Journalist and author Hannah Doyle spends her days writing and running around after her twin sons in Sheffield, where she lives with her husband. Writing deliciously relatable books about love and friendship, she anticipates the release of her new romcom ‘The Spa Break’ this month. We caught up with Hannah to get a peak behind the scenes of the new book. 

Tell me a bit about your background! How did you get into writing? 
I’ve always loved books, so I studied English Literature at university before training as a journalist. My career took me to Bristol and then London, where I was working as Deputy Celebrity Editor for one of the weekly magazines when my husband was offered a job here in Sheffield. After five years in the capital, we were definitely ready for a change of scene! Going freelance initially meant saying yes to every job that came my way, but as the dust settled I started to carve out some time for writing that novel I’d always wanted to write, too. Once I had my manuscript ready, I was really lucky to get agent representation and a publishing deal. My first book, The Year of Saying Yes, came out in 2017.

What inspired you to write The Spa Break?
My friends and I are spread out across the country and I am never not mad about that. With careers, kids and general life to crack on with, it can be hard to find time together and I miss them so much! A while ago, one friend and I realised we were both free for the same weekend and so booked a spa for the night. It was such a treat, and it gave me the idea for this book, which is all about three best friends reconnecting on holiday together. I gave my characters a whole week together… maybe one day my friends and I will get to do the same!

You have written books before, how does The Spa Break compare to those?
Well, I do love a romcom, so you will definitely find humour, fun and romance in all of my books. With The Spa Break, I got to really focus on another of my favourite topics, which is the power of female friendships, and the book is packed with the best mates having fun together. I also ventured into astrology with this one, which is something I haven’t written before. All three friends are 29 and approaching their Saturn Return – that’s the period where Saturn is in the same part of the sky as it was when you were born – and some consider this to bring about a big period of change. One of the friends really believes in this, and the others are sceptical, so I really enjoyed writing about it from both sides of the coin.

Who do you think the main demographic of readers is?
If you’re a fan of romcoms, love stories or uplifting fiction, then this is definitely for you. There’s no age limit!

Tell me about the story- what sort of journey is the reader taken on?
The story focuses on Jess, whose life is in a major pickle. We’re talking terrible job and hideous ex-boyfriend. But what she does have is a luxury spa break with her two best friends to look forward to. Jess can’t wait to escape from the madness for a week of bliss. While she’s there, she falls head over heels for a thoroughly off-limits love interest which leaves Jess asking a whole lot of questions of herself. Should she follow her heart or go back to her old life? Can she take a leap of faith to follow her dreams? Is Saturn Return really a thing?! One thing’s for sure, she’s going to have a lot of fun on the journey.

What reaction/ impact do you hope to make on the reader?
My main goal with everything I write is to spread joy. I hope people pick up my books and find themselves laughing, smiling or simply just taking a moment to escape. I’d say my books work really well if you want to switch off after a hectic day or if you want something super fun to read over the summer. I also hope that my books offer not just a break but maybe a way to look at things differently. Often, my main characters have to jump through some massive hurdles to transform their lives, and one of the loveliest things about being an author is when readers get in touch to say that they’ve been inspired to follow their dreams, or get out of their comfort zones, after reading one of my books. That’s the nicest feeling!

Why should people read The Spa Break?
It’s fresh, fun and perfect for the summer months.  

How, if at all, has writing this book impacted you yourself?
It’s made me want to work even harder so I can go on more holidays with my friends for a start! But seriously, I find that sometimes people can be dismissive of romcoms. They’re often seen as light and fluffy, which could not be further from the truth. In fact, some of the best books I’ve read are romcoms at heart, but they deal with some of life’s most challenging issues along the way. In The Spa Break, one of my characters has had some huge demons to battle and the research I did for those scenes was incredibly eye-opening. With every new book I write, I learn something new. 

What would you say to other Sheffield writers hoping to publish their own book?
The hardest part is starting to write. Once you’ve begun, there’s no stopping you. And what’s great is that the publishing industry isn’t as London-centric as it used to be. There are publishers and agents based here, not to mention writing awards which focus on northern talent. My best advice is to do your research, find the authors you like and make a list of the agents who represent them. Then, when your manuscript is ready, you’ll know who to contact.

Do you have any other future plans you’d like to share? Any promo, events, etc?
I’ll be at the Meet Cute book festival on 28 June and am hoping to have an author event at Ecclesall Library in September. Right now I’m writing my sixth book, which I’m extremely excited about, and that should be coming out in May 2026.