By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee, Emma Leask, Molly Pearce and Niamh Parr
Acquisition News
Beachy Books Acquires Cooper’s New Real-Life Inspired Historical Novel
Independent publisher Beachy Books has announced a new historical romance novel written by Heather Cooper, whose first book, Stealing Roses, and its sequel were published by Allison and Busby in 2019. Her newest novel, Arresting Beauty, is based on the true story of Mary Ryan, assistant to renowned Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. The story follows the development of their relationship, from their first meeting when Cameron found Ryan begging on Putney Heath when she was a young girl. This sweeping, powerful novel follows Julia’s move to Freshwater on the Isle of Wight, and the life she and Mary share in navigating a time of fraught classism. The pair even come across prominent figures from history such as Tennyson.
UK and Commonwealth rights to the novel were acquired by publisher Philip Bell, and the current projected release date for both the hardback and e-book is set for 30 September 2023.
The Borough Press Pre-empts De Robertis' Reimagining of Eros and Psyche Myth
Carolina De Robertis’ newest novel, The Palace of Eros, has been pre-empted for publication in the UK by Suzie Dooré at The Borough Press. UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) were handled by Allison Malecha and Michelle Brower at Trellis Literary Management. Brower also handled North American rights, which were acquired by Michelle Herrera Mulligan at Atria. Promising to be powerfully unique, The Palace of Eros is a retelling of the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche from a queer, genderfluid perspective. Subverting typical representations of Eros as a son of Aphrodite, De Robertis frames Eros rather as Aphrodite’s daughter, born with the ability to change gender at will. When Psyche is offered to Eros in an attempt to appease the jealous Aphrodite, she is shocked to find that her prospective husband is in fact female. Following the traditional storyline of the myth, Eros will not permit Psyche to look at her face. Psyche, however – driven by a compelling combination of love and curiosity – is determined to go to dangerous lengths to catch sight of her new partner in the light. Publication of The Palace of Eros is currently set for summer 2024.
From Book to Screen
What to Watch?
Shadow and Bone Season Two Comes to Netflix
Shadow and Bone is set to return to Netflix for a second instalment of the hit series. Based on the Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) as she discovers the power within her and what it could mean for the Grishaverse. Alongside the star-studded cast of season one, this series sees the introduction of two fan-favourite characters – Wylan Van Eck and Prince Nikolai Lantsov – played by Jack Wolfe and Patrick Gibson. You can stream the brand-new season of Shadow and Bone on Netflix from 16 March 2023.
In the Works
Thrilling Adaptation Fool Me Once
Netflix is set to adapt another New York Times bestselling novel, Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben. Known for his genre work in mystery and thrilling concepts, you may recognise other popular adaptations such as The Stranger or Hold Tight. This upcoming series follows ex-special ops pilot Maya Stern whose husband has been brutally murdered. She installs a camera for her two-year-old daughter while she works and sees the unthinkable as an intruder barges into her home – only to find the intruder to be her dead husband. The mystery and twists unfold as Maya digs her way through the secrets, truth and her past in a search for answers. A recent update announced a star-studded cast featuring Michelle Keegan as the lead alongside Adeel Akhtar, Dame Joanna Lumley and Emmett J Scanlan in supporting roles. So far there is no news on the release date with the series still in the pre-production stages. Another thrilling series to watch out for coming out soon on Netflix.
Happiness for Beginners Coming to Netflix
Happiness for Beginners is an upcoming Netflix film adaptation of Katherine Centre’s romcom of the same name. This new film will be written, directed and produced by Vicky Wright alongside involvement from Cranetown Media, who have worked with Netflix in the past. Happiness for Beginners will star The Office and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt actress Ellie Kemper. The story follows recent divorcee Helen Carpenter as she is convinced by her younger brother to go on a wilderness survival course. What follows is a tale of self-discovery, as Helen uncovers the importance of vulnerability in finding who you truly are, and the beauty in becoming lost. The love interest of the film, Jake, will be played by Luke Grimes (Superstore, Crazy Rich Asians), alongside supporting actors Nico Santos and Blythe Danner. Filming for Happiness for Beginners took place in 2021 and is expected to reach Netflix in 2023.