We are so, so pleased to announce that Louise Fein and her heart-breaking and poignant historical debut, People Like Us, have been shortlisted for the RNA’s Goldsboro Books Historical Romantic Novel Award. Huge congratulations to Louise!

The RNA’s annual awards are the only national literary prizes that recognise excellence in the genre of romantic fiction. The winners of the awards will be presented by actor and presenter Larry Lamb in a digital event on Monday 8th March.

People Like Us is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook and will be published in paperback by Head of Zeus on 4th March. Rights have been snapped up in the US (William Morrow), the Netherlands (Xander), Romania (Nemira), Portugal (2020 Editora), Italy (Sonzogno di Marsilio), France (Bragelonne), Spain (Planeta), Hungary (Kossuth), Russia (Azbooka), Brazil (Ciranda), Czech Republic (Alpress) and Greece (Minoas). Louise’s second novel The Hidden Child will be published by Head of Zeus in September 2021.

Leipzig, 1930s Germany

Hetty Heinrich is a perfect German child. Her father is an SS officer, her brother in the Luftwaffe, herself a member of the BDM. She believes resolutely in her country, and the man who runs it.

Until Walter changes everything. Blond-haired, blue-eyed, perfect in every way Walter. The boy who saved her life. A Jew.

Anti-semitism is growing by the day, and neighbours, friends and family members are turning on one another. As Hetty falls deeper in love with a man who is against all she has been taught, she begins to fight against her country, her family and herself. Hetty will have to risk everything to save Walter, even if it means sacrificing herself…

Louise Fein holds an MA in Creative Writing from St Mary’s University. Prior to studying for her master’s, she ran a commodity consultancy business following a career in banking and law. She lives in Surrey with her family. Her debut novel, People Like Us, was inspired by her family history, and by the alarming parallels she sees between the early 30s and today. A theme that is present throughout her books.