‘Holy hell! What the devil are you lot doing here?’ she said finally, then began to hug them all furiously. She saved Chloe for last and prised her out of Mickey’s arms for a cuddle and lots of kisses.
Will couldn’t wipe the smile off his face and as Izzy turned to him with Chloe snuggled in her arms and a glow like that of an angel, he knew they were going to have a very happy future together. Izzy reached out and hugged him close, savouring the moment.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I’d like to thank my Uncle Mocka and Aunty Di for the use of their farm name Gumlea for this book (even though the farm in the book is fictional). Gumlea is where I spent a lot of my childhood and I have many, many happy memories of time spent there with my cousins and brother Chad.
To Rachael Jensen, who provided the inspiration behind Izzy, from there the story grew.
My dear friends Jim Jim and Lynnie Stewart, and also Aunty Ida – I owe you all a huge thanks. Without your support, enthusiasm and encouragement this book never would have seen daylight.
To Margaret Cole and our writers group, who helped me to believe that what I was doing was important, as well as adding some much-needed self-belief!
To my Aunty Flossy, thank you for your support and endless help in getting these words printed, and Uncle Lionel, for giving me some great pointers and proofreading everything for me.
To Myra Harradine, thanks for all the times my kids came to play at your place; it was the best time to do some writing.
I’d like to thank the ASA and its mentorship program, and Janet Woods for her mentoring. It was a huge learning experience.
Thanks to Arwen Summers for pulling my letter out of the slush pile. It’s amazing to have my first book published. To Ali Watts and Anne Rogan from Penguin, thanks for being such an ease to work with and so encouraging.
A special thank you to everyone in my hometown of Pingaring. You make it unique and a great place to call home!
To Jacinta Holmes, everyone needs a close friend when you live where we do. Thanks for always being there. And to Wendy Saunders, you make me laugh – thanks for finding our town and becoming my neighbour and friend!
Thank you to my mum, Sue Hicks, who read everything I wrote hot off the printer, and to the rest of the family and friends who gave their eyes to these words. Also my dad, who I’m like in so many ways – I love you to bits. To my brother Chad, Mel, and in-laws Leanne, Michael, Bob and Coralie – you’re an awesome family to be a part of. To my cousins, who are like my sisters – you guys are the best. I am blessed to have such a great family.
But most importantly, to my husband Darryl – where would I be without your love and support. I got lucky the day they put me to work on the same bin as you. Thanks for putting up with me. I know you and the kids were partly neglected while this story was born. And to our gorgeous children Mac and Blake, you are my little angels. I love you all very much.
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