Grounds for Commercialism

If it sells coffee, maybe it will sell books. That seems to be the idea behind “Love Over Gold,” a novel based on a TV commercial for instant coffee.

The book by Susan Moody (pen name Susannah James) takes up the story of the cool, elegant woman and the cheerful hunk who like their coffee quick and hot, their romance coy and simmering.

In Britain, where the product is called Nescafe Gold Blend, the flirtation is now in its fifth smash-hit year. In the United States, the couple’s coffee is called Taster’s Choice.

The story seems to rank just below Charles and Diana in public interest. When the hunk said “I love you” in a commercial shown in December, the news made Page One of the Sun, Britain’s biggest-selling tabloid.

“The untold story of TV’s greatest romance,” as the book cover says, retails for $5.75, and Corgi Books printed 150,000 to start.

Nestle and its advertising agency, McCann-Erickson, as owners of the characters, are eager to discuss film rights. The book also includes an order blank for a video of all the commercials.