I’m so fortunate to be published by Simon & Schuster. I feel that it’s a family and that I belong there. I’d like to thank them all for turning my career around in 2011 with my first Sunday Times bestseller and for continuing to put such dedication and drive into publishing my books. A massive thank you to my editor-in-chief, Suzanne Baboneau, for editing my novels with such good-judgement and tact. The manuscript is always hugely improved by her appraisal and pruning and my confidence lifted by her enthusiasm and encouragement. I thank Ian Chapman for being the wind in my sails, or should I say sales! I thank him for giving me that break five years ago and for turning my books into the successes that I’d always hoped they would be. I’d also like to thank Clare Hey, my editor, and the brilliant team she works with, for putting so much energy into my books. They all do a fantastic job and I’m so grateful to every one of them: Dawn Burnett, Toby Jones, Emma Harrow, Ally Grant, Gill Richardson, Laura Hough, Dominic Brendon and Sally Wilks.
My husband, Sebag, has been key in plotting the Deverill Chronicles with me and encouraging me to challenge myself by venturing off my familiar path. He’s so busy with his own books but he took the trouble to read through the manuscript and share his ideas. I’m glad I took his advice because I believe I have written something that will really entertain my readers – I have certainly entertained myself in writing it. He’s my most cherished friend, my most honest critic, my most loyal ally and my greatest supporter. Thanks to Sebag I believe I am the best I can be.
And finally thank you to my daughter Lily and my son Sasha for giving me joy, laughter and love.
Daughters of Castle Deverill Page 48
