We are very sad to share the news that Annie Ashurst, our much-loved author who wrote as Sara Craven, passed away this morning. Annie’s work with Mills & Boon spanned over 40 years. Her first Mills & Boon novel was GARDEN OF DREAMS, published in 1975, whilst her 93rd title, THE INNOCENT’S ONE-NIGHT CONFESSION, will be published in May 2018 in our Modern Romance series.

One of our longest-serving authors, Annie also balanced her impressive writing career with winning the 1997 series of BBC’s Mastermind, and standing as Chairman of the Romance Novelists’ Association from 2011-2013.

Her editor Flo Nicoll, Senior Editor of Mills & Boon Modern, says: ‘We are heartbroken to have lost such an iconic author, and such a life-enhancing, incomparable woman. Annie’s kindness, zest for life and wonderful sense of humour were legendary. I feel truly honoured to have had the privilege of working with her.’

By The Mills & Boon team