I wrote this book with a genuine love for Lindisfarne and would like to thank the people who live there for the way they continually look after the island, keeping it perfect for all the visitors who go there year after year.
I would especially like to thank Ellie Hennah for her help and local knowledge and Danny Dagan who runs the Facebook page Holy Island of Lindisfarne, along with the beautiful Belvue Guesthouse, which is well worth a visit.
I’ve seriously never known anyone on the island who didn’t give visitors the most amazing welcome. The Manor House Hotel is no exception. I’ve stayed there many times, always in room 10, which is the room described in the story. They have a fabulous atmosphere, which along with the best breakfasts, which makes it a great place to stay.
Meals at the Crown and Anchor, along with The Ship Inn are always good and well worth the money. We always try and have a meal in each during our visits and I’d strongly recommend the Holy Island Gin, which is perfectly distilled and sold at The Ship Inn.
Pilgrims Coffee Shop sells the best coffee and cakes, and visits to the distillery, the castle and the priory are a must while visiting the island.
As with all stories, some details have been changed to suit the story and tide times may have varied. However, I did try to keep this story as true to the island as I could and at the time of editing, I even tried to include some details of Storm Arwen, which would have happened during the timeline of the story, destroying many parts, including some of the essential causeway that links the island to the mainland. Barbeques on the beach, along with camping, are now forbidden, but again for the story content, I have included a scene where fire baskets and barbeques are used beside the lime kilns. In reality, this hasn’t been allowed now for many years. So please, don’t go to Lindisfarne to do this. It’s a beautiful place and needs to stay that way for many years to come.
A very special mention goes to Christine Tootle, who during Children in Need joined in an online auction for a signed copy of my book and gave an amazing amount of money. And as it does every year, every penny of it went to the children. THANK YOU x
As always, I would like to thank my amazing husband, Haydn. He’s my whole world, my absolute rock. We’ve been together now for thirty years and I have no idea what I’d do without him.
Also, to my brothers and sisters who keep me grounded on a daily basis. Stuart & Joanne Thompson, Alan & Jayne Stacey, you’re all amazing.
Special thanks to the best friends in the world, Annemarie Brear, Kathy Kilner, Jean Fullerton, Jenny Woodall, Milly Johnson, Chrissie Bradshaw, Amanda James, Jane Lovering, Rachel Dove & Elaine Everest. Each one of you are very special to me, you all help me continually and I’m sending so much love to you all. xx
Many thanks to all the team at Boldwood Books. I’m not surprised you won Publisher of the Year at the recent RNA (Romantic Novelists’ Association) awards. Without a doubt, you’re a wonderful publisher and deserve every accolade.
And last but definitely not least, to my fabulous editor, Emily Ruston, who seems to keep me on track. She always knows exactly what the story needs to give it that perfect level of tension and I have no idea what I’d do without her. Thank you x