An Exclusive Look at Katherine Center’s New Novel ‘The Shippers’
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Katherine Center, known for her bestselling novels such as ‘The Bodyguard’ and ‘The Love Haters,’ is gearing up for the release of her latest rom-com, ‘The Shippers.’ This new novel, set to hit bookshelves in spring 2026, promises to be a delightful friends-to-lovers romance that unfolds on a cruise ship.
According to Centre, writing ‘The Shippers’ has been an immensely enjoyable experience. She shared, “I’ve never had this much fun writing a book. Maybe it’s because this story has been in my head for years, waiting for its turn to be written. Or maybe it’s because it was my first time ever to write a childhood-friends-to-lovers arc in a story.”
The storyline of ‘The Shippers’ revolves around Jojo, who finds herself embarking on a romantic journey as she attends her sister’s wedding on a cruise ship. With elements like childhood-friends-to-lovers, fake flirting, big families, and mysterious first kisses, the novel promises to be a captivating read that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Center’s excitement about the book is palpable as she expresses, “Every minute of writing this story felt like the most blissful, anticipation-filled, rom-commy escape. I can’t wait to share it with the world, and I hope readers have as much fun reading as I did writing.”
Having authored over 10 novels, including ‘The Lost Husband’ and ‘Happiness for Beginners,’ which were both adapted into films, Katherine Center is no stranger to spinning engaging tales. However, ‘The Shippers’ holds a special place in her heart, with the characters Jojo and Cooper coming to life with an irresistible chemistry that enchanted the author throughout the writing process.
The novel, scheduled to be released on May 19, 2026, by St. Martin’s Press, is already available for pre-order. As readers gear up to set sail on this romantic adventure with Jojo and Cooper, the anticipation for ‘The Shippers’ is steadily building among fans of Katherine Center’s work.
In a world where escapism through literature has become even more crucial, ‘The Shippers’ promises to offer a much-needed dose of romance and adventure to readers looking for a delightful and heartwarming story.
With Katherine Center’s signature blend of humour, romance, and relatable characters, ‘The Shippers’ is set to be a must-read for fans of the rom-com genre. So mark your calendars for the release date and prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world crafted by this talented storyteller.