Picture a British storyteller who weaves secrets of the past with heart-tugging romance—meet Lorna Cook! This bestselling novelist has enchanted readers worldwide with her dual-timeline historical fiction, blending mystery and love in novels like The Forgotten Village. From her cozy home in coastal Essex, Cook spins tales that transport you to wartime Britain and back, making her a rising star in the literary world.
With a knack for uncovering forgotten histories, Cook’s stories resonate with fans of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley. Her debut novel became a Kindle sensation, and her works have been translated into over a dozen languages. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating author!
The Making of Lorna Cook
Lorna Cook’s journey to authorship began far from the quiet cliffs of Essex. A former journalist and PR professional, she spent years crafting words for others before turning to her true passion: storytelling. Inspired by dual-timeline authors like Kate Morton, whose The House at Riverton left a lasting impression, Cook joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2017. It was here that her debut, The Forgotten Village, took shape, marking the start of her literary adventure.
Balancing family life with her husband and two daughters, Cook wrote in stolen moments, pouring her love for history and romance into her manuscripts. Her persistence paid off when she landed an agent, Becky Ritchie, and soon secured publishing deals across the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Cook’s transition from newsrooms to novels was complete, and her star was rising.
Lorna Cook’s Unforgettable Stories
Cook’s novels are a delightful blend of historical intrigue, romance, and mystery, often set against the backdrop of World War II. Her debut, The Forgotten Village (2019), tells the story of Tyneham, a Dorset village requisitioned during the war, weaving a tale of love and loss across 1943 and the present day. The novel’s success was meteoric, selling over 150,000 copies and earning the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award.
Other standout works include The Forbidden Promise (2020), set in wartime Scotland, where a young woman’s vow to protect a downed pilot unravels family secrets, and The Girl from the Island (2021), a gripping story of resistance and rediscovery in Nazi-occupied Guernsey. Her latest, The Lost Memories (2024), set in Suffolk, explores young love and hidden truths through the eyes of a 1940s barmaid and her granddaughter. Cook’s dual-timeline style, rich with vivid settings and emotional depth, keeps readers hooked from page one.
Under the pseudonym Elle Cook, she also pens contemporary romance, like The Last Train Home, proving her versatility. Her ability to craft relatable characters and unexpected twists has made her a favorite among historical fiction and romance fans alike.
Why Lorna Cook Matters
Lorna Cook’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into forgotten corners of history. Her novels don’t just entertain—they illuminate the sacrifices and resilience of ordinary people during extraordinary times. By blending meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling, she’s carved a niche in the dual-timeline genre, earning praise from peers like Gill Paul and Kate Riordan. Her work resonates with readers who crave emotional journeys and historical authenticity.
Cook’s global reach, with translations in over a dozen languages, and her awards, including the RNA Joan Hessayon Award, highlight her growing influence. As she continues to write, her stories inspire a new generation of readers to explore the past through the lens of love and courage.
- Pen Name: Writes contemporary romance as Elle Cook.
- Key Awards: Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award, RNA Joan Hessayon Award.
- Notable Works: The Forgotten Village, The Forbidden Promise, The Girl from the Island, The Lost Memories.
- Hobbies: Reading with a glass of wine, walking her dog, Socks.
Snag The Forgotten Village and dive into Lorna Cook’s enchanting world of historical romance and mystery!