Annie Lyons
Writer
Photograph: Harriet Buckingham
Books
Books
Having worked in the worlds of book selling and publishing, Annie Lyons decided to have a go at book writing. Following a creative writing course, lots of reading and an extraordinary amount of coffee, she produced Not Quite Perfect, which went on to become a number one bestseller. Her second book, The Secrets Between Sisters, was nominated in the best eBook category at the 2014 Festival of Romance and Life or Something Like It was a top ten bestseller.
Annie’s most recent titles, The Choir on Hope Street and The Happiness List are uplifting stories about community, hope, friendship and cake. She tries to write books which make people laugh and cry, although hopefully not at the same time. Annie lives in a shambolic money-pit of a house in south-east London with her husband and two children plus a cat, which she pretends not to like. She enjoys channelling her inner Adele as part of her own beloved community choir as well as trying to grow cauliflower.
Forthcoming novel:
A GIRL'S GUIDE TO WINNING THE WAR - Headline - 25th July 2024
Can two young women and one book change the course of war . . .?
1940. Whip-smart librarian Peggy Sparks is determined to make sure that her brother Joe returns from the frontline to their London home, which they share with their beloved mother and grandmother. So when she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job at the heart of the war effort, Peggy jumps at the prospect of making a real contribution to her country.
But when she finds herself working under the fanciful socialite Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy discovers that those around her are more keen on dancing at the Café de Paris than on ending the war. Writing accounts of her daily life is the only thing keeping Peggy's hopes alive. But when she finds her inner-most thoughts accidentally published by the Ministry of Information, Peggy realises she needs Marigold's help to save her job, and to bring her brother home . . .
Praise:
'A heart-warming tale about resilience, friendships and family, and the inestimable power of the written word' - Ruth Hogan
'A heart-warming depiction of strong female friendships tested by suffering - Annie Lyons really is the queen of the wartime saga' - Clare Chambers
'Considering the subject matter covers death, the Blitz, POWs, and the general awfulness of wartime, I have to say this book is a delight! A warm hug of a story with gorgeous characters who felt like friends and meticulous, fascinating research presented in such a jolly, page-turning way that I didn’t even realise I was learning something new in almost every chapter.' - Kerry Barrett
'The endless hope and despair of watching and waiting for news is seamlessly woven into the story of Peggy’s steadfast efforts to play her part. Wartime friendships, teamwork and the magical power of words.' - Celia Anderson
Praise for THE AIR RAID BOOK CLUB - published 11th July 2023 by Headline (UK) and William Collins (US)
“This powerful historical novel, in turns heart-breaking and heart-warming, is an affecting reminder of community and comradeship… The character of Gertrude is truly delightful… The Blitz Spirit is strongly evoked, and overall the book is a pleasure to read… A sensitive and heartfelt story.” - The Lady
'Both touching and thought-provoking. I was swept away by the story of these women.' - Yours, Book Editor’s Pick
“An emotional and uplifting novel inspired by true events” - Platinum
'I loved The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons - unsurprisingly, as WW2 and books are two of my favourite subjects to read about. Gertie and Hedy are wonderful characters and their intertwined stories are just so touching and heartwarming. What a beautiful novel this is. And as for that ending…get those tissues ready’ - Jill Mansell
'Fans of Lisa Wingate and Madeline Martin will appreciate this uplifting story about a neighborhood banding together to support one another during the Blitz.' - Booklist
‘A tender, touching and utterly heart-warming tale, set against the horrors of the Blitz. Readers will adore Gertie and Hedy.’ - Sarah Steele
‘A warm and tender tale about the power and healing of friendship and community and the magic of books . . . Annie writes her characters with humanity, humour and respect and their stories will stay with me for a very long time. A wonderful, heart-warming read’ Ruth Hogan
'Annie Lyons has cleverly woven the horror and heartbreak of war with the resilience of human nature, the strength of love, and the importance of friends . . . satisfying, funny, uplifting . . . A fabulous story, perfect for fans of Lissa Evans and AJ Pearce. I adored it’ Kerry Barrett
'A beautifully written story and a book full of heart.' - Beezy Marsh
“Lyons has given her readers a sensitive, heartwarming examination of human connections, finding light in the darkness.” ––Historical Novel Society
‘Annie Lyons has the rare gift of bringing an unfamiliar world alive in such a way that the reader drops right into the heart of the action . . . This is a book to be read and re-read - each time there will be something new to discover . . . a triumph’ Celia Anderson
‘If you're looking for a warm and nostalgic read, The Air Raid Book Club will definitely be your cup of tea. This story of love, bravery and found family is heart-wrenching and utterly charming. I sobbed my way through the final chapters’ Fiona Lucas
‘This story of grief, community, friendship and the restorative power of books, is charming, witty and thoroughly absorbing from first page to last. Gertie is the very best of heroines: feisty and compassionate. I adored following her and Lyons' cast of colourfully drawn characters through the desperate landscape of the Second World War to the swooping joy of an ending which left tears rolling down my face. This book is exactly what we need right now to remind us that, with kindness, love and compassion for our fellow man, there is always light beyond the darkness’ Lisa Timoney
Previous publications:
EUDORA HONEYSETT IS QUITE WELL, THANKYOU /THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF EUDORA HONEYSETT: A NOVEL - 2020
SHORTLISTED FOR THE RNA CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARD 2021
Praise:
'There's a Eudora around the corner from most of us. She's invisible unless we look closely. Eudora's beautifully-told story shows us how we can live and support others at all stages of life, value what matters most and suck the juice out of every day. Find your Eudora, and listen to their wisdom.' - Kathryn Mannix
'Even with death and loneliness at its core, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett is filled with personable characters, witty dialogue and relatable moments. It’s a vibrant and humorous celebration of being alive and learning to say goodbye.' - BookPage Magazine
Lyons strikes a winning balance, reaching deep feelings while avoiding the traps of sentimentality' - Publishers Weekly
"The Brilliant Death of Eudora Honeysett is an exquisitely poignant tale of life, friendship and facing death. In the latter, the author dares to explore a subject that many shy away from, but she does so with touching sensitivity, gentle humour and absolute honesty. Eudora’s courage, dignity and wry sense of fun are beautifully drawn as she takes the reader on the heart-breaking yet ultimately uplifting journey of her life and death. Everyone should read this book." - Ruth Hogan
'A sensitive examination of human connections that can both damage and heal' - Kirkus
'I laughed and cried for the magnificent Eudora and her story ended far too soon. We all need friends like Eudora, Stanley and Rose in our lives. Their kindness is a shining light in these stormy times.' - Celia Anderson
'Lyons’ British take on miserable-curmudgeon-meets-irresistible-neighbor is quite charming.' - People Magazine
“Teeming with curmudgeonly elders and precocious youngsters, Lyons’ touching tale of intergenerational friendship is reminiscent of Frederik Backman’s A Man Called Ove (2014). Despite the somber underlying subject, this is a thoroughly enchanting feel-good read' - Booklist
Fiction
| Publication Details | Notes |
|---|---|
2018 HQ Digital | Life is about to change forever... Heather is finally back on Hope Street after running from the memories for so long. She hasn’t bumped into many neighbours yet but with her upcoming wedding to plan there’s plenty to keep her busy! Fran is still trying to get used to a life without her husband by her side. It’s hard enough raising two children on her own – she doesn’t have time to even think about dating… Pamela is fed up with being taken for granted by her grown-up children and grumbling husband. She’s ready to shake things up a little, but will her family even notice? So when the three women hear about a ‘happiness course’ starting on Hope Street, surely it’s the perfect opportunity to let their hair down, laugh with new friends and maybe even change their lives in ways they never expected… |
2017 HQ Digital | Natalie’s husband has just dropped a bombshell she never expected. Six little words no women ever wants to hear – ‘I don’t love you anymore’ – and her whole world has been turned upside-down. Caroline’s difficult mother has been kicked out of her nursing home! And with no one else able to take her in, she’s going to have to put the past behind her and invite her to stay. Nat and Caroline might live just a few doors away from each other but the two neighbours couldn’t be more different! Yet when the beloved Hope Street community hall is threatened with closure, only the community choir can save the day – if they can just find the perfect song in time… A gorgeously uplifting romantic comedy to make your heart sing! |
2015 HQ Digital | Step into someone else’s shoes for a day… And it will change you for a lifetime. Cat is very good at her job. She runs a PR company with her best friend (and secret crush) Jesse, and is never happier than when her high-profile celebrities are glittering in the spotlight. But when her footballer client gets in the press for all the wrong reasons, Cat’s career takes a sudden nosedive. So when her brother Andrew unexpectedly needs her to look after his kids for a few weeks, she can hardly say no. She’s happily single, hasn’t exactly been the ‘World’s Best Auntie’ over the years, and what she knows about looking after children would fit on the back of a postage stamp. But it’s only temporary until she gets her real life back on track – isn’t it? |
2014 HQ Digital | Lizzie and Bea Harris were always very close. They were sisters and nothing could tear them apart. Until Bea dies, leaving her sister twelve letters, one for every month. Alone for the first time Lizzie is left trying to pull together the pieces of a life she has for so long ignored and find a place for herself…out from under the shadow of her sister. But the letters are revealing a sister Lizzie isn’t sure she recognises, and she’s beginning to wonder if she ever really knew Bea? As Lizzie delves deeper into her sister’s life she begins to uncover secrets that could tear her and her family apart. |
2013 HQ Digital | Sometimes having it all isn’t enough… Emma has everything she’s ever wanted. Her boyfriend’s just proposed and her career has finally taken off. And so what if her latest client just happens to be downright gorgeous? She’s getting married. Isn’t she? Rachel’s married with 2.4 children (well, actually, 3) and life is all about trying to leave the house in a non-stained top. Once it was about skinny cappuccinos, cocktails and dynamic ad agency meetings. She wants her old life back, but can it ever be the same? A gripping and laugh-out-loud story of two sisters and how often you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. |
2020 Harper Collins/Audible (UK) and William Collins (US) | Infused with the emotional power of Me Before You and the irresistible charm of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Be Frank with Me, a moving and joyous novel about an elderly woman ready to embrace death and the little girl who reminds her what it means to live. Then she meets ten-year-old Rose Trewidney, a whirling, pint-sized rainbow of color and sparkling cheer. All Eudora wants is to be left alone to set her affairs in order. Instead, she finds herself embarking on a series of adventures with the irrepressible Rose and their affable fellow neighbor, the recently widowed Stanley--afternoon tea, shopping sprees, trips to the beach, birthday celebrations, pizza parties. While the trio of unlikely BFFs grow closer and anxiously await the arrival of Rose's new baby sister, Eudora is reminded of her own childhood--of losing her father during World War II and the devastating impact it had on her entire family. In reflecting on her past, Eudora realizes she must come to terms with what lies ahead. But now that her joy for life has been rekindled, how can she possibly say goodbye? |
2023 Headline | As the bombs began to fall, the book club kept their hopes alive... London, 1938. Bookseller Gertie Bingham is facing difficult times, having just lost her beloved husband, Harry, and with a lingering sadness at never having been able to have a child of her own. Struggling to face running the bookshop she and Harry opened together, Gertie is preparing to sell up and move away when she is asked if she would be willing to take in a young Jewish refugee from Germany. Gertie is unsure and when sullen teenager Hedy Fischer arrives, Gertie fears she has nothing left to give the troubled girl. But when the German bombers come and the lights go out over London, Gertie and Hedy realise that joining forces will make them stronger, and that books have the power to bring young and old together and unite a community in need in its darkest hour... |