Once again I have a team of people to whom I owe so much. Without them, this book would not be in the hands of readers. My gratitude goes out to all of the following:
My agent Haylee Nash, for feedback, advice, reassurance, late-night emails when I need them, early-morning emails when I need them, and continuing to stick by me on this journey of authorhood. I said at the launch for my last book that I feel like I’m bragging when I say she’s my agent, and that remains true.
My publisher Rachael Donovan. She has to juggle a thousand balls at any given time, yet never gives less than her best—even when a particularly tricky blurb makes life difficult. Her love and enthusiasm for this book, and her belief in my writing, mean the world to me.
Julia Knapman, for continuing boundless enthusiasm, editorial skills, keeping everything on track and moving forward, and having genius blurb ideas. And for talking about the characters as though they are real people, just like I do.
I was once again lucky enough to have Nicola O’Shea as my editor, and I am more grateful to her for her work than I can say. She doesn’t just edit the story, she embraces it. She gave clarity and structure to a story I deeply loved but was struggling to convey clearly.
Sarah Fletcher, for her attention to detail in proofreading a story which goes to so many places and times. Sarana Behan and Natika Palka, for all their efforts to make sure readers hear of me and my books. Hazel Lam for her exquisite cover design. And the rest of the team at Harlequin for being so passionate about every book they work on.
On a personal note, thank you to my ever-supportive husband Ross, for talking me off the metaphorical ledge when I felt overwhelmed, giving me confidence when it disappeared, following me to talks and signings, proofreading my correspondence, promoting my books, and always having my back in this crazy journey.
To Nelson, for always being by my side while I write.
To everyone who showed support and enthusiasm for my debut book: family (in particular my parents and siblings), friends, authors, readers, librarians, booksellers, podcasters, bloggers, influencers, and more. I wish there was a bigger way to say thank you to you all.
A special thank you to my dad Kevin for helping me figure out if the concept for the Victory was even possible, answering so many boat-related questions, and finding me the SS Robin. Also to my mother-in-law, Frances, for helping me with research when I got stuck.
My eternal gratitude and respect must go out to the real-life women of the searchlight regiments. Their involvement in WWII is so underappreciated and underacknowledged; they have stories that are groundbreaking, fascinating and brave, and I’m so grateful to those who have shared them over the years. A particular thanks to everyone behind the ATS Remembered website. Likewise, to the American men of the Graves Registration service. These men did a role which was undesirable yet vital, gave so many fallen soldiers the respect and dignity they deserved, and provided closure for waiting families. The men and women of the searchlight regiments and Graves Registration service deserve to have their sacrifices and bravery recognised.
And, as always, to the readers. Thank you for allowing me to be a storyteller.