Celia J Anderson

Writer

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Books

Celia J Anderson was a teacher and assistant head in her previous life but is now delighted to be writing full time. She won a competition with Piatkus for a contract for her first novel, Sweet Proposal, and has been published three times since.

Celia lives in land-locked Derbyshire with her husband and one arrogant cat but has two daughters in Brighton so spends as much time by the sea as possible. Her finest hour was getting a job as a cycling proficiency tutor without letting slip she couldn’t ride a bike. They didn’t ask.

An enthusiastic member of the Romantic Novelists Association, Celia organises the judging for the Romantic Novel of the Year awards (RoNAs), spends far too much time on Facebook and blogs with popular writing group The Romaniacs at theromaniacgroup.wordpress.com. 

Current publication: 

COMING HOME TO MISTLETOE COTTAGE - HarperCollins - 27th October 2022

Amid the salt marshes and rolling fields of Periwinkle Bay, Magda Conway is enjoying her retirement in ivy-clad Mistletoe Cottage. Yet with three weeks to go until Christmas, as the fairy lights twinkle and the trees go up around the village, her peace is disrupted when she’s left in sole charge of her two mischievous grandchildren.

Before long, she’s at her wit’s end – but high on a kitchen shelf lies her mother’s handwritten recipe book. And as she turns to it for advice, she finds more than just recipes between its tattered covers: there’s a pinch of magic too, and maybe even a sprinkling of love. . .

‘A wonderfully written story of family, friends and food. Christmas has come early with this cosy, heartwarming read – a real treat!’  Samantha Tonge

‘A charming, heart-warming story’ - The People's Friend

'Coming Home to Mistletoe Cottage is a sparkling Christmas read. Cosy, comforting and liberally sprinkled with magic, it’s absolutely delicious!' - Ruth Hogan 

'Light the fire, pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and settle down with this gorgeous festive treat from Celia Anderson. A delightful Christmas read about family, loss and the magic of old recipe books. It's as comforting and delicious as a batch of freshly baked mince pies.' - Annie Lyons

 
Previous publications:

Praise for: THE SECRET GIFT OF LUCIA LEMON - Harper Collins - 16th September 2021

 “Celia has a way of writing uplifting books with a magical quality […] This is an enchanting read – and we loved it.” - Woman’s Weekly

‘Full of intrigue and fabulously quirky characters, this took me on a trip I’ll remember for a long time’ Bella Osborne, bestselling author of The Promise of Summer

‘An utterly delightful tale of second chances and finding friendship in unexpected places. A journey of self-discovery for an eclectic group of friends that is certain to make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Five glorious stars’ Jenni Keer, author of The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker

‘Made me long for freedom and a road trip! Reading this was a painless way to have both’ Julia Wild, author of The Secret Notebook

‘Celia has created a wonderful cast of characters […] This unlikely bunch captured my heart and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling’ Alison Knight, author of The Legacy

‘Celia’s novels are an absolute joy. This was like the best of health remedies […] finishing with that lovely glow that lingers after the story finishes’ Christine Stovell

‘Another story from Celia Anderson featuring a delightful cast […] and that quirky, believable touch of magic’ Anne Graham

 

Praise for THE COTTAGE OF CURIOSITIES - Harper Collins -  2020

USA Bestseller & UK Kindle bestseller 

Praise:

‘Wonderful characters make this a great read’ - Good Housekeeping

‘One of the most charming books I’ve ever read’ - bestselling author Cathy Mansell

‘Enchanting and intriguing’ - bestselling author Heidi Swain

Celia's latest story tells of Grace, her life, her special gifts and the Cottage itself that holds so much charm within its old walls.  Characters full of personality cast in the first book set in Pengelly dip in and out of the book's rich texture; yet this book could be enjoyed equally as a stand-alone delicious treat. Warm and satisfying with enough unexpected twists to delight a reader's palate. - Julie Vince

I very much enjoyed it. I thought it was a wonderful follow up to 59 Memory Lane with a great mixture of new storylines, continuing storylines, and tying up all the loose ends. - Lucy Felthouse

The Cottage of Curiosities really is a truly heart-warming story and did wonders for my rather gloomy mood... it was immensely soothing to lose myself in Celia's lovely world and watch the story unfold, rather like spending a relaxed, enjoyable evening with a dear friend' - Chris Stovell

'Warm and delightful. This welcome return to Pengelly and its wonderful characters felt like catching up with old friends.' - Annie Lyons

 

Praise for 59, MEMORY LANE - Harper Collins - 2019 

'A brilliantly original and enchanting tale' - The Sun

'Wonderful characters make this a great read' - Good Housekeeping

'Truly unique... unforgettable' - Women's Weekly

 

Fiction

Publication DetailsNotes
2019

HarperCollins

May Rosevere has lived in the Cornish village of Pengelly almost all her life. And it’s been a long life, for May is just three months shy of her 111th birthday. May claims her longevity is a result of clean living: four slices of toast with butter every morning and a few glasses of sherry in the evening, but the truth is, May is nursing a secret. She is a memory harvester, someone whose youthful appearance and long life is the result of living off the memory echoes of others. These echoes are imparted into objects people leave behind, which May has spent her life collecting.

May is desperate to reach what she sees as the magical age of 111, but living alone with few visitors means it’s hard to come by objects that hold new memories. In her attempt to prolong her life, May makes some big decisions, the consequences of which she could never have foreseen...

The Cottage of Curiosities

2020

HarperCollins

Tucked away amongst the winding, cobbled streets of Pengelly in Cornwall, the old stone cottage on Memory Lane is full of secrets. Brimming with trinkets and treasures, there are thousands of stories hidden within its walls.

Fifty-four-year-old Grace Clarke arrives in Pengelly determined to uncover the secrets of her past. Standing outside the little cottage, she feels sure that the answers she craves lie inside. The truth about her mysterious long-lost mother and the even more mysterious gifts she was born with…

The Secret Gift of Lucia Lemon

2021

Years of mystery lie inside the case, just waiting to be unravelled…

After fifty-eight years of playing it safe, Lucia Lemon wants something more from life. If only she knew what…

Until she receives a package in the post from an old friend that will change her life forever. Inside, she finds a bundle of cash, a collection of old maps, and a beautiful compass that no longer points north.

Holding the compass in her hand, Lucia suddenly feels hopeful – for the first time ever, life feels full of possibility and the open road is calling. If only she’s brave enough to answer it…