I’ve been writing for several years now under my own name, Judy Leigh, spinning uplifting stories about second chances for older protagonists, about fun and love and optimism. But I am so thrilled to be offered the chance to write books in this exciting genre under another name. My thanks go to so many people who have trusted me and given me this opportunity:
My agent, Kiran Kataria, who is so wise, efficient, professional and lovely.
My publisher, Boldwood Books: Amanda Ridout, CEO, and editor, Sarah Ritherdon, two brilliant, insightful and incredible women.
The Boldwood team, who are like a family. Special mentions for the talented Nia Beynon, Claire Fenby, Megan Townsend and Rachel Gilbey at Rach’s Random Resources.
So much credit goes to the team of wonderful people who do incredible work before a novel is born: designers, editors, technicians, magicians, voice actors, reviewers and bloggers. Huge thanks to you all. You are the heartbeat of our books.
I’d like to thank the amazing line-up of Boldwood writers who are unbelievable in their encouragement and support. I often feel like I’m playing for the best football team in the world…
There are so many people who encourage me in my work, whom I keep in my heart: friends I meet all the time, friends I don’t meet often enough, friends I haven’t met yet but we talk so often on social media, reviewers, bloggers, so many people in so many countries whom I silently thank each day.
Love to our Tony and Kim.
Special love to my mum, who showed me the joy of reading, and to my dad, who proudly never read anything in his life.
Love always to my family, Liam, Maddie, Cait, and to Big G, who is my forever soul mate.
And finally, I want to mention my grandmother, Nell Collins, whose name I’ve borrowed. She was very much like this novel’s Bett White, a healer, a teller of fortunes, and she had the most incredible laugh, a soft ‘tee-hee-hee,’ like a gang of naughty mice.
And finally, warmest thanks to my readers, whoever and wherever you are. You have helped to make this journey incredible. X