She watched as Ben put an arm around his son and said something, at which they both laughed.
Opening the car door, she stepped out into the cold night, feeling the flakes against her skin and breathing in the icy cold air. And feeling not the closing of the year, or the sombre mood that sometimes engulfed her when winter’s curtain of darkness fell, but that this was the start of things – of possibilities and adventures and years of life ahead in which to live her dreams.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I have so many people to thank for their help both in supporting my writing and generally putting up with me over the course of getting ‘A Year at the French Farmhouse’ to publication.
The first has to be Ray, my husband, who has read draft after draft of a novel that is probably not his first choice of genre, and never tires of listening to my outpourings of creative enthusiasm or self-doubt (or at least, he never appears to). My children: Lily, Joe, Tim, Evie and Robbie, who have had to keep their distance from my attic office during some of the more intense writing periods despite wanting me to join them on the trampoline or needing my help with their maths homework. Sorry kids.
I’d like to give a special thank you to my agent Ger, of The Book Bureau. I count myself extremely lucky to have her as my agent. She is always on hand to give me feedback, answer questions and generally provide unwavering support. Finding the right publisher for a book can be a fraught process, and she has gone above and beyond to keep me upbeat and positive – which is no mean feat. She is well and truly in my corner and believes in my work, even when I doubt myself. So thank you.
Tara, my editor, has been wonderful too. So enthusiastic about the book, and great to work with. The whole publication process has been delightful from start to finish (yes, even the edits), with clear communication and a real personal touch. The whole team at Boldwood: Jenna, Nia, Amanda, Claire and so many others has been a delight to work with and I’ve been so impressed with their efficiency, professionalism and great communication.
I’d also like to thank some of the independent bookstores who have been so supportive of my career, despite my living in France and being unable to yet visit in person. Most notably ‘The Book Nook’ in Ware, ‘Heffers’ in Cambridge, ‘Book Corner’, Saltburn and the online indie shop ‘Tea Leaves and Reads.’
I’ve been supported brilliantly online both in my author group ‘The D20 authors’ – all of whom debuted during 2020 – and in reading groups, most notably ‘The Motherload Book Club’ and ‘The Fiction Café Book Club’ – both home to wonderful reading communities and run by amazing admins.
I also need to thank Natalie, a brilliant friend and avid reader.
I am blessed to live in a wonderful village in France with friendly inhabitants and a real community feel. Living here for the past decade has given me so much to draw on, and writing this book has made me fall in love with the country I call home all over again. Thanks to everyone who has made me and my family feel so welcome here.
Finally, thanks to readers who have been in touch, left reviews or shared my books with others. There’s nothing more wonderful than knowing my books are being read, enjoyed and shared – and it’s always a delight to hear from readers.