HQ lands Kuzniar's adult debut reimagining The Nutcracker

HQ has landed the debut adult novel from M A Kuzniar, Midnight in Everwood, as part of a two-book deal.

UK and Commonwealth rights were acquired by Katie Seaman, senior commissioning editor, from Thérèse Coen at Hardman & Swainson. Midnight in Everwood will be published in hardback, trade paperback, e-book and audio on 28th October 2021.

Described as a reimagining of "The Nutcracker" for adults, the book's synopsis explains: “In Edwardian England, Marietta Stelle longs to be a ballerina but as Christmas draws nearer, her dancing days are numbered as she’s expected to marry and take up her place in society. But a new neighbour, the mysterious Dr Drosselmeier, heralds the arrival of magic and wonder in Marietta’s life. Although when he constructs an elaborate ballet set for her final performance, she discovers it carries a magic all of its own.”

Kuzniar is the author of Puffin children’s series The Ship of Shadows, inspired by her six years living in Spain, teaching English and travelling the world.

She said: “I’ve always been enchanted by 'The Nutcracker' and it’s been an absolute delight to explore it in an adult novel. Working with Katie and the team has been a dream and I’m thrilled that Marietta and myself have found such a brilliant home with HQ. I can’t wait to share the magic of Everwood with readers.”

Seaman added: “From the very first page, I knew this was an incredibly special novel. Beautifully written, and cleverly blending elements of historical fiction and magical realism to create a stunning literary fantasy, I was completely spellbound by Midnight in Everwood. I can’t imagine a better world for readers to escape to and immerse themselves in – and after this year, we all need some magic more than ever!”

Coen commented: “I am over the moon to have found a home with Katie at HQ for this utterly magical and enchanting novel. It quickly became apparent that it was a perfect editor-author pairing, and it has been a total joy to witness them working on this gorgeous story together.”