On the heels of last summer's favorite sleeper Wild Designs (starred and rave reviews, three printings), St. Martin's is proud to be publishing Katie Fforde's new novel, sure to be her biggest and most loved yet.

Stately Pursuits is the funny, endearing story of a young woman who, after finding her lover in bed with another woman, retreats to the crumbling Victorian estate of an aging relative. Hettie Longden fixes up the old house -- and her love life -- but not before facing a horde of gossipy locals, a male neighbor who's a definite SNAG (Sensitive New Age Guy), the impending threat of foreclosure, and enough dirt, dust, and old chintz to send Martha Stewart packing.

Readers who love contemporary fiction that is as smart and funny as it is warm and romantic are soon to be devoted fans of Katie Fforde.