Picture a British storyteller weaving tales of suspense, romance, and the supernatural from the misty cliffs of Cornwall—meet Jane Holland! A bestselling novelist and poet, Holland has captivated readers with her genre-blending works, from chilling thrillers to heartfelt romances. As the daughter of romance legend Charlotte Lamb, she inherited a knack for storytelling that’s uniquely her own, spiced with astrology and unforgettable characters.
Born in London and raised in Essex and the Isle of Man, Holland’s nomadic spirit and eclectic career—from semi-professional snooker player to award-winning poet—shape her vibrant narratives. With over 30 novels and six poetry collections, her stories resonate across the globe in multiple languages. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this literary chameleon!
The Making of Jane Holland
Jane Holland was born on November 17, 1966, in Ilford, London, to romance novelist Charlotte Lamb and journalist Richard Holland. Growing up surrounded by books, she read her mother’s romance proofs at age nine, sparking a lifelong love for storytelling. Her childhood on the Isle of Man and later return to the British mainland fueled her wanderlust, which seeps into her settings. After briefly studying at Oxford, Holland left to pursue writing, starting with poetry that earned her the prestigious Eric Gregory Award in 1996.
Before fully embracing fiction, Holland was a surprising figure in the snooker world, ranking 24th globally in women’s professional snooker until a lifetime ban for ‘bringing the game into disrepute.’ This bold, rebellious streak carried into her writing, where she fearlessly blends genres and pseudonyms, including Victoria Lamb, Elizabeth Moss, and Beth Good.
Jane Holland’s Unforgettable Stories
Holland’s bibliography is a treasure trove of diverse genres, showcasing her versatility. Her psychological thriller Girl Number One stormed the UK Kindle charts, hitting #1 twice with its gripping tale of a woman haunted by a childhood trauma. The Stella Penhaligon series, starting with Under An Evil Star, blends historical mystery and astrology, following an astrologer-detective solving crimes in Cornwall’s eerie landscapes.
As Victoria Lamb, she crafts historical fiction like Witchstruck, a YA novel that won the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Young Adult Romantic Novel Award in 2013. Under Beth Good, her contemporary romcoms, such as The Oddest Little Chocolate Shop, offer lighthearted charm. Holland’s writing style—rich with suspense, vivid settings, and complex characters—draws readers into worlds where the ordinary meets the uncanny.
Her debut novel, Kissing the Pink, reflects her snooker days, weaving a gritty coming-of-age tale. Whether writing horror, romance, or historical mystery, Holland’s stories pulse with emotional depth and a touch of the mystical, often exploring themes of identity, resilience, and fate.
Why Jane Holland Matters
Jane Holland’s impact lies in her ability to transcend genre boundaries, appealing to fans of thrillers, romances, and historical fiction alike. Her works, translated into numerous languages, have sold over 220,000 downloads, proving her global reach. By writing under multiple pseudonyms, she’s carved a niche as a literary shapeshifter, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace versatility.
Her connection to Charlotte Lamb adds a layer of legacy, yet Holland stands out with her bold, genre-defying voice. Living in rural Cornwall with her family, she continues to write prolifically, mentor new writers, and engage with readers on social media, fostering a vibrant community around her work.
About Jane Holland
- Born: November 17, 1966, Ilford, London
- Key Works: Girl Number One, Under An Evil Star, Witchstruck, Kissing the Pink
- Awards: Eric Gregory Award (1996), Romantic Novelists’ Association Young Adult Romantic Novel Award (2013)
- Pseudonyms: Victoria Lamb, Elizabeth Moss, Beth Good, Betty Walker, Hannah Coates, JJ Holland
Snag Girl Number One or dive into the Stella Penhaligon series to experience Jane Holland’s thrilling blend of suspense and heart. Her stories are waiting to sweep you away!