For me, a book isn’t fully read until I’ve read the acknowledgements. But I’ll try to keep this brief.
This book is my second attempt at a novel. It’s also my ‘life lesson’ book. It started with a nugget of an idea, and then tapped into every feeling, every memory and every loss I’ve ever had as it evolved into a fully-fledged novel.
It takes a village to write a novel, and my village is a pretty cool bunch.
To my critique partners, Janice Okoh and Alta Turner, thank you for helping me give this novel direction and shape. Six more years until we make it big!
To Lauren North and Lesley Kara, I cannot thank you enough for your mentorship and insights. I’m so lucky.
To the supremely talented Luísa Dias, thank you for capturing the essence of this novel so perfectly with your cover design. I love the purple!
To my editor, Peter van der Merwe, thank you. You’re not only a content genius. You’re my best friend.
To my amazing mama, thank you for your endless calls and voice notes about psychology, and what you can (and cannot) do.
To Jet and Roma, thank you for bearing with me through the initial drafts and cheering me on.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose, thank you for being my champions through this publishing journey. Kinga, you’re a force to be reckoned with. Luke, you’re next!
Dad. I know you would have loved this book. Wherever you are, I know you’re so very proud.
To my Bookstagrammers and Booktok buddies, thank you for all the love and support. My TBR pile is ever-growing, and that makes me very, very happy (and maybe a bit anxious!).
To Ruben, my soundboard, my rock, my biggest fan. I owe everything to you. I love you.
And finally, to you, my dear reader. Thank you for picking up this book. It means everything.