A NORTH Yorkshire author who has sold more than 200,000 books has signed a new 12-book deal.

Jessica Redland, a former HR tutor, has released eight books, with Boldwood Books, which have been read across the world.

Jessica writes stories of love and friendship, with her most recent release, Starry Skies Over the Chocolate Pot Café, ranking in the top three internationally.

“My first year as a published author with Boldwood has been incredible,” said Jessica.

“I’ve achieved the levels of sales and chart positions that I was sure would only ever remain writing dreams and, on the back of that, have been able to leave my day job in HR to write full-time.”

Jessica lives with her husband Mark, 13-year-old daughter Ashleigh and their sprocker spaniel Ella, in Scarborough, and she takes inspiration from North Yorkshire locations.

The second publishing contract will see new stories from the fictional Whitsborough Bay, modelled on her hometown with inspiration from Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, and the Hedgehog Hollow series, which is set in the Yorkshire Wolds.

“It has been a delight to work with Boldwood who have delivered everything they promised and so much more,” added Jessica.

“I couldn’t be happier to be keeping Boldwood as my writing home for at least my next twelve books and am excited to see where the future takes us.”