Firstly, huge thanks to Lydia Vassar-Smith, my editor, for seeing the potential in Safe with Me and for feeling so passionately about the book. Thanks also to Lydia for her expertise and guidance in the editing process.
I’d like to thank all the Bookouture team for everything you do, especially Kim Nash who is so giving of her time, advice and enthusiasm. Also, the other Bookouture authors who are so supportive of each other.
Secondly, a massive thank you to my agent, Clare Wallace, who worked on early edits with me and pulled out all the stops to submit Safe with Me just before embarking on her maternity leave. Now I have a book deal and she has Minnie, her beautiful baby daughter!
Enormous thanks to the rest of the incredibly hardworking team at Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency, especially Naomi Perry, Mary Darby, Emma Winter, Kristina Egan and Rosanna Bellingham.
Special thanks must also go to:
Angela Marsons, my writing buddy who encouraged me to give up the day job last year and to get Safe with Me out of the drawer and follow my gut . . . thank goodness it worked!
Julie Sherwin, for her early insight into the job of a postal worker. Any mistakes are entirely my own.
Carol Roberts for giving her time and feedback as an early reader.
Henry Steadman for designing such an amazing cover for Safe with Me which I loved the instant I saw it.
To my husband, Mac, for his unwavering belief in me in everything I do. For always being there through both the highs and the lows, for his patience and love and for keeping me well supplied with tea while I write. To my daughter, Francesca and my mum, Christine, who are both always there to support and encourage me.
To all family members and friends who show an interest in and are supportive of my writing – you know who you are!