Picture a Maine-born storyteller who swapped snowy mountains for the cozy charm of England, crafting novels that tug at heartstrings worldwide—meet Julie Cohen! With over 750,000 copies sold in 15 languages, her emotionally rich stories, like the beloved Dear Thing, blend heartbreak and hope, earning her a spot in readers’ hearts and the Richard and Judy Book Club.
Julie’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a bestselling author is as captivating as her books. Her knack for weaving complex relationships and poignant themes has made her a standout in contemporary and romantic fiction, while her mentorship nurtures the next generation of writers.
The Making of Julie Cohen
Born in the rugged beauty of western Maine, Julie Cohen grew up with her nose in books, trekking to the local library to fuel her imagination. She studied English Literature at Brown University, Cambridge, and the University of Reading, falling in love with England’s literary landscape. Initially a secondary school English teacher, Julie began writing romance novels in her spare time, inspired by the human connections she observed. After countless rejections, her persistence paid off with a Harlequin Mills & Boon contract, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Julie Cohen’s Unforgettable Stories
Julie’s novels are a masterclass in emotional storytelling, blending romance, heartbreak, and intricate family dynamics. Dear Thing, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, explores surrogacy and sacrifice with tender insight, earning rave reviews for its heart-wrenching narrative. Together, translated into 11 languages, is a bold, backward-spanning love story praised for its emotional punch and clever plotting. The Two Lives of Louis & Louise, longlisted for the Polari Prize, imagines one life lived as two genders, tackling identity and fate with nuance. Writing as Julie Mae Cohen, her thriller Bad Men showcases her versatility, diving into darker, feminist-driven narratives.
Her style is warm yet unflinching, diving into themes like love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Whether crafting historical fiction like Spirited or contemporary dramas, Julie’s stories resonate with readers who crave authentic, thought-provoking relationships. Her settings, from Maine’s wilds to England’s quaint towns, ground her tales in vivid detail.
Why Julie Cohen Matters
Julie Cohen’s impact stretches beyond her million-copy sales. As a Vice President of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and founder of its Rainbow Chapter for LGBTQ+ writers, she champions diversity in romance fiction, earning the 2020 RNA Inclusion Award. Her workshops at Curtis Brown Creative and her online school, Novel Gazing, have shaped aspiring authors, many achieving bestseller status. By amplifying marginalized voices and exploring complex human experiences, Julie has redefined modern romance, making it inclusive and relatable.
Her stories offer escapism and empathy, reminding readers that love—messy, transformative, universal—is worth celebrating. From book clubs to global translations, Julie’s work fosters connection, proving fiction’s power to unite.
About Julie Cohen
- Birthplace: Western Maine, USA
- Key Works: Dear Thing, Together, The Two Lives of Louis & Louise, Bad Men
- Awards: 2020 Romantic Novelists’ Association Inclusion Award
- Fun Fact: She’s teased daily about her American accent in England!
Ready to fall in love with Julie Cohen’s heartfelt tales? Grab Dear Thing or Together and dive into her world of romance and redemption!