HQ Digital snares two 'gripping' books from Howes

HQ Digital has snapped up two “gripping” books from Theresa Howes. 

Abigail Fenton, editorial director, acquired world English language rights to The Secrets We Keep and one other book from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. It will publish in e-book, paperback and audiobook in November 2022 with the second book to follow in November 2023.  

In The Secrets We Keep, Marguerite Segal, an artist living under a false identity on the Cote d’Azur to escape her violent husband, is recruited by British Intelligence. Her mission is to befriend Father Etienne Valade, a local priest suspected of being a collaborator, and access records linking Nazi officers to war crimes. But as the Allied invasion draws closer, Marguerite has to work out who she can trust in a world where everything is at stake. 

Howes said: “I’m delighted to be working with Abi and her team who have shown so much enthusiasm and vision for The Secrets We Keep. You know you’re in good hands when a publisher has as much passion for the story and for the characters as you feel yourself. Thank you to my fabulous agent, Juliet, for finding my novel such a great home.” 

Fenton added: “Sometimes a submission comes in and you know from the very first page that this is a book you have to publish. The Secrets We Keep is precisely that book. Combining a gripping plot with a heartbreaking romance, and meticulous research borne with the lightest touch, this is going to absolutely sweep readers away, and I cannot wait to publish it.” 

Mushens commented: “The Secrets We Keep is at once a heartbreaking portrayal of love against the odds as well as a pageturning thriller. I think that HQ Digital are the perfect home for Theresa and cannot wait for readers to fall for this love story the way I did.”