Losing a loved one is the hardest thing, and I think it changes a person forever.
Writing a book takes a whole lot of people to get to a finished product and I offer my heartfelt thanks to anyone not explicitly mentioned below.
Thank you to the amazing team at Harlequin Australia. You have been incredible to work with at every stage. Special thanks to Sue Brockhoff, Rachael Donovan, Laurie Ormond, Julia Knapman, Vanessa Lanaway and Tara Goedjen who brought out the best in me and this story.
Special thanks to Ali McDonald and her team for being in my corner.
My writing friends keep me showing up to work at the computer every day. Sharing the ups and downs of creating a story with people who understand makes everything a little easier. My writing sprint girls keep me writing when I’d otherwise stop—thanks Lisa Ireland, Emily Madden and Amanda Knight. Extra thanks to Rach Johns for not only the writing talk but the billion emails a day that keep me sane.
Thanks to my family and friends for your love and support. Thanks to the school mums who didn’t (seem to) think it odd the days I showed up sniffling over these characters. Huge thanks to my sisters Fi and Kirst—siblings are amazing things. Also to Dick and Shirley and Dad and Lyn. Special thanks to Mitch and Chloe—this is your book in so many ways and I am so proud of the big people you’re becoming. That song will be forever tied with you, Mitch. And Chloe, you will always be my Ariel.
As always, thanks Mum—you believed in me.
Thanks to my kids. You all love to talk stories with mum (less of mine and more of your own) and don’t seem to mind when I promise I’m coming from my study, but I have to write just one more line.
Thank you to Davey, who has done this road trip with me and our much loved Lion and Matty (but without the fancy accommodation). I love making memories with you. Thanks for everything. Always.
And sorry that I made you cry on the bus.