Julianne Hough to Publish Thrilling Debut Novel: ‘A Very Personal Story’ (Exclusive)

Julianne Hough is stepping into the publishing world.

The Emmy winner, 35, has shared, exclusively with PEOPLE, that she will be publishing her debut novel, Everything We Never Knew, written with author Ellen Goodlett.

"This book has been four years in the making and I can’t wait to finally share it with the world,” Hough tells PEOPLE of the novel, which will come out this summer from Sourcebooks.

Everything We Never Knew is a speculative novel full of twists and turns. A woman named Lexi realizes that she is able to feel other people’s emotions — and see into their personal memories — when she accepts an award for being her realty firm’s top seller, and experiences the traumatic accident of an audience member’s family.

Lexi’s new power allows her to help people, but at a cost – she must confront her past, which she has tried hard to surpress. Her choices catch up to her, however, when she gets a vision that her husband is in danger. Lexi must choose between confronting her ghosts or saving the person she loves most, per the book’s official description.

The novel is a “gripping story of one woman embracing her power, no matter what the world thinks," per a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Hough has had a busy few years aside, from her writing endeavors. In 2023, the actress was named a new co-host of Dancing with the Stars, alongside Alfonso Ribiero. Hough began her tenure as a ballroom host for the show’s 32nd season, where she had previously competed as a dancer from 2007 to 2009, and served as a judge throughout 2014 to 2021, over six seasons. Hough also made her Broadway debut in 2022 in the play POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.

"My entire life, I have always been inspired by the unmatched talent that graces the Broadway stage," Hough told PEOPLE at the time. "Being part of a production like this speaks to the artistry, dedication and grit that it takes to become that level of entertainer."

While publishing represents a new medium for Hough, she tells PEOPLE that the book carries important themes, which may resonate with readers.

“It’s a very personal story about change, having the courage to leap into the unknown and the power that all of us can tap into once we know how to look for it,” she says.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Everything We Never Knew will hit bookstores on Aug. 13 and is now available for preorder.