East Peoria grad has a new romance novel, soon to become a Hallmark movie

The newest book from author and East Peoria graduate Bryn Donovan is a "fun, feel-good escape" and next year is expected to appear on your television screen.

"Her Knight at the Museum" is a magical romantic comedy novel set to release in paperback, audiobook and e-book Nov. 12, 2024, from Berkley, Penguin Random House. The book is also available for pre-order at all bookstores and is currently in development for a Hallmark movie that is tentatively scheduled for release in 2025.

Donavan , also a graduate of Knox College, submitted her manuscript during an open submission period that allowed authors to submit novels without an agent. Her book was one of four novels chosen for publication from more than 5,000 submissions. Berkley offered Donavan a two-book contract, and she is currently working on a sequel to “Her Knight at the Museum."

What is 'Her Knight at the Museum' about?

The book begins in the Middle Ages, when a knight Sir Griffin de Beauford defeats his best friend in a tournament. Furious at the defeat, the friend becomes a bitter enemy, studies sorcery, and turns Griffin to stone. He somehow ends up in the Art Institute of Chicago, where art conservator Emily Porter breaks the curse and brings him back to life ... only to become a prime suspect in the subsequent investigation of a missing sculpture.

"I love the Art Institute of Chicago, and one day when I was there, I imagined one of the life-sized sculptures being able to see, hear and think," Donavan said. "I've also loved King Arthur stories since I was a child."

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Donavan said writing about her main character's comic sense of wonder at the modern world heightened her optimism and appreciation for everyday life. She hopes "Her Knight at the Museum," and the sequel will provide the same experience for readers.

"I think all of us get down sometimes because of the news or personal issues," she said, "and I want these books to be a fun, feel-good escape."

Donovan is also the author of several other romance novels, including " Sunrise Cabin ," a bestseller with Publishers Weekly . She’s also written books about the craft of writing and the story treatments for two Hallmark Channel, according to her online bio. Her work has appeared also has appeared in McSweeney’s , Writer’s Digest and other literary journals.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: East Peoria grad has a new romance novel, soon to become a Hallmark movie