Three romantic-fiction novelists write Amazon Original Stories
Amazon Original Stories will publish new stories from bestselling romantic fiction novelists Phillipa Ashley, Milly Johnson and Veronica Henry. The stories will be published by editor Maisie Lawrence and senior editor Bekah Pickering.
The Distance Between Us by Phillipa Ashley will be published in March and tells the story of Jenna and Cameron, who discover that a thousand miles between Cornwall and Scotland is no match for the power of love. It was acquired by Lawrence from Broo Doherty at DHH Literary Agency.
Ashley said: “I was incredibly excited and honoured to be invited by Maisie Lawrence to write an Amazon Original Story. I love writing shorter fiction, and the romantic premise that became The Distance Between Us had been on my mind for a couple of years. This format was the perfect home for it and I hope it will be a delicious extra treat for existing fans of my books and a tempting taster for all those who are new to my work.”
Meanwhile, Lift Me Up by Milly Johnson will be published in May 2026. It tells the “romantic, heart-warming and captivating” story of Tam Remington, stuck in a lift with her office arch-enemy who has come to take her job, but who surprises her with words that change her life. It was acquired by Lawrence from Lizzy Kremer at David Higham Associates.
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Johnson commented: “I was delighted to be asked to write an Amazon Original Story, which I hope will introduce lots of new readers around the globe to my work. I had great fun with this bunch of characters – the good and the bad – and I hope that shows. I have my fingers crossed that my long short story of Tam Remington and the lead-up to her wedding will be enjoyed. I know, from past experience, there are people who don’t realise that all it takes to change a life they are unhappy with is a little courage and self-belief. And this is the story of how one single-worded compliment changes the fate of someone who deserves better. I wanted to remind people how much power there is in even the smallest of kindnesses.”
A Honeymoon in Venice by Veronica Henry will be published in late summer 2026, and follows Olivia, who, on her dream honeymoon, spots a face from the past she hoped never to see again. It was acquired by editor Victoria Pepe from Araminta Whitley and Marina de Pass from the Soho Agency, and will be led by Pickering. Henry is now represented by Juliet Mushens of Mushens Entertainment.
“I am so excited to have written an Amazon Original Story and loved the challenge of writing a ‘long short story’. I can’t wait to take my readers to Venice for a tale of the unexpected: when Olivia sees a face from the past on her honeymoon, it’s the perfect opportunity for her to get her revenge,” Henry said. “Unbeknown to her, someone else is out for retribution, too. The setting is achingly glamorous and the ensuing caper was great fun to write, as the two women get their own back. Romance with a twist amid the gondolas!”
Devesh Kumar, director of Amazon Books Europe, said: “We are delighted to bring these wonderful new stories from Phillipa Ashley, Milly Johnson and Veronica Henry to readers through Amazon Original Stories. These three authors have captivated millions of readers with their heart-warming and uplifting fiction, and I’m confident that readers will fall in love with these romantic and memorable tales.”
