Amelia Grey's Fireside Dream (32 page)

To the team at Quercus – Kathryn Taussig for her efficiency and flair on the editorial side, Georgina Difford for working magic with schedules, Caroline Butler for her endless smart marketing ideas, Alice Hill, my publicist, for her dedication and energy. Thanks also to Mark Thwaite, David North, Daniel Fraser – and to Jenny Richards for creating another beautiful cover.

To my friends and family, in particular those who shared their experiences of renovation projects – Donna, Tracey, Sophie and Vicki. This novel is based on none of these real stories, but the resilience shown in the face of burst pipes, no stairs and crumbling walls was an inspiration all the same.

I’m grateful to my partner James for supporting me every day, especially when deadlines approach, and for always making me laugh. J, I look forward (with just the tiniest bit of trepidation) to the day we make over a house for ourselves.