Penguin Michael Joseph pre-empts Lou Morgan’s adult romance

Lou Morgan’s first adult romance, FOR ALL THIS TIME, and a second untitled book have been pre-empted by Publisher, Clio Cornish, at Penguin Michael Joseph in a world English language rights deal brokered by Juliet Mushens. FOR ALL THIS TIME is described as Lou’s “love letter to storytelling” and is scheduled to be published in 2027.

The novel opens with Jess, grieving the loss of her brother, returning to her family home, where she is alarmed to find a man living in the tower room, surrounded by ink pots and half-written pages. For Solomon Nash, it has been 1853 for more than 150 years – and he has been suspended in time, unable to finish his novel.

Determined to set him free, and to unravel the mystery of what her brother intended to tell her before his accident, Jess sets out to discover what is keeping Solomon trapped, but she doesn’t expect him to unlock a part of her that no one else has.

Lou’s debut novel was the adult urban fantasy BLOOD AND FEATHERS and she has also written four Young Adult contemporary romances under the pseudonym, Maggie Harcourt. She has been nominated for three British Fantasy Awards. Her work as a scriptwriter has included a number of audio dramas in the Doctor Who universe for the BBC. Born in Wales and a graduate of University College London, she now lives in Bath with her family.

Lou said, “I am beyond thrilled that FOR ALL THIS TIME has found such a welcoming home at PMJ. Writing Jess and Solomon’s story has brought me real joy, and I’m so excited to work with the wonderful team there to introduce them to the world.”

Clio added, “FOR ALL THIS TIME is a love letter to storytelling, a delicious slice of escapism and one of the most achingly romantic novels I’ve ever read on submission. The chemistry Lou conjures between a lost Victorian novelist and a modern-day heroine is daring, heart-wrenching and totally unforgettable – I can’t wait to introduce readers everywhere to Solomon Nash.”