Can you believe that Underneath the Christmas Tree is my sixth Christmas book? No, me neither! I’ve had to count on my fingers just to make sure and I’m right, it’s definitely six! This one is unique in that it’s the first winter adventure in Wynmouth and I hope there will be more trips there to come. There are a couple of characters from the seaside who really don’t want to be left behind.

As always, there are a huge number of people to thank for helping me breathe life into this book.

My wonderful editor, Clare Hey, and agent, Amanda Preston, who were as excited as I was to spend Christmas on the Norfolk coast. Pip Watkins who has created my first properly pink cover, which I absolutely adore – and given the response on reveal day, I know you all do too! Special thanks also to Judith Long, Harriett Collins, Sara-Jade Virtue and Amy Fulwood for the fabulous work you do.

Huge and heartfelt thanks to my author and real life (even though we’ve barely seen each other in real life this year) friends, Jenni Keer, Clare Marchant, Rosie Hendry and Ian Wilfred.

Thanks also to my dear friend and hugely talented jewellery designer, Claire Howard. She’s an inspiration and would be most welcome to set up in any one of the Wynter’s Trees beach huts! Thanks also to Jeremy Preston for the fabulous Christmas label idea and Trish Fearnley for her love of animal-print PJs.

Massive, massive thanks to my mum and dad. I hope you both know why.

Thanks also to each and every one of my fellow authors, supportive bloggers, librarians, booksellers, book club organisers, virtual event hosts and Swainettes. I have read and appreciated every kind word, rave review, cheerleading tweet and stunning Insta pic.

Love and thanks to Fiona Jenkins and Sue Baker who run the Heidi Swain and Friends Facebook Book Club. The club has gone from strength to strength again this year as a result of your continued wonderful work. This book is especially for you two.

And as always, last but by no means least, thank you dear reader for picking up this book and celebrating the run-up to Christmas with me on the Norfolk coast. I hope you have enjoyed the adventure and I look forward to sharing many more with you.

Merry Christmas my loves, may your bookshelves – be they virtual or real – always be filled with fabulous fiction.

H x

More from the Author
A Christmas Celebration	The Summer Fair
A Taste of Home	The Winter Garden
The Secret Seaside Escape	The Christmas Wish List

About the Author

Heidi Swain lives in Norfolk with her family and a mischievous black cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside and collects vintage paraphernalia. Underneath the Christmas Tree is her thirteenth novel. You can follow Heidi on Twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her website: heidiswain.co.uk