Eriu, the Dublin-based imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired Finding Joy: Capturing the beauty of ordinary life in 28 days, the first book from Dearbhla Mescal.
Publishing Director Deirdre Nolan acquired World English rights from Sheila Crowley at Curtis Brown. Finding Joy will be illustrated throughout by illustrator and printmaker Steve Doogan and will be published February 2026.
A poetry lover, a curator of joy and a wise woman with a deep sense of compassion, Dearbhla Mescal has inspired thousands online to slow down, savour the small moments and rediscover the beauty in everyday life. Now, in her first book, Finding Joy, Dearbhla invites readers to join her on a journey of reflection and renewal through a tender and uplifting collection of her poems and heartfelt musings. With words that soothe and encourage, Dearbhla reminds us that joy isn’t found in grand gestures, it’s woven into the quiet, ordinary moments we often overlook.
Dearbhla is a retired police officer, a mum of three grown-up children, and having lived through cancer and the ups and downs of life, is now finally finding the time to follow her own dreams and enjoy her second act of life.
Dearbhla Mescal said: ‘I wrote a book! A little one. It’s about how I find and cultivate joy in the chaos of a life being fully lived. I hope it gives you time to ponder the extraordinary joys to be found in the everyday ordinariness of it all.’
Deirdre Nolan said: ‘Dearbhla Mescal has been inspiring her social media followers for years with the practice of finding little joys every day, and I am honoured to bring her magical solace to a wider readership.’
Sheila Crowley said: ‘I am inspired by Dearbhla’s words of wisdom and joy. She has been capturing these thoughts since her children were at school, and it is exciting that they will reach a wider audience through this special book.’
Finding Joy will be published in Hardback and eBook 19th February 2026.
