We're thrilled to announce the name of Beth O'Leary's next novel, The Name Game, to be published by Quercus. Quercus signed two further standalone novels, including The Name Game, from Sunday Times bestselling author Beth O'Leary, Publisher Cassie Brown and editorial director Emma Capron, before her departure, bought UK and Commonwealth rights.
The Name Game will be published spring 2026 and tells the story of Charlie Jones who's found her dream fresh start on a remote island of Ormer as the manager at Ormer's only farm shop. Except Charlie Jones has also just arrived on the island of Ormer for to embark on his new start as the manager of Ormer's only farm shop.
Has Charlie Jones found her dream fresh start? Or... has Charlie Jones found his?
Browne said: "In The Name Game, Beth has outdone herself yet again with a novel that opens with such a smart and clever concept and which gives way to one of the funniest, deepest and heart-achingly brilliant romances I have read this year. It is a huge honour and a privilege for all of us at Quercus to be publishing our seventh Beth O’Leary novel in 2026 and we cannot wait to start sharing Charlie ... and Charlie’s story!"
O’Leary said: "I'm honoured and excited to be publishing another two novels with the incredible team at Quercus. Whether I'm throwing one-night-standers into a houseboat at sea or introducing two heartbroken strangers with the exact same name, Cassie and the team always have such faith in me, and I'm immensely grateful for their trust, their passion, and their strategic, innovative approach to publishing my novels. I know The Name Game and Book 8 are in the very best hands."
Simons said: "It has been a privilege working with Quercus over the last seven years on Beth’s publishing and I’m delighted that this will continue with Beth’s next two novels. Beth’s brand has gone from strength to strength and I know that The Name Game will prove to be another instant success story and a huge hit with her readers."
Beth's ninth novel will be published in 2027.
