‘I know, Mam, would you believe I was thinking the same myself.’ Keelin leaned over between the seats and held out her hand. Imelda took it, squeezed tightly, and all the years of turmoil and strife between them slipped quietly away. Brigid, in the shelter of the Four Winds, caught one last glimpse of them as they crested the hill, and blew them all a kiss before they disappeared from view.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As always my first acknowledgement is to my Spiritual Team led by Jesus, Mary, St Joseph, the Divine Feminine Energy of Mary Magdalene, Saints Michael and Anthony (the stalwarts) and all my Angels, Saints and Guides. My books would never be written without your Divine Inspiration.

To my sister, Mary, who is always there to share the highs and lows and keep me going. Thanks for all the fun times too.

To all my family. And a special thanks to nieces Rachel and Maria, who uncomplainingly carried bags, helped me dress, cut my food, did my make-up and did all manner of chores, when I crocked my shoulder, and to Fiona for all the lifts and kindness.

Two very special women helped me greatly in my research about the life of a nun on the Missions. Dear Sister Una Lennox and Carmel Bracken RSM, you gave so much and touched so many lives in the tremendous work you did, and do. Thank you for setting me on the right path with my own nuns, Brigid and Keelin. We are in your debt. I wish I could have included everything you told me. Perhaps in another book. Thanks, Mairead Conlon and Aidan Storey for the introductions.

To my dear manuscript readers and precious friends Caitriona, Yvonne, Pam, Mary Helen and Mama Helen Hensley, Aidan, and Breda, who encouraged me so much with their laughter, tears, comments and gentle pointing out of my errors. (Rachel found a three-year-old nun whilst doing my chronological order!) I am blessed to have such loyal and loving friends. And thanks to Aidan and Murtagh for my ‘Writer’s Retreat’ on the Curragh.

To Helen McKean my amazing Publicity Manager and dear friend. I could not do this without you.

To Geraldine and Antoinette, and Marian Lawlor, dear friends.

To Ray and Dee O’Callaghan, who have given me my haven in Wicklow, where so much of my work is done in such a wonderful setting. Thank you both SO much.

To Michelle Connor, AIB Finglas, who keeps me on track and remembers things I forget! You’re the BEST!

To Sarah Lutyens and all my wonderful team at Lutyens & Rubinstein. Thanks, my dears, for all the hard work you do my behalf and for your continued support and friendship.