My brother Trevor Moorcroft offered to undertake a big chunk of my research. The hours I’d usually spend gathering information about artificial insemination, maternity care in Switzerland and the running of licensed premises fell to him. For the latter subject he enlisted the help of Gemma Askew of the Roundabout Hotel, Fareham, England and I’m deeply appreciative of all the hours both Trev and Gemma spent on my behalf.

Rosemary J Kind said, ‘If you want to set a book in Switzerland, I’ll take you.’ And, later, ‘Yes, I’m serious!’ She drove me to Switzerland and lined up fantastic research trips to Christmas markets, Alpine towns and villages, walks, processions, lakes, cities and restaurants. Both Ros and her husband Chris Platt made me so welcome in their home. Chris also kindly answered questions on snow and cuckoo clocks and Ros introduced me to her Swiss friends: Gina Graber and Erika Kunz. Gina showed me around the beautiful city of Zürich (where I was thrilled to find copies of my books in German), climbed with me to the top of the Grossmunster and provided comprehensive answers to questions on food. Erika accompanied us to the noisy but enjoyable procession centred around Samichlaus and his entourage.

Wilma the beautiful Entlebucher Mountain Dog shared her favourite Swiss walks. Wilma, I hope you don’t mind I gave them to Doggo and that he’s a Dalmatian.

Health matters impacted on this story. My (other) brother Kev Moorcroft donated his experience of heart failure to Tubb from the Pub and Alison Turnbull hers of breast cancer to Isaac’s ex-girlfriend Hayley. Both Kev and Alison were enormously generous in this. Nurses David Roberts and Julia Roberts answered my many questions on hand injury and helped me find exactly the right one for Lily.

As ever, I owe grateful thanks to Mark West for beta reading the book and for the conversations during its gestation. Sue: ‘This book’s going remarkably well. Do you think that’s a bad sign?’ Mark: ‘Nah, you’ll be fine.’ Mark’s support is unfailing and I’m glad to be able to beta read his books in return.

Team Sue Moorcroft continues to be a delight. That so many people want to talk to me about my books and help me promote them I view as a privilege. A few even meet me for lunch occasionally.

A huge shout out goes to the teams at Avon Books UK and at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency, who do such a wonderful job of bringing my books to you. Both are a joy to work with and I’m thankful every day to have them at my side. Thank you all.