Chapters (56)

The pie-making information was provided by the chef and staff of Buzzards Valley Vineyard restaurant near Tamworth and I can vouch for the fact that their handmade pies are delicious. Nikki, who I met at Lichfield Food Festival and who runs Marvellous Mixes, www.marvellousmixes.co.uk, gave me some great insight into attending a food festival as an exhibitor. My Cornish friend and reader Elisa Leah also helped with some vital local touches.

The ideas for Evie’s creole party dish came from US friends Leah Larson and Shyra Latiolais, while my daughter’s friend Wis suggested the Chinese food that Chloe makes for the party. Thanks also go to my writing friends Liz Hanbury, Nell Dixon and bookseller Janice Hume.

Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks has again worked her special brand of editorial magic, helping me to turn my first draft into the finished book you see and have hopefully enjoyed. I’m so grateful to the entire Avon team including Jo Gledhill, Sabah, Elke, Katie, Molly and Dom, who are always friendly, approachable and brimming with ideas. I’m also lucky enough to have the best agent in the business, Broo Doherty, who has helped guide my career and supported my work for fourteen years now.

Finally, thank you to my amazing family, who have cheered and commiserated with me since I started writing. Lately, it’s been wonderful to share far more highs and lows. I will love you forever, John, Charlotte, James, Mum, Dad and Charles.

Nothing is simple, even in paradise. Will love bloom for the residents of the little Cornish Isles?