I can’t believe this is my seventh book. My first novel, The Cornish House, was published in 2012 and it fulfilled a lifelong dream. I am still pinching myself that people enjoy reading my stories. The Path to the Sea wouldn’t have been written without my readers. I am so grateful for each and every person who has read and loved my books. Thank you.

There were many people who played a part in making this book happen but the first thanks go to my mother-in-law. In the 60s and 70s she kept a hostess diary chronicling her entertaining. It provided the first spark for the story and an insight into a very different world.

Porthpean House owned by the Petherick family is the inspiration for Boskenna. Martin Petherick has been gracious sharing his knowledge of the garden, the area and the history of the house. I could spend the rest of my days reading all the books on Cornwall contained in the library/dining room of the house.

As is always the way with me, the book takes many different paths until it finds the right road. David Blanning and Michael Wierenga, both retired policemen, set me straight on what would happen in 1962 and in 2008 if a death occurred from a cliff fall. All mistakes are my own. Chris Newman willingly subjected himself to my questions about the Navy . . . again all mistakes are my own.

The character of Ralf Venn was named by Nick Jacobs in honour of his dog, Ralf, after winning the auction at the Helford Village Regatta. The money raised went to support the RNLI and St John’s Ambulance.

When I was having a dark night of the soul over this book and not sure where this story was going, Clare Maycock read and reread the story and helped me to keep my sanity intact! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Brigid Coady has brainstormed, plot-walked and drunk sherry in the service of this book. She deserves a medal for surviving my doubt. Julia Hayward has cast her exacting glance over the early portions and, as usual, set me straight on a few things. Wonderful fellow Cornish author Mandy James, put me in touch with her brother Martin White, a jewellery designer. He talked me through the training and degree course that Lottie would have done. Kit Falconer checked my Russian translation to make sure Google hadn’t provided me with completely the wrong meaning. And for the curious, ‘У меня не было выбора’ means ‘I had no choice’ and ‘Я не могла поступить иначе’ means ‘I couldn’t do otherwise’.

I am so grateful for the support and sound advice of Luigi and Alison Bonomi.

Kate Mills has yet again pulled the best story out of me. It never ceases to amaze me. Huge thanks to Genevieve Pegg for her keen eye on the copyedits, to Victoria Moynes for her patience, and to the whole team at HQ for their hard work and enthusiasm.