Picture a British storyteller who weaves romance and history into unforgettable tales—meet Iona Grey! With her debut novel, Letters to the Lost, Grey captured hearts worldwide, blending sweeping love stories with the rich backdrop of the 20th century. From her cozy home in rural Cheshire, she crafts narratives that dance across decades, filled with family secrets, old houses, and love that endures.
Grey’s stories aren’t just books; they’re time machines, pulling readers into the lives of women navigating love and loss in turbulent times. Her lyrical prose and knack for heartfelt characters have made her a beloved voice in historical romance, and she’s just getting started.
The Making of Iona Grey
Born with a love for stories, Iona Grey grew up devouring books that shaped her romantic and historical sensibilities. She studied English Literature and Language at Manchester University, where her fascination with 20th-century women’s lives took root. It was also where she met her husband on the last night of university—a love story she credits with fueling her belief in happy endings. After diving into marriage and raising three daughters, Grey juggled part-time jobs until a chance meeting with novelist Penny Jordan reignited her teenage dream of writing romantic fiction.
Settled in the tranquil North West of England with her husband and two cats, Grey’s life is as grounded as her stories are soaring. Her deep connection to history and personal experiences, like family stories from World War II, infuse her work with authenticity and heart.
Iona Grey’s Unforgettable Stories
Grey’s debut, Letters to the Lost (2015), is a heart-wrenching tale of love and war. Set in 1940s London, it follows Stella, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, and Dan, a US bomber pilot with slim odds of survival. Their letters bridge decades, weaving a modern-day story of redemption. The novel won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2016 and has been published in 16 countries, earning praise for its evocative prose and emotional depth.
In 2019, Grey released The Glittering Hour, a dazzling exploration of the 1920s and 1930s. It follows Selina Lennox, a Bright Young Thing chasing parties and freedom, and Lawrence Weston, a penniless painter who steals her heart. Spanning a seismic shift in British history, the novel captures passion and tragedy with Grey’s signature warmth. Her third novel, The Housekeeper’s Secret, hit shelves in the US in August 2024, promising more of her intricate, time-spanning storytelling.
Grey’s style is a blend of lush historical detail and raw emotion, often exploring women’s struggles and resilience. Her dual-timeline narratives seamlessly intertwine past and present, making readers feel the weight of history while rooting for love to triumph. Fans of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley will find a kindred spirit in Grey’s ability to craft immersive, tear-jerking sagas.
Why Iona Grey Matters
Iona Grey’s work resonates because it honors the unsung stories of women, from wartime brides to Jazz Age rebels. Her novels highlight the societal constraints they faced—whether legal barriers in the 1940s or class divides in the 1920s—while celebrating their strength and hope. By weaving personal and historical narratives, Grey connects readers to the past, reminding us how love and courage endure across generations.
Her global reach, with translations in multiple languages, speaks to the universal appeal of her stories. Grey’s ability to make history feel alive and intimate has earned her a loyal following, and her ongoing projects promise to keep her star rising in the historical romance genre.
- Education: Degree in English Literature and Language, Manchester University
- Key Works: Letters to the Lost (2015), The Glittering Hour (2019), The Housekeeper’s Secret (2024)
- Awards: Romantic Novel of the Year 2016 for Letters to the Lost
- Home: Rural Cheshire, England
Snag Letters to the Lost and dive into Iona Grey’s enchanting world of romance and history—you won’t want to leave!