Thanks to everyone at Pan Macmillan, in particular the marvellous Wayne Brookes, my editor, who is hugely cherished for his brilliance, good humour and the enormous care he takes of his authors; and to Alex Saunders, for endless patience and thoughtfulness. I’d like to thank Katie James and everyone in the publicity department, and Amy Lines and the fabulous marketing department. Thank you, of course, to the sales force for their amazing championing of their books. And endless gratitude to the talented art department for the brilliant covers. Macmillan is a very special place.
Huge thanks to Lorraine Green for her usual excellent and thoughtful copy edit, and all her patience and encouragement.
Thank you to my wonderful agent Lizzy Kremer, Harriet Moore, and all at David Higham Associates.
Thank you to all those who support the books and work behind the scenes to ensure their success, and to all the readers and book-buyers who keep writers writing.
A special mention of my friend Alice, whose beautiful house partly inspired the one in this book. You can see it at www.midelneymanor.co.uk or on Instagram at midelney_manor. It’s a beautiful and magical place.
I’m lucky enough to have a circle of kind, thoughtful and supportive friends (not at all like Sara!), and I thank them for their love and friendship over the years.
Thanks to those who contact me via Twitter and Facebook to send their support – it’s wonderful to hear when someone has read and enjoyed a book.
And of course, thank you to my family for all their love and encouragement, in particular to James, Barney and Tabby.
Lulu Taylor
Dorset 2017