I’d like to thank the marvellous Becky and her team at TLC, and author Susannah Waters, who gave such excellent advice in the early days (I still endeavour to steer clear of ‘weasel words’!).
Thanks to Angela, who had the dubious honour of being the first friend I foisted a (fairly mediocre) manuscript on for her opinion. Angela, your enthusiastic response made me keep at it.
With big thanks to Dave for reading my drafts and loving them – even though he’s a bloke and blokes shouldn’t really like rom-coms (and most definitely shouldn’t weep at the emotional bits). And thanks to Pamela, lovely friend of thirty years and most voracious reader I know – I truly value your honest opinions.
With special appreciation to Patricia Hindmarsh for being endlessly supportive and always insisting I would do it. (Those Wednesday pep talks kept me going!)
A big hug for Matthew (though not in front of his mates, obviously) for putting up with a Mum who really hasn’t the first clue about football, scooter parts or tweeting, but nods intelligently as if she does. And remembering my lovely Dad, who kept on telling me I’d be a writer some day. Wish you could be here to share this with me.
A cheer for all the friends and family (too numerous to mention but you know who you are), who supported me and jollied me along during the darker days of baked beans and camping out at the ‘reduced sections’ while I struggled to keep writing – and more importantly, keep our heads above water! Which reminds me, thanks Ian for all the tips on bagging a bargain – your knowledge is awesome, bruv!
Enormous thanks and a big debt of gratitude to Celia Hayley, lovely person and hugely talented editor. (So glad you spotted something that others didn’t.) And a massive thank you to Elly James of HHB Agency, for being an all-round wonderful agent and huge support on the road to publication.
And finally, thanks to the lovely, enthusiastic team at Avon, especially Helen and Lydia. It’s been a real pleasure getting to know you.