Chapters (48)
I’m always astonished by the amount of time and effort that goes into publishing a book. It’s a truly collaborative affair of which my writing is only part of the process. As always, I’m grateful for my agent, Clare Wallace: her calmness, belief in my work and her encouragement. Also, the support of the entire Darley Anderson team, including Mary Darby, Kristina Egan, Georgia Fuller, Chloe Davis, Rosanna Bellingham and Sheila David. You are all wonderful.
My US editor, Natalie Hallak at Park Row, saw the potential in my idea right from the very beginning, and her vision for the book, patience and creativity spurred me on to push my boundaries and write a better story. As always, huge thanks also go to Erika Imranyi, Emer Flounders and the rest of the Park Row team for their tireless work on my books. My UK editors at Harlequin/HarperCollins, Emily Kitchen, Abby Parsons and Katie Seaman, have also been brilliantly supportive in helping to bring my book to life, and thanks to Lisa Milton for her continuous championing. I’m truly appreciative of each and every other person involved, too, including copyediting, cover design, marketing, publicity and sales and distribution.
Special mention and thanks go to my friend Janine McKown for her medical advice on Essie’s situation in hospital, and to solicitor Andrew Harrison for his thoughts and comments regarding Essie’s will. Also, to David Birchall, my dad, who worked as an undertaker for many years and helped me to understand how the mechanics of Essie’s last wish might work. Any artistic license I’ve taken in the telling of Liv and Essie’s stories, or any mistakes I’ve made, are entirely my own.
Writing a book can be a solitary process, so I’m grateful to my wider support group of other writers in the UK and USA. It’s great to know so many kind and talented people are just the click of a button, or a coffee, away. Thank you especially to B. A. Paris and Roz Watkins. You are both great writers and lovely human beings.
I’d like to thank booksellers, librarians, bloggers, reviewers and readers everywhere for their amazing support and for helping to spread the word about my writing. My books couldn’t happen without you.
Finally, a huge shout-out to my family, especially Mark and Oliver, who put up with me disappearing to my writing shed for long periods of time, sometimes at unsociable hours. For my mom and dad, Pat and Dave, for always encouraging my love of reading and for being such proud advocates of my books. For all my friends, particularly Nu Motley Cru and Private Members Club—hello and thanks. Sending love to you all.