“Eleanor and Park ”Author Rainbow Rowell Is Back With Her ‘Most Ambitious’ Novel To Date — See the Cover! (Exclusive)

Rainbow Rowell Sets to Publish Highly Anticipated Novel, ‘Cherry Baby’

Renowned author Rainbow Rowell is gearing up to release her most ambitious novel to date, titled ‘Cherry Baby’. The exclusive cover reveal by PEOPLE has fans buzzing with excitement for the upcoming release. Rowell, known for her bestsellers like Eleanor and Park and Fangirl, is diving into the realm of adult fiction with this new second-chance romance, scheduled to hit bookshelves in the spring of 2026.

The storyline of ‘Cherry Baby’ follows the protagonist Cherry, who is married to Tom, the brains behind a popular webcomic called Thursday. The webcomic’s success propels Tom to Hollywood to adapt it into a movie, leaving Cherry grappling with her own identity as a character based on her is brought to life in the form of Baby within the storyline.

As the movie adaptation gains traction, Cherry finds herself on a personal journey of self-discovery and reevaluation. The narrative unfolds as Cherry encounters Russ Sutton, a blast from her past, leading her to re-examine her choices and the life she has built for herself thus far. Rowell presents a compelling second-chance romance intertwined with themes of introspection, love, and personal growth.

HarperCollins, the publisher of ‘Cherry Baby’, describes the novel as Rowell’s “richest, most ambitious – sexiest – novel yet”. With a track record of captivating readers of all ages, Rainbow Rowell’s foray into adult fiction promises to be a deeply poignant and evocative tale that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Rainbow Rowell shares her personal connection to ‘Cherry Baby’, expressing, “I write books that I want to read, and I loved reading Cherry Baby. I feel like it’s my most honest book.” Rowell delves into themes of professional success, personal struggles, love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, making ‘Cherry Baby’ a heartfelt exploration of the human experience.

‘Cherry Baby’ is set for release on April 14, 2026, with preorders now available at leading bookstores. Fans of Rowell’s distinctive storytelling style and poignant narratives are eagerly awaiting this upcoming novel, poised to be a standout addition to her literary repertoire.

As Rainbow Rowell prepares to unveil ‘Cherry Baby’, the anticipation continues to build among readers and fans alike. Stay tuned for the release of this much-awaited novel that is poised to captivate audiences with its emotive storytelling and rich character development.