One Last Chance, a sweeping high-concept love story by Swiss debut novelist Sarah Jost, has been acquired by Piatkus in the UK & Commonwealth and Sourcebooks imprint Landmark in the US.
Commissioning Editor Hannah Wann acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from agent Olivia Maidment. North American rights were snapped up in a lightning fast, two book pre-empt by Associate Editor MJ Johnston at Sourcebooks, and French rights were also scooped in a pre-empt by Bragelonne.
One Last Chance follows Lou, a woman stuck on the wrong path, who suddenly finds herself slipping back in time to the same night two years in the past when she first meets a friend of a friend who might be destined to change everything, if only she’s brave enough to let him. As Lou finds herself stuck in a loop, living out different versions of her life, she must decide which path is the right one for her. Set dually in the UK and Jost’s native Switzerland, One Last Chance explores how fear and anxiety can keep us rewriting our own lives, told through the eyes of a quirky, bilingual narrator. For fans of In Five Years and One Day.
Johnston said: ‘As soon as this story hit my inbox I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. Totally authentic and uplifting—One Last Chance is one of those novels that unpacks how complicated and beautiful the human experience is through a blend of poignant prose, vibrant characters, and a speculative slant that adds intrigue to the every day. So thrilled to bring Sarah’s story to readers!’
Wann said: ‘I am so thrilled to be publishing One Last Chance, which is not just a moving love story but an uplifting novel about belonging, regret and what it means to be happy. I know readers will be swept up in the emotional, life-affirming journey Lou goes on and fall in love with the stunning cast of characters Sarah has created.’
Jost said: ‘I can’t wait for readers to explore Louise’s various chances and get to know the cast of characters in her life, and I hope the story will spark discussions on the themes of mental health, connection and belonging (as well as otters and cheese!). Those themes are all incredibly close to my heart and, I feel, relevant to so many of us right now as the pandemic spurred us to re-evaluate our own lives. I’m so privileged to be working with MJ, Hannah, and Olivia, my wonderful agent, and I’m excited for the next steps.’
Maidment said: ‘Sarah has an exceptional new voice that is smart, funny, and endlessly moving, and I am so excited that readers will get to discover it through One Last Chance. Piatkus and Sourcebooks are the perfect homes for this very special book and it’s loveable protagonist who I’ve not been able to forget for even a moment since first opening the manuscript.’
