Rose by Another Name (The Blythe Series Book 1)
Page 31
Alone in the crowd, Robert stood stock-still as the gangplank grated off the dock, as the moorings were cast away, as the ship slowly began to rise and fall on the swells of the waves, slipping away from him on the beginning of it’s voyage.
No further farewell, no parting wave, no last kiss goodbye.
She had left, and she didn’t look back.
Rose was gone, and all that remained were the shattered remnants of his broken heart scattered across the wooden planks of the empty dock.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
I started writing Rose by Another Name just over a year ago. The story was born of my love of regency romance novels and a desire to break the mold of predictability in them while (trying to) keep what makes them special. I was not alone in the making of this novel, so I would like to extend my thanks to all the people who helped me along this path.
First, I would like to thank my daughter, Annabella, for all those long naps that you took and for your patience with me while I was distracted by my writing.
I would also like to thank my mom and dad. Your love and support during this endeavor has meant the world to me.
To my sister, Margaret, who has Down Syndrome, Autism and severe anxiety, and the inspiration for Jackie, Rose’s disabled sister.
To my sister, Amber, for being my go-to girl on all things grammatical. I’m certain I overwhelmed you with notifications of questions concerning commas, but your help was most appreciated.
Next, I would like to extend my thanks to my sister, Rachel. Your continued encouragement during this process and shared love of the genre kept me motivated.
For all my other siblings; Mary, Anna, Bill, Jeffrey, and Nathan. Our large, crazy family and our constant and
continuing sibling antics have fostered my creativity and made me the person that I am today.
To Jackie Burnett. Thank you for being the first to read my novel and for giving me the courage to pursue publication.
Bailey Watson, who had a particularly important role in the making of this novel. You started off as a beta-reader, but became so much more. You have been a wonderful support, and I cannot thank you enough for all the hours you put in helping me make this book what it is today.
To Fiona Jayde, my fabulous cover designer. You brought this book to life with the cover and graphics in a way I could never have even imagined. Your creativity is astounding.
Brianna Merritt for answering my many questions about publishing.
Krystle Kwiatkowski for your constant optimism.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this process.
Thank you to all my followers on Twitter who have quickly become my friends. Each of you inspire me with your stories. Your advice and support has been a godsend.
Finally, thank you. I may not know you, but my thanks is sincere and I don’t think it can ever be said enough. It’s people like you that make books like this possible. Thank you for reading my book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOr
Melanie received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maine Augusta in 2014 before deciding to pursue a career in writing. As the seventh of nine children, and an avid storyteller from an early age, Melanie has never lacked for inspiration. She lives in her family’s country home in Maine.
Melanie finds the time to write in between being a full-time, homeschooling mom of one and working part-time as a administrative assistant.
Oh, and she enjoys long walks on sandy beaches, and tea. Lots of tea.
CONTACT MELANIE
Author’s Website:
https://www.melanieannthurlowauthor.com
Twitter:
@MelanieAThurlow
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