Introducing THE HAPPINESS COLLECTOR
Everything you need to know about my fourth novel!
I’ve been dying to tell you about my next book, titled The Happiness Collector, which will be available on December 2nd. Finally, I can share all the details! First off, let me proudly display this gorgeous cover (my many, many thanks go to MIRA art director Elita Sidiropoulou and illustrator Sara Wood):
The description:
After losing her book deal and her academic position, historian Aida Reale needs a new career, and fast. After all, she and her fiancé, Graham, have a wedding to pay for. So when a friend recommends her for an extremely high-paying position at a company called MODA, it feels like the perfect stroke of luck. And with a move to Italy and a breathtaking palazzo included, how could she say no?
Aside from a snooty assistant, a daunting NDA, and some very stringent rules about the use of personal technology, working for MODA is a dream come true—at least at first. But the more research Aida conducts for this elusive company, the more things feel off. Not only does her relationship with Graham suffer, but it seems like every site she visits either vanishes or is struck by tragedy soon after she’s been there.
It’s only after a mysterious woman approaches Aida and Luciano, her devastatingly handsome and equally concerned MODA colleague, that they learn the truth—they are just mortal pawns in a game between gods. Now Aida must find answers to the question she's been avoiding: What's really happening to all the happiness she's been collecting…and can she stop the gods’ plans before it’s too late?
It’s a wild tale, set partially in London and in several locations in Italy. I loved writing this book. It was inspired by the words of a past editor who mentioned that after COVID, people want happy books. And well, I interpreted that to mean a dystopian book about happiness. 🤷♀️
And I have to admit, for the first time in one of my books, there is no food. I know, it’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I still have more books about culinary figures up my sleeve, but for now, I’m having a great time exploring the unknown versus revisiting the past.
I hope you’ll consider pre-ordering The Happiness Collector. Pre-orders are one of the best ways to show excitement for a book—they help publishers decide how much to invest in publicity and marketing, and they make a big difference for authors like me.
Want to help a gal out and pre-order THE HAPPINESS COLLECTOR?
You can do so at any of the fine outlets listed at this link.
A Boston Book Club Invitation
I’m thrilled to be asked back to talk to The *Sh*&%t, I forgot to read the Book * Club, a pretty big group (nearly 3K online members!), to talk about In The Garden of Monsters at an in-person event at the Piano Craft Gallery in Boston. It’s open to the public so I hope I’ll see you there! Mon, May 19 · 6:45 PM EDT. RSVP Here.
What’s Bringing Me Joy This Week
I was just in Italy for two weeks (researching my next novel!), and it brought me SO much joy. I plan on posting more about it in the coming weeks, but here are some photos to whet your appetite.
Thanks for Joining Me
If you love food and love Italy, and haven’t read IN THE GARDEN OF MONSTERS, THE CHEF’S SECRET or FEAST OF SORROW, click the links to learn where to buy your copy! And now you can pre-order my latest, THE HAPPINESS COLLECTOR!
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Sounds amazing. And I love your take on the editor's comment. That's an artist for you-- always getting it a little twisted.
I can't wait for it!