As always, massive thanks to my husband Elliot, who never fails to support and help my writing in any way he can, whether he’s cooking dinner or offering wonderful suggestions like the Yewengie scene.
I’d like to thank the many people who were happy to share their knowledge – Emma and Carson Dron about music; Richard Hannay and Victoria Tomkins about their experiences in France. Simon Terry from Cobbold Gorge and members of my North Queensland writers group, Shannean Moncrieff, Jean Versace and Noreen Allan all passed on very helpful information about cattle. Thanks guys.
Thanks also to old friends from uni days, Andrea and Gordon Smith, who first introduced me to the fun of word games. Snippets of conversations with my hairdresser Jane Kirkwood have found their way into this book. Thanks Jane.
I’m very grateful to fellow Penguin author Anne Gracie, who once again read my manuscript and offered very helpful advice, while another author friend, Lilian Darcy, suggested the title Home Before Sundown and sent my imagination spinning.
Most importantly, I’d like to thank the wonderful team at Penguin Australia, especially Belinda Byrne who calmly and wisely helped me to knock this story into shape, while Jody Lee and Caro Cooper provided much appreciated refinements.
Lastly I’d like to remember my wonderful aunt, Dorothy Coster, who sent me so many fabulous books throughout my childhood and helped to fuel my love of stories. Dorothy died while I was writing the last page of this book. Home before sundown, indeed.