Woodbridge Writer Publishes Romance Novel With Harlequin

If you're looking for a literary escape to begin the new year, Woodbridge resident and first-time author Katie Oliver has a newly published book for you.

Oliver's first novel — the London-based contemporary romance Prada and Prejudice — was published Jan. 2 in both the United States and United Kingdom by Carina UK, a division of Harlequin and digital-first publisher. The book is the first of a trilogy, with the next two installments, all based loosely on Jane Austen novels, to follow in February and March.

Here's what @UKCarina tweeted about the new book: "Our first title of 2014 is released today! 'Prada and Prejudice' is a fun, light hearted read. The perfect story to kick off the new year!"

Oliver, a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, is a technical writer by trade. She currently works with Engility Corp. as a contractor in support of a US Marine Corp contract. 

According to Holloway Literary, the Fredericksburg agency that represents Oliver, her "fast paced and frothy" style "completely transports you to London where gorgeous people screw up and figure out life and love in comic fashion. In a tone similar to Sophie Kinsella but altogether her own, Katie Oliver will write her way into your heart with her characters and her stories."

In an interview with PoseManikin blog, Oliver discussed her favorite books and movies, and how she creates her books.

"I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was eight," she said. "I loved books, loved reading and going to the library, and decided I wanted to make up stories of my own. So I did. My early efforts were horrible – my first novella was about a sea captain, a ghost, and a possessed child – but I had fun, my friends seemed to enjoy reading them, and, most importantly, I improved a little with each story I wrote."