Hera acquires two irresistibly witty, high concept bookclub reads from Eleanor Tucker

Commissioning editor, Jennie Ayres, has secured WEL rights (excluding audio and translation rights) to Turn Back Time and Three Days by Eleanor Tucker. Rights were acquired from Emily MacDonald at 42. Turn Back Time will be published in simultaneous ebook and Paperback Original in April 2026, with Three Days to follow in February 2027.

Turn Back Time  is the smart, laugh-out-loud story of a forty-something disillusioned beauty journalist who is given the chance to try a revolutionary treatment that will make her look twenty years younger. She is delighted when it proves effective and she looks twenty-seven again, even being mistaken for one of their own by bright-eyed Gen Z.  She may look young, but at heart she is still a world-weary Gen Xer who grew up with lad culture, Marlboro Lights and Chardonnay, and fitting in with her new young friends isn’t easy. To make things worse, her old friends don’t seem happy for her either. Could it be that young is not always beautiful?

Jennie Ayres says: ‘I fell in love with this book right from the initial concept: if you could look twenty years younger, would you do it? Eleanor’s comic talent and her wry observations on generational differences and the beauty industry make this a delightful cautionary tale. Women are constantly bombarded with messages about how they should be ageing gracefully while still somehow looking as young as possible and this brilliantly sharp and witty story stunningly exposes this conflict in a completely engaging, original read.  I know it will speak to many women and cannot wait to bring it to readers next April.’

Eleanor Tucker commented: ‘I adored writing this book and getting into Erica’s head. As a former beauty journalist, it was such fun to play with all the industry tropes while telling a story about middle age, identity and self-acceptance. I’m also thrilled to be publishing my very first novel with Jennie and the brilliant team at Hera.’

Emily MacDonald added: ‘A deliciously zeitgeisty story of self-discovery and pro-ageing, Eleanor’s witty narrative hooked me from the outset, and I’m delighted that Hera will be championing her novel.”

Turn Back Time will be published in April 2026, in simultaneous ebook and Paperback Original. For more information, please contact [email protected]