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I could spend a novel’s worth of pages thanking everyone who has in some way blessed me with knowledge, support or friendship while writing this book. Whether named or not, I thank you for being there.
I would particularly like to thank you, the readers, those who have been a constant source of joy and light from my very first story to those who have taken the plunge to try out someone new. It means so much when you can share a story with someone and so I hope you fall in love with Hayefield Manor.
Thank you to those who previously worked on the novel during its several drafts. Whether I took your ideas on board for this book or not, I am thankful that I was able to learn valuable lessons and for your efforts.
To those in the writing community, friends at the GCLS, online and off, thank you for being so kind and caring, for making me feel included and helping me forget some of my challenges . . . even when Ferb is yelling at me!
Thank you to Emma Darwin who I have learned so much from and loved soaking up your support and kindness. To Julie Cohen, you’ve been so patient and shared your knowledge with me, provided butt scratches (to Ferb) and been an encouragement when I dragged you off to places.
To Claudia and Casey who without doubt have kept faith in my writing, in me, and your emphatic words of support shone through to me when I needed it the most. I’m not sure how much I can thank you for that but this book is a story I love because you allow me the freedom to write as me. I only hope you are as uplifted as me by the story.
To Sue, who is a staunch support, a wonderful beta reader, cheerleader, and makes me smile from ear to ear (especially when I get hugs.) Thank you for being so generous with your time and energy and for reminding me that I can write.
To those in the parish and beyond, Moira to Revd. Sue to everyone who sends love when I need it. Thank you for a support that lifts me when I should really be in a heap, and for reminding me that smiles come from inside.
Thank you to Sunny (SFH,) for helping steer me toward Bink in the first place and for always being supportive and loving. Neon smiles to you.
To those family and friends in this room and the next, thank you for loving me and for your presence in my day and in my heart. Every touch of love I sprinkle through the pages twinkles with touches you’ve shared with me.
A big hug to Britt, thank you for getting me engrossed in the NWSL, for all the chats and smiles and for asking me questions about writing, answering questions about art, creating the coolest ninja mole for my bookcase, and for all the friendship and love you send.
Thank you, as always, to Brie for believing I could be a writer, guiding me when I started out and for keeping in touch even when you probably are enjoying the peace and quiet from me!
To Mum who believes in my writing in a way only mums can, gives hugs in a way only mums can, and loves in the way only mums can. I lovada you!
To Em, who knows me far better than is good for your sanity. Other than providing you with therapy or medication, I’m not sure what I can say that can really summarise how important you are to Ferb, Sybil and I. For a start, you feed us, so, you know, we like that. But, as you knew me before I was a police officer, as a police officer, and you still seem to talk to me even when I don’t make a lot of sense, I’m glad I can bore you to tears with my “ideas,” argue with you over how many treats Ferb has, and make you smile (sometimes) when I say something daft. Thank you for being there, for not turning to drink, and for bathing Ferb when he finds a muddy puddle.
To THS, for all my good words, happy thoughts, smiles and light come from and through you. Thank you for giving me all the blessings and gifts you give me and may my every word, thought and deed be acceptable in your sight and I pray that this humble story of mine shines with your light and makes you smile.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1: 17 [NIV]
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“And He woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; They ceased, and there was a calm.
He said to them ‘Where is your faith?’”
Luke 8: 24-25 [NRSV]