Welcome to Helen Watts’ official website
Here you can find out all you need to know about Helen’s books, including the women’s romance fiction novel, The Second Chance Bookshop, and her award-winning novel for young adults, One Day In Oradour. You can also stay up to date with Helen’s events and appearances, browse the Photo gallery, read her Blog, and find out how to get in touch with Helen who is always happy to answer questions, hear your thoughts on her books, and help with any workshop and event bookings.
Books for adults
In early 2026, Helen signed a deal with Embla Books for two ‘Uplit’, feel-good fiction novels focusing on female friendship, second chances and the healing power of books. The first title in the series, The Second Chance Bookshop, was published in September 2026 and is set in the Cotswold village of Broadway. The second title in the series will follow in 2027 and will be set on the Greek island of Skiathos.
Find out more about The Second Chance Bookshop
Read the deal announcement on Embla Books’ website
Watch the deal announcement on Tiktok
Books for children and young adults
Helen’s debut novel, One Day In Oradour, was nominated for the 2014 CILIP Carnegie Medal for an outstanding book for children and young people, shortlisted for the 2014 Education Resources Awards, longlisted for the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and was the recipient of the 2014 Southern Schools Book Awards’ ‘Extraordinary Award’. Published in paperback and ebook format, the novel is also now available as an audio book, narrated by Jean Brassard (Fault In Our Stars). Order your copy now through Audible.
Helen’s second novel, No Stone Unturned, was published in September 2014 by Bloomsbury (ACB Originals) and was shortlisted for the Warwickshire Junior Book Award 2015 and the Historical Association’s Young Quills Award and was runner-up in the 2015 Alcester Schools Book Awards.
Helen has co-written two special centenary collections of stories from the First World War – The Ghost of the Trenches (for children) and the hardback collection for adults First World War Folk Tales.
Author events
Helen signed copies of her brand new novel, The Second Chance Bookshop (Embla Books) at Borzoi Bookshop in Stow-on-the-Wold on Saturday 10th October, as part of the bookshop’s celebrations for Bookshop Day 2026, and has a series of book signings planned for Autumn 2026. Keep checking back here for confirmed dates.
Would you like to book Helen for an author talk, reading, book signing or writing workshop? Helen is happy to discuss your requirements and chat through the possibilities with you. Find out how to contact Helen here
Follow Helen
Helen posts news and updates regularly on social media. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram using the links at the bottom of this page. You can also follow her on TikTok.