Celia J Anderson

Celia J Anderson was a teacher and assistant head in her previous life but is now delighted to be writing full time. She won a competition with Piatkus for a contract for her first novel, Sweet Proposal, and has been published three times since.

Celia lives in land-locked Derbyshire with her husband and one arrogant cat but has two daughters in Brighton so spends as much time by the sea as possible. Her finest hour was getting a job as a cycling proficiency tutor without letting slip she couldn’t ride a bike. They didn’t ask.

An enthusiastic member of the Romantic Novelists Association, Celia organises the judging for the Romantic Novel of the Year awards (RoNAs), spends far too much time on Facebook and blogs with popular writing group The Romaniacs at theromaniacgroup.wordpress.com. 

Current publication: 

LIFE BEGINS AT 50! - Boldwood - 18th July 2024

Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true. Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.

Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.

But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .

As she turns 50, will Kate be brave enough to find happiness, and grab hold of it with both hands?

Praise:

‘A wonderful take on new beginnings – heart-warming and poignant with characters you’ll love.’ - Fiona Gibson

‘Celia’s stories are always a delightful read.’ - Bella Osborne

‘Funny, sad, relatable and superbly crafted, this is a real hug in a book.’ - Judy Leigh

‘I always love stories about fresh starts and second chances, especially when the characters are past the first flush, but there are those times when an author just gets everything absolutely right – and with Celia’s perfect emotional touch and excellent story-telling, this book was one that totally engaged me from beginning to end. I honestly couldn’t recommend it more.’ - Anne Williams, ‘Being Anne’

'Celia Anderson's characters leap from the page in her beautifully observed stories.’ - Sunday Times-bestselling author Sue Moorcroft 

Previous publications:

COMING HOME TO MISTLETOE COTTAGE - HarperCollins - 27th October 2022

Amid the salt marshes and rolling fields of Periwinkle Bay, Magda Conway is enjoying her retirement in ivy-clad Mistletoe Cottage. Yet with three weeks to go until Christmas, as the fairy lights twinkle and the trees go up around the village, her peace is disrupted when she’s left in sole charge of her two mischievous grandchildren.

Before long, she’s at her wit’s end – but high on a kitchen shelf lies her mother’s handwritten recipe book. And as she turns to it for advice, she finds more than just recipes between its tattered covers: there’s a pinch of magic too, and maybe even a sprinkling of love. . .

Print:

‘A wonderfully written story of family, friends and food. Christmas has come early with this cosy, heartwarming read – a real treat!’  Samantha Tonge

‘A charming, heart-warming story’ - The People's Friend

 “Celia has a way of writing uplifting books with a magical quality […] This is an enchanting read – and we loved it.” - Woman’s Weekly

‘Full of intrigue and fabulously quirky characters, this took me on a trip I’ll remember for a long time’ Bella Osborne, bestselling author of The Promise of Summer

‘An utterly delightful tale of second chances and finding friendship in unexpected places. A journey of self-discovery for an eclectic group of friends that is certain to make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Five glorious stars’ Jenni Keer, author of The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker

‘Made me long for freedom and a road trip! Reading this was a painless way to have both’ Julia Wild, author of The Secret Notebook

‘Celia has created a wonderful cast of characters […] This unlikely bunch captured my heart and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling’ Alison Knight, author of The Legacy

‘Celia’s novels are an absolute joy. This was like the best of health remedies […] finishing with that lovely glow that lingers after the story finishes’ Christine Stovell

‘Another story from Celia Anderson featuring a delightful cast […] and that quirky, believable touch of magic’ Anne Graham

Praise for THE COTTAGE OF CURIOSITIES - Harper Collins -  2020

A USA Bestseller & UK Kindle bestseller 

‘Wonderful characters make this a great read’ - Good Housekeeping

‘One of the most charming books I’ve ever read’ - bestselling author Cathy Mansell

‘Enchanting and intriguing’ - bestselling author Heidi Swain

Celia's latest story tells of Grace, her life, her special gifts and the Cottage itself that holds so much charm within its old walls.  Characters full of personality cast in the first book set in Pengelly dip in and out of the book's rich texture; yet this book could be enjoyed equally as a stand-alone delicious treat. Warm and satisfying with enough unexpected twists to delight a reader's palate. - Julie Vince

I very much enjoyed it. I thought it was a wonderful follow up to 59 Memory Lane with a great mixture of new storylines, continuing storylines, and tying up all the loose ends. - Lucy Felthouse

The Cottage of Curiosities really is a truly heart-warming story and did wonders for my rather gloomy mood... it was immensely soothing to lose myself in Celia's lovely world and watch the story unfold, rather like spending a relaxed, enjoyable evening with a dear friend' - Chris Stovell

'Warm and delightful. This welcome return to Pengelly and its wonderful characters felt like catching up with old friends.' - Annie Lyons

Praise for 59, MEMORY LANE - Harper Collins - 2019 

'A brilliantly original and enchanting tale' - The Sun

'Wonderful characters make this a great read' - Good Housekeeping

'Truly unique... unforgettable' - Women's Weekly