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.”