The wonderful HQ family – in particular Lucy Richardson, Melissa Kelly and the production team. It takes so many people to bring out a book and I’m very thankful for the help I receive.

The support from my early readers, who took Adam and Anna into their hearts when I wasn’t quite sure what the story was or if it was working, was invaluable. Fiona Mitchell, Lucille Grant and Emma Mitchell, I’m not sure if you realize just how much your kind feedback and encouraging words meant to me. Darren O’Sullivan, for listening to my angst over coffee and too much cake while I tried to keep the story straight in my head.

I’m so appreciative that Magdalen College in Oxford allowed me to sit in on lectures in consciousness given by leading neuroscientists.

Thanks to David Luke for taking the time to speak to me during an early draft. Daniel Bor, who has been so patient answering endless questions over the past year, and contributing ideas to bring Oliver’s technology to fruition in the story. Of course, I have taken artistic licence in fictionally developing the technology that is currently available to fit Adam and Anna’s experience. It’s been so fascinating to learn about the developments in science, the current trials and the technology out there (not a million miles away from the tech that Oliver has created), which I’d previously thought could only have existed sci-fi movies. The future is exciting. To everyone involved in brain science research who is working tirelessly towards eradicating neurological disease, my heartfelt thanks. You really are changing the world.

Louise Molina, for all your medical expertise – any mistakes are purely my own.

All the book bloggers who work so hard sharing their love of good stories. In particular Linda Hill, whose romantic relationship with her husband, Steve, made me long to write about a love like theirs.

My friends who, like Nell, are always there for me when I need them, no matter how much time has passed; in particular Sarah, Natalie, Hilary, Kuldip and Sue.

My family: Mum, Karen, Glyn, Bekkii and Pete. I love you all immensely, along with my husband Tim – thanks for your unwavering support.

Callum, Kai and Finley, who make me infinitely proud every single day. I would cross worlds for you three. Always.

And Ian Hawley. Forever.

Extract

Turn the page for an exclusive sneak peek at the heart-breaking and beautiful love story from Amelia Henley.

Chapter One

Four phone calls.

It took four phone calls to tip my world off its axis. I remember them all with sharp clarity; the things I wanted to know, the things I wished I’d never been told. The disbelief, the fear, the hope. The impossible, impossible choice I am faced with. I want everything to slow down.

Stop.