This book began as a dream.
All my life, I’ve yearned to visit Paris—for the art, and for the incredible cuisine. The Eiffel Tower called to me, yet it felt so far away. Growing up in the Philippines, my family had no interest in visiting Europe, preferring instead to visit Asia and North America. After I grew up and married, this trip remained a cherished desire placed on a high shelf: visible whenever I daydreamed, but just out of reach. I could never rationalize, nor justify, going—until the summer of 2019. I had been working on the manuscript for what would become Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop when I decided I must go—for book research—as I knew I could not do Paris justice without experiencing its charm firsthand.
The city of Paris is one of wonder, and yes, I fell in love! I’m already planning my return trip.
On June 11, 2019, my debut was published. We held a book launch party at Queen Books in Toronto (shout-out to Raevin), bringing together the family and friends who had supported me through years of struggle and uncertainty. I drank many glasses of wine in celebration, and capped the evening with a rooftop dinner with my family. After all, one can only have a debut launch once!
The next day, I went home, opened my iPad, and continued to work on my manuscript.
Now, after years of writing and editing (and rewriting and reediting), my words—my story—were in the hands of readers. I was terrified. I didn’t know whether anyone would connect with Natalie and her community. My fears were assuaged when I began hearing from readers who understood Natalie’s struggles and her need to make amends.
One of the major highlights for Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck & Fortune was when Erin Jontow at John Wells Productions bought the TV rights, and when Michael Golamco signed on as the screenwriter. I feel so fortunate to have both Erin and Michael guiding my book toward its screen adaptation.
After an emotional debut year, I’m indebted to all the people who helped shape the story you’re holding.
To my incredible agent, Jenny Bent, and her colleague Sarah Hornsley. Jenny, this book wouldn’t exist without your enthusiastic encouragement to visit Paris. I’m so happy and thankful I did. It changed my life.
To my editor, Cindy Hwang. Thank you for believing in me and my stories. To the rest of the incredible Berkley team: Angela Kim, Fareeda Bullert, Tara O’Connor, and Dache Rogers. I am grateful for your work, guidance, and support. To my copy editor, Angelina Krahn, thank you for your eagle eyes. This book would not have come together without the tireless work of my production editor, Lindsey Tulloch. A special thanks to Rita Frangie and Vikki Chu for another fantastic cover.
To Claire Pokorchak at PRH Canada. Thank you for arranging all the wonderful events during my debut year and beyond.
Thank you to Mary Pender and Orly Greenberg at UTA.
To my family: Robert (my ever-patient husband), Natalie (my encouraging daughter), and Chichi (my beautiful, cranky cat); Racquel (my sister); Rosemarie (my sis-in-law); my parents; my in-laws; and the rest of my extended family.
To my friends who exist outside of writing: Sneha Astles, Megan Hood, Andria Bancheri-Lewis, Jean and Dean Rainey, and Patti Earls-Ferguson.
To Claire Morrison and Kelly Grenon, for helping me take care of my mental health and my body.
I’m indebted to my village of writers and friends: Helen Hoang, Suzanne Park, Kellye Garrett, Sonia Hartl, Annette Christie, Andrea Contos, Farah Heron, Rachael Romero, Jenn Dugan, Karen Strong, Kess Costales, Victoria Chiu, Nafiza Azad, Tamara Mataya, Karma Brown, Tom Torre, and Samantha Tschida.
To the librarians, booksellers, bloggers, and readers, I can’t thank you enough for your support: nothing fills my creativity well—and my writing—more than your encouragement and enthusiasm.