Each time I make a list like this, there are more and more lovely and essential people to thank. This time round, my brilliant agent Laura Macdougall (United Agents) has been very ably assisted by Olivia Davies to make sure that a little thing like giving birth to beautiful Thea doesn’t get in the way of work matters. Their help, advice and cheerleading has been so very much appreciated.
Fabulous editor Sophie Burks was hugely instrumental in getting Lucia Lemon’s story ready for the bookshelves, refining and polishing for all she was worth and never being afraid to say ‘… this bit must go … but why don’t you …’. The copy-editing process was enhanced by the eagle-eyed Fran who was able to spot all sorts of glitches. Also involved in the latter stages has been my brand new and super-enthusiastic editor Lucy Stewart, and there are many others at HarperFiction to thank too, not least the design team. The covers of this and the previous two books are everything I hoped for, and more.
Matthew Broberg-Moffitt, a Sensitivity Reader for Salt & Sage Books was a valued and expert contributor to the editing process. He concentrated on authentic Autistic representation (through the POV of Isaac), as well as sensitivity issues that might derive from the exterior treatment of the Autistic character. His thoughtful advice was an eye-opener and Matthew also went the extra mile by giving his own review of the book, which got right to the heart and message of the story and made me cry happy tears.
I’ve borrowed dogs before in my books, and this time the focus is on Pickles, the real life canine companion of fellow Romaniac Vanessa Savage and her family (also a shout out here to all my Romaniac sisters who are always able and willing to give support and provide laughs). Christine Chandler and Vanessa Sutton came up with the names of minor characters Naomi and Janis after a competition in what seems like another lifetime when book launches happened in real life. (Incidentally, the village of Chandlebury was named after the gang of Chandlers, Christine, Terry, Simon and Mark, the team of four who do so much to hold our church’s congregation together.)
My much-loved friends and family are the backbone of my life and never fail to encourage me when times are tough and celebrate when good things happen. Whether on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, fellow members of the RNA or actually in the flesh – you are all amazing.
This book is dedicated to our two beautiful grandchildren, Levi and Ida, born in the midst of the pandemic and not cuddled nearly enough yet, but we’re fast catching up. Huge thanks to Hannah, Mark, Laura and Hakan for making this joy possible and for all the love and fun you provide. And last but very definitely not least, to Ray; endless thanks for all the tea, ginger snaps, love, hugs, the excellent wine and gin choices and the regular votes of confidence. Writing a book is a team effort, and this team is the very, very best.