Many people have contributed to this book being published, both personally and professionally. My thanks go to: Paul Binney, for being an inspirational English teacher and helping to start the ball rolling; Nick Sayers and Patricia Parkin, for giving me my first job in publishing, which inspired me to rekindle my writing dreams; Jane Barringer, for teaching me such a lot about editing; Georgina Hawtrey-Woore, who did so much more for me than she realises; Jessica Adams, for reading some early writing and being very kind and encouraging; Tara Wynne, a fantastic agent with a super eye; Stephanie Thwaites and Alice Lutyens, for all their early help; Shuba Krishnan, for the short-lived pseudonym (RIP Eva Miller!); Sylvia Lewis, Justine McLeod and Stuart Moss-crop, for letting me quiz them; Larissa Edwards and the team at Random House, for being so excited about this book; and Sophie Ambrose, who has made this a much better book than it was originally. I couldn’t have wished for a more delightful editor to work with.
To my circle of family and friends who make up my world, whose love and support I truly value, and who have all been very patient while waiting for this book I kept talking about to come to fruition, thanks for all the love and encouragement along the way.
There are a few special people who have gone above and beyond. First of all, my mother, Marian Agombar, who has read countless drafts of my writing and has the grace to look interested when I ask her for yet another piece of advice. You have been wonderful in so many ways. Raymond Agombar, who has known the struggles and loved me through it. Josephine Foster, who can really champion a girl. Karen Elgar, for always being there and making me laugh like no one else can. And my husband, Matt – you are the most amazing gift that I’ve ever been given, and your strength and support continually replenish me. And finally, thank you Hannah, for lighting up our lives with your smiles and giggles. You make everything worth it.