Despite fierce competition from over two thousand entries from aspiring writers, Anouska’s manuscript stood out for its emotional observation and relatable characters. The prize, awarded in February 2013, included lunch with Jackie Collins in Los Angeles and a publishing contract with leading romantic fiction publisher, Mills & Boon.
Since You’ve Been Gone, an exciting debut in contemporary women’s fiction, will be hitting shelves in time for the holidays and is the perfect read. Anouska’s warm story-telling, sassy humour and sensitive take on a tricky topic have already garnered an impressive group of fans, including Victoria Fox, Jenny Colgan, Lorraine Kelly and Jackie Collins, who described Anouska as “a writer who is going to do great things”.
The story follows the journey of Holly Jefferson, whose life changes dramatically and forever, in one tragic moment. Now – to the external world, at least – she’s finally getting back on her feet, running her special occasion cake business, Cake. Then she meets Ciaran Argyll. His rich and charmed life feels a million miles from her own. However, there’s more to Ciaran than the superficial world that surrounds him and he too is wrestling with his own ghosts. Will Holly find the missing ingredient that allows her to live again – and embrace an unknown tomorrow?
Working as an interior designer before having her two sons Anouska started her own special occasion cake business after honing her baking skills creating treats for them. When she had to close the business in 2012 she decided to focus on writing a novel – and by chance saw Lorraine Kelly announce the competition. She lives in Staffordshire, near where she grew up, with husband Jim, her childhood sweetheart, and their two boys.
Since You’ve Been Gone is available from July 2013, RRP £6.99, in B format paperback and eBook at all good booksellers and at www.millsandboon.co.uk