Acknowledgements

I don’t think I have ever written a book before that focuses so strongly on female relationships and how crucial they are in a woman’s life, and when I began to write these acknowledgements I realised why. So many women are so important to me and to my writing.

Thank you so much to Kate Elton for her unswerving faith in me that means so very much, and to both Kate and Georgina Hawtrey-Woore for the always wonderfully creative and intelligent editorial support they provide. Working with them is always a privilege and a pleasure.

Thank you so much to my agent and good friend Lizzy Kremer, who works tirelessly on my behalf and to whom I have so much to be grateful to.

Also, thank you to my oldest best friends Jenny Matthews, Rosie Wooley, Sarah Darby, Clare Winter and Cathy Carter. You girls have been a part of my life for so long, I never laugh so much as when I am with you and the continued support you give me is key to everything I write.

I could not have written this book without the help of my new best friends Margi Harris, Kirsty Seaman and Catherine Ashley who were always there with offers of help, childcare and occasionally wine! Kirsty and Catherine were kind enough to let me use their names in this book and its only fair to point out that neither one of them is anything like their namesakes!

Thank you to my mum who, I think above everything else, has taught me how to be a good friend.

And finally, thank you to the token man in these acknowledgements, my husband Erol who is always there for me, always supporting me and whose love keeps me going. And of course all my love to my daughter Lily who is my sunshine and who makes me feel like spring is here, even on the darkest, wettest day.