. Heatherington’s first novel with Century, This Christmas, will be published in e-book in August, with paperback and audio editions to follow in October.

This Christmas is described as a “heart-tugging, life-affirming novel” that tells the story of Rose and Charlie, two strangers who set out to be alone for the holidays but have to spend Christmas together as the remote cottage they have both travelled to in Donegal has been double-booked.

Heatherington said of her move to Century: “I feel incredibly lucky to have spent so many wonderful years at HarperCollins where my writing was nurtured with care, my readership grew, and my books reached many different territories and languages.

“Now, to work with Katie Loughnane and the Century team is another ‘pinch me’ chapter of my career. My agent Sarah’s drive and vision combined with Katie’s energy and refreshing approach to my novels has made this move to Century an absolute dream come true.”

Loughnane said: “From the moment I heard about Emma’s new novel—best pitched as The Flatshare meets ‘The Holiday’—I was desperate to read it. And from the very first chapters, I just knew I had to be the person to publish it.

“I have long been a fan of Emma’s writing and it is a privilege to welcome her to the Century list with this novel, which I truly believe is her best yet. I laughed, cried and ached for Rose and Charlie. This Christmas is a story that broke my heart and pieced it back together again. Emma is loved by many readers already, and I am looking forward to connecting her with so many more.”