Acknowledgements

The Four Seasons of Lucy McKenzie is a book that wrote itself but there were many people who helped breathe life into the characters and to whom I am indebted. I would like to thank my lovely cousin Lucy Boyd, who inspired the creation of Lucy McKenzie; Lucy’s children Florence, Ellen and Harry as well as her mother Yvonne; Sabrina Allen for the many scenes she inspired; David Allen for invaluable technical advice; Florence Boyd (again!) for her gorgeous illustrations; Sarah Brenan and Susannah Chambers for editorial support; Lesley Reece for moral support; and my husband Ken Harper for life-support.

The story of a magical house full of paintings has been with me since I was a child and the fictitious Avendale is loosely based on three houses that once belonged to members of my family: The Grange and Tralee in Victoria and Riversdale in NSW. I am grateful to my extended family for providing me with such a rich backdrop for my stories.

I am also grateful to the Bundanon Trust (NSW) and the Literature Centre (WA) for providing me with writer’s residencies, during which much of this novel was written.