To my amazing agent, Tanera Simons at Darley Anderson, for her unwavering support and encouragement. Nothing prepares you for the leap into the unknown of the publishing world, and she has been at my side when I’ve been too scared to open my eyes.
To everyone at the DA Agency, who work tirelessly to get their authors’ books into the hands of as many readers as possible. They really are the best in the business. Special thanks go to Mary Darby and Kristina Egan in the Rights Department for translating my words into twelve languages. And Sheila David for her work on the secret project!
To Editors Extraordinaire Catherine Richards, at Minotaur Books in the U.S., and Vicki Mellor, at Pan Macmillan in the UK. This novel has had many lives, and I’m so grateful that they helped me give it the best life possible.
From marketing and promotions, to audio and sales, the work that goes into publishing a book should never be underestimated. I am so incredibly lucky to have publishers who go the extra mile in ensuring that my books get out there. Heartfelt thanks to Andy, Kelley, Joe, Sarah, Nettie, and Sam in the U.S., as well as Matt and Becky in the UK.
Thank you to my very special friends Jo, Karen, Lynn, Nicky, and Sam, for their support and understanding when I’ve been lost to writing, edits, and deadlines. Unreturned phone calls, canceled get-togethers, and postponed trips have not made me the best of friends.
To my mum, who will tell anyone who stops for long enough that her daughter is an author, and to my aunty Carol: If I can do it, so can you! Dust that typewriter off!
The biggest love and thanks go to my husband and children for putting up with my alter-egos Alice and Beth—who weren’t always the easiest people to live with. They certainly weren’t very good at cooking, housework, and keeping on top of the laundry! You’ll be pleased to hear that normal service will now resume (at least until I’m possessed by another character!).
Finally, and most importantly, to the readers who continue to keep my dream alive, THANK YOU! You’ve been with me since The Other Woman and I am so grateful to the following for championing The First Mistake from the very start …
Adrianna Villarreal
Aimee Hunter
Alexandra N. Poulos
Alexis Hilgert
Allyson M. Deese
Amanda Gannon
Amanda L. Webster
Amanda Lenore Cheairs
Amanda Mazzella
Amanda Schloemer
Amber Boos
Amber Coddington
Amber Drake
Amy Bergstrand
Amy Campbell
Amy Jo Giles
Amy Johnson
Amy Sullivan
Andrea Nickeson Dolfi
Angel Marie Farrell
Angela Baxter Olson
Angela Sanford
Angelique Daley
Angelique Grady
Angie Gupton Middleton
Ann Senette
Anna Smith
Anne Leton
Annette Laird
Annmarie Morales
Ariana M. Alvarez
Arlene Berger
Ashley Brinkman
Ashley Ewing
Audrey Davidson
Barb Mittelstadt
Barbara Hynes
Becky J. Smythe
Becky Shemeley
Beth Shirley
Bethany R. Williams
Bev Franklin
Bex Golden
Billie Dildy
Bin Thomas
Brandy Hinkey
Brandy Weber
Brenda Hymes
Brittany Greene
Brooke A. Showalter
Carol Noon
Carole McKinney
Carolyn Chaffin
Carolyn Martino
Carolyn Mendoza
Carrie W
Carrie Wood
Cassie Potter
Celeste Lamasa
Chelsea Adkins
Cheryl Olivera
Chrissy Wolfe
Christie L. Johnson
Christie Lopes
Christina McComiskie
Christine A. Pentz
Christine Carlson
Christine Dellutri
Christine Gross
Christine Smith
Christy Steffano
Cindy Orse
Cindy Wynn
Courtney Adamczyk
Crystal J. Lamb
Crystal Smith-Connelly
Crystal Wegrzynowicz
Cyndi Delia
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Cynthia K. Williams
Cynthia Son
Damari “Dee” Beltran
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Darlene
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Dawn Jenkins
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Donna
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Kelly
Kelly Cowee
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