In Susan, Rhys and Kat, I have tried to create three people who’ve opted out of aspects of life to protect themselves. That they learn from each other how to mend their broken hearts is a love letter to those who fix themselves in whatever way they see fit.

If you feel able to, I’d love you to review the book. It really does make a difference to us as writers. And if you wanted to drop me a line too, feel free. I’m on Twitter @annamansell or Facebook at AnnaMansellAuthor.

And finally, Bookouture can send you information on my next book if you take the time to sign up to my mailing list:

www.bookouture.com/anna-mansell

We promise not to spam you and we’ll reward you with hot-off-the-press news of my next book, due out later in 2017.

Thanks again for reading, you’ve made my actual day! Anna

Acknowledgments

I’m sat at my desk, staring at the laptop, wondering where to start. Acknowledgments? That’s what actual, bona fide authors write, isn’t it? I’ve dreamed of this moment… but where to begin?

Well, I suppose I could start by thanking the person who was first prepared to stick her neck out and not only say that I could do this, but offer me a contract to prove it: Kirsty, I am eternally grateful and hope you love the end result. Thanks also must go to Olly, Abi, Claire, Lauren and all the brilliant team at Bookouture. I am so proud to write for a publisher that places warmth, support, patience, guidance and total commitment alongside the importance of business and building the author brand – as a debut writer, this approach has been invaluable. Working with my editor, Celine Kelly, has been a total joy. She understood what I was trying to achieve and guided me gently, carefully and skillfully to achieve something of which I’m very proud. Thank you, Celine! And to all the ladies and gents in ‘the lounge’, led by Lady Kim of Nash, thank you, thank you, thank you. Laughter, support, occasional filth – who could ask for more? (Possibly real life puppies or gin, if I was being picky.)

To early readers: Lian, I’m nothing without your wind. Clare C, thirty years plus and you’re still on my side. Mel, any medical errors are mine and mine alone! Jo M, your support was just what I needed. Kerry, with that SWOT, you TOTALLY got me! Dad, you have read, proofread, printed and posted so many pages, thank you! You are all brilliant and supportive and I appreciate the very bones of you… Even those friends and family (Mum, now is finally your chance!) who haven’t yet read it, the ones I’ve known forever and those known barely a few years, that you are all so proud and generous in your encouragement of my dream-chasing makes me thankful every day. Let’s schedule a night in which to enjoy our body weight in cheese and Prosecco!

Is this all a bit Oscar winner? Having done several drafts of these acknowledgments, I can tell you it’s tough to be anything other. Because, whilst my books are written by me, they don’t fully come to life without those people who recognise what they could be and nurture them into existence.