Surprise Me(115)

While writing this book, I reflected a lot on longevity, loyalty and partnership.

I am lucky enough to have been writing books for many years, for which I’m endlessly grateful to my wonderful and loyal readers. Writers don’t really have the facility to ‘renew their vows’ with their readers – but I’m lifting a glass to you all, anyway. Thank you so much for reading.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank my publishers around the world. I am, again, lucky enough to be published in many countries, from the UK, US and Canada, throughout Europe, to South America, Asia and Australasia. I have worked closely with many of my publishers and have built up fantastic long-term relationships with them. Other countries I’m yet to visit – but I’m still very aware of how much energy and enthusiasm goes into publishing my books. I will be forever grateful.

I would like to thank in particular my agenting team – a group of very talented and supportive people, who could only ever surprise me in a good way. (This is not a challenge!) Araminta Whitley, Marina de Pass, Kim Witherspoon, Jessica Mileo, Maria Whelan, Nicki Kennedy, Sam Edenborough, Katherine West, Jenny Robson, Simone Smith and Florence Dodd: thank you.

Thanks also to The Board, which has been in my life nearly as long as I have been writing. Can’t imagine doing it without you.

Jenny Colgan, thank you for being my Doctor Who expert.

And finally, as this is a book about marriage, I would like to credit my constantly amazing husband Henry and our children Freddy, Hugo, Oscar, Rex and Sissy, for supporting me, cheering me on, making me laugh and teaching me what long-term love looks like.