As always, my first and deepest thanks go to my agent, Marina de Pass, for being such a fantastic advocate for my work and writing career, and for helping me navigate my debut year while writing the “Difficult Second Book.” Your support, faith and advice give me strength whenever things start to feel impossible.
Many thanks are also due to my editors for their enthusiasm, advice and continuing belief in my work: Jenny Parrott and Imogen Papworth, for their diligence and care in helping me shape this book into what I knew it could be, and Amanda Ferreira, for being my champion across the Atlantic.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the publishing teams who work so hard to get books out into the world in all their forms. Special thanks to Matilda Warner for being the best publicist an author could hope for, and the rest of the brilliant Magpie team: Lucy Cooper, Mary Hawkins, Paul Nash, Laura McFarlane, Francesca Dawes, Julian Ball, Ben Summers, Hayley Warnham, Anne Bihan, Beth Marshall Brown and Mark Rusher. Extended thanks to everyone at Oneworld Publications for always being so welcoming, and to Juliet Mabey for baking me such a fantastic cake. Thanks to Nicola Wall and the production team at Audible for bringing Morgan to life so beautifully in audio. Thanks also to Anais Loewen-Young, Erin Bonner, Bruce Mason and everyone at Penguin Random House Canada for getting Morgan into the hands of her North American readers. I am also indebted to Francine Brody for her keen eye and skill for detail. My life as an author could not happen without you all.
One of the most wonderful things about becoming an author has been the opportunity to meet so many book lovers and fellow writers, both online and in person. A massive thank you to all of the authors, bookshops, booksellers, bloggers, reviewers and readers for supporting my debut novel and the continuing enthusiasm for my future books. You are all stars, and I’ve loved being part of such a vibrant, friendly and dedicated community.
A particular thank you is again due to my critique partner and friend, Jess Lawrence, for the chats, accountability and generally keeping me going as I faced the challenge of my second book. You will never know how many times your wit, patience and kindness were my sanity.
Many thanks to my family for reading my books with excitement and enthusiasm, without me even having to force you into it. And to Carly especially, for wanting to collect every version. Cousin, I am honoured.
Finally, I owe more gratitude than I can express to my son Milo and my husband Jason, who make everything possible. Your presence, pride and unconditional love have been my fuel, and this book could not have been written without you. Thank you.