This past week, I reached another milestone in my life and writing career.

Thanks to my UK literary agent Kiran Kataria, I’ve signed a three-book deal for a new Second World War historical fiction series.

These books, following three teachers who are evacuated with their pupils from London to the English countryside in September 1939, are my first fully historical women’s fiction titles.

I’ll also be writing them as ‘Rose Warner,’ a name from my family tree and chosen with my UK agent and editor to suit the genre and time period.

Why historical fiction?  

I’m known for my heartwarming, sweet small-town contemporary romances and will continue to write such stories as Jen Gilroy with two titles for Harlequin Heartwarming and a short story coming out this year.

Although I love writing contemporary settings, I’ve always read and written historical fiction too, much of it set around both World Wars.

Several of my unpublished manuscripts are historical, but since my first traditional publishing deal was for a contemporary title, that’s what I continued to write.

However, if you read my contemporary stories closely, you’ll pick up historical references.

From the Montana Carters nineteenth century Vermont roots and an historic New England-style covered bridge on Tall Grass Ranch land, to the Irish-American family in my Wishing Tree series, all my contemporary characters are anchored in the past.

Stretching my writing muscles

I’m a career author and want to keep stretching my writing muscles.

By writing historical fiction, I grow my writing craft and boost my creativity. That also gives me a fresh perspective and benefits everything I write.

Returning to research

I do some research for my contemporary books, most recently for a rodeo scene in The  Cowgirl Nanny, my April 2024 Heartwarming release.

Writing historical fiction, though, means spending time in archives and museums, some of my ‘happy places,’ and reading first-hand accounts by people who lived in a particular place and time.

I’m a researcher at heart and from my own family history to wider world events, understanding the past helps me make sense of the present and anticipate the future.

What’s next?

My first Rose Warner book, The Teacher Evacuees, will be out from British publisher Canelo in paperback and ebook in October 2025.

I’m also working on a new small-town sweet contemporary romance proposal.

But whether you read a book by ‘Jen Gilroy’ or ‘Rose Warner,’ you’ll find the same warm, hopeful and uplifting stories to bring your heart home.

In other news, and in the wake of the death of my first U.S. literary agent last year, I’ve just signed with Paige Wheeler of Creative Media Agency to represent my North American-focused work.

I’m excited to work with Paige and have her support and guidance in developing my author career.

Happy springtime wishes! 

And to those who celebrate it, I wish you a happy and blessed Easter.