Acknowledgements

Wow – Awake in Cheshire Bay is my nineteenth published book. I’m floored I have that many written! Holy smokes. WOW. Seriously, I’m in awe of being able to do what I love, and to fulfill my dream, but writing these thanks yous never gets easier. Never. Always afraid I’ll miss someone, or a category will be left out. And then I wonder, does anyone even read these? I know as an author, I do, but I wonder, do readers? Anyways, writing a book for the most part, is a solo endeavor, but I could not have this ready for you to read if not for the cheerleading and support of some magnificent people in my life.

This book fell out of me rapidly, and I couldn’t type the story fast enough. Of course, that was just the first draft, the hard work came with the alpha reading, and a couple more read throughs, before it went out to my critique partner. After she dissected what worked and what didn’t, it got more read throughs for flow and pacing before I sent it out to a couple beta readers. Once they said the story was good to go, I handed over the reins to the editor. Recommended changes completed, another read through, and then a listen – did you know MS Word will read your highlighted words? It’s great as a final tool to make sure a word wasn’t missing, or any little detail was neglected. Then it was formatted, and ready for the readers and retail sites. But it couldn’t have gotten there without some much-needed assistance along the way.

First – my Shander family, whom you may know on my social media platforms as Hubs, The Teen, and Little Dude. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me pursue what I love doing, for something that allows me to transport myself to another time and place. Thank you for letting me work, and for encouraging me to keep going and to chase my dreams, and for the nonstop coffees I sometimes needed when I was on a role. I love you all with my whole heart.

To my parents and in-laws and extended family – Thank you for your support, endless cheerleading, and encouraging your friends and family to give my books a try. Having you visit me at markets and book signings means the world. I have an amazing family, and every day I’m thankful to you all. Thanks for being you.

To my wonderfully dedicated alpha reader – Mandy. Seriously, it was a busy autumn of back and forths, and I’m so appreciative of your immediate next day, if not sooner, feedback on each chapter as you received it. I’m grateful to you for being excited to read whatever I’ve written, usually in it’s less than ideal form. Your comments about what works, what sucks, and what can be improved on are a Godsend. I’m glad for our writership.

To my critique partner – Josephine. Thank you for taking the manuscript and finding the heart within it and making that shine. Your effort and dedication to pulling out the best story warms my heart, and I’m thrilled you’re now out in the writing world, leaving your own style on the masses. Some stories need work, and I’m happy that Amber and Antonio have the best version of their love story.

To my beta readers – Shauna, Dawn, and Melissa. Thank you for letting me know where the story dragged, and where you felt more information was needed. I’m glad you found the pacing great, and were so into the story, the time flew by. Your overall feedback is a gift I’ll treasure always. Thanks – and I’m sticking with “adorable & addictive”.

To my cover designer – Eleanor. I’m drooling. These covers are my favourite and I’m constantly torn which one is my absolute favourite – but that would be like picking a child, right? I’m grateful to have found you, as you weave your magic into the covers, including my brand, and make them everything I want and then some. I just know we’re going to be working together on more.

To my editor – Irina. It nice to get the MS back with fewer and fewer red mark ups – at least on most of the punctuation/grammar parts. There are still lots of comments and issues I need to work on, but I appreciate you taking the time away from your schooling to work on these manuscripts and for answering my endless stream of questions. Thanks for the polishing on the stories.

If I missed you, it certainly wasn’t intentional. I know I couldn’t be where I am without the help of so many others. Thank you! And thank you for reading and making it all the way to the end. You all rock.