Sphere strikes new two-book deal with Jenny Ashcroft

Sphere has acquired two more historical fiction novels by author Jenny Ashcroft.

Viola Hayden, commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in The Return of You and a second novel from Rebecca Ritchie at A M Heath. The deal follows Ashcroft’s 2017 debut, Beneath a Burning Sky (Sphere).

The Return of You is pitched as "an epic story of love, deception and devotion" set between India and England. The First World War separates Madeleine Bright and her husband, Luke Deveraux - but circumstances aren’t the only agent intent on tearing this marriage apart.

"It has everything," said Hayden. "Romance, heartbreak, mystery, intrigue, unforgettable characters. Jenny’s writing is steeped in history and atmosphere, but with the pace and plotting of a great suspense novel – she’s just fantastic."

Ashcroft commented: "I've had the most incredible two years working with Sphere on Beneath a Burning Sky and Island in the East, and am absolutely thrilled to be carrying on now with Viola and the team on these two new books."

Sphere will publish The Return of You in export C format - the trade paperback edition for Sphere's export territories - in December 2018, with the UK paperback following in summer 2019. As part of this deal Hayden also acquired North American rights in Ashcroft’s two previous novels: Beneath a Burning Sky and Island in the East.