More than that, though, it has been such an eye-opening experience to have readers actually reach out and write back to me on occasion, giving me little tidbits and stories about their worlds, from how the weather is in Colorado, to how many grandkids they have and whether they, too, have dreamed of being writers. Sometimes I find myself opening an email that feels like it’s been written to a friend instead of a stranger. How lovely it is that through reading my books, without ever meeting, we have in some sense managed to become friends. I continue to feel quite humbled by the warmth and generosity that people show. Thank you so very much. Particular thanks to the small group of advance readers who read pre-release copies. Your enthusiasm makes me feel like a million dollars and your feedback is so valuable.

Thank you, then, to all my beloved friends and family who have been so generous with your good wishes, your crossed fingers, your time and your energy. I continue to be particularly grateful to Natalie Butlin for our ongoing conversations about the publishing world and everything besides, and I won’t forget in a hurry helping Réachbha Fitzgerald unpack the boxes in her new home only to discover not one, but a full trove of copies of The First Wife’s Secret. Thanks again to Maggie Gales, first proofreader and as ever one of my chief sanity officers. Thanks to Halle and Stephanie Amore-Bauer, Sarah Dickman, Jack Paterson, Henna Silvennoinen, and everyone else who helped give this book a little nudge out of the gate.

I’m grateful to my first ever Zoom bookclub, the Women’s Institute group of Darbyshire led by Stella Shoesmith, and arranged by Caroline Shoesmith; and indeed to Maureen Mitchell for her event organizing also! To all my family in Dublin and London, I’m so chuffed and appreciative of the interest and pride you take in the new releases, thank you so much for that. Thanks as well to the extended Lowe family, and to the Massachusetts branch of my Irish clan--Janet, Barb, Glenn and their families--who have really been generous with their support. It is all appreciated!

Finally, thanks to Mum, Dad, Frank, and Manuel. You are a tremendous bunch of people, and I’m so very lucky. Thanks for promoting my books so shamelessly to all your friends and no doubt various unfortunate strangers! Thanks for the love, pride, and happiness shared, and most of all, thanks for celebrating with me.

Love,

Claire

The Silent Daughter

The Silent Daughter

Sample

Prologue

The wind has a moan in it, and a mournful shiver shakes the trees. I hate October.